North India sees spike in air pollution after Diwali with fire incidents and fuel quality checks

Following the Diwali festivities, Delhi and North India witnessed increased air pollution marked by smog and elevated PM2.5 levels. Despite Supreme Court limits on firecracker use, violations were widespread. Punjab reported over 1,150 daily farm fires, with satellite data showing extensive stubble fires in Punjab and Haryana. Political debates surrounded enforcement, emissions, and stubble management funding, while experts recommended year-round environmental reforms. Karnataka and Kerala have launched fuel quality assessments amid concerns of excessive ethanol blending in petrol.