Denizens of New Delhi began another day with 'severe' levels of air pollution across the city on Saturday. The Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM) has forecast 'very poor' air quality for the next six days.

The air quality of the national capital remained in the "severe" category on Saturday morning with the AQI settling at 407 at 9 am, according to the

Delhi Chief Minister Atishi announced staggered timings for government offices to combat severe air quality and reduce traffic congestion.

Northern India encountered the recurring annual pre-winter event of air emergency where the Air Quality Index (AQI) readings of main pollutant PM 2.5 breached the 400-mark of “very poor” and landed the air of Delhi, Punjab and other northern cities into the “hazardous” category.

In an immediate effort to reduce the impact of polluted air, Delhi Chief Minister Atishi announced on Friday a revision of working hours across government offices, aiming to reduce traffic congestion and improve air quality. The Air Quality Index (AQI) readings and particulate matter (PM) levels in various parts of the city are as follows:

Delhi and its neighbouring cities are experiencing pollution levels that are at least 30-35 times the safe limit recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO). Every year, Delhi and northern states battle hazardous air during the winter months of October to January due to plummeting temperatures,

After reaching a peak, Delhi’s AQI has remained in the ‘severe’ category for the fourth day in a row. Covered in a thick blanket of fog and pollution, the poor visibility has even caused many school to remain closed for the past few days.

A layer of smog engulfed the capital city as the pollution levels continue to remain high. The AQI of Pragati Maidan and surrounding areas including ITO is 357 categorised as 'Very Poor'.

EAM Jaishankar meets UAE counterpartExternal Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met with his UAE counterpart Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan in Abu Dhabi on Thursday.In a post on X, EAM Jaishankar shared a picture with Abdullah and outlined the meeting as a "productive day with a great meeting.