Thailand and Cambodia signed a ceasefire agreement on Saturday, December 27, to end nearly three weeks of intense fighting along their shared border that killed more than 100 people and displaced over half a million civilians. The truce, signed by Thai Defence Minister Natthaphon Narkphanit and Cambodian Defence Minister Tea Seiha, took effect at noon local time and applies to all types of weapons, including attacks on civilians, infrastructure and military targets. Both sides agreed to freeze troop deployments, refrain from provocative actions, avoid spreading false information, and maintain open communication. The deal also provides for ASEAN observers to monitor implementation, while Thailand has committed to releasing 18 Cambodian soldiers within 72 hours if the ceasefire holds. The United Nations, China, Malaysia and the United States welcomed the agreement as a positive step toward restoring peace, with talks involving Thailand, Cambodia and China scheduled to take place in Yunnan.

Thailand accuses Cambodia of breaching ceasefire with drone activity

Thailand’s army has accused Cambodia of violating the newly signed ceasefire, claiming more than 250 unmanned aerial vehicles were detected flying from the Cambodian side on Sunday night, December 28. In a statement issued on December 29, the Royal Thai Army said the alleged activity constituted provocation and could force Thailand to reconsider the release of the 18 detained Cambodian soldiers. Cambodian Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn described the incident as a minor issue related to drone flights observed by both sides along the border. The accusations came shortly after China and the United States praised the ceasefire as a hard-won breakthrough, amid longstanding tensions between the two neighbours that have periodically erupted into violence over disputed border areas.

Israeli-led dance festival in northern Thailand cancelled amid threats and vandalism

An Israeli-led series of electronic dance events in Pai, northern Thailand, has been cancelled after organisers reported online incitement, vandalism and mounting pressure from local authorities. The Loop Festival, organised by Israeli residents working with international collaborators, faced accusations on social media following its first event, alongside incidents in which promotional materials were burned, and equipment was destroyed or stolen. Despite holding a second event at an alternative venue, organisers said authorities later informed them that future parties would not be allowed to proceed. The founders said the cancellations resulted in significant financial losses and expressed concern over antisemitic rhetoric, while stating they did not blame local residents who felt threatened by the controversy.

Bangkok warns of higher PM2.5 pollution risk over New Year period

Bangkok’s Air Quality Information Centre has warned of an increased risk of PM2.5 pollution buildup between December 28 and January 1 due to weakening air ventilation. According to the updated outlook covering December 26, 2025, to January 3, 2026, air circulation is expected to be relatively good on December 26–27, before deteriorating from December 28–30 and remaining poor through New Year’s Day. Authorities said heavy traffic and outdoor activities could worsen pollution levels, particularly between 6:00 pm and 9:00 am in inner-city and downwind areas. Conditions are expected to improve from January 2–3. Residents, especially children and older people, were advised to limit outdoor activities during high-risk periods and monitor air quality.

Public access adjusted for New Year’s Day royal rites at Grand Palace

The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration announced that public access to pay final respects to Her Majesty Queen Sirikit, the Queen Mother, at Dusit Maha Prasat Throne Hall will be suspended on January 1. Members of the public will instead be able to sign the book of condolences and pay respects in front of her portrait at the Sahathai Samakhom Pavilion from 8 am to 5 pm. Ticket sales for full tours of the Grand Palace and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha will be cancelled on New Year’s Day, though access to the Emerald Buddha Temple will remain open via a designated gate. Authorities said nearly 395,000 people have paid their respects since October 27.

The proposal was discussed at a meeting chaired by deputy governors Jakkapan Piwngam and Tavida Kamolvej on December 19.

At the heart of the plan is PM2.5 — fine particulate matter small enough to enter the bloodstream — which regularly surges in the capital during the dry season. 

Officials said six-wheeler and larger trucks contribute disproportionately to these pollution peaks, particularly when weather conditions trap emissions over the city.

Under the proposed rules, trucks with six or more wheels would be barred from entering designated districts when PM2.5 levels reach hazardous thresholds. The ban would be triggered when pollution readings move into the “red zone,” defined as more than 75.1 micrograms per cubic metre, in at least five districts, with a two-day advance warning.

