Mon Oct 20 16:00:00 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a news article summarizing the provided text:
Delhi-NCR Chokes on Post-Diwali Smog: AQI Soars to “Severe” Levels
New Delhi, India – Delhi-NCR is grappling with severely degraded air quality following Diwali celebrations marked by widespread firework displays. The Air Quality Index (AQI) has skyrocketed, exceeding 400 in several locations, plunging the region into the “severe” category. As of Tuesday morning, Delhi’s AQI stood at 454, indicating pollution levels 2.3 times higher than the national average.
Data reveals a sharp rise in pollution levels between October 20th and 21st, coinciding with the Diwali festivities. According to the AQI website, breathing in Delhi’s current air is equivalent to smoking 11.1 cigarettes a day. Residents are reporting eye irritation and respiratory problems as a thick smog blankets the region. Neighboring Ghaziabad is also experiencing hazardous air quality, with visibility significantly reduced.
While a ban on traditional fireworks has been in place for several years, the Supreme Court’s allowance of “green crackers” this year appears to have had little impact on mitigating the post-Diwali pollution surge.
The deteriorating air quality has already ignited a political blame game, with the Congress party criticizing the ruling government.
In other news: The Indian cricket team, led by Shubman Gill, is currently engaged in an ODI series against Australia. While Rohit Sharma captained India to victory in the Champions Trophy, the team fell short in the World Cup 2023. Despite MS Dhoni holding the record for most ODI wins as captain, Rohit Sharma boasts a higher win percentage (75%) compared to Dhoni’s 55%.
First Piper 