Have you noticed the air feeling thick or dusty sometimes? Or seen the haze in the morning? That’s what the Air Quality Index, or AQI, is all about. It’s just a number that tells us how clean or dirty the air is. Think of it as a score: the higher the number, the worse the air.
The AQI looks at things floating around in the air that can harm us like dust, smoke, tiny particles called PM2.5, ozone, and carbon monoxide. PM2.5 is the sneaky one. It’s so tiny it can go deep into your lungs, even into your blood. That’s why on some days, just breathing can feel a little risky.
The number also tells you how careful to should be. On a “good” day, you can go outside, jog, or let kids play freely. On a “moderate” day, some people, like older folks, kids, or anyone with asthma, might need to slow down. On a “poor” day, even healthy people can feel irritated eyes, scratchy throats, or a cough. And if the AQI is really bad, “severe,” it’s a warning. Staying indoors is smart, or at least wearing a mask if you must go out.
Checking the AQI each day is simple. You don’t need to understand every chemical or number. Just knowing the number can help you decide whether to open windows, go for a run, or take it easy. Little choices like this protect your lungs, your heart, and your overall health.
On this news bulletin, environmentalist Vimlendu Jha discusses the severe economic and health impacts of air pollution in India, following remarks by IMF's Geeta Gopinath at the World Economic Forum. Jha emphasises that 'the cost of inaction, actually, cost of inaction actually is higher than cost of action,' pointing to a World Bank report suggesting a 9% GDP loss, amounting to approximately 30 lakh crore rupees. He criticises the current budget for air purification as grossly inadequate, noting that while the economic loss is massive, the budget for Delhi is a mere 30 crore rupees. Jha highlights the human toll, citing Lancet data on mortality, and calls for the Union Government to prioritise air quality in the upcoming budget. He argues that pollution is not just a health or environmental issue but a significant economic burden affecting agriculture, transport, and corporate affairs, requiring urgent political will and sustained action rather than reactive measures like the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP).
On this news bulletin, the focus is on the improving air quality in the National Capital Region. India Today correspondent Sushant Mehra reports that the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has revoked Stage 4 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) across Delhi-NCR. Sushant Mehra notes that 'the air quality index in Delhi right now is around 375, in the very poor category', leading to the decision to ease the strictest curbs. While Stage 4 measures, which were imposed when the AQI breached the 400 mark, have been removed, restrictions under Stages 1, 2, and 3 will remain in force to manage pollution levels. The report highlights that the slight improvement in air quality is attributed to better weather conditions, including sunlight and wind movement, providing much-needed relief to the residents of the national capital.
On this Special Report, host Sonal Mehrotra Kapoor examines the death of Yuvraj, a software professional who drowned after his vehicle plunged into an unmarked construction pit in Noida Sector 150. The investigation highlights a 90-minute rescue delay and questions the Noida Authority regarding the absence of barricades despite an 8,732 crore budget. Former Urban Development Secretary Sudhir Krishna discusses the lack of SDRF preparedness. The program also covers the CBI questioning of TVK chief Vijay concerning the Karur stampede, focusing on event delays and organizational violations. Vijay denies legal breaches, attributing the incident to police lapses. Further reports address India's pollution crisis as Danish shuttler Mia Blichfeldt withdraws from the India Open due to Delhi's air quality. The broadcast concludes with the Indian cricket team's ODI series loss to New Zealand and a health emergency in Madhya Pradesh, where contaminated water is linked to a Guillain-Barre Syndrome outbreak, prompting a World Health Organization probe into local public health failures.
On this Special Report, Sonal Mehrotra Kapoor and Nikhil Naz discuss the alarming impact of air pollution on India's status as a global sporting hub. The discussion follows reports of Danish shuttler Mia Blichfeldt withdrawing from the India Open and paying a heavy fine to avoid Delhi's toxic air. Indian chess grandmaster Vidit Gujrathi is also quoted, stating that 'People are slowly being poisoned in Delhi and nobody seems to care.' The programme highlights how environmental conditions and poor hygiene at venues are deterring international athletes and affecting the training of budding domestic sportspersons. Nikhil Naz points out that while international players voice concerns, Indian athletes often remain silent due to fear of social media trolling or administrative backlash. The report raises critical questions about India's preparedness for major upcoming events like the World Championships and the Olympics.
On this India Today special report, reporter Anmol Bali provides a ground update on the 'triple trouble' currently affecting the National Capital Region. Delhi and its adjoining areas of Noida, Gurugram, and Ghaziabad are grappling with a combination of extremely dense fog, a biting cold wave, and hazardous pollution levels. Anmol Bali notes that 'today in the morning, visibility over the Safdarjung was recorded around zero,' significantly impacting commuters. The Air Quality Index (AQI) has breached the 400 mark, slipping into the severe category and prompting the Commission for Air Quality Management to reimpose Stage 4 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP). These restrictions include a ban on non-essential diesel trucks and all construction activities. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued orange and red alerts for various parts of the capital as temperatures dip to a minimum of 6 degrees Celsius. The programme explores the logistical challenges and health risks posed by this deteriorating weather and environmental situation.
