{
  "id": 18437817,
  "title": "Air quality of Delhi worsens, many parts reel under ‘severe’ level air pollution",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/06/air-quality-of-delhi-worsens-many-parts-reel-under-severe-level-air",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-11-06T04:10:09.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Hindu",
    "slug": "the-hindu",
    "url": "https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Delhi/air-quality-of-delhi-worsens-many-parts-reel-under-severe-level-air-pollution/article71672802.ece"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "New Delhi's air quality worsened on Friday, November 6, 2026, with many parts experiencing \"severe\" levels of air pollution, according to official data. The Delhi High Court and a Parliamentary Standing Committee have called for a reduction in the 18% GST on air purification products, but the GST Fitment Committee has maintained the levy at 18%. The capital's overall air quality was recorded at 391 (very poor) at 9 a.m. on Friday, based on Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) data. The 24-hour average AQI of Delhi was 369 (very poor) on Thursday at 4 p.m., slightly lower than the previous day's reading of 377 (very poor). Meteorological factors and pollution from agricultural stubble burning and firecrackers during the festive season contribute to the city's deteriorating air quality.",
  "summary": "Delhi's air quality remained in the Very Poor category today, with the Central Pollution Control Board recording an average AQI of 389 at 8 am. The Indian Express - India reported that thick smog covered parts of the capital, leading to residents experiencing eye irritation and breathing difficulties.\n\nSevere pollution levels were observed in several areas. The Hindu reported that severe levels were witnessed in IIT Delhi, ITO, Dwarka, Rohini, Punjabi Bagh, Alipur, Bawana, and Jahangirpuri. The Indian Express - India noted that both IIT Delhi and Rohini recorded an AQI of 474.\n\nDelhi Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa attributed the worsening pollution to stubble burning in Punjab. According to the minister, data from the Punjab government indicates that 77% of the stubble has already been burnt.",
  "key_points": [
    "New Delhi's air quality worsened to 'severe' levels on November 6, 2026.",
    "Delhi High Court and Parliamentary Standing Committee demand GST reduction on air purifiers.",
    "AQI of 369 (very poor) recorded for Delhi's 24-hour average on Thursday."
  ],
  "editors_take": "The refusal to lower taxes on purification technology places a financial burden on residents struggling to mitigate the health risks posed by seasonal agricultural burning and festive pollution.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "BBC World",
        "title": "Delhi's toxic winter air is back - is the Indian capital prepared for pollution?",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/05/delhis-toxic-winter-air-is-back-is-the-indian-capital-prepared-for",
        "published": "2026-11-05T23:16:53.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}