Indian children are already on winter vacation due to mega smog. Russia is shelling civilian cargo ships, according to Ukraine – the night update without photos

Due to the bad and persistent smog in the Indian capital New Delhi, the winter holidays for primary school students have been postponed. Instead of January, the children will have time off from Thursday until the end of next week, as the government has announced. This is intended to better protect children against terrible air pollution. Further measures would be announced later. There are school holidays in the Indian capital due to air pollution when the smog is particularly bad, especially in winter.

The reason for the winter smog in and around New Delhi: Despite the ban, farmers in surrounding states are burning crop residues to quickly and cost-effectively grow crops again. In addition, there are exhaust fumes from cars, industry and dust from construction sites and waste incineration. Yet many people in the capital do not see air pollution as a major problem. The important Hindu light festival Diwali will also take place next weekend, which many people celebrate with fireworks despite the air pollution.

Particulate pollution in and around New Delhi is among the highest in the world, and is particularly severe in winter. It is currently many times higher than the World Health Organization (WHO) limits considered acceptable. It therefore has many negative health effects, not least of which leads to premature deaths. (sda/dpa)