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.
The city of Buriticupu, in Brazil’s northeastern Amazon, is facing a worsening crisis as massive sinkholes continue to expand, forcing authorities to declare a state of emergency. More than 1,200 residents are at risk of losing their homes.
Stockholm, Sweden, February 19, 2025 – Sweden’s Supreme Court ruled on Wednesday that a class action lawsuit, initiated by climate activist Greta Thunberg and 299 other plaintiffs, cannot proceed in its current form.
Countries remain committed to clean energy and climate goals, despite U.S. President Donald Trump’s decision to withdraw from the Paris climate agreement, UN climate chief Simon Stiell said. Speaking in Brazil, he urged nations to strengthen their climate strategies ahead of COP30.
The Sarandí stream in Buenos Aires, Argentina, turned bright red on Thursday for unknown reasons, raising concerns among authorities and residents. The waterway, which flows into the Río de la Plata, is under investigation to determine the cause.
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.
As US-Russia peace talks advance, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy intensifies diplomatic efforts, holding discussions with multiple world leaders to rally support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and regional security.
Hamas has begun releasing six more hostages from Gaza on Saturday in exchange for hundreds of Palestinian prisoners, as Israel confirmed that a body handed over earlier was that of hostage Shiri Bibas.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for February 22nd, covering the latest developments you need to know.
A tragic crowd crush at New Delhi Railway Station on Saturday night left 18 dead and 10 injured as thousands of people, many heading to the Kumbh Mela festival, attempted to board delayed trains. The incident highlights the ongoing risks of overcrowding at public transportation hubs in India.
A Delta Air Lines regional jet flipped upside down upon landing at Toronto Pearson Airport on Monday, injuring 18 people. Officials are investigating whether strong winds and snow played a role in the incident.
Berlin, February 21, 2025 – German citizens will head to the polls on Sunday, February 23, for a snap general election after the coalition government collapsed late last year.
The city of Buriticupu, in Brazil’s northeastern Amazon, is facing a worsening crisis as massive sinkholes continue to expand, forcing authorities to declare a state of emergency. More than 1,200 residents are at risk of losing their homes.
Greece is struggling with severe water shortages as climate change intensifies droughts and aging infrastructure leaks nearly half of its drinking water. The crisis threatens agriculture, public health, and daily life.
Azerbaijan's President Ilham Aliyev has approved an agreement between Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan on strategic partnership in the development and transmission of green energy.
Masdar, TotalEnergies and EPointZero, the decarbonisation division of 2PointZero, have signed a Framework for Action (FFA) agreement to expand clean energy access across Africa and Asia.
Stockholm, Sweden, February 19, 2025 – Sweden’s Supreme Court ruled on Wednesday that a class action lawsuit, initiated by climate activist Greta Thunberg and 299 other plaintiffs, cannot proceed in its current form.
As US-Russia peace talks advance, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy intensifies diplomatic efforts, holding discussions with multiple world leaders to rally support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and regional security.
Hamas has begun releasing six more hostages from Gaza on Saturday in exchange for hundreds of Palestinian prisoners, as Israel confirmed that a body handed over earlier was that of hostage Shiri Bibas.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for February 22nd, covering the latest developments you need to know.
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