A survey of over 44,000 households across Delhi, Gurugram, Noida, Faridabad and Ghaziabad found that 75% of families report at least one member suffering from ailments such as sore throat or cough (42%) and burning eyes, headache or disturbed sleep (25%) owing to worsening air pollution. Despite a 77.5% decline in stubble-burning incidents in nearby states, pollution levels remain severe, with PM2.5 hitting 488 µg/m³ — over three times the pre-festival level. About 44% of households are curtailing outdoor exposure and boosting immunity via diet & indoor air purifiers. (PC: X)

Cyclone Montha is developing over the Bay of Bengal and expected to intensify into a severe cyclonic storm before making landfall near Kakinada, Andhra Pradesh, on the evening or night of October 28. The India Meteorological Department reports the depression will strengthen progressively becoming a deep depression by October 26, a cyclonic storm by October 27 morning, and a severe cyclonic storm by October 28 morning. The system will cross the Andhra Pradesh coast between Machilipatnam and Kalingapatnam with wind speeds of 90-100 kmph, gusting to 110 kmph. Heavy to very heavy rainfall is expected across Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, and West Bengal. Simultaneously, another depression over the Eastcentral Arabian Sea may bring heavy rain to Goa, Konkan, Gujarat, and Kerala. (PC: X) 

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an orange alert in several districts of Odisha amid reports that a low-pressure system over the southwest Bay of Bengal is likely to intensify into a cyclonic storm by Monday. Heavy to very heavy rainfall with thunderstorms and gusty winds of 30-40 km/h have been forecast for three days starting Monday. The state government has mobilised relief supplies, placed all key departments on high alert, and asked district collectors to remain vigilant. (PC: PTI)  

The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has downgraded the green turtle’s status from Endangered to Least Concern, marking a major conservation success. However, experts warn that the species remains far below historic population levels, facing ongoing threats from habitat loss, fishing, and climate change. In regions like Raine Island, Australia, declining hatch rates highlight the continued urgency of protection efforts. In contrast, Arctic seals face worsening conditions: the hooded seal is now Endangered, and bearded and harp seals are Near Threatened due to melting sea ice that jeopardizes their breeding, feeding, and survival. (PC: BBC)    

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said the city has successfully tested artificial rain at Burari. The project, developed by IIT Kanpur and the Delhi government, aims to reduce air pollution through cloud seeding. Experts fired special flares to form rain clouds, marking a major step in pollution control. If weather conditions remain good, Delhi could see its first artificial rainfall on October 29. The Environment Minister said the trial flight tested the system’s safety and coordination. The project has approvals from 23 departments and will continue till November with help from IITM Pune and IMD. (PC: HT)

On 22 October 2025, the national capital’s air-quality readings showed a stark contrast: CPCB reported an AQI of approximately 351, while IQAir’s measurement soared past 1,100. The explanation lies in differing methodology — CPCB’s index is capped at 500, uses reference-grade monitors and Indian standards, while IQAir draws on lower-cost sensors, global standard conversions and reports raw values beyond 500. Both readings are technically correct within their frameworks, but the discrepancy has sparked public confusion and highlights the challenge of interpreting air-quality data. (PC: NDTV)

Delhi’s air quality worsened sharply after two days of Diwali celebrations, reaching the ‘very poor’ and ‘severe’ categories. The city’s average AQI was 341 on Wednesday afternoon, with Punjabi Bagh recording the highest at 419. Areas like Anand Vihar, ITO, and Ashok Vihar also reported ‘very poor’ air. The lowest AQI, 209, was seen at Lodhi Road and DTU. The Commission for Air Quality Management has enforced Stage II of the Graded Response Action Plan, which includes higher parking fees and curbs on diesel generators and polluting vehicles to reduce emissions across Delhi-NCR. (PC: HT)

Delhi's air quality plummeted to the 'very poor' category following Diwali celebrations, with some areas recording 'severe' levels. The overall Air Quality Index (AQI) stood at 338 as of 8 AM on Wednesday, October 22, 2025. Notably, Punjabi Bagh and Wazirpur had AQIs of 433 and 401, respectively, both in the 'severe' category. The spike in pollution is attributed to widespread firecracker use beyond the stipulated time, leading to a toxic mix of pollutants and heavy metals. Experts warn of worsening conditions due to factors like stubble burning and unfavorable meteorological conditions. (PC: PTI)  

Several districts in Tamil Nadu have declared holidays for schools and colleges following continuous heavy rainfall that has disrupted daily life across the region. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has also issued a yellow alert for 10 districts in Kerala, warning of more rain, thunderstorms, and possible flooding. Areas in Kanyakumari, Tirunelveli, and Thoothukudi witnessed severe downpours leading to waterlogging and traffic delays. Disaster management teams are on high alert, and residents in low-lying and hilly regions have been advised to remain cautious due to risks of landslides and flash floods.    

Tamil Nadu is on high alert as continuous heavy rain hits several districts. The weather office has issued a red alert for eight coastal districts, including Cuddalore, Mayiladuthurai, and Nagapattinam. A low-pressure area over the Bay of Bengal may soon develop into a cyclone. Schools and colleges in affected areas are closed as precaution. Chennai recorded up to 100 mm of rainfall, with water released from reservoirs to prevent flooding. Fishermen have been told not to venture into the sea. Chief Minister MK Stalin reviewed emergency measures while rescue teams prepared for possible evacuation and relief work. (PC: NDTV)