The CPCB, India's official environmental watchdog, caps AQI readings at a maximum of 500, which signifies "severe" pollution levels. In contrast, international platforms often report AQI values exceeding 1,000 for the same locations, leaving the public perplexed.

Delhi experienced worse-than-predicted air quality, with 'severe' to 'severe plus' AQI levels despite forecasts of 'very poor'. The forecasting system

The India Meteorological Department had forecast mainly clear sky for the day in Delhi. It forecast smog and moderate to dense fog in the morning as well as smog and shallow fog in the evening and night.

At 7 am, Delhi’s average AQI stood at 423, with the most polluted areas being Mundka (464), followed by Wazirpur and Alipur (462).

Delhi faced a severe environmental crisis as the AQI hit hazardous levels in multiple areas. In response, the Delhi Police enforced vehicle checks and a ban on older diesel vehicles to combat air pollution,

A thin layer of haze enveloped portions of the city, lowering visibility and causing the air quality index (AQI) to drop to a lower level

India's capital city of Delhi has virtually shut down as air pollution hit "severe plus" levels, according to Indian government officials in its pollution control authority.