Editorial photo #13485063 Human Interest
Air Pollution Fizzles Out In Nepal After Pre-monsoon Rainfall
A domestic aircraft flies in the clear sky above Kathmandu, Nepal, on March 22, 2026, after pre-monsoon rainfall reduces air pollution. The air pollution affecting the country, including the federal capital, Kathmandu, has declined significantly. The Air Quality Index (AQI) previously stood at 178, making Kathmandu the second most polluted city in the world a week ago. The AQI has now decreased sharply to 60. An AQI measurement from 0 to 50 is considered 'good', while 51 to 100 'requires alertness'. An AQI of 100 to 150 is 'unhealthy', impacting people with respiratory and heart diseases. It is 'unhealthy for all' if the AQI ranges from 151 to 200, while the 'very unhealthy' stage is 201 to 300, and 'very dangerous' if the AQI is above 300. (Photo by Subaas Shrestha/NurPhoto)