If PM2.5 levels reach orange or red in multiple districts and the ventilation rate falls below 3,000 square metres per second, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) would issue a citywide notice.

Officials said the system is designed to be responsive rather than permanent, allowing economic activity to continue while acting decisively during pollution emergencies. Forecasts, wind direction and other environmental factors will be factored into decisions on when to activate the ban.

The proposal builds on a pilot LEZ scheme tested earlier this year around the Ratchadaphisek Ring Road. During the trial, only trucks registered under the city’s “Green List” — alongside electric, natural gas and EURO 5–6 vehicles — were allowed to enter the zone.

In 2025 alone, nearly 58,000 six-wheeler and larger vehicles were registered under the Green List programme, underscoring both the volume of heavy traffic and the potential impact of tighter controls.

Thailand has closed several border crossings in Tak province after heavy fighting escalated on November 30 between the Karen National Union’s Brigade 6 and Myanmar military forces in Myawaddy, opposite Mae Sot. Both sides exchanged sustained 60mm and 120mm mortar fire and drone-dropped explosives through the night. Five mortar rounds landed in Thailand, injuring two Myanmar nationals, though no direct damage to Thai communities was reported. The Naresuan Task Force ordered a seven-day shutdown of crossing points, with only the Thai-Myanmar Friendship Bridge 1 remaining open. Thai troops and border police have been deployed and warned they will retaliate if further fire crosses into Thailand.

Anutin confirms House dissolution by January 31

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said Monday that Parliament will be dissolved by January 31, 2026, reaffirming the government’s timeline and denying rumours of delaying tactics tied to a no-confidence motion. He dismissed claims of mismanagement over the Hat Yai floods, saying the government acted decisively to assist affected communities and criticism was based on misinformation. Anutin said politics should pause during the recovery effort and warned that dissolving the House amid an emergency would hinder aid. Responding to a NIDA poll showing his support at 15% in the South, he said he was satisfied with the figure and not competing with Democrat leader Abhisit Vejjajiva.

PM2.5 hits hazardous levels in 48 Bangkok districts

Bangkok recorded hazardous air pollution levels on Monday morning, with PM2.5 concentrations in the red zone across 48 districts, according to the Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency. Data from its Check Foon app at 6 a.m. showed five provinces nationwide in the red category and 41 in the orange level, where pollution begins to affect vulnerable groups. A three-hour forecast predicts persistent red and orange conditions. The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration reported an average PM2.5 reading of 45 µg/m³ at 7am, above the national safety limit of 37.5 µg/m³. Authorities warned dust levels may worsen and urged residents to wear protective masks.

Anutin sets two-week deadline to restore Hat Yai after flood crisis

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said Hat Yai has entered its post-flood recovery phase, with power, water and clean-up operations being accelerated to enable residents to return home quickly. After meeting business leaders on November 30, he said utilities are being restored and solid waste removal mobilised with support from military, government and private machinery. The Provincial Electricity Authority has been ordered to fix household electrical damage urgently. Anutin set a target of seven days for residents to move back and 14 days to fully clean the city, adding that officials have the authority to hire contractors to speed debris removal.

Second Army to sue over fake claims of Cambodian troop incursion

The Second Army Area has denied social-media rumours that Cambodian soldiers crossed into Thai territory and seized land around In Sri cliff in Ban Kruat district, Buri Ram, saying field checks found no evidence of any incursion. Border Patrol Police Company 216 and local officials inspected the remote site on Monday and reported no troop movements, terrain changes or construction activity. Satellite imagery also showed no sign of Cambodian military presence. Authorities said the area remains dense forest and poses no threat to border communities. The army is preparing legal action under the Computer Crime Act against those who posted the false claims.

Officials in Delhi have been accused of spraying water directly around air-quality monitoring stations to suppress pollution readings and even switching off equipment during peak pollution hours. This includes the Diwali festival in October, when firecracker smoke pushes air readings to hazardous levels. 

India’s Air Quality Index (AQI) labels readings between 400 and 500 as “severe,” the worst category, while “good” air falls between 0 and 50. Environmental groups argue that lowering reported levels encourages complacency and hides policy failures. 

