NEW DELHI (Reuters) - A toxic smog shrouded the Indian capital on Tuesday, driving air quality in some areas into the "severe" range ahead of winter, when cold air traps pollutants and brings a spike in respiratory illnesses.

A thick layer of toxic smog is cloaking India’s capital as smoke from firecrackers used to celebrate Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights, pushes air pollution to hazardous levels

A thick layer of toxic smog cloaked India’s capital on Friday as smoke from firecrackers used to celebrate Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights, pushed air pollution to hazardous levels. New Delhi's air quality index plunged into the “severe” category,