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Delhi’s January Air Quality Ranks Second Best in Recent Years.

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Air pollution in Delhi was slightly higher this January than last year, but the month still ranks among the cleanest January periods since 2022. Data checked by the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA) shows that the average Air Quality Index (AQI) up to January 30 was 307. During the same time in 2025, the average AQI was 306.

The study shows that January 2025 had the lowest pollution level for the month in the past few years, with an average AQI of 306. In 2022, the monthly average AQI was 279. Based on current data, January 2026 is now the second-cleanest January after these years.

Looking at daily air levels, January 2026 had two days in the “moderate” range, 12 days in the “poor” range, 14 days in the “very poor” range, and two days marked as “severe.” In January 2025, there were two “moderate” days, 13 “poor” days, and 16 “very poor” days. No “severe” days were recorded that month.

Experts say the two “severe” days this year may be one reason the average AQI is a little higher than last year.

The air warning system says the air on January 31 is likely to stay in the “very poor” range.

The Central Pollution Control Board classifies AQI levels like this: 0–50 is “good,” 51–100 is “satisfactory,” 101–200 is “moderate,” 201–300 is “poor,” 301–400 is “very poor,” and 401–500 is “severe.

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Rain, Thunder and Dust Storms May Hit Delhi-NCR in Next 48 Hours

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The weather in Delhi-NCR has been a bit calm since the start of May. The sky will be cloudy on May 2. There could be strong winds, rain and thunder on May 3 and 4, the India Meteorological Department said. This change can bring down the heat and give some respite.

Delhi may see a mix of sun and clouds on May 2. The maximum temperature can be between 38°C and 40°C, while the minimum may stay around 24°C to 26°C. The heat level will be near normal, but a little stickiness may be felt in the air. Morning winds may blow at about 15 km/h. By afternoon, wind speed may reach around 18 km/h. In the evening and night, winds may slow down and come from the south-west, bringing a small change in the feel of the weather.

From May 3, a bigger change is likely. The day may begin with some clouds, but by afternoon, the sky may turn fully covered. Light to medium rain, thunder, and strong winds are expected. Wind speed may stay between 30 to 40 km/h and may go up to 50 km/h at times. Due to this, dust storms, low visibility, and small tree branches falling can happen. The maximum temperature may drop to 36°C to 38°C, while the minimum may be around 25°C to 27°C.

On May 4, clouds may stay for most of the day. There can be light rain once or twice, along with thunder. Strong winds may continue, with speed between 30 to 40 km/h and gusts up to 50 km/h. This will keep the weather pleasant and reduce the heat.

The temperature may fall more on this day. The maximum may stay between 35°C and 37°C, while the minimum may be around 24°C to 26°C.

In short, Delhi is going to witness a change in weather in the next two days. People may feel less heat, but strong winds, rain and lightning can also cause risk. It is better to stay inside during bad weather, avoid trees or weak places and follow updates from the weather office.

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Pink Smart Cards Ignored by Most Women in Delhi — Govt May Make Them Compulsory

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Even after more than 5.5 lakh Pink Saheli Smart Cards have been given to women in Delhi, only a small number are using them for free bus travel. As per official data, only about 5–6% of women passengers — around 6,000 to 8,000 — are using these cards right now.

The Pink Saheli Smart Card was launched on March 2 by Droupadi Murmu. The aim was to replace the old pink ticket system with a smart card system under the ‘One Nation, One Card’ plan. This also helps make sure that only women aged 12 and above who live in Delhi can get free travel.

After the launch, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta had said that pink tickets would still be allowed for three months. But officials say most women are still using pink tickets instead of the new card.

Every day, around 23 lakh people travel by bus in Delhi. Out of this, about 6 to 7 lakh are women. Still, many of them have not started using the smart card.

Officials are now planning a survey to find out why the card is not being used much. They want to check if women do not have the card, if some are from outside Delhi, or if bus staff are not asking passengers to use it.

The Delhi Transport Corporation is also planning surprise checks in buses. These checks will see if women are not tapping the card or if conductors are still giving pink tickets.

A senior official said that the government plans to make the smart card the only way to travel free in buses. This rule may start from July. Before that, awareness drives will be done in buses to tell people about the card.

The free bus travel scheme for women started in 2019 under the earlier AAP government. Since then, more than 150 crore pink tickets have been used.

For the year 2026–27, the government has kept ?450 crore for this scheme. Right now, the cards are being made at 58 centres across the city.

Women aged 12 and above can apply for the card using their Delhi Aadhaar and a mobile number linked to it.

Earlier, the Chief Minister also said that DTC has faced a loss of around ?14,000 crore and that the government plans to make the ticket system fully digital.

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Minimum E-Rickshaw Fare in Delhi Could Go Up to Rs 20

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People who travel by e-rickshaw in Delhi may soon have to pay more. A group of electric vehicle operators has decided to raise the starting fare to Rs 20. This step has been taken because prices of fuel, parts, and daily needs have gone up, while e-rickshaw fares have stayed the same for many years.

Anuj Sharma, head of the e-rickshaw group, said these vehicles have been running in Delhi since 2010. In all these years, their fares did not change. At the same time, auto and taxi fares were raised more than once. He said the new fare may start from next month.

The decision came after a meeting between drivers, sellers, makers, and Delhi Transport Minister Pankaj Kumar Singh.

At present, Delhi has more than 2 lakh registered e-rickshaws. Around 1.5 lakh more are running without full registration. These vehicles help people travel short distances, mainly in areas where buses or metros are not easy to reach.

Right now, many drivers charge about Rs 10 for the first 2 km, and Rs 5 for each extra km. With the new plan, the base fare will go up.

In another step, the transport department has taken back a 2022 rule. That rule allowed companies to register many e-rickshaws in their name. Now, the aim is to keep the vehicles in the hands of drivers instead of big firms.

Minister Pankaj Kumar Singh said this move will help drivers earn better and stop control by a few big players. He added that this step will support small drivers and help them run their own work.

He also said this change will help more people in Delhi get a fair chance to own and run e-rickshaws, which are an important part of daily travel in the city.

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