Reports from Singaporean paper Straits Times said they witnessed a sprinkler truck repeatedly circling a monitoring station on a college campus in Jahangirpuri on November 21, directing jets of water around and towards the equipment. 

Staff operating the vehicle said they had worked at the site for more than a month, spraying nearly 28,000 litres of water daily. Analysts say this can wash particles from the air, increase humidity and cause pollutants to fall faster, thereby lowering recorded readings.

On Diwali night, The Times of India reported that over half of the city’s monitoring stations were switched off as pollution surged, with only 12 of 39 stations operating by 3 a.m. Much of the missing data—163 monitoring hours in total—covered the most polluted period and was reinstated only after levels dropped later in the morning.

Delhi officials deny data manipulation, calling the accusations politically motivated, but the issue has reached India’s Supreme Court. 

On November 17, judges ordered the city government to submit an affidavit explaining the performance of its monitoring system. The government has since claimed that the first half of November was the cleanest in three years, reporting an average AQI of 348.

Public anger is growing, with at least three protests held this month. 

At one demonstration, a hand-held device measured an AQI of 377—worse than official figures—and protesters demanded truthful data to guide public health decisions.

PM2.5 is particulate matter smaller than 2.5 micrometres in diameter, particularly dangerous as it can penetrate deep into a person’s lungs and enter their bloodstreams, bringing severe health risks.

The critics say four towers scattered across the city will barely touch the scale of the problem, and point out that pollution in the air doesn’t stay neatly around these intersections, it spreads city-wide.

Some ask: “Why not just plant more trees?” They’re low maintenance, don’t need electricity and can soak up CO2. However, whilst small particles can get trapped by their leaves, trees are far less effective at removing PM2.5 and PM10 particles from the air than these air purifiers.

Nonetheless, Jaipur's air pollution is continuing to worsen. This November, the Air Quality Index there was above 200, deemed a "severe" health risk, for 5 consecutive days. Across India, researchers say 1.7 million people die each year from diseases related to high PM2.5 levels. Winter brings the worst conditions , as less wind and cooler temperatures keep pollutants close to the ground.

Whilst new technologies may help at the margins, experts say India will ultimately need to address the root causes of its air pollution- like vehicle emissions, stubble burning, industrial output and thermal power plants.

These filters are one of several measures introduced by the Indian government to combat worsening air quality, says Devendra Goyal from NGO Enviro Concept, "the government is going to minimise the [use of] fossil fuels like coal and diesel, and start the work on solar green energy."

Still, analysts remain doubtful that India can cut pollution quickly enough to avoid escalating public frustration.

Not only is Thailand’s approach unconventional, but it is also unproven.

"The data suggests that at the level of our area of focus, the dust cleared up," said programme head Chanti Detyothin. He, however, admitted that the program did not "make the pollution go away entirely,” adding that “even with this new technology, there are limitations.”

"We have been working every day for Bangkok to have clean air,” he said. “We are doing our best as much as we can.”

Pollution has cost Thailand more than $139 million in medical expenses. Worldwide, it kills an estimated 7 million people annually, making it the “biggest environmental health risk of our time,” according to the United Nations.

Pollution level in Thailand is at 102 micrograms per cubic metre, quadruple the limit set by the World Health Organisation . As a result, the country is turning to cloud seeding — spraying white mist across the sky to induce rain — in the hopes of washing away particles trapped in the atmosphere. 

Not only is Thailand’s approach unconventional, but it is also unproven. 

"The data suggests that at the level of our area of focus, the dust cleared up," said programme head Chanti Detyothin. He, however, admitted that the program did not "make the pollution go away entirely,” adding that “even with this new technology , there are limitations.”

"We have been working every day for Bangkok to have clean air,” he said. “We are doing our best as much as we can.”

Pollution has cost Thailand more than $139 million in medical expenses. Worldwide, it kills an estimated 7 million people annually, making it the “biggest environmental health risk of our time,” according to the United Nations .

Firefighting brigades recently managed to bring under control blazes in San Matías National Park and the Noel Kempff Mercado Natural Area, though officials said those zones will remain under close surveillance for at least 48 hours to prevent reactivation. A fire remains active in Concepción municipality, where emergency teams and volunteers are working from a newly established field camp.

