Smriti Irani’s presence at the World Economic Forum at Davos has sparked debate about air pollution and air quality levels in India. The actor-turned-politician dropped a post about attending a session
on Mobilising Leadership and Multistakeholder Action for Clean Air, where she discussed how air pollution remains one of the biggest public health challenges.
The post comes just days after the National Capital Region (NCR) grabbed attention for its deteriorating air quality index (AQI) once again, leading to a discussion on how the issue can be tackled.
Irani wrote that the session discussed “strengthening people-centric solutions” and enabling “community-led initiatives” for healthier and more prosperous cities. She highlighted how clean air was not only an environmental issue, but it also affected “health, urban design, transport, energy, and social equity.”
Air pollution is one of the most serious public health challenges facing the world today, affecting millions of lives and livelihoods.
At the Mobilising Leadership and Multistakeholder Action for Clean Air session at #WEF2026, I spoke on why clean air must be addressed not as a… pic.twitter.com/5bpZWrrrrg
— Smriti Z Irani (@smritiirani) January 20, 2026
The post led many to wonder if air pollution was a big issue only in India or the rest of the world as well.
How Do The Current Air Quality Index (AQI) Levels Differ Across Selected World Capitals?
Delhi And Mumbai Air Quality
What Are The AQI Levels In Delhi And Mumbai?
Delhi ranks among the top 20 most polluted cities around the globe with an AQI of 450, indicating hazardous levels. The pollution is linked to winter inversions, wherein a layer of warm air traps cooler air and PM2.5 pollutants from stubble burning and vehicular emissions.
Mumbai has an AQI of 290-300 (poor to severe). The city is much behind Delhi, but pollution levels are still high due to industrial dust and coastal traffic emissions. Both Indian cities have AQI far exceeding global averages and dominate South Asian pollution lists.
Which Capitals Have The Worst AQI Levels?
What Is The AQI Status In Tashkent, Uzbekistan?
Tashkent leads the list of capitals with air pollution. The city has an AQI of over 499 (hazardous), with dust storms and coal heating worsening conditions.
What Contributes To The Severe AQI In Kathmandu, Nepal?
Kathmandu has 400+ AQI (severe), with brick kilns and traffic in valleys being cited as reasons.
What Factors Cause Dhaka, Bangladesh To Have A Very Poor AQI?
The AQI in Dhaka is somewhere between 350 and 400 (very poor), due to river pollution and emissions from garment factories.
What Is The AQI Level In Islamabad, Pakistan?
Islamabad records an AQI of almost 300 (poor), primarily due to crop residue burning and low winds.
What Keeps Thimphu, Bhutan’s AQI Moderate?
Thimphu manages to keep its AQI moderate at 150-200 in spite of regional haze, due to its focus on hydropower.
Which Capitals Have The Best AQI Levels?
How Does Canberra, Australia, Maintain Its AQI?
With bushfire controls and green policies, Canberra can maintain an excellent AQI of under 20.
What Are The AQI Levels In London, UK And Their Contributing Factors?
London records an AQI of around 40-50, due to Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) fees, which have reduced diesel pollution.
How Does Washington D.C. Sustain Its AQI?
Washington, D.C. has an average AQI of 30-40 (good), supported by a shift towards electric vehicles.
What Affects Colombo, Sri Lanka’s AQI?
The monsoons reduce the impact of vehicular emissions, which leads to a moderate AQI of 100-150 in Colombo.
Why Does Male, Maldives, Enjoy Such Low AQI Levels?
Male enjoys a pristine AQI of under 30 as it is isolated by ocean winds, with little presence of industries.
What Is The AQI Situation In Other Selected Capitals?
South Africa’s Pretoria records an AQI between 80 and 100 (moderate). The city is impacted by mining dust, but the sector is regulated. Both Delhi and Mumbai have a higher degree of air pollution compared to all the listed cities except Tashkent and Kathmandu. This positions South Asia as a hotspot for air pollution.
What Is The Global Phenomenon Status Of AQI?
Severe pollution clusters in developing Asian capitals are not evenly distributed globally. In contrast, Western capitals such as Canberra or London have strict norms. About 30 per cent of the world’s capitals face poor air quality regularly, but due to technology and policy 70 per cent 70% remain liveable with AQI below 100. Poor air quality is not universal; wind patterns, fuel types, and enforcement of norms create regional crises rather than a global issue.
Which Cities Globally Offer The Best Low AQI For Escaping Pollution?
Top Low-AQI Cities (AQI <50, Liveable):
What Are The Advantages Of Living In Hobart, Australia?
Hobart has an AQI of 10-20 and is also ideal for budget living, with expenses around Rs 80,000 monthly, including rent/food. It is ideal for families fleeing smog.
How Does Helsinki, Finland, Fare In Terms Of AQI And Cost Of Living?
Helsinki has modest expat costs of around Rs 90,000 per month. The Finnish capital’s AQI of 15-30 and modest public health perks outweigh its freezing winters.
Why Is Reykjavik, Iceland A Clean Air Haven?
A focus on geothermal clean energy means that Reykjavik is able to maintain an AQI of 5-25. Expenses come up to around Rs 1 lakh per month.
What Makes Wellington, New Zealand A Top-Tier City For Air Quality And Livability?
Wellington features an AQI between 3 and 20, with windy conditions. The city has a strong job market in tech/eco sectors. Monthly expenses come up to Rs 70,000 – Rs 90,000 for couples.
What Are Some Affordable Matches For Those With Delhi/Mumbai Budgets?
How Does Tallinn, Estonia, Compare In Terms Of AQI And Living Costs?
Tallinn records an AQI between 10 and 40. It has an EU digital nomad visa. Rents can be around Rs 30,000 per month, and total living costs between Rs 60,000 and Rs 80,000. This mirrors Mumbai’s cost of living, but with 90 per cent cleaner air and access to saunas.
What Is The AQI And Cost Of Living In Ljubljana, Slovenia?
With an AQI of 15-35, low cost of living (Rs 50,000-Rs 70,000 monthly), Ljubljana is a walkable, vegetarian-friendly option with pollution-free winters.
How Does Quito, Ecuador, Stand In Terms Of AQI And Affordability?
Quito has an AQI of 20-40, with Andean mountains diluting smog. The city offers ultra-cheap living costs ranging from Rs 40,000 to Rs 60,000 per month, and tropical fruits/vegetables similar to Indian staples.
What Are The Benefits Of Living In San Jose, Costa Rica?
San Jose enjoys an AQI between 25 and 45. Volcanic breezes, economical living costs around Rs 50,000/month, and beaches make the city a more livable version of Mumbai.
Budget Feasibility Notes
A family budget of Rs 80,000- Rs 1.2 lakh stretches far in Eastern Europe/Latin America, where rents are 50-70 per cent cheaper, and expenses cover healthcare and schools. People who want to relocate from India’s pollution crises should avoid pricier locations like Zurich/Canberra and opt for visa-friendly spots like Estonia. These cities rank among the top for sustained low PM2.5 (<10 µg/m³) levels, reducing health risks for residents compared to India's 100+ averages.
