Indian IT Ministry has written a strongly worded letter to WhatsApp CEO. The government has asked WhatsApp to withdraw the controversial privacy updates for its users.

WION Dispatch: Indian IT Ministry asks WhatsApp to disclose how data is shared

India hailed the peace deals between Israel and the Arab Nations. Speaking at the United Nation Council meeting, the Indian envoy to the UN TS Tirumurti said that these accords will lead to peace and stability in West Asia.

India praises Abraham accords at UNSC

India in a major step to help its neighbours in the region will provide vaccines to Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and at no cost to Bhutan. It is considered as India's soft vaccine diplomacy which would enhance ties within the region.

India to export COVID-19 vaccines to its neighbours, Bhutan to get it free

At the United Nations Security Council, India has welcomed the recently signed&nbsp;Abraham Accords that saw several countries in West Asia establishing ties with Israel.&nbsp;Calling the signing of "Abraham Accords" a "positive development", India's envoy to the United Nations TS Tirumurti said, "We welcome these agreements regarding normalization of relations between Israel and other countries, which, we believe will contribute to peace and stability in West Asia."

The accords signed in 2020 saw UAE, Bahrain establishing ties with Israel. The development comes after more than 2 decades, since the last time any Arab country recognised Israel, which was Jordan in 1994, and Egypt in 1979.

The Indian envoy highlighted New Delhi's "traditional support" to the "Palestinian cause", pointing out that, "A two-state solution and lasting peace can be achieved only through direct negotiations between the two parties on all final status issues, taking into account the legitimate aspirations of Palestinians for Statehood and Israel’s security concerns."

The Indian top diplomat to the United Nations was speaking at a meet on cooperation between the UN and League of Arab States, where he lauded role of the latter.&nbsp;He said, "Members of the Arab League are among the top troop and police-contributing countries. Arab states are also among the largest donors of humanitarian assistance to countries facing armed conflict."&nbsp;Arab League is a 22-member grouping based out of Cairo, Egypt.&nbsp;

On India's ties with the grouping, he said that New Delhi " will work together with the League of Arab States in their pursuit of regional peace and security, in combating terrorism and other challenges and in promoting tolerance and pluralistic traditions."

9 million Indians live and work in Arab countries forming the largest expat community of the region. Indians from the Arab world remit around $48 billion to India annually.&nbsp; He said, India and the Arab world share a "civilisational relationship" and "our interaction with the region encompasses every aspect of human endeavour - from agriculture to hi-tech, from clean energy to counterterrorism, and from education to trade and commerce."

During his intervention, he also spoke on the ongoing conflicts in countries like Syria, Libya, or Yemen, elaborating that "at the heart of the conflict are human beings" and "unfortunately these conflicts have brought untold misery to millions of people due to unabated violence and displacement, affecting mainly women, children and the elderly."

At the United Nations Security Council, India has welcomed the recently signed Abraham Accords that saw several countries in West Asia establishing ties with Israel.

