India's capital chokes as air pollution levels hit 50 times the safe limit 

A man walks wearing a face mask amidst a thick layer of smog as air pollution shoots up in New Delhi, Nov. 18, 2024. Residents woke up to thick, toxic smog enveloping the city of some 33 million as the air quality became increasingly hazardous. Commuters drive through a thick layer of smog as air pollution shoots up in New Delhi, Nov. 18, 2024.

Authorities in India's capital shut schools, halted construction and banned non-essential trucks from entering the city on Monday after air pollution shot up to its worst level this season.