Delhi's air quality index (AQI) stayed in the 'severe' category for the fourth consecutive day, with Shadipur recording 457. Thick smog enveloped Delhi-NCR, prompting a ban on BS III petrol and BS IV diesel vehicles, with violators fined ₹20,000. Interstate non-CNG buses and private construction activities were also prohibited. Staggered timings for government offices were introduced to ease traffic. Schools up to Class 5 shifted online, while additional public transport services were launched. Stubble burning accounted for 33% of pollution, with PM2.5 as the prominent pollutant, posing severe health risks.

A 4.2 magnitude earthquake shook parts of northern Gujarat, including Ahmedabad, Gandhinagar, and Mehsana, at 10:15 pm on Friday. According to the Institute of Seismological Research, Gandhinagar, the epicentre was located 13 km south-southwest of Patan in Banaskantha district. Fortunately, no casualties or property damage have been reported so far. Residents in affected areas reported mild tremors but no panic ensued. Authorities remain on alert, monitoring the situation closely. This incident highlights Gujarat's vulnerability to seismic activity. Further updates will be provided as information becomes available.

Delhi’s air quality remained in the severe category for the third consecutive day, with an AQI of 409 reported on Friday. According to the Central Pollution Control Board, 21 out of 39 monitoring stations in the city recorded severe levels, with some areas like Jahangirpuri reaching an AQI of 458. The Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) Stage 3 restrictions were implemented, banning certain vehicles and construction activities while shifting primary classes online. The city government has also introduced measures such as water sprinkling on major roads, aiming to reduce pollution aggravated by stagnant weather and crop burning.

Delhi’s AQI hit a severe level of 428, raising concerns about air quality and potential restrictions under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) Stage 3. While stricter measures were considered, Environment Minister Gopal Rai noted that GRAP-3 restrictions, which include halting construction and limiting certain vehicles, have not yet been enforced due to predicted short-term improvements. GRAP-3 enforces severe pollution controls, including suspension of demolition activities, additional water sprinkling, and potential online classes for primary schools. Officials emphasize cooperation with nearby regions, as 34% of Delhi’s pollution originates from outside the capital.

Delhi’s air quality worsened as the Air Quality Index (AQI) reached a severe level of 432 on Thursday morning, with Anand Vihar recording an AQI of 473. Visibility at Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport dropped to 500 meters, causing flight delays. Several areas, including Ashok Vihar, Jahangirpuri, and Patparganj, reported AQI levels above 450. Delhi BJP President Virendra Sachdeva criticized the AAP government’s “inefficiency” in addressing pollution, attributing the crisis to stubble burning and road dust. He called for school closures and urged residents to avoid outdoor activities. Airlines issued advisories to passengers about potential flight disruptions.

Delhi became the world's most polluted city with an AQI of over 1,000, marking the worst air quality of the year. The hazardous levels of particulate matter, known as PM2.5, severely reduced visibility, causing flight cancellations and health risks. The pollution is driven by a mix of industrial emissions, vehicle exhaust, and farm fires in nearby states. Delhi’s air quality is 30 to 35 times higher than the safe limit, with residents experiencing breathing difficulties, headaches, and eye irritation. The city battles severe pollution every winter due to its geographical challenges.

Delhi’s air quality reached dangerous levels, with an AQI of 366, prompting BJP leaders to demand urgent school closures up to Class 5. Delhi BJP president Virendra Sachdeva criticized the Aam Aadmi Party for failing to control pollution, describing Delhi as a "gas chamber" where people struggle to breathe. He highlighted that both PM 2.5 and PM 10 particles have risen drastically, affecting visibility and causing health issues. Sachdeva also pointed out a lack of clinics to help vulnerable groups. The pollution, compounded by cold weather and crop-burning in nearby states, continues to affect Delhi’s residents.

A five-year investigation by The New York Times reveals that Delhi’s Timarpur-Okhla waste-to-energy plant is emitting hazardous toxins, including cadmium, lead, and arsenic, posing severe health risks to over a million residents. Despite its eco-friendly claims, the plant has reportedly been illegally dumping toxic ash in residential areas near southeast Delhi, including spaces close to schools and parks. Established in 2012 to reduce landfill waste by converting 2,000 tons of trash daily into 23 megawatts of electricity, the plant now stands accused of creating an environmental and public health crisis for the city’s inhabitants.

The UK is set to experience chillier temperatures this week, with clearer skies following a dreary start to November. Frosts are expected across parts of north Wales, north-west England, and Scotland by Tuesday night, with daytime highs ranging from 8C in Scotland to 11C in the south. Northerly winds could add extra chill, particularly by Saturday, with the possibility of snow in the Scottish Highlands. Met Office meteorologist Zoe Hutin warned that temperatures would drop, particularly during overnight periods, signaling the onset of colder conditions for the coming days.

Pakistan’s Punjab province has restricted most outdoor activities and closed educational institutions, parks, and zoos in Lahore and other major cities like Multan, Faisalabad, and Gujranwala until Nov. 17. With Lahore ranking as the world’s most polluted city, air quality in some areas has reached a hazardous level of 600 on the AQI, spurring increased cases of respiratory and eye diseases. Essential businesses, such as pharmacies, are exempt from closures. UNICEF warns of severe health risks for over 11 million young children. Punjab attributes much of the pollution to cross-border emissions from India, where similar pollution measures are underway.