International assistance has started to arrive. A helicopter from Chile, provided with support from the Airbus Foundation and the French government, has been deployed in San Ignacio de Velasco to patrol and contain fires on the Caparuch plateau. Local officials noted that additional cooperation is expected following recent discussions with the diplomatic corps.

Recent rainfall in parts of Chiquitanía, including Roboré, Carmen Rivero Torres, San Matías, and areas near San Ignacio de Velasco, has helped reduce the intensity of some fires. Still, authorities have urged residents to remain alert, stressing that while many blazes are now under partial control, the risk of flareups remains.

Chad tops the list at 91.8 µg/m³, meaning residents breathe air more than 18 times dirtier than the World Health Organisation’s guideline of 5 µg/m³. Bangladesh follows at 78 µg/m³, with Pakistan (73.7 µg/m³) and the Democratic Republic of Congo (58.2 µg/m³) close behind.

India, where crop‑residue burning, coal plants and vehicle exhaust are routine, recorded 50.6 µg/m³, while Tajikistan, Nepal, Uganda, Rwanda and Burundi also made the top 10, all above 40 µg/m³.

The Air Quality Life Index (AQLI) translates pollution levels into expected years of life lost. Its 2024 report warns that if PM₂.₅ levels were reduced to meet WHO guidelines, the average person could live almost two years longer, saving 14.9 billion life‑years globally.

Air pollution is now the leading external threat to human health, surpassing smoking, alcohol and traffic accidents. People in the most polluted regions, such as the Sahel, South Asia and parts of central Africa, lose an average of 2.7 years of life compared with those in the least polluted regions.

Why are Chad and Bangladesh so polluted? In the Sahel, dust storms sweep across deserts and mix with smoke from wood‑ and charcoal‑burning stoves. Chad has little industrial infrastructure to monitor emissions, so informal brick kilns and diesel generators operate unchecked.

In Bangladesh and Pakistan, rapid urbanisation, brick‑making, and garment manufacturing rely on coal and heavy oil. Seasonal crop‑burning in India and Nepal adds huge plumes of smoke each winter. Across central Africa, slash‑and‑burn agriculture and charcoal production are widespread. All of these sources produce PM₂.₅, tiny particles less than 2.5 microns across that lodge deep in the lungs.

The 2024 IQAir World Air Quality Report underscores just how exceptional clean air is. It found that only 12 countries and territories met the WHO PM₂.₅ guideline, while 99% of the global population lives in areas that exceed it.

The report gathered data from more than 40,000 monitoring stations in 138 countries and noted that 17% of cities met the standard, up from 9% the year before. By contrast, the countries with the dirtiest air have concentrations more than eight times the global average (around 9.6 µg/m³), highlighting the enormous inequality in air quality.

The ban will later expand to other parts of the city and eventually include cars that run on petrol.

The plan is part of a long-term goal to stop the use of gas-powered motorbikes nationwide by 2045.

With around 72 million motorbikes on the road, mostly using petrol, the change is expected to have a huge impact on daily life and the environment.

Vietnamese officials say they want to clean up the air, reduce traffic noise, and push people toward cleaner options like electric bikes and scooters.

Electric scooters are already gaining popularity in Vietnam, especially from local makers like VinFast and Selex Motors.

But many people are still unsure about switching, mostly because of high prices and not enough charging stations.

Despite these challenges, cities like Ho Chi Minh City and Da Nang are now looking into similar plans.

According to the IQAir 2024 World Air Quality Report, Byrnihat recorded an annual average PM2.5 concentration of 128.2 micrograms per cubic meter (µg/m³), over 25 times the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) recommended limit of 5 µg/m³.

Delhi, the world’s most polluted capital for the sixth consecutive year, followed closely with 91.8 µg/m³, alongside other Indian cities: Mullanpur (Punjab), Faridabad, Loni, Gurugram, and Noida. The remaining top ten included Lahore and Karachi (Pakistan), N’Djamena (Chad), and Dhaka (Bangladesh).

