
Every year on April 22, people around the world come together to celebrate Earth Day to raise awareness about environmental issues and encourage action to protect it. It also serves as a reminder of what a beautiful planet we have got. Earth Day was first celebrated in 1970 as a small environmental movement, and later grew into a global call to action, inspiring millions to take steps - big and small - to safeguard the Earth's natural beauty and resources.
Earth Day was first observed in 1970, an era when industries belched out smoke and sludge with little fear of the consequences from wither the law or bad press. It was a time when air pollution was accepted as the "smell of prosperity", especially in America. Inspired by the ravages of a massive oil spill in California, Senator Gaylord Nelson of Wisconsin (sometimes seen as the father of Earth Day) envisioned a day of education and activism. Partnering with activist Denis Hayes, Nelson helped organise rallies and demonstrations across the United States. Over 20 million Americans participated in that first Earth Day, demanding cleaner air, water, and a healthier environment.
The success of Earth Day directly led to landmark legislation in the United States, such as the Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act, and the creation of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
Today, Earth Day is observed in over 190 countries, making it one of the largest secular observances in the world.
The significance of Earth Day continues to grow with the mounting challenges of climate change, biodiversity loss, pollution, and deforestation. It serves as a reminder that every individual plays a role in shaping the future of our planet.
Earth Day is not just a celebration; it's a commitment - a global conversation about sustainability, innovation, and responsibility.
Events worldwide include tree planting drives, clean-up campaigns, climate marches, educational seminars, and eco-friendly initiatives at corporate and community levels. Digital activism has also surged, allowing people to participate online through webinars, social media campaigns, and pledges.
Delhi Air Quality Drops Back To 'Very Poor' Category, AQI At 313
Press Trust Of IndiaEven Before Diwali, Delhi-NCR Had Worse Pollution Levels Than Last Year: Study
Reported by Himanshu Shekhar Mishra, Edited by Anindita SanyalNoida, Greater Noida Schools Switch To Hybrid Mode For Classes Up To 5 Amid Pollution
Edited by Aakanksha SinghThe transport sector is expected to be the largest contributor to pollution on Wednesday, while the impact of stubble burning is anticipated to increase on Thursday, potentially worsening air quality further over the next few days, according to Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology models.
Air pollution in Delhi-NCR has worsened during the onset of winter (from October to mid-November) this year. This has been revealed in a new analysis by the Centre for Science and Environment or CSE, an organisation that monitors environmental issues.
All 10 cities in the ranking fall under the 'Hazardous' category, with Bathinda recording the highest AQI, followed by Rewari and Faridkot.
Recent AQI data has also shown how pollution can change between night, early morning and daytime hours. In Delhi, pollution increased after sunset and in the early hours following Diwali, while levels fell later in the morning.
From tulsi ginger kadha to ABC juice, nutritionist Lovneet Batra shares four easy drink recipes that may help soothe throat irritation during the pollution season.
................................ Advertisement ................................
Opinion | Delhi Has Every Pollution Control Policy - Except One That Works
Monday November 09, 2026Every November, Delhi performs the same ritual. We check the AQI before stepping outdoors, children are kept indoors, masks reappear, schools consider shutting, construction is restricted, and emergency meetings are convened. Politicians blame the weather, neighbouring states, farmers, or firecrackers. And then, as the season changes, the urgency d...
दीवाली की चौखट पर दिल्ली में सांसों का संकट: 30 साल की स्टडी ने हरियाली को लेकर क्या बताया?
Thursday November 05, 2026अध्ययन में हरियाली की मात्रा के साथ उसके फैलाव और आपसी जुड़ाव को भी महत्वपूर्ण पाया गया. जिन इलाकों में हरियाली ज्यादा बिखरी हुई थी, वहां सतही तापमान अधिक रहा. इसके विपरीत, बड़े और आपस में जुड़े हरित क्षेत्रों में तापमान कम पाया गया.
Opinion: Why Delhi's Smog Can't Be Fixed From SpaceDavid Fickling, Bloomberg
Monday October 19, 2026The clearest sign that Delhi is on a path to cleaner air would be a decline in the amount of paddy grown nearby, and therefore the acreage liable to be burned each year.
Don't Normalise Air Purifiers As Delhi Chokes | The Reason Why
Thursday December 11, 2025More than 90 cities in the world's top 100 polluting list are in India. With every passing year, the AQI is rising, reaching 'hazardous' levels.
Blog | Well Done, Delhi. You've Turned Lung Sacrifice Into A Badge Of HonourSaikat Kumar Bose
Monday November 10, 2025Till some years back, Delhiites would ask angry questions to those in power about the capitals annual tryst with toxic air. This has changed. Those in the driving seat dont see the need to answer now.

