"higher"

#13439095

13 March 2026

A dense layer of smog engulfs the Kathmandu Valley in Kathmandu, Nepal, on March 13, 2026. Air pollution intensifies across the bowl-shaped capital, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) fluctuating between 200 and 250, placing the city in the ''very unhealthy'' category and among the world's most polluted cities, according to data from the air quality monitoring platform IQAir's AirVisual. Measurements show fine particulate matter (PM2.5) at 129.9 micrograms per cubic meter--more than 25 times higher than the safe limit recommended by the World Health Organization--while PM10 levels reach 100.3 ug/m3. Nepal's national AQI scale classifies readings above 200 as very unhealthy and levels exceeding 300 as hazardous. The Ministry of Health and Population advises residents to take protective measures, noting that long-term exposure to polluted air can lead to serious health complications including asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), heart disease, stroke, and lung cancer. Studies on air pollution also link prolonged exposure to increased risks of diabetes, reduced lung function, and premature death.

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#13439096

13 March 2026

A dense layer of smog engulfs the Kathmandu Valley in Kathmandu, Nepal, on March 13, 2026. Air pollution intensifies across the bowl-shaped capital, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) fluctuating between 200 and 250, placing the city in the ''very unhealthy'' category and among the world's most polluted cities, according to data from the air quality monitoring platform IQAir's AirVisual. Measurements show fine particulate matter (PM2.5) at 129.9 micrograms per cubic meter--more than 25 times higher than the safe limit recommended by the World Health Organization--while PM10 levels reach 100.3 ug/m3. Nepal's national AQI scale classifies readings above 200 as very unhealthy and levels exceeding 300 as hazardous. The Ministry of Health and Population advises residents to take protective measures, noting that long-term exposure to polluted air can lead to serious health complications including asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), heart disease, stroke, and lung cancer. Studies on air pollution also link prolonged exposure to increased risks of diabetes, reduced lung function, and premature death.

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#13439097

13 March 2026

Swayambhunath temple appears faintly in the distance as thick smog blankets the Kathmandu Valley in Kathmandu, Nepal, on March 13, 2026. The capital experiences severe air pollution, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) ranging between 200 and 250, placing it in the ''very unhealthy'' category and ranking Kathmandu among the world's most polluted cities, according to the air quality monitoring platform IQAir's AirVisual. Fine particulate matter (PM2.5), the most dangerous airborne pollutant because it can penetrate deep into the lungs and bloodstream, is recorded at 129.9 micrograms per cubic meter--more than 25 times higher than the World Health Organization's recommended safe limit of 5 ug/m3--while PM10 levels stand at 100.3 ug/m3. Under Nepal's government-approved AQI scale, readings above 200 indicate very unhealthy conditions. The Ministry of Health and Population urges residents to take precautions, warning that prolonged exposure to polluted air can damage the heart, blood vessels, lungs, eyes, and kidneys, and may contribute to illnesses including asthma, chronic bronchitis, cardiovascular disease, stroke, lung cancer, and other respiratory infections. Research shows that sustained exposure to high levels of particulate pollution significantly increases the risk of respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, particularly among children, the elderly, and people with pre-existing health conditions.

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#13439098

13 March 2026

A dense layer of smog engulfs the Kathmandu Valley in Kathmandu, Nepal, on March 13, 2026. Air pollution intensifies across the bowl-shaped capital, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) fluctuating between 200 and 250, placing the city in the ''very unhealthy'' category and among the world's most polluted cities, according to data from the air quality monitoring platform IQAir's AirVisual. Measurements show fine particulate matter (PM2.5) at 129.9 micrograms per cubic meter--more than 25 times higher than the safe limit recommended by the World Health Organization--while PM10 levels reach 100.3 ug/m3. Nepal's national AQI scale classifies readings above 200 as very unhealthy and levels exceeding 300 as hazardous. The Ministry of Health and Population advises residents to take protective measures, noting that long-term exposure to polluted air can lead to serious health complications including asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), heart disease, stroke, and lung cancer. Studies on air pollution also link prolonged exposure to increased risks of diabetes, reduced lung function, and premature death.

