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Christmas usually brings with it Santa hats, gifts, and cheerful surprises on the streets. But this year in Delhi, the festive spirit came with a stark reminder of reality. Amid worsening air pollution, a Santa Claus was spotted wearing an oxygen mask--making a powerful statement without saying much at all.

The complainant has alleged that the act was carried out deliberately and with malicious intent to hurt the religious sentiments of the Christian community.

Kristen Fischer begins by showing an air-quality monitor outside her home, where the AQI reads a hazardous 210.

Bengaluru's air pollution levels are rising faster than most residents realise, with new data showing a sharp increase in PM2.5 concentration, frequent spikes in AQI touching 180-200, and worsening pollution from traffic emissions, construction dust, and poor road conditions. With over 1.23 crore vehicles on the road, studies now confirm that 64% of Bengaluru's pollution comes from vehicular emissions, making it one of India's most traffic-polluted cities. Experts warn that Bengaluru is inching closer to a Delhi-like air quality crisis, as long-term exposure to toxic air increases the risk of asthma, cardiac diseases, cognitive decline, and respiratory illnesses. Alarmed by the trend, the Karnataka government has begun drafting a comprehensive air pollution action plan, including the creation of an expert committee to address rising emissions, dust control, mobility planning and city-wide monitoring. As Bengaluru's pollution trend worsens, the demand for cleaner air, stronger governance, and sustainable urban transport solutions has never been more urgent., Bengaluru News, Times Now

India is home to several remote regions where light pollution is minimal and night skies remain remarkably clear. From high-altitude cold deserts to wide-open salt plains and ancient landscapes, these locations offer rare opportunities to see the Milky Way with the naked eye. Ideal for stargazers and photographers, they reveal a quieter, darker side of the country., Travel, Times Now

Delhi recorded a brief improvement in air quality on Christmas, with clear skies and stronger winds aiding dispersal, but officials have warned that pollution may rise again over the next few days.

Discover how converting rice straw into paper and packaging can solve India's annual winter smog crisis. Experts suggest turning agricultural waste into a resource to boost rural incomes and clear Delhi skies.

Mumbai will experience clear, dry weather with sunny days ahead. Temperatures will remain warm during afternoons and cooler at night, with stable conditions and no warnings expected., Mumbai News, Times Now

For Delhi, the Aravallis act as the city's "lungs," filtering air pollution, moderating urban heat, and recharging groundwater via seasonal streams.

Air quality in northern India is worsening, complicating daily commutes. While the government works on improving air quality, Google Maps offers a real-time Air Quality Index (AQI) feature that alerts users to pollution levels. , How To, Times Now