At the United Nations Security Council, India has welcomed the recently signed Abraham Accords that saw several countries in West Asia establishing ties with Israel. Calling the signing of "Abraham Accords" a "positive development", India's envoy to the United Nations TS Tirumurti said, "We welcome these agreements regarding normalization of relations between Israel and other countries, which, we believe will contribute to peace and stability in West Asia." The accords signed in 2020 saw UAE, Bahrain establishing ties with Israel. The development comes after more than 2 decades, since the last time any Arab country recognised Israel, which was Jordan in 1994, and Egypt in 1979. The Indian envoy highlighted New Delhi's "traditional support" to the "Palestinian cause", pointing out that, "A two-state solution and lasting peace can be achieved only through direct negotiations between the two parties on all final status issues, taking into account the legitimate aspirations of Palestinians for Statehood and Israel’s security concerns." The Indian top diplomat to the United Nations was speaking at a meet on cooperation between the UN and League of Arab States, where he lauded role of the latter. He said, "Members of the Arab League are among the top troop and police-contributing countries. Arab states are also among the largest donors of humanitarian assistance to countries facing armed conflict." Arab League is a 22-member grouping based out of Cairo, Egypt. On India's ties with the grouping, he said that New Delhi " will work together with the League of Arab States in their pursuit of regional peace and security, in combating terrorism and other challenges and in promoting tolerance and pluralistic traditions." 9 million Indians live and work in Arab countries forming the largest expat community of the region. Indians from the Arab world remit around $48 billion to India annually. He said, India and the Arab world share a "civilisational relationship" and "our interaction with the region encompasses every aspect of human endeavour - from agriculture to hi-tech, from clean energy to counterterrorism, and from education to trade and commerce." During his intervention, he also spoke on the ongoing conflicts in countries like Syria, Libya, or Yemen, elaborating that "at the heart of the conflict are human beings" and "unfortunately these conflicts have brought untold misery to millions of people due to unabated violence and displacement, affecting mainly women, children and the elderly."

At UNSC, India welcomes Abraham Accords; lauds role of Arab League

India will&nbsp;gift Bangladesh 2 million doses of COVISHIELD on January 20, which is an Indian vaccine produced by&nbsp;the Serum Institute of India. COVISHIELD is based on the&nbsp;Oxford-AstraZeneca&nbsp;vaccine and the gifted consignment will arrive at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, Dhaka.&nbsp;

The move is in its&nbsp;final planning stages and certain preparations have started in Dhaka.&nbsp;Bangladesh's Director-General of the Department of Health, Prof. Abul Bashar Mohammad Khurshid Alam confirmed the development to WION.&nbsp;Bangladesh's health minister&nbsp;Zahid Maleque&nbsp;speaking at a press conference earlier today in Dhaka said,"Indian government will send some Covid vaccines to Bangladesh as a gift".

This will be followed by the start of commercial supplies.&nbsp;The first commercial shipment will reach the country by January 25.&nbsp;In November of last year, Beximco Pharmaceuticals, Bangladesh's biggest pharma company, Bangladesh government and Serum Institute of India signed a tripartite agreement to buy 30 million doses of COVISHIELD covid vaccine.&nbsp;

Under the agreement, the Bangladeshi govt will pay SII for the 30 million doses of the vaccine and Beximco Pharma will receive a separate fee for its distribution role.&nbsp;Beximco Pharma is the exclusive distributor of the vaccine in Bangladesh and will be responsible for maintaining the cold chain, import, storage, and delivery of the vaccine.

The development comes as India on Saturday began its mega all India vaccination programme. Last year, during foreign secretary Harsh Shringla's Bangladesh visit he had assured that when it comes to COVID vaccine, Bangladesh will be a priority under New Delhi's Neighbourhood First policy.

India will gift Bangladesh 2 million doses of COVISHIELD on January 20, which is an Indian vaccine produced by the Serum Institute of India. COVISHIELD is based on the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine and the gifted consignment will arrive at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, Dhaka.

India will gift Bangladesh 2 million doses of COVISHIELD on January 20, which is an Indian vaccine produced by the Serum Institute of India. COVISHIELD is based on the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine and the gifted consignment will arrive at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, Dhaka. The move is in its final planning stages and certain preparations have started in Dhaka. Bangladesh's Director-General of the Department of Health, Prof. Abul Bashar Mohammad Khurshid Alam confirmed the development to WION. Bangladesh's health minister Zahid Maleque speaking at a press conference earlier today in Dhaka said,"Indian government will send some Covid vaccines to Bangladesh as a gift". This will be followed by the start of commercial supplies. The first commercial shipment will reach the country by January 25. In November of last year, Beximco Pharmaceuticals, Bangladesh's biggest pharma company, Bangladesh government and Serum Institute of India signed a tripartite agreement to buy 30 million doses of COVISHIELD covid vaccine. Under the agreement, the Bangladeshi govt will pay SII for the 30 million doses of the vaccine and Beximco Pharma will receive a separate fee for its distribution role. Beximco Pharma is the exclusive distributor of the vaccine in Bangladesh and will be responsible for maintaining the cold chain, import, storage, and delivery of the vaccine. The development comes as India on Saturday began its mega all India vaccination programme. Last year, during foreign secretary Harsh Shringla's Bangladesh visit he had assured that when it comes to COVID vaccine, Bangladesh will be a priority under New Delhi's Neighbourhood First policy.

