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2025: Loni Declared World's Most Polluted City Amid Protests

3/24/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Loni, a city in Uttar Pradesh, was named the world's most polluted city in 2025, with PM2.5 at 112.5 µg/m³, per IQAir.
India had three of the four most polluted cities, including New Delhi and Byrnihat.
Despite a three-year low in PM2.5, India ranked sixth globally for pollution, while the National Clean Air Programme faced funding criticism.
Public protests occurred in New Delhi in November 2025 due to rising pollution.

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Story summary

Loni, a city in Uttar Pradesh, was named the world's most polluted city in 2025, with PM2.5 at 112.5 µg/m³, per IQAir.
India had three of the four most polluted cities, including New Delhi and Byrnihat.
Despite a three-year low in PM2.5, India ranked sixth globally for pollution, while the National Clean Air Programme faced funding criticism.
Public protests occurred in New Delhi in November 2025 due to rising pollution.