India, June 4 -- Byrnihat in Meghalaya has been named the most polluted city in the world according to Swiss Group IQAir's annual pollution report for 2024, surprising many who usually expect Delhi to hold that spot. However, India's capital still ranks second on the list.

The Central Pollution Control Board has also declared Byrnihat the most polluted urban area in India for the second consecutive year, with an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 302, placing it in the "very poor" category.

Amid rising pollution, the Meghalaya Cabinet, chaired by chief minister Conrad Sangma, approved a vehicle scrappage policy on May 1 aimed at reducing emissions across the state. Government spokesperson Paul Lyngdoh explained that the policy targets old, unfi...