Delhi's AQI Turns 'Severe', GRAP Stage 3 In Force; Schools Go Hybrid

Delhi's air quality has plunged into the "severe" category, forcing the Delhi government to direct schools to switch to hybrid mode for students up to Class 5. With GRAP Stage 3 restrictions now in force, construction work has been halted and older vehicles banned. However, the worsening smog has ignited a political blame game between the Aam Aadmi Party and the BJP. While Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta blames stubble burning in neighbouring states, AAP's Saurabh Bhardwaj accuses the Centre of shutting down AQI monitoring stations to "hide the real numbers.