New Delhi, Jan. 1 -- Delhi-NCR began New Year's Day under persistently hazardous environmental conditions, with air pollution, dense fog and biting cold combining to disrupt daily life across the national capital. Despite the turn of the calendar, atmospheric conditions showed little sign of improvement, as authorities warned residents to brace for continued poor visibility and possible travel disruptions.

Delhi's air quality remained firmly in the "very poor" category on Thursday morning, underscoring the severity of the ongoing pollution episode. According to data from the Air Quality Early Warning System for Delhi, the Air Quality Index (AQI) stood at 382, a level associated with significant health risks, particularly for children, th...