Neighbourhood first: India to gift COVID-19 vaccines to Bangladesh

Residents of India's Kashmir valley continue to face intense cold conditions. Srinagar's famous Dal Lake has frozen over. A major portion of Srinagar's Rananda Lake froze after temperatures fell to record numbers in the region.

India: Kashmir's Srinagar freezes at -8.3 degree Celsius

The United Kingdom has invited Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the G7 Summit as a guest. The G7 Summit is scheduled to be held in Cornwall in June 2021.

UK invites Indian PM Modi to attend G7 summit

World's largest & most challenging inoculation drive was launched in India on Saturday with almost 200,000 Corona warriors already vaccinated. Indian Health Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan persuaded people to have faith in the safety and efficacy of the vaccine.

Health Minister of India asks people to have faith in Corona vaccine

Nepal Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli in an exclusive conversation with WION's Executive Editor Palki Sharma Upadhyay alluded to the relationship shared by its neighbours and urged them not to have any superiority complex.

Exclusive: Nepal PM KP Sharma Oli speaks to WION on India-Nepal ties

Nepal's Foreign Minister Pradeep Kumar Gyawali is in New Delhi for talks. Nepal is choosing Indian vaccines over Chinese shots. This comes after a trial in Brazil found that a Chinese vaccine was just 50.4% effective.

Gravitas: Nepal chooses India over China for vaccines

IMF chief has praised India for taking "very decisive" steps to tackle the coronavirus pandemic and the "economic consequences" it brought, hoping the country to do more this year to push forward the economy.&nbsp;

"When I called on everybody to stay tuned for January 26, that applies very much to India. You would see a picture in our update that is less bad. Why? Because the country actually has taken very decisive action, very decisive steps to deal with the pandemic and to deal with the economic consequences of it," IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva was quoted as saying by the news agency PTI.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/world-business-watch-tesla-marks-india-entry-with-new-office-in-bengaluru-356383/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Sharing her thoughts on Thursday on global media roundtable, Georgieva also predicted a comparatively better outlook for India in the upcoming World Economic Update because of the steps taken.&nbsp;

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/potential-to-represent-significant-step-forward-for-agricultural-reforms-imf-praises-indias-farm-bill-356857">Potential to represent significant step forward for agricultural reforms: IMF praises India's farm bill</a>

She also praised India for targeted lockdown and said that the mobility indicators in India are nearly in the country what they were pre-Covid-19, highlighting that the country has seen an economic revival "significantly".&nbsp;

"Then India moved to more targeted restrictions and lockdowns. What we see is that that transition, combined with policy support, seems to have worked well. Why? Because if you look at mobility indicators, we are almost where we were before COVID in India, meaning that economic activities have been revitalised quite significantly," the IMF chief said.

She also lauded the government's support on the monetary policy, saying that it was better than the average of emerging markets and urged the administration to do more if possible.&nbsp;

"What the government has done on the monetary policy and the fiscal policy side is commendable. It is actually slightly above the average for emerging markets. Emerging markets on average have provided six per cent of the GDP. In India, this is slightly above that. Good for India is that there is still space to do more….. If you can do more, please do," Georgieva added.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

IMF chief has praised India for taking "very decisive" steps to tackle the coronavirus pandemic and the "economic consequences" it brought, hoping the country to do more this year to push forward the economy.

