Beijing welcomes Year of the Rooster engulfed in smog from firecrackers

Beijing and other cities in northern China on Saturday welcomed the Year of the Rooster enveloped by a thick cloud of smog from the customary fireworks and firecrackers lit by millions of Chinese people to celebrate the New Year and scare off evil spirits.

Emergency meeting called over New Delhi 'gas chamber' smog

India's environmental officials planned an emergency meeting as a thick blanket of smog continued to cover New Delhi on Saturday, one day after nearly 2,000 public schools were closed from unprecedented air pollution levels.

Over 80 killed in temple fire in southern India

More than 80 people have been killed and 250 injured in a major fire caused by festive firework at the famous Puttingal temple in Paravur, Kollam of the southern Indian state Kerala early Sunday morning, said police.

Chinese Lunar New Year : Cities' air polluted in new year celebration

Heavy air pollution has been reported in 139 cities in China while people celebrated the lunar new year with firecrackers and fireworks, the environment watchdog said Monday.

Chinese New Year tradition: Environment authority warns of Spring Festival pollution caused by fireworks

China's Ministry of Environment Protection warned of possible heavy air pollution in Beijing and other northern regions during the upcoming Lunar New Year holiday.

China warns of festival air pollution caused by fireworks

China's environment watchdog on Tuesday demanded local governments take measures during the lunar New Year celebrations to lessen pollution caused by fireworks.