#Air pollution. New Delhi authorities to shut schools and cancel outdoor sporting events.
Some doctors and residents urged New Delhi authorities to shut schools and cancel outdoor sporting events in the Indian capital as air pollution remained at the most severe level for the second day running on Wednesday. Farm fires raging in neighbouring states have sent clouds of smoke floating over the city, trapped in a toxic smog, posing a health risk to its 20 million residents, according to the Central Pollution Control Board's (CPCB) air warning guidance. The CPCB air quality index has exceeded 400, classified as "severe" on the scale, which means it can seriously affect those with existing respiratory illnesses, and even those who are healthy. Pollution readings in some places had peaked at 500, the most severe level on the government index. "It is a public health emergency," said Desh Deepak, a chest physician at the city's Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital. "Today, lungs are far blacker compared to 20 years ago....