India conducted an artificial rain test in New Delhi to combat severe pollution.

India has conducted, for the first time, an artificial rain test over the capital New Delhi, aimed at reducing air pollution. Authorities, in collaboration with the Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur, used a Cessna plane to launch cloud seeding rockets. Delhi's environment minister, Manjinder Singh Sirsa, explained that this flight was intended to check the equipment and coordination among agencies. If weather conditions permit, the first artificial rain could occur on October 29.

New Delhi is facing extremely high levels of pollution, especially after the Diwali festival, when the use of fireworks contributes to the deterioration of air quality. PM2.5 microparticle concentrations have reached alarming levels, exceeding the daily limit recommended by WHO by 56 times. The cloud seeding technique, initially used to combat drought, is controversial due to its environmental impact. It has also been used in other countries, such as China, in the context of the 2008 Olympic Games.