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 | Narek Manasyan wins European Boxing Championships silver for Armenia Armenia’s Narek Manasyan (92kg) won Armenia’s second silver medal at the European Boxing Championships 2024 on April 28. Blinken urges Azerbaijan to continue negotiations with Armenia Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken has urged Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev to continue negotiations with Armenia. Pashinyan, Blinken talk Armenia-U.S. ties over the phone Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan had a phone conversation with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on April 28, Pashinyan’s office reports. Titus, Bilirakis lead legislation to sanction Azerbaijani war criminals Representatives Dina Titus (D-NV) and Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) have introduced the bipartisan legislation. |