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#13434577

12 March 2026

The International Energy Agency (IEA) logo is displayed on a smartphone screen in this photo illustration, as the global energy watchdog coordinates an emergency release of strategic oil reserves after the conflict involving Iran disrupts supplies and drives crude prices sharply higher. This photo is taken in Brussels, Belgium, on March 12, 2026.

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#13434584

12 March 2026

The International Energy Agency (IEA) logo is displayed on a smartphone screen in this photo illustration, as the global energy watchdog coordinates an emergency release of strategic oil reserves after the conflict involving Iran disrupts supplies and drives crude prices sharply higher. This photo is taken in Brussels, Belgium, on March 12, 2026.

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#13434585

12 March 2026

The International Energy Agency (IEA) logo is displayed on a smartphone screen in this photo illustration, as the global energy watchdog coordinates an emergency release of strategic oil reserves after the conflict involving Iran disrupts supplies and drives crude prices sharply higher. This photo is taken in Brussels, Belgium, on March 12, 2026.

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#13434586

12 March 2026

The International Energy Agency (IEA) logo is displayed on a smartphone screen in this photo illustration, as the global energy watchdog coordinates an emergency release of strategic oil reserves after the conflict involving Iran disrupts supplies and drives crude prices sharply higher. This photo is taken in Brussels, Belgium, on March 12, 2026.

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#13434587

12 March 2026

The International Energy Agency (IEA) logo is displayed on a smartphone screen in this photo illustration, as the global energy watchdog coordinates an emergency release of strategic oil reserves after the conflict involving Iran disrupts supplies and drives crude prices sharply higher. This photo is taken in Brussels, Belgium, on March 12, 2026.

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#13430958

11 March 2026

Philippe Baptiste, minister of higher education, research, and space, arrives at the Elysee Palace to attend a dinner held on the occasion of the Civil Nuclear Summit in Paris, France, on March 10, 2026.

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#13430959

11 March 2026

Philippe Baptiste, minister of higher education, research, and space, arrives at the Elysee Palace to attend a dinner held on the occasion of the Civil Nuclear Summit in Paris, France, on March 10, 2026.

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#13430807

11 March 2026

A fuel station attendant refuels vehicles at a petrol pump in Guwahati, India, on March 11, 2026. Oil prices reverse course from recent highs, slipping to around 90 USD a barrel after remarks by U.S. President Donald Trump on the Iran conflict. Markets remain unsettled as traders monitor the evolving geopolitical situation.

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#13430811

11 March 2026

A fuel station attendant refuels a motorcycle at a petrol pump in Guwahati, India, on March 11, 2026. Oil prices reverse course from recent highs, slipping to around 90 USD a barrel after remarks by U.S. President Donald Trump on the Iran conflict. Markets remain unsettled as traders monitor the evolving geopolitical situation.

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#13430814

11 March 2026

A fuel station attendant refuels a motorcycle at a petrol pump in Guwahati, India, on March 11, 2026. Oil prices reverse course from recent highs, slipping to around 90 USD a barrel after remarks by U.S. President Donald Trump on the Iran conflict. Markets remain unsettled as traders monitor the evolving geopolitical situation.

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#13430818

11 March 2026

A fuel station attendant refuels a scooter at a petrol pump in Guwahati, India, on March 11, 2026. Oil prices reverse course from recent highs, slipping to around 90 USD a barrel after remarks by U.S. President Donald Trump on the Iran conflict. Markets remain unsettled as traders monitor the evolving geopolitical situation.

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#13430822

11 March 2026

Fuel nozzles hang at a petrol pump at a fuel station in Guwahati, India, on March 11, 2026. Oil prices reverse course from recent highs, slipping to around 90 USD a barrel after remarks by U.S. President Donald Trump on the Iran conflict. Markets remain unsettled as traders monitor the evolving geopolitical situation.

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