People light lamps on the banks of river Saryu in Ayodhya, India (AP)More than a billion Indians have celebrated Diwali amid concern over a resurgence in coronavirus infections and rising air pollution that is enveloping the country’s north in a cloud of thick toxic smog. But this year, the pandemic is upending some of the festivities in India, particularly in the capital New Delhi, which has seen a renewed spike in coronavirus infections in recent weeks, recording more new cases than any other Indian state. Mr Kejriwal said last week that the pandemic was spreading fast in the capital due to the rising air pollution. India has confirmed 8.7 million cases of the coronavirus, including 129,000 deaths. But ahead of Diwali, messages encouraging people to stay home during the festival spread around the city via WhatsApp.

Source: Irish Independent November 14, 2020 15:56 UTC