Delhi's air quality worsened further on Sunday, with an AQI of 441, making it the second-most polluted city in the country. The city's 24-hour Air Quality Index (AQI), recorded at 4 pm daily, stood at 441,

Delhi's air quality reached hazardous levels with an AQI of 409, prompting urgent health advisories and government measures amid severe pollution.

A study published in June found that air pollution killed 135 million people over the last four decades around the world, with India and China accounting for the bulk of the fatalities. In 2023, Delhi’s AQI was recorded between 445 and 520 just a day after Diwali, placing it firmly in the “severe” category.

Delhi's AQI hits a hazardous 404 with smog blanketing the city; restrictions imposed, including school closures and fines for violators.

Lahore, Pakistan, has dethroned New Delhi to become the world's most polluted city. Lahore's Air Quality Index (AQI) soared to a shocking 1,600 on Friday morning, with the CERP Office area recording an AQI of 1,587, according to Swiss monitor IQAir. Other areas of Lahore also recorded shocking AQIs over 1,000.

After reaching a peak, Delhi’s AQI has remained in the ‘severe’ category for the fourth day in a row. Covered in a thick blanket of fog and pollution, the poor visibility has even caused many school to remain closed for the past few days.