Air pollution transcends borders, with prevailing winds carrying PM2.5 particles across regions, impacting global climate and health. The WHO estimates that 99% of the global population breathes air exceeding safe limits, with low- and middle-income countries like India bearing the brunt.

With unprecedented concentrations of fine particulate matter (PM2.5), several urban centres are now facing alarming public health risks, environmental degradation, and economic strain.

The 2025 IQAir World Air Quality Report shows that air pollution has surged to critical levels in key metropolitan areas, driven by a combination of industrial emissions, vehicular traffic, fossil fuel combustion, construction activities, and climate-related factors such as stagnant weather conditions and dust storms.

N’Djamena, the capital city of Chad, has emerged as the most polluted city in the world, drawing global attention to the often-overlooked air quality crisis in parts of Sub-Saharan Africa.

Located in the heart of the Sahel region, N’Djamena’s worsening air pollution stems from a combination of natural and human-made factors including open burning of waste, unregulated vehicle emissions and widespread use of biomass and charcoal for cooking.

Long known as a pollution hotspot, India's Delhi continues to experience hazardous air quality, especially during winter. The combined effects of stubble burning, vehicular pollution, and construction dust have led to toxic smog enveloping the city, forcing residents to stay indoors and schools to close.

With high population density and unregulated urban expansion, Dhaka, Bangladesh is again among the worst-hit cities. Brick kilns, traffic congestion, and industrial waste contribute heavily to its worsening air quality.

Air pollution is a major cause of disease and death worldwide, with the WHO estimating that it will take seven million lives globally in the next year.² The economic costs are also staggering, with an estimated loss of $225 billion in lost labour and trillions in medical costs.

The report found that Chad had the highest pollution level, with its air containing more than 18 times the amount of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) considered safe by the World Health Organization (WHO).

Bangladesh ranked second, with pollution levels more than 15 times higher than the WHO guideline, while Pakistan followed closely, exceeding the safe limit by more than 14 times.

Other countries with dangerously high pollution levels included the Democratic Republic of the Congo and India.

The report also showed that 91% of the countries studied failed to meet WHO’s air quality standards.

Frank Hammes, Global CEO of IQAir , emphasised the urgent need for action.

“Air pollution remains a critical threat to both human health and environmental stability, yet vast populations remain unaware of their exposure levels,” he said.

He added that air quality data is essential in shaping policies and protecting people.

The report also highlighted the lack of air quality monitoring in some regions, especially in Africa, where there is only one monitoring station for every 3.7 million people.

According to the report, air pollution in Latin America worsened due to wildfires in the Amazon rainforest.

Meanwhile, Oceania was named the cleanest region, with most of its cities meeting WHO’s air quality guidelines.

Aidan Farrow, Senior Air Quality Scientist at Greenpeace International, warned that failing to act on pollution today will have long-term consequences.

 “The World Air Quality Report should be a rallying call for urgent and concerted international efforts to cut pollutant emissions,” he said.

IQAir also announced an initiative to install air quality monitors in over one million schools worldwide.

The organisation believes this will help provide more people with real-time pollution data and push for cleaner air globally.

Smoke from burning fields, factories, and vehicles has led to high levels of PM2.5, tiny particles that can cause serious health problems.

The government is now taking extra steps to control pollution in areas where the air is worst. Officials have told local authorities to strictly enforce the burning ban and report on pollution levels regularly.

Health workers have also been sent to help people most at risk, including babies, pregnant women, the elderly, and those with lung or heart conditions.

In some parts of the country, air pollution has reached dangerous levels.

The worst-hit areas include Chiang Rai, Lamphun, Phitsanulok, Sukhothai, and several other provinces.

To help protect people, the government has handed out more than one million N95 masks. Bangkok authorities have also given out hundreds of thousands of masks to residents in areas with the most pollution.

Africa

Burkina Faso bans colonial-era wigs in courtrooms

Burkina Faso has prohibited judges from wearing colonial-era wigs in court, aiming to embrace local traditions and distance itself from colonial influences. Read more here .

