Delhi’s Worst Air in Years Fuels Anger in Test for Modi’s Party

India’s capital recorded its worst pollution in nearly a decade this winter, sparking rare public protests and criticism of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s party over its handling of the air quality emergency.

In November and December, when pollution in New Delhi typically peaks, the air quality index was above 300 on 88% of days, according to Bloomberg calculations based on official data. That’s the highest percentage since at least 2017. A reading of 50 is considered acceptable, while levels of 300 or above are deemed hazardous, according to the United States Environmental Protection Agency.