Most parts of Delhi and its neighbouring areas, including Noida, Ghaziabad, and Gurugram, remained engulfed in smog for the third consecutive day on

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.

Delhi's air quality remained "severe" for a second consecutive day, prompting the central pollution watchdog to invoke restrictions under the third stage of GRAP, including a ban on construction activ

The tighter rule is aimed to curb pollution emnating from different sources as the AQI reached 418 on Thursday.

Stage 3 of GRAP is activated when the AQI reaches 'severe' levels, enforcing restrictions on construction, demolition, and public activities to reduce pollution.