Nigeria's death toll from fuel truck blast reaches 98

The death toll from a weekend fuel truck explosion in Nigeria rose to 98 after more bodies were recovered from the wreckage on Monday, January 20. According to the regional emergency agency head, 69 people are currently receiving treatment in the hospital. Read more here .

Gabon’s parliament approves law expanding voting rights

Gabon’s Senate has passed a new electoral law to make elections more inclusive and accessible. The decision, following approval by the National Assembly, was announced by senior Senate official Eloi Ekouma Abessolo during a national television broadcast. Read more here .

Asia

Over 300 Bangkok schools close over air pollution: Video

Local authorities announced that nearly 200 schools in Bangkok were closed on Thursday, January 23, due to severe air pollution. Officials also urged residents to work from home and imposed restrictions on heavy vehicles to combat the city's deteriorating air quality. Read more here .

Shanghai celebrates Lunar New Year with a dogs' dinner

Yakult, a black-and-white collie named after a Japanese yoghurt drink, eagerly enjoyed his meal of shredded chicken and lettuce. He was one of eleven dogs at the Kongshan Yunnan eatery in Shanghai, where a special dinner was organized to resemble the traditional Lunar New Year feast. This event, which brings families together to mark the end of one year and welcome another, heralds the Year of the Snake, which officially starts on Tuesday, January 28. Read more here

Philippines comic book takes battle for South China Sea to children

On Friday, January 24, the Philippines launched a comic book to counter what it describes as distorted narratives about maritime rights in the disputed South China Sea. The move drew criticism from China. The 40-page comic book, "The Stories of Teacher Jun," follows Teacher Jun and his students as they learn about maritime zones, international laws, and the importance of safeguarding Philippine marine resources. Read more  here .

Latin America

Mexico builds temporary shelters to prepare for mass deportations from US

Mexican authorities started building large tent shelters in Ciudad Juarez to prepare for a potential influx of Mexicans deported under U.S. President Donald Trump's promised mass deportations. Read more here .

Peru’s parliament bans miniskirts, sparks outrage

The Peruvian Congress has prohibited female employees from wearing miniskirts, shorts, and jeans, igniting anger and accusations of sexism. Read more here .

Colombia reissues rebel arrest warrants, displacement rises to 32,000 amid fighting

On Wednesday, January 22, Colombia's attorney general's office reissued arrest warrants for leaders of the National Liberation Army (ELN) rebels, who had been involved in peace talks. This comes as forced displacement due to ELN attacks has risen to 32,000 people. Read more here .

The city has been struggling with poor air quality caused largely by vehicle emissions and a 20% increase in biomass burning compared to last year.

As part of ongoing efforts to reduce pollution, Bangkok has revised its Work From Home policy to allow quicker action when air quality worsens. Unlike before, when WFH was announced only when PM2.5 dust levels reached the red level (above 75.1 µg/m³) in five districts. Under the new criteria, WFH will be implemented if PM2.5 levels reach the orange level (37.6–75.0 µg/m³) across at least 35 districts, ventilation drops below a specific threshold, and there are over 80 burning hotspots for three consecutive days.

The last WFH implementation in February 2024 saw over 60,000 people from public and private organisations participating.

This reduced road traffic by nearly 10%, easing congestion and lowering dust levels.

Bangkok aims to expand the program, targeting 200,000 participants from the current 100,000 registered organisations.

The Low Emission Zone project has also been expanded. Trucks with six or more wheels are banned from entering the Ratchadaphisek Ring Road area unless they meet strict environmental standards, such as being electric vehicles or compliant with Euro 5-6 emission rules. Currently, around 12,000 registered trucks meet these criteria.

While current harmful PM2.5 dust levels remain high, ventilation is expected to improve in the next few days.

Samba built his first electric kekeh from recycled materials in his small workshop.

"I wanted to save others from dying of lung and respiratory disease due to air pollution," he said. His company, Sierra Electric, aims to manufacture solar-powered kekehs and electric vehicles for people with disabilities.

Samba is partnering with NEEV Salone, a local company with over 100 solar tricycles and charging stations to expand his work.

"Our e-kekeh products are thriving," said Emmanuella Sandy, co-founder of NEEV Salone. "We are training young people to assemble and maintain these vehicles to help solve the transport challenges in Sierra Leone."

