Goa, Dec. 15 -- A thick blanket of smog continued to engulf Delhi and its adjoining areas on Monday morning, with air quality remaining in the 'severe' category and visibility significantly reduced, leading to disruptions in flight operations.

According to data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the Air Quality Index (AQI) in the national capital stood at 456 at 6 am, marking the season's second-worst air quality. On Sunday, Delhi had recorded an even higher AQI of 461, making it the second-worst air quality day on record.

As per CPCB standards, an AQI between 0 and 50 is considered 'good', 51-100 'satisfactory', 101-200 'moderate', 201-300 'poor', 301-400 'very poor', and 401-500 'severe'.

Visuals from across the city hi...