India

Delhi Air Quality Hits 389, Trump Signals Possible Iran Strike, Chawri Bazar Collapse Linked to Unauthorized Build

By HT News Desk

Delhi’s air quality deteriorated overnight, with the Central Pollution Control Board reporting an AQI of 389 at 7 am on Friday, up 20 points from Thursday’s 4 pm reading of 369. Calm ground winds and a warm air layer trapped pollutants over the city, while higher‑altitude winds from Punjab and Haryana carried smoke from 226 farm fires recorded by NASA.

President Donald Trump told reporters at the Oval Office on Thursday that the United States is “locked and loaded” to launch a potential operation in Iran, adding that the U.S. military is producing more weapons than ever before. The decision on any action remains pending.

In Delhi, police had warned the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) five months before the collapse of an under‑construction building in Chawri Bazar that the property had unauthorized construction. The MCD confirmed receiving the notice and had earlier, in April, advised the owner to repair the structure for safety. The civic body said the owner used the repair advisory to conceal the construction of a new building.

Other stories: Punjabi singer Diljit Dosanjh will perform at the 2026 Latin Grammy Awards in Las Vegas on November 12, joining artists such as Karol G and Bizarrap. In cricket, India’s five‑wicket win over New Zealand in Auckland featured Virat Kohli’s 74 off 51 balls and highlighted batting vulnerabilities on the surface.

The HT News Desk reports on politics, business, science, environment, law and international affairs, sourcing information from ground reporters, official statements, government agencies and other authoritative bodies.