Delhi’s air quality worsened on Saturday, with pollution levels crossing the 400-mark in 15 locations, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). The city’s 24-hour average Air Quality Index (AQI) stood at 361 at 4 pm and rose to 372 by 6 pm. Areas like Wazirpur, Bawana, and Burari Crossing recorded AQI above 420. Noida, Ghaziabad, and Greater Noida also reported ‘very poor’ air. Experts say PM2.5 and PM10 are the main pollutants. The Air Quality Early Warning System has predicted that the air will remain ‘very poor’ over the next few days. (PC: HT)

BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia said that an informal meeting was held with PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi to discuss the Asia Cup 2025 trophy issue. India won the final against Pakistan but refused to collect the trophy from Naqvi. The trophy remains at the ACC office in Dubai under PCB control. Saikia said the meeting, arranged by ICC officials, helped “break the ice” between both boards. He added that talks were friendly and both sides are working on a solution soon. This marks the first positive step since the controversy began after the Asia Cup final. (PC: NDTV)

The Trump administration has ordered US embassies worldwide to enforce stricter visa screening under the “public charge” rule. This rule allows officials to deny visas or green cards to applicants who might depend on US government aid. The order expands checks on factors such as health, finances, and English skills. Even past use of public benefits can lead to visa rejection. Reports say medical conditions like diabetes or obesity may also affect approvals. The rule revives Trump’s earlier immigration policies, rolled back during Joe Biden’s term, and marks a major shift in global US visa screening. (PC: HT)

Tech companies like OpenAI, Google, and Perplexity AI are offering free or low-cost AI tools to millions of Indians. OpenAI has launched one year of free access to its “Go” chatbot, while Google and Perplexity have partnered with Jio and Airtel. Experts say this is a business move to attract India’s young online users and gather valuable data to improve AI systems. India’s 900 million internet users make it an ideal testing ground for global tech. However, experts warn of data privacy risks and call for stronger but balanced regulation as AI use grows. (PC: BBC)

Rain washed out the 5th T20I between India and Australia at the Gabba, allowing only 4.5 overs of play. India reached 52 for 0, with Shubman Gill on 29* and Abhishek Sharma on 23*. The match was abandoned, and India won the five-match series 2-1. With this, India extended their 13-year unbeaten T20I series streak in Australia since 2012. Abhishek Sharma was named Player of the Series for scoring 163 runs in four innings. India will next face South Africa in a five-match T20I series in December. (PC: India Today)

A Bengaluru woman accused a Rapido bike-taxi driver of inappropriately touching her during a ride from Church Street to her PG on November 6. She confronted the driver, saying “bhaiya, kya kar rahe ho, mat karo,” but he allegedly continued. Upon reaching her destination, a bystander intervened as the woman felt unsafe. She later shared a video and detailed post on Instagram describing the ordeal. The post went viral, prompting Bengaluru Police and Rapido to respond, with Rapido confirming that an internal investigation into the incident is underway.

Gaza’s water supply has turned poisonous after Israel’s relentless bombing destroyed sewage treatment plants, pipelines, and water networks. Contaminated wells and makeshift sources now expose thousands to deadly diseases as families resort to unsafe drinking water. Environmental experts warn of irreversible ecological damage, while humanitarian groups struggle to deliver aid amid ongoing blockades. The United Nations has called the situation a public health emergency, highlighting how the collapse of Gaza’s infrastructure has transformed the enclave’s water into a source of sickness and death. (PC: AFP)

Peace negotiations between Pakistan and Afghanistan in Istanbul collapsed after renewed border violence left four Afghan civilians dead and several injured. Pakistan accused the Taliban government of sheltering militants responsible for cross-border attacks, while Kabul rejected the claims and called Islamabad’s stance unreasonable. Despite Qatar’s mediation and a fragile cease-fire still in place, both sides failed to reach common ground. The breakdown deepens regional tensions and raises fears of further military escalation along the volatile frontier between the two neighbouring nations. (PC: AP)

In a recent interview, former CIA counter-proliferation officer Richard Barlow alleged that India and Israel had planned a covert operation in the early 1980s to bomb Pakistan’s Kahuta Research Laboratories uranium-enrichment facility. According to Barlow, the operation was aimed at halting Pakistan’s nuclear weapons development. He criticized Indira Gandhi’s refusal to approve the plan, calling it “a shame”. Barlow said his information came from intelligence circles though he was not directly involved in the planning. 

Delhi’s air quality remained in the “red zone” on Saturday, recording an AQI of 335 — among the worst in the country. The city’s minimum temperature dropped to 11 °C, three degrees below normal, intensifying smog conditions. According to the Central Pollution Control Board, PM2.5 remained the primary pollutant. Experts warned that the combination of falling temperatures and stagnant air is trapping pollutants closer to the surface, worsening visibility and health risks across the region. Authorities urged residents to limit outdoor activity, especially during early morning and late evening hours. (PC: AP)