As Delhi grapples with its annual winter pollution crisis, an American woman living in the city has shared a practical and eye-opening account of how she keeps her family safe — by focusing on what she can control indoors.

US expat Kristen Fischer, who has been living in India for the past four years, recently took to Instagram to answer a question she says she is asked repeatedly: How do you manage Delhi’s air quality?

In her video, Fischer demonstrated the stark difference between outdoor and indoor air. Using an air quality monitor, she showed an outdoor AQI reading of 210, a level considered unhealthy. Moments later, she carried the same device inside her home, where the AQI dropped sharply to 48.

Explaining the reason, she said plainly, “This is because we have air purifiers in our house.”

‘We run four air purifiers full time’

Fischer revealed that her family runs four air purifiers continuously, a decision she says has made a significant difference to their daily lives.
“They allow our indoor air quality to stay nice and clean,” she explained, adding that while Delhi’s outdoor pollution can be severe, especially in winter, controlling indoor air offers real protection.

“So we use air purifiers and our indoor air quality is usually quite good. This is how we handle the hard, high-pollution months living here in Delhi,” she said.

Her message struck a chord with many residents who struggle through the city’s smog season every year.

‘Indoor air is the most important’

In a detailed caption accompanying the post, Fischer emphasised that indoor air quality should be the top priority, especially for families.

“Indoor air is the most important,” she wrote. “While I can’t change the condition outside, I can maintain a safe indoor environment for my family.”

She noted that during winter months, her family spends more time indoors and ensures they sleep in what she described as “controlled and clean air.” According to Fischer, limiting outdoor exposure and keeping time outside brief helps manage the health risks associated with pollution.

Delhi pollution is seasonal, she says

Fischer also highlighted an important nuance often overlooked in discussions about Delhi’s air crisis — that the worst pollution is seasonal, not year-round.

“The high pollution months are not all year,” she wrote. “Mostly just November through January is bad. Otherwise, the air is much better in Delhi the rest of the year.”

However, she was quick to caution that clean indoor air does not happen automatically.

“Indoor air quality is not always good like this,” Fischer explained. “It is only due to the air purifiers we run full time. Without those, the indoor air can be just as bad, or even worse than outside.”

She ended her post with a simple reminder to followers:
“Stay safe out there all.”

As Delhi residents continue to search for ways to cope with hazardous air during winter, Fischer’s experience adds a practical, lived-in perspective — one that underscores the importance of indoor air management when outdoor conditions remain beyond individual control.

In a delicious moment of global recognition, three beloved Indian breakfast dishes have found their rightful place on the international culinary map. According to Taste Atlas’ newly released Top 50 Best Breakfasts in the World list for June 2025, Misal Pav, Paratha, and Chole Bhature have emerged as standout staples — proving yet again that India doesn’t just wake up, it wakes up hungry and flavorful.

Ranked at an impressive No. 18, Misal Pav from Maharashtra stole hearts with its vibrant palette and fiery punch. Known for its crunchy base, spicy gravy, and riot of toppings, this local hero isn’t just food — it’s an experience. As Taste Atlas poetically described it, a true misal is “mandatory to be spicy,” and must look like “a work of art” splashed in shades of red, brown, orange, and green. It’s a dish that defines both breakfast and boldness.

Coming in at No. 23, Paratha — the North Indian flatbread that rules breakfast tables — is more than just a category. Stuffed or plain, drenched in butter or paired with curd, this humble yet hearty delight has countless regional variations, from Punjab to Bihar. Whether it’s the aloo paratha of dhabas or the paneer-stuffed version served at posh brunch spots, its versatility and soul-satisfying flavor have earned it global fans.

And at No. 32, Delhi’s street food royalty Chole Bhature got its well-deserved spotlight. This indulgent pairing of fluffy, deep-fried bread with spicy chickpea curry is not just a breakfast—it’s a feast. While it originated in North India, Chole Bhature has transcended state borders and can now be found sizzling in every corner of the country.

What’s even more exciting is that this isn’t India’s first global food triumph. Earlier, Indian classics like Shrikhand, Palak Paneer, and Nihari also found mention in the extended list of Taste Atlas’ rankings, which features dishes beyond the top 50. It’s clear that the world is waking up to the irresistible flavors of Indian cuisine—one bite at a time.

From the streets of Delhi to the kitchens of Maharashtra, these dishes reflect the deep connection between food, culture, and community. They’re more than breakfast — they’re edible heritage. And thanks to platforms like Taste Atlas, the world is finally giving Indian breakfasts the recognition they’ve long deserved.

In what is being hailed as a monumental moment for Indian infrastructure, the Indian Prime Minister inaugurated the world’s highest railway bridge, the Chenab Bridge, during a landmark visit to Jammu and Kashmir. Standing taller than the Eiffel Tower and part of a massive ₹46,000 crore (approx. $5.5 billion USD) infrastructure push, this achievement isn’t just a symbol of engineering brilliance—it’s a transformative leap in connecting the Kashmir Valley to the rest of India.

The Chenab Bridge, rising 359 meters (1,177 feet) above the riverbed and stretching over 1.3 kilometers, is now officially the tallest railway bridge in the world. Built at a cost of ₹1,486 crore, it took over two decades of precise planning, international collaboration, and sheer grit to complete. Its height exceeds the Eiffel Tower by 35 meters and it’s designed to withstand wind speeds of up to 266 km/h, major earthquakes, and extreme Himalayan weather conditions.

During the inauguration, Indian PM Narendra Modi called the project a dream come true and emphasized its strategic and economic importance: “Now, Kashmir’s apples will reach bigger markets at lower costs and on time.” He also flagged off two Vande Bharat Express trains connecting Katra to Srinagar, reducing travel time significantly and promising smooth connectivity even during the harshest winters.

This project is part of the 272-km-long Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL), a game-changer for the region that includes 36 tunnels, 943 bridges, and India’s first cable-stayed railway bridge at Anji Khad. The rail line now offers all-weather, seamless connectivity through mountainous terrain, allowing not only faster transportation of goods like Pashmina shawls and Kashmiri apples but also boosting tourism and pilgrim travel.

Modi’s visit to the region was his first since Operation Sindoor, a military response to a recent terror attack. It underlined the Indian government’s commitment to long-term peace and development in a historically conflict-prone region. The Prime Minister also took time to meet engineers and workers who had dedicated years of effort to the project’s success, praising their dedication in making what he called “one of India’s greatest civil-engineering achievements.”

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah also praised the efforts, stating that even the British during colonial rule couldn’t bring rail to Kashmir, but today, thanks to this effort, the region has entered a new era of modern connectivity. “What once felt like a distant dream has now become a living reality,” he said.

The new Vande Bharat Express trains are also packed with state-of-the-art features like silicon heating pads, bio-toilets, anti-spall protection, and an auto-draining mechanism that ensures uninterrupted service even in sub-zero temperatures. With this development, India not only strengthens its transport network but also showcases its growing capability to take on complex infrastructure challenges on a global scale.