NEW DELHI:New Delhi's appalling air quality turned a lot worse over the weekend as Hindus in India's capital burned effigies of the mythological demon king Ravana and lit firecrackers to celebrate the triumph of good over evil during the Dussehra festival.
As pollution spiked on Monday morning, India Gate - a monument near the Prime Minister Narendra Modi's office - was blanketed in smog, and the mega-city's 20 million people breathed in "very poor" air, even "hazardous" in some places.
U.S. President Donald Trump cited India for its "filthy" air during the final presidential debate last week, prompting Democratic rival Joe Biden to tweet: "It's not how you talk about friends — and it's not how you solve global challenges like climate change."
But, for all the angst displayed on social media by some Indians over Trump's comment, the country's own pollution watchdog delivered the inescapable truth with another dreadful daily reading.
According to the Central Pollution Control Board's air quality index (AQI) any reading above 100 on the scale of 500 becomes progressively unsafe for health.
On Monday afternoon in the capital the AQI struck 347, while for some areas like Sonia Vihar it was as high as 439, well into the hazardous zone.
Doctors have already noted a jump in respiratory problems among residents in the capital, where over 353,000 of India's 7.9 million coronavirus cases have been reported.
So far this month, Delhi's AQI has averaged a "poor" 227, as residents paid a price for farmers in surrounding states burning off stubble before planting a new crop.
While the climax of the Dussehra festival on Sunday was harmful enough for people's lungs, environmentalists have warned that Diwali in mid-November could be a lot worse, as people light many more firecrackers for the festival of lights.
Next month, farmers would typically still be burning stubble in some states, and low winds would let the smog settle over the capital.
Authorities have launched a campaign urging people to take steps to control pollution while ordering sprinkling of water and banning the use of electricity generator sets.
Reuters
Mon Oct 26 2020
People watch as an effigy of demon king Ravana burns during Dussehra festival celebrations, amid the outbreak of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), in New Delhi, India, Oct 25, 2020. REUTERSpic
After Sinwar's death, Israel aims to lock in strategic gains before US election
Israeli leaders are seeking to reshape regional landscape in Israel's favour and shield its borders from any future attacks, sources said.
Netanyahu told Trump Israel will make decisions based on its interests, PM's office says
Israel is pondering its military reaction to recent Iranian missile strikes.
Ringgit extends positive momentum to open higher against US dollar
The ringgit traded higher against the US Dollar in today's early session, driven by continued buying interest towards the local currency.
BHP faces $47 billion UK lawsuit over Brazilian dam collapse
More than 600,000 Brazilians, 46 local governments, and around 2,000 businesses are suing BHP over the collapse of the dam.
Trump hands out french fries in Pennsylvania, Harris visits Georgia churches
Both candidates were scrambling for votes in the most competitive states.
Brazil's Lula cancels BRICS trip after minor brain hemorrhage from fall
Lula "was advised to avoid long-distance air travel but is otherwise able to carry out his regular duties."
Lebanese flee as blasts hit Beirut, Israel warns of strikes on Hezbollah finance arm
On Sunday Israel said it hit Hezbollah's intelligence headquarters and an underground weapons workshop in Beirut.
87 people killed or missing in northern Gaza's Beit Lahiya, health ministry says
A total of 87 people were killed or missing under the rubble after an Israeli attack on Saturday on northern Gaza's town of Beit Lahiya.
Hundreds of colonists storm Al-Aqsa Mosque under heavy Israeli protection
Hundreds of Israeli colonists stormed the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound on Sunday morning during the fourth day of the Jewish Sukkot festival.
ANALYSIS - What could happen if Trump rejects the US election results
If Trump seems to be losing, the delay could let him claim fraud and undermine confidence in election officials.
Motorcycling - Marquez wins Australian MotoGP after intense battle with Martin
The 31-year-old, third in the championship standings, has now won the Australian MotoGP four times in the premier class.
Prabowo takes up Indonesian presidency, vows to tackle corruption, other issues
Indonesia's Prabowo Subianto on Sunday took over as president of the world's third-largest democracy, vowing to combat internal issues
Nepal's Sherpas deserve more, says teenager who scaled world's 14 tallest peaks
Sherpas are known for climbing skills that make them the backbone of mountain expeditions.
Inside the underground lab in China tasked with solving a physics mystery
China will soon collect neutrino data, aiming to unravel one of particle physics' biggest mysteries.
Millions in Cuba still without power as major outage persists
Millions of Cubans remain without electricity because of a prolonged outage at the main power plants on the island, Anadolu Agency reported.
Surge in Gaza violence increases famine risk, monitor says
About 1.84 million people across the besieged Palestinian enclave are living through high levels of acute food insecurity.
Israel pounds Beirut and Gaza after rockets hit Israel's north
A drone was launched at Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's holiday home.
Elon Musk promises to award $1 mil each day to a signer of his petition
He awarded a $1 million check to an attendee of his event in Pennsylvania aimed at rallying supporters behind Donald Trump.
Former special forces commander Prabowo to take up Indonesian presidency
Indonesia's Prabowo Subianto will take over as president of the world's third-largest democracy after sweeping the country's election with policies like free meals for school children
Father of Malaysian Islamic banking, Abdul Halim Ismail passes away
His dedication and pioneering spirit played an important role in shaping the journey of Bank Islam as well as leaving a lasting impact on the development of Malaysia's Islamic finance industry.