India, Jan. 8 -- While cities like Delhi often dominate headlines due to their record pollution levels, the crisis extends far beyond the capital.

Our cover story,"Air under Siege,"explores how the air crisis has evolved from Delhi's choking smog to the dust-filled skies of smaller towns, reshaping both everyday life and the nation's approach to environmental governance.

Air pollution levels routinely breach hazardous thresholds, often reaching "severe" levels, particularly during the winter months. The combination of vehicle emissions, industrial discharge, construction dust, and the seasonal burning of crop residue in nearby states creates a deadly cocktail of pollutants, with particulate matter (PM2.5) levels soaring well above inter...