News
Delhi Closes Primary Schools Amidst Severe Smog Crisis
All primary schools in Delhi are set to close due to a significant deterioration in air quality, officials have confirmed. Chief Minister Atishi Marlena Singh announced the move on X, stating that classes will be conducted online until further notice as a dense smog blankets the city.
The Indian capital, along with nearby regions, is grappling with hazardous air pollution levels that pose serious health risks. On Thursday, the concentration of fine particulate matter (PM 2.5) exceeded 50 times the safe limit set by the World Health Organization (WHO). The seasonal smog in Delhi and northern states is exacerbated by colder temperatures, stagnant air, emissions from vehicles, industrial activities, and the widespread practice of burning crop stubble.
According to data from IQAir, a Swiss-based air quality monitoring group, Delhi recorded an average PM 2.5 level of 254 micrograms per cubic meter on Thursday, while the WHO’s recommended safe threshold is just 15 over 24 hours. These tiny particles, capable of penetrating deep into the lungs, can impact various organs and contribute to cardiovascular and respiratory diseases, with potential developmental impacts on children.
Larger particulate matter (PM 10) levels were also alarmingly high, reaching an average of 495 micrograms per cubic meter—more than 10 times the daily safe level advised by the WHO.
The crisis extends beyond Delhi; cities such as Gurugram, Noida, and Chandigarh are also experiencing similarly hazardous air conditions. Residents have reported eye irritation and respiratory difficulties, as noted in local news reports. A study published in The Lancet in July highlighted that approximately 7.2% of daily deaths in Delhi could be linked to PM 2.5 exposure.
Although forecasts indicate a slight decrease in pollution levels in the coming days, they are expected to remain in the unhealthy range. Delhi’s authorities have implemented various measures to combat the crisis, such as spraying roads with dust-suppressant water and halting non-essential construction. Residents have also been advised to reduce coal burning.
However, critics argue that these interventions have shown limited success. The severity of the smog is so pronounced that it has been captured in satellite imagery shared by NASA, which shows the pollution stretching across northern India and into Pakistan.
Earlier this month, Lahore in Pakistan faced a similar situation, prompting officials to temporarily shut down its primary schools due to dangerous air quality levels.
News
One Killed as Train Derails After Collision With Truck in Poland
One passenger has been killed after an intercity train collided with a concrete mixer truck at a level crossing in Poland.
The train derailed following the crash at Sokolniki Suche, around 100km (60 miles) south of Warsaw, at about 11:20 local time (09:20 GMT).
Around 120 people were on board the train when the collision occurred. National long-distance rail operator PKP Intercity said 20 people were injured, including four who suffered serious injuries.
Reports from the scene said the level crossing was equipped with traffic lights and barriers, while the concrete mixer struck a carriage behind the train’s engine.
The exact sequence of events remains unclear and an investigation is expected to establish how the collision happened.
The incident is the second serious crash at a Polish level crossing in just a few days.
Prime Minister Donald Tusk described the latest accident as “very serious” and called for tougher regulations governing level crossings.
He said there was a need for the rules to be “radically toughened” to deal with drivers who repeatedly ignore barriers and red warning lights at railway crossings.
Authorities are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash.
News
US to Ban Imports of Canadian Alcohol, Dairy Products and Motorbikes
The United States is set to ban imports of a range of Canadian products, including alcoholic spirits, some dairy goods and motorbikes, following the introduction of retaliatory Canadian tariffs on American goods.
In a series of executive orders issued on Tuesday, President Donald Trump accused Canada of “discriminating” against the US and announced that the new import restrictions would take effect on 29 September.
The measures are the latest development in a months-long trade dispute between the two neighbours, who have historically been close allies and major trading partners.
Officials from both countries have said they want to reach a new trade agreement, but no further negotiations have been scheduled since talks broke down in late August.
Canada’s Trade Minister Dominic LeBlanc described the latest US measures as “unjustified” and said he would work to protect Canadian workers, families and businesses.
“Our core focus is on what we can control: building strength at home, diversifying our partnerships abroad, and building Canada strong for all Canadians,” LeBlanc said.
He added that he had spoken with his US counterpart and remained committed to working “in good faith” to resolve the trade tensions.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said earlier on Tuesday that reducing the country’s reliance on the US as its largest trading partner “will come at a cost”.
The US is by far Canada’s most important export market, with more than two-thirds of Canadian exports generally going south of the border.
According to UN data compiled by Trading Economics, Canadian exports to the US in 2025 included $687m (£507m) worth of alcoholic spirits, $269m of dairy products and $90m of motorbikes.
News
King Charles Rules Out Royal Duties for Harry and Meghan After UK Return
King Charles has made clear that Prince Harry and Meghan, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, will remain non-working royals despite their return to the UK.
A letter sent on behalf of the King states that the couple will not be permitted to carry out official royal engagements or represent the Royal Family.
Harry and Meghan, who moved back to the UK with their children, Archie and Lilibet, will continue to be treated as private citizens. They will also not use the HRH titles of His and Her Royal Highness.
The letter, issued by the Lord Chamberlain, one of the most senior officials in the Royal Household, has reportedly been sent to Harry’s team, government departments, military officials and Lord Lieutenants.
It makes clear that any public engagements undertaken by the Sussexes will be carried out in a private capacity and should not be treated as official royal visits.
The intervention comes ahead of expected public appearances by Harry and Meghan in the UK this autumn as they settle back into the country and continue supporting their charitable causes.
The King’s message also reinforces the arrangements agreed in 2020, when the Sussexes stepped back from royal duties under the so-called Sandringham Agreement.
The agreement ruled out a “half-in, half-out” arrangement that would have allowed Harry and Meghan to retain working royal status while pursuing independent commercial interests.
The letter states that the couple “stepped down from undertaking representative duties on behalf of the Sovereign” in January 2020 and “are no longer working members of the Royal Family”.
It adds that their charitable activities are “a personal matter for them both” and are undertaken in their private capacity.
The King’s message also says organisations seeking guidance on how Harry and Meghan should be received, particularly where public funds could be involved, should contact Buckingham Palace.
The issue of security remains separate. The letter states that operational security matters should continue to be handled by the relevant police authorities.
Harry has previously complained about the level of police protection available to him and his family in the UK. Decisions over security for royals and other prominent figures are handled by the Royal and VIP Executive Committee, known as Ravec.
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