Drivers like Thomas Kanu say the solar kekehs are better for the environment and their wallets. "This one doesn’t use fuel, no noise, no pollution. I make more money driving it," Kanu said. Samba hopes his work will inspire others to switch to clean energy solutions.

The city, known for its annual winter smog, is often ranked as one of the world’s most polluted places.

Levels of PM2.5 particles, which are harmful to health, were recorded at over 50 times the World Health Organisation's safe limit this week.

This has been worsened by stubble burning on farms, vehicle emissions, and cooler winter weather, which traps pollutants.

The issue which has been recurring has led to school closures and restrictions on trucks and construction work.

Many schools across the city have now been taken over by animals.

Efforts to address the crisis have included spraying water and launching drones to control dust, but critics have described the measures as insufficient.

A Supreme Court ruling recently declared clean air a fundamental human right, urging stronger action from authorities. However, political disagreements between state and central governments have slowed progress.

Particularly concerning is the concentration of PM2.5—a fine particulate matter capable of penetrating the lungs and entering the bloodstream—which is currently at 54.6 times higher than WHO’s annual air quality guideline. 

The ongoing air crisis has severely disrupted daily life for residents in this densely populated city, which is home to over 33 million people.

“Today it is worse. Some of our workers at the site, like helpers and technicians, have been facing breathing problems today. We have provided masks to the workers because the smog is too much. Today is very bad,”  Kuldeep Singh, a 25-year-old construction site supervisor told AFP.

The rising pollution levels have also prompted concerns over lifestyle and environmental factors contributing to the crisis. "This is not caused in a day or two but because of our lifestyle, rampant construction, vehicle movement, and diesel cars. Vehicle movement is one of the causes of pollution," noted Bikramjeet Singh, a safety manager in the area. 

New Delhi’s struggle with air pollution is not new. Since the 1990s, the city has contended with toxic air, partly driven by rapid urbanisation. In 1996, after the release of “Slow Murder”, a report by the Delhi-based non-profit Centre for Science and Environment, the Supreme Court of India demanded a comprehensive action plan to address the worsening air quality. 

The report highlighted a surge of air pollution episodes in Delhi, worsened by visible, soot-heavy emissions from vehicles, leading to the court’s intervention.

"Higher secondary schools will be transferred to online learning in Gujranwala, Lahore, Faisalabad, and Multan. Fifty percent of the workforce -- both public and private sectors -- are asked to work remotely, and meetings will be held on Zoom. And wearing masks is made mandatory. These four steps are being notified," she said according to AFP.

Punjab's capital, Lahore, along with other major cities like Faisalabad, Multan, and Gujranwala, has been enveloped in thick smog , causing the Air Quality Index (AQI) to spike to hazardous levels.

On the day of the announcement, Lahore's AQI exceeded 1,100, far above the level of 300, which is considered dangerous.

The smog, a mix of fog and pollutants from vehicle emissions, industrial activities, and crop burning, has led to a significant increase in respiratory illnesses and hospital visits.

"More than 900 patients, including children and the elderly who have sore throats, respiratory diseases, and difficulties in breathing, have been admitted to hospital," the minister added.

Additionally, a "smog war room" has been established to coordinate efforts across various departments to combat the pollution crisis. This includes measures to control the burning of agricultural waste, manage traffic, and possibly induce artificial rainfall.

This alarming situation is primarily fuelled by the combination of fireworks from recent celebrations and the burning of farm stubble in neighbouring states.

New Delhi, home to over 30 million people, is no stranger to air pollution. However, the current levels have reached particularly dangerous heights.

According to monitoring firm IQAir, the concentration of pollutants topped 344 micrograms per cubic meter, making the air quality hazardous and ranking the city as the world's most polluted urban area on Wednesday.

The smoke has heavily impacted daily life in the city, with residents expressing their distress over the deteriorating air quality.

"This smoke is ruining our nostrils; it's hard to breathe," said Tayane Moraes, a 30-year-old teacher in Porto Velho. When asked about how she is coping, she added, "Drink lots of water, protect yourself, and turn on the humidifier at home, of course."

