India's capital city of Delhi has virtually shut down as air pollution hit "severe plus" levels, according to Indian government officials in its pollution control authority.

In several areas of the city, pollution levels were more than 50 times higher than the World Health Organization’s recommended safe limit. Forecasts say the poor air quality will continue into the week.

New Delhi was the most polluted city in the world for the second consecutive day on Tuesday, wrapped in a dense and toxic smog – mixture of fog and pollution – raising air pollution to levels over 60 times considered safe by the World Health Organization (WHO).

This air pollution extends beyond roads and open areas, making it difficult for people to breathe even inside their homes. In this situation, an air purifier can offer protection.

Air quality in northern India has worsened over the past week, with New Delhi's AQI recording a reading of 465, classified as "severe plus category", on Sunday evening due to unfavourable meteorological conditions,

Delhi's new action plan to combat rising pollution includes a ban on non-essential trucks, school closures, and remote work.