Delhi-NCR choked under a severe smog and fog blanket Monday, with air quality hitting ‘severe-plus’ in several areas. Flights faced delays as the Air Quality Index (AQI) soared, with PM2.5 levels reaching alarming peaks. Experts cite local emissions and stagnant air for the dangerous spike, posing significant health risks.

The cold wave has tightened its grip across parts of Karnataka, including Bengaluru and Chikkaballapur, with temperatures dropping to 8.8 degrees Celsius.

Oxfam said governments must guarantee an enabling civic space and called for the protection of freedom of expression, assembly and association