New Delhi topped global pollution charts Friday as Diwali firecracker celebrations worsened air quality to hazardous levels, despite a ban. Seasonal crop burning further compounded the smog, leaving the city blanketed in thick, dense pollution.
New Delhi ranked as the world's most polluted city on Friday after Diwali celebrations involving firecrackers, despite a ban, pushed air quality to hazardous levels. Thick smog enveloped the city, obscuring landmarks like the presidential palace and nearby gardens frequented by joggers and cyclists following Thursday's festivities. According to Swiss firm IQ Air, Delhi's air quality index (AQI) hit 348, classifying pollution as hazardous and placing the city at the top of a real-time global pollution ranking.
Although local authorities have banned firecrackers during Diwali and the winter months for several years, in line with Supreme Court orders, enforcing the ban remains challenging, despite penalties. Some Hindu groups argue the ban infringes on festival observance, while the Delhi government maintains it is intended to protect public health. Friday’s smog was further intensified by seasonal crop residue burning in northern India, which worsens air quality each winter as colder air traps pollutants from various sources.
2023 defied climate expectations. It wasn’t just hotter than predicted — it was strangely hot. Now, scientists are piecing together what caused this anomaly, raising fresh concerns about Earth’s climate systems.
The United Nations' top court on Monday starts hearings on the legal obligation of countries to fight climate change and the consequences for states of contributing to global warming, the outcome of which could influence litigation worldwide.
Indonesia is optimistic it can reach net zero emissions before 2050, a decade earlier than previously targeted, President Prabowo Subianto told a G20 forum.
The U.N. is working to secure $19M in climate financing for Afghanistan, aiming to address droughts and floods without engaging Taliban authorities, as the country remains blocked from climate funds since the 2021 takeover.
Chad’s weather agency struggles with broken equipment and lack of funding, reflecting a broader issue across Africa, where limited data hampers disaster preparedness. At COP29, urgent calls were made to improve early warning systems, aiming for universal coverage by 2027.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Briefing: here are the top news stories for January 18th, covering the latest developments you need to know.
U.S. Congressional Azerbaijan Caucus co-chairs honour the 35th anniversary of January 20, reflecting on its impact as a pivotal moment in Azerbaijan's fight for independence.
Thousands in Belgrade held a silent protest outside RTS, honouring victims of a roof collapse. University students demanded justice for the tragedy, blaming Serbian authorities.
South Korea's impeached president Yoon Suk Yeol appeared in court to contest his detention extension on insurrection charges tied to his martial law declaration.
Reports of a two-month halt in Azerbaijani gas supplies to Serbia are false. Despite a technical issue at Shah Deniz Alpha, Shah Deniz Bravo ensures steady exports, with supplies set to resume soon. BP confirms no damage or environmental impact.
Coast Guard divers Chuck Fox and Corey Smith from the US Cutter *Polar Star* successfully repaired a leaking shaft in the freezing waters of McMurdo Sound, Antarctica.
Azerbaijan has temporarily halted its contracted natural gas supply to Bulgaria following a technical issue at BP's Alpha platform in the Shah Deniz gas field.
As we welcome the new year, it’s time to focus on species needing urgent conservation in 2025. From delicate lizards to mighty hornbills and massive sharks, all face the threat of extinction.
Over 100 Paris 2024 Olympic medals were returned due to quality issues linked to EU regulations and an untested varnish formula. The IOC has pledged to replace all defective medals.
As we approach 2025, extreme weather events are becoming the new normal. From heatwaves to flooding, climate change is accelerating and reshaping life on Earth. In this article, we explore how these shifts will affect our ecosystems, economies, and daily lives in the years ahead.
As we welcome the new year, it’s time to focus on species needing urgent conservation in 2025. From delicate lizards to mighty hornbills and massive sharks, all face the threat of extinction.
St. Helena, 1,930 kilometers off Namibia’s coast, now has the world’s most remote EV charging point. With just four electric cars, the island is working to expand its fleet and reduce fossil fuel reliance through sustainable energy.
On January 16th, Mars will reach a rare opposition, making it 900 times brighter than the faintest visible star. It will appear larger and brighter, providing perfect opportunities for observation with the naked eye or a telescope
COP29 in Azerbaijan set key rules for carbon credit trading, boosting the global carbon market. Early adopters like Japan, Singapore, and South Korea aim to meet climate goals, while ASEAN explores a regional approach for emissions reduction and economic growth.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Briefing: here are the top news stories for January 18th, covering the latest developments you need to know.
U.S. Congressional Azerbaijan Caucus co-chairs honour the 35th anniversary of January 20, reflecting on its impact as a pivotal moment in Azerbaijan's fight for independence.
Thousands in Belgrade held a silent protest outside RTS, honouring victims of a roof collapse. University students demanded justice for the tragedy, blaming Serbian authorities.
South Korea's impeached president Yoon Suk Yeol appeared in court to contest his detention extension on insurrection charges tied to his martial law declaration.
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