New Delhi shuts all primary schools as severe smog grounds flights and obscures Taj Mahal - Non-essential construction has been banned amid severe air quality issues

India’s government banned non-essential construction in New Delhi, the world’s most polluted capital, and urged residents to avoid burning coal for heating, to combat worsening air quality that has disrupted flights and obscured the Taj Mahal.

The Indian capital overtook Lahore as the world's most polluted city, with the smog triggering flight diversions.

Air pollution in the Indian capital is more than 50 times what is considered safe by the World Health Organization.