India's Prime Minister, Modi, announced in Glasgow today (November 1) as part of the COP26 his intention to turn the billion-plus-populated subcontinent into a climate net-neutral nation by 2070,

The national capital of India recorded its air quality in the very poor category on the morning of November 13, 2020, and Delhi entered the "severe" zone during last year's Diwali.

The city recorded an air quality index (AQI) of 330 at 9 am. The 24-hour average AQI was 314 on Thursday.

The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) had ordered the closure of hot-mix plants and stone crushers in Delhi to combat likely increase in pollution levels during the festive season.

It also asked the governments of Punjab and Haryana to take immediate stringent actions to curb the burning of biomass.

Much more stringent measures are needed by 2070 to cause a net-neutral climate environment, experts say.

The national capital recorded its air quality in the very poor category on Friday morning, and it is likely to enter the "severe" zone on Diwali night. The city recorded an air quality index (AQI) of 330 at 9 am. The 24-hour average AQI was 314 on Thursday.

The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) had on Wednesday ordered the closure of hot mix plants and stone crushers in Delhi-NCR till November 17 in view of a likely increase in pollution levels during the festive season. It also asked the governments of Punjab and Haryana to take immediate stringent actions to curb stubble burning and authorities in Delhi-NCR to strictly check biomass burning..