India's capital New Delhi ordered all primary schools to cease in-person classes until further notice on Thursday night due to worsening smog in the sprawling megacity. New Delhi and the surrounding metropolitan area, home to more than 30 million people, consistently tops world rankings for air pollution in winter.

Air pollution in the Indian capital is more than 50 times what is considered safe by the World Health Organization.

Amid worsening air quality, Delhi chief minister Atishi on Thursday announced that primary schools in Delhi will hold online classes until further directions are given. “Due to rising pollution levels,