Carlos Fernandes, a 62-year-old retiree, attributes the worsening situation to fires being set in nearby rural areas. "We must avoid setting fires. We don't do it, but it's more in the rural areas where people are setting fire to pastures," he explained. "It's terrible; last night I woke up at midnight, and my eyes were burning from the smoke in the house."

For 35-year-old Beatriz Graca, it is those with respiratory illnesses that have to go through a lot during these times. "It's hard to deal with this smoke, it's even worse for people with respiratory problems,” she said.

Beatriz expressed that the conditions could be mitigated if there was rain, she added, “If God sends rain… It would be good for us to get some good rain and also for people to stop burning, it would help a lot."

According to IQ Air , a Swiss company specialising in monitoring air quality and airborne pollutants, Porto Velho’s pollution levels have been classified as "unhealthy" for the last four days.

The company reports that the concentration of PM2.5—particulate matter measuring 2.5 micrometres, a highly dangerous pollutant that can penetrate the lungs and enter the bloodstream—is currently 21.8 times higher than the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) recommended annual air quality guideline.

The new law, as part of the National Environment ( Air Quality Standards ) Regulations 2024, sets clear limits on the emission of toxic gases by factories, vehicles, motorcycles, and other potential sources. The legislation also prohibits the open burning of waste, a significant contributor to urban pollution.

The National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) has been crucial in the development of these regulations. The executive director of NEMA, Dr. Barirega Akankwasah, highlighted the urgency of the situation while expressing concern over uncontrolled air pollution claiming over 30,000 people annually in Uganda.

“In Uganda, compromised air quality increases disease burden with close to 31,600 people dying from air pollution-related diseases annually, especially in urban areas starting with Kampala. This is a staggering number, and it's time we take action to address this silent killer,” he was quoted by New Vision as saying.

He also added when he was addressing the media on May 6 that air pollution-related sicknesses cost Uganda billions of dollars.

“Children, the elderly, and people with pre-existing medical conditions are particularly vulnerable to the effects of air pollution. The economic impacts of air pollution in Kampala are estimated to be in the billions of dollars,” he added.

The law demands that individuals or corporations cannot emit or cause to emit any objectionable matter or obnoxious smells, including smoke, gases, vapours, fumes, grit, dust, or other particulate matter that can be dispersed in the atmosphere. The government has set specific limits for pollutants like carbon monoxide, which should not exceed 10 milligrams per cubic meter over eight hours.

With the emergence of the new air quality standards, Dr. Barirega Akankwasah added that “Industries will be required to install automated air quality monitors that transmit data automatically to a central database, and those that emit above allowable standards will require permits and will be penalised.”

Iceland

Iceland meets the World Health Organisation’s annual air quality guideline value. Located in the middle of the North Atlantic Ocean, the country is surrounded by oceans that make the region very windy. It is considered part of the reasons for the country’s clean air quality. Iceland has a quality index of (4µg/m3), which qualifies it as part of the countries that meet Swiss Air quality organisation AirIQ ’s safe guideline of five micrograms per cubic meter of air or less. The Environment Agency which monitors air quality in the country indicates that some pollutants exceed the reference limits at certain times of the year. Windy days sometimes result in heavy particulate pollution in areas including South Iceland but generally, air quality is considered good in the country.

Estonia

Estonia is among the countries with the cleanest air quality globally. According to the World Health Organisation , Estonia comes second in the ranks in Europe behind Iceland and before Finland, having met the guidelines of five micrograms of fine particulate matter per cubic metre of air. Estonia records 4.7µg/m3 as its air quality index.

Finland

Finland’s air quality of (4.9µg/m3) places it third in the ranks as a country with good air quality. Although concentrations of pollutants occasionally rise to harmfully high levels in the country, the measured air quality overall makes air quality good in the country. WHO data shows that almost all of the global population (99%) breathes air that exceeds the guideline limits.

Australia

Australia has lower levels of air pollution compared with other countries but higher pollution levels compared to the other three countries. With an air quality record of (5µg/m3), the country is considered one with very good air quality levels. Levels of pollution however vary owing to other factors including bushfires and dust storms in the country. All levels of government play a role in managing Australia's air quality.