Delhi ranked world's most polluted major city on eve of Diwali

Summary

New Delhi was ranked the world's most polluted major city on Saturday morning by Swiss group IQAir, as severe pollution forecasts loomed a day before Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights. India ordered schools in and around Delhi to offer online classes and encouraged people to work from home ahead of Diwali on Sunday, a day usually marked by widespread firecracker use that further worsens air quality. India's Supreme Court, addressing air pollution in Delhi, called for responsible celebrations during festivals, particularly Diwali, and was reported to have said vehicles are a major cause of the city's pollution.

Timeline

1. South China Morning Post

   7 Nov 2026, 06:01 UTCSource ↗

   Reports that New Delhi ranked as the world's most polluted major city on Saturday morning according to IQAir, as India ordered schools in and around Delhi to offer online classes and encouraged work from home ahead of Diwali.

2. DW

   7 Nov 2026, 07:07 UTCSource ↗

   Reports that India's Supreme Court, addressing air pollution in Delhi, called for responsible celebrations during festivals, particularly Diwali, and said vehicles are a major cause of the city's pollution.