The National Capital has once again turned into a 'gas chamber' as air quality plummeted into the severe category, with the AQI breaching the 400 mark. In response to the spiralling pollution levels, the Commission for Air Quality Management has re-imposed Stage 4 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) across the National Capital Region. This move triggers the toughest anti-pollution curbs, including a complete halt on all construction and demolition activities. Under these restrictions, vehicles below BS 6 emission norms are barred from entering Delhi, and there is a total ban on diesel trucks, except those carrying essential goods. The report highlights that only BS 6 compliant vehicles are permitted entry as authorities scramble to control the deteriorating environmental conditions. The re-imposition of these stringent measures reflects the critical nature of the pollution crisis currently affecting Delhi and its surrounding areas.
On this news report, the focus is on the deteriorating air quality in the Delhi-NCR region, which has led to the reimposition of Stage 4 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP). The air quality index (AQI) in the national capital has surged past the 400 mark, entering the 'severe' category, with PM 2.5 levels reaching 428 and exceeding 450 in several areas. The unidentified speaker notes that 'Curbs will include a complete ban on construction and demolition activities' and a ban on the entry of non-BS6 diesel trucks. The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has also ordered all schools to shift to hybrid mode to protect students. These emergency measures will remain in place until pollution levels subside to Stage 2 or 3. The sudden spike in pollution is attributed to recent changes in weather conditions across the region.
On this Special Report, Shreya Chatterjee highlights the severe weather and pollution crisis currently gripping the National Capital Region. Delhi NCR is facing a 'triple attack' of dense fog, a biting cold wave, and deteriorating air quality, which has prompted the Commission for Air Quality Management to reimpose Stage 3 restrictions under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP). Shreya Chatterjee notes that 'the air quality has also come down to deteriorate again to severe category' following a brief period of relief. The programme features ground updates from correspondent Anmol Bali at Anand Vihar, where visibility remains significantly impacted. With minimum temperatures dropping to around 6 degrees Celsius, the city continues to face harsh winter conditions that have disrupted daily life and traffic. The report explores the impact of these conditions and the enforcement of GRAP 3 measures to curb rising pollution levels across the capital.
This news bulletin provides a critical weather and pollution update for the Delhi NCR region. The National Capital is currently shrouded in a thick blanket of fog, which has significantly impacted travel, leading to the cancellation and delay of several flights and trains. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a yellow alert as visibility remains poor in the early hours. The speaker notes that 'until the wind speed picks up the fog Situation might not improve.' In addition to the weather challenges, air quality has deteriorated further, prompting the reimposition of GRAP 3 measures. Residents are advised to monitor travel schedules closely as temperatures remain low and the air quality index continues to decline after a brief period of relief. The report emphasizes the dual challenge of dense fog and soaring pollution levels affecting the region.
On this India Today special report, actor and author Tara Deshpande highlights the deteriorating civic infrastructure in Mumbai ahead of the BMC elections. Deshpande points out the stark reality of sanitation in the city, stating, 'There is one toilet for every 1,820 women in this city.' She further criticises the lack of basic amenities, noting that only 60 per cent of toilets receive continuous electricity and highlighting the prevalence of potholes on every road. The discussion, joined by Meghna Pant and hosted by Preeti Choudhry, focuses on the disconnect between political narratives and ground realities like water supply, illegal construction, and environmental degradation. Deshpande urges Mumbaikars to overcome voter apathy and use their vote to demand accountability for the city's floodplains and mangroves. The programme emphasises that the civic election is about the quality of daily life, including clean air and waste management, rather than state-level political ideologies.
As campaigning concludes for the brihanmumbai municipal corporation (bmc) elections, this report captures the ground sentiment in mumbai. an unidentified speaker notes that while political discourse focused on identity politics and communal narratives, residents are prioritising civic issues. citizens from areas like santa cruz and bandra expressed concerns over deteriorating air quality index (aqi), construction noise, and the lack of supervision in road concretisation projects. one resident stated, 'aqi which is choking most of the citizens in this area' must be addressed. the report highlights the disconnect between political slogans and the daily struggles of mumbaikars, including water supply, traffic, and animal welfare. after three years without corporators, voters are hopeful that an elected body will improve coordination between the administration and the public. the bulletin concludes with a look at how these local grievances might influence the upcoming vote in india's richest civic body.
