Delhi registered as the world's most polluted major city on Saturday morning according to live rankings by Swiss group IQAir. The Indian capital faced severe pollution forecasts just a day prior to the Diwali festival.

NEW DELHI — Delhi was recorded as the world's most polluted major city on Saturday morning, according to live data from Swiss air quality monitoring group IQAir.

The ranking emerged as the Indian capital faced severe air pollution forecasts on the eve of Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights.

Live ratings from the Swiss group placed Delhi at the top of the global list for major cities experiencing high pollution levels during the morning hours.

The severe pollution metrics come at a time when the city prepares for widespread festivities associated with Diwali.

"Environmental challenges of this magnitude carry significant operational implications for businesses, workforce productivity, and urban infrastructure in major economic hubs like Delhi. Public health metrics directly influence consumer behavior, logistics, and corporate planning during key festive periods. Sustainable business continuity and localized environmental risk management are becoming critical factors for enterprises operating in densely populated urban markets." — Dr. Shishir Gupta, Founder & CEO, StartupLanes

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