1. Millions of Indians celebrated Diwali, a significant Hindu festival, on Monday, marking the victory of light over darkness and symbolizing wealth and prosperity.
2. The festival is typically celebrated by socializing, exchanging gifts, decorating cities with lights, and setting off fireworks. However, concerns about air pollution have arisen due to smoke-emitting firecrackers causing toxic smog.
3. India's air quality monitoring agency reported a surge in the level of tiny particulates, which is more than 14 times higher than the World Health Organization's daily recommended limit since the celebrations began.