In this special report, India Today’s Kamaljeet Sandhu provides an on-ground update from Chandigarh as severe cold wave conditions grip the region. Temperatures have plummeted, leading residents to gather around tea stalls and bonfires to stay warm. Sandhu notes that 'Cold wave conditions exist as the temperatures plummet', with people layering up in jackets and shawls, especially at transit hubs like the Sector 43 bus stand. The report highlights that while fog is less dense on city roads, it remains thick on national and state highways across Punjab and Haryana. The Air Quality Index (AQI) in the city is currently recorded at a moderate 131. According to the report, the winter chill is expected to peak around the 9th and 10th of January, with potential relief only anticipated after the festival of Lohri. A slight western disturbance is cited as the primary cause for the prevailing weather conditions, which continue to impact daily life in the tri-city area and surrounding states.
In this news report, India Today's Srishti Ojha details the Supreme Court's strong observations regarding the pollution crisis in Delhi NCR. The top court pulled up the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM), stating that the agency 'does not appear to be in any hurry' to identify the causes of worsening Air Quality Index (AQI) or find long-term solutions. The Court directed the agency to shortlist experts to bring solutions before the public. Crucially, the Supreme Court observed that 'we need to stop blaming farmers' entirely for stubble burning, emphasizing that objective solutions must be found. The report highlights the need for a phased approach to tackle the environmental challenge.
On this Special Report, the focus is on the intense confrontation in the Delhi Assembly regarding the city's hazardous air pollution. Unidentified speakers from opposing political factions debated the causes of the toxic air, with the opposition storming the house in protest. The discussion featured accusations of administrative failure and legacy issues, while the ruling side defended its mitigation efforts. The programme explores the political dynamics, the role of the Lieutenant Governor, and the challenges of addressing the public health emergency amidst the blame game.
On this Special Report, the focus is on the severe air pollution crisis gripping Delhi and the ensuing political blame game. Speakers discuss the effectiveness of recent government measures to control dust and pollution sources, with one side claiming a comparative improvement in Air Quality Index (AQI) levels. In contrast, the opposition questions the authenticity of the data, highlighting the distress of citizens and rising hospital admissions. The debate further explores the role of the Lieutenant Governor, the impact of stubble burning in neighbouring states, and the alleged failure of governance to ensure the fundamental right to clean air. The programme underscores the urgent need for effective solutions amidst the public health emergency.
High drama marked the first day of the Delhi Assembly Winter Session as Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MLAs stormed the house wearing gas masks to protest hazardous air quality. Assembly Speaker Vijendra Gupta ordered the marshalling out of the legislators for violating decorum. Responding to the protest, Delhi Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa dismissed the outcry, terming the pollution a '40-year-old problem' and a legacy of the previous administration. The Lieutenant Governor also criticized former CM Arvind Kejriwal for 'criminal inaction' during his tenure.
In a significant relief for Delhi-NCR, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has revoked GRAP Stage 3 and 4 restrictions with immediate effect. India Today's Amit Bharadwaj reports that the decision followed a dip in the Air Quality Index (AQI) to 234, attributed to improved wind speeds rather than agency efforts. The revocation lifts bans on construction activities and BS-3 petrol and BS-4 diesel vehicles. However, the anchor and Bharadwaj question the urgency of removing curbs compared to their enforcement, warning that toxicity could return if wind speeds drop.
In this broadcast, India Today’s Anjali Istwal and Amit Bhadwaj discuss the severe weather conditions paralyzing the National Capital Region. Amit Bhadwaj reports from the ground, highlighting that ‘fog conditions are actually impacting the flight operations in north of India’. He notes that 118 flights were cancelled yesterday due to low visibility, with delays continuing today despite the implementation of CAT-3 protocols at Delhi Airport. The discussion also covers the ‘triple trouble’ facing residents: dense fog, cold wave conditions, and an Air Quality Index (AQI) nearing the severe 400 mark. The report confirms that while arrivals are normalizing, departures face slight delays.
This edition of 5 Live covers Delhi-NCR's severe pollution crisis, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) touching 1000 in parts of Noida and Greater Noida.
This special report covers India's dual environmental crises, beginning with severe air pollution in Delhi, where the AQI has exceeded the 1000 mark. In response, the government has made GRAP 4 measures permanent, including the 'No PUC, No Fuel' policy and a ban on non-BS6 vehicles. The personal toll of the toxic air is highlighted by the resignation of finance head Rajkumar Bafna, who cited health issues caused by pollution. The focus then shifts to the Aravalli range, where the Supreme Court has stayed a controversial redefinition of the hills following widespread protests by Gen Z activists in Jaipur. These activists raised awareness about the critical link between potential mining activities, public health, and pollution. Reporters Shreya Chatterjee and Sushant Mehra provide on-the-ground updates on the enforcement of these new environmental regulations.
