India, Nov. 9 -- Punjab recorded its sharpest single-day spike in paddy stubble burning this season on November 8, driven by Diwali celebrations and a shrinking window for wheat sowing.

Farm fires jumped 34.8% in 24 hours-adding 1,152 incidents to bring the season's total from 3,307 to 4,459. The current count has already surpassed the 3,316 fires recorded during the same period last year.

Data from the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM), based on ISRO satellite tracking, highlights the breakdown of ground enforcement despite government warnings and monetary penalties.

Sangrur leads surge

Sangrur led the single-day surge with 194 new fires (488 total). Ferozepur added 157 cases (592 total), Bathinda 132 (406 total), Patiala ...