Delhi Building Boom: 4 Lakh Structures Added in 7 Years, Raising Safety Concerns

Following the collapse of a five-storey boys' paying guest accommodation in Delhi's Satyaniketan that left seven dead, the Municipal Corporation of Delhi initiated demolition and sealing drives across twelve zones, including Mukerji Nagar, Pandav Nagar, and Lakshmi Nagar. Authorities suspended the South Zone Deputy Commissioner and four structural engineers. However, the crackdown has raised serious questions regarding administrative accountability, the sanctioning of dangerous multi-storey buildings, and the persistent shortage of university hostel accommodation that fuels unregulated student housing.

Apple is set to introduce major announcements at its upcoming event, with expectations centred on a new foldable iPhone Ultra featuring a book-style design, a 7.7-inch inner screen, and enhanced multitasking capabilities. The flagship iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max are anticipated to debut with the A20 Pro chip built on a two-nanometre process, improved thermal efficiency, on-device AI headroom, and variable aperture camera tech. Alongside refreshed Apple Watch Series 12 and Ultra 4 models, the event may mark a leadership transition with Tim Cook moving to executive chairman and John Turnus taking over as CEO.

The National Investigation Agency charge sheet in the Red Fort terror blast case reveals that the incident was a suicide bombing executed using an improvised explosive device. Investigation details show the site underwent extensive surveillance spanning nearly two years, with recce visits dating back to December 2023. Although planned over a prolonged period, the blast was triggered prematurely in panic following arrests in Srinagar. Handwritten notes seized by investigators outlined the motive, rejecting democracy and demanding the imposition of Sharia law, while indicating adherence to an assassin playbook. A Delhi court has taken cognisance of the charge sheet to proceed with the case.

The Tamil Nadu government has finalised the location for its new secretariat, issuing a government order designating Foreshore Estate in Chennai's Pattinapakkam area as the project site. The chosen site on Tamil Nadu Housing Board land is situated close to the Chief Minister's residence. The decision comes as the current secretariat at the seventeenth-century Fort St George functions on limited land overseen by the Archaeological Survey of India. Foreshore Estate was selected among three shortlisted locations. Meanwhile, political leader Anbumani Ramadoss raised concerns regarding traffic congestion and feasibility in the area.