Beijing residents told to stay inside amid soaring smog levelsNovember 30, 2015 - 11:31 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Beijing has issued an orange alert and has urged residents to stay indoors because of heavy smog which has covered the capital. This is the highest-level smog alert so far this year, and the warning level is second only to ‘red’ in terms of its severity, RT reports. The orange alert was issued a day after the level of small particles (so called PM 2.5 particles with a diameter of 2.5 micrometers or less) reached 274 micrograms per cubic meter. The World Health Organization (WHO) considers only 25 micrograms to be a safe level. The particle level fell below 200 on Sunday, November 29 but was still considerably higher than that which is deemed safe. Beijing has recommended that residents minimize outdoor activities. People with respiratory diseases as well as the elderly have been urged to stay at home. Under the orange alert, industrial plants must reduce production, construction sites should stop and the usage of large trucks is banned. According to the municipal weather center, the smog is likely to remain for two more days because of humidity and a lack of wind. On Wednesday, a cold front is going to improve the environmental situation in Beijing. Environmental issues are very pertinent in China, which produces most of its electricity by burning coal, making it the world’s biggest greenhouse gas emitter. Photo: AFP Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads. Partner news | Scholz hopes Armenia-Azerbaijan peace treaty will be signed this year German Chancellor Olaf Scholz hopes that a peace treaty between Armenia and Azerbaijan will be signed this year. Ucom equips four bus stops in Ijevan with free Wi-Fi Ucom now provides free Wi-Fi coverage in smart bus stops in four communities of Ijevan. Armenia, Russia discuss life extension of Metsamor nuclear plant Issues regarding the extension of life of the 2nd power unit of the Armenian Nuclear Power Plant were discussed in Yerevan. Armenians stage more campaigns against territorial concessions to Azerbaijan Protesters blocked more roads across Armenia on Friday, April 26 in continuing attempts to scuttle territorial concessions to Azerbaijan. |