IMF chief has praised India for taking "very decisive" steps to tackle the coronavirus pandemic and the "economic consequences" it brought, hoping the country to do more this year to push forward the economy. "When I called on everybody to stay tuned for January 26, that applies very much to India. You would see a picture in our update that is less bad. Why? Because the country actually has taken very decisive action, very decisive steps to deal with the pandemic and to deal with the economic consequences of it," IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva was quoted as saying by the news agency PTI. Watch | Sharing her thoughts on Thursday on global media roundtable, Georgieva also predicted a comparatively better outlook for India in the upcoming World Economic Update because of the steps taken. Also read | Potential to represent significant step forward for agricultural reforms: IMF praises India's farm bill She also praised India for targeted lockdown and said that the mobility indicators in India are nearly in the country what they were pre-Covid-19, highlighting that the country has seen an economic revival "significantly". "Then India moved to more targeted restrictions and lockdowns. What we see is that that transition, combined with policy support, seems to have worked well. Why? Because if you look at mobility indicators, we are almost where we were before COVID in India, meaning that economic activities have been revitalised quite significantly," the IMF chief said. She also lauded the government's support on the monetary policy, saying that it was better than the average of emerging markets and urged the administration to do more if possible. "What the government has done on the monetary policy and the fiscal policy side is commendable. It is actually slightly above the average for emerging markets. Emerging markets on average have provided six per cent of the GDP. In India, this is slightly above that. Good for India is that there is still space to do more….. If you can do more, please do," Georgieva added.

IMF chief praises India for taking 'decisive' steps to tackle Covid-19

Whatsapp is forcing users to accept a new privacy policy in India. But, the company's executives in Europe say Whatsapp will not share user data of Europeans with Facebook. Why is Whatsapp treating Europe differently?

Gravitas: Whatsapp pushes new rules on Indian users, but Europeans are exempt

Whatsapp downloads are falling drastically. Between January 6-10, the downloads fell by 35%. Users are downloading other alternatives

Gravitas: The Whatsapp exodus

India is WhatsApp's biggest market. But the platform's privacy policy has left users with 2 options- to either share their data or exit the app. Privacy is a Fundamental Right in India. But is the govt doing enough to protect it?

Gravitas: WhatsApp's privacy policy & you

Electric car maker Tesla is finally set to make its entry in India and has registered as a company in Karnataka's Bengaluru.

World Business Watch: Tesla marks India entry with new office in Bengaluru

Indian Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar said that trust with China had been deeply impaired after last summer's border clash which resulted in the first combat deaths in 45 years.

Jaishankar: Trust with China deeply impaired after border clash

Nepal shares an 1850-km-long border with India. It also shares its culture and history with India. While Beijing may be pouring Billions into Nepal, can China's cash buy people-to-people connect?

Gravitas: The Nepal-India relationship

A lot is happening in the United Kingdom - with a new mutation of COVID-19, along with the disruption of daily life brought upon by Brexit. Owing to Brexit rules, businesses are drowning. But British members of parliament are busy discussing India.

British colonialists left India 73 years ago, but their colonial hangover seems to be persisting.

India remains a source of endless fascination for English lawmakers. Last week, British parliamentarians were lobbying to repeal India's farm laws. On Monday this week, they were debating minority rights in India. On January 13, they were discussing the political situation in Kashmir.

Parliamentarians are not just discussing India's internal affairs, but are taking sides on the topic of debates, and this has been going on for days. 
 
But what if the Indian parliament began discussing and debating what's happening in Britain? What if Indian MPs were to pass judgment on British policies?

The Windrush political scandal, which was unearthed in the UK revealed how 83 British citizens - mostly blacks were wrongly detained, denied legal rights, threatened and deported by the UK's home office. The country offered an apology to only 18.

In 2011, riots broke out in London after the police shooting of Mark Duggan, a young black British citizen.

Imagine the Indian Parliament debating the 2001 riots in Bradford, Harehills and Oldham, the 1991 riots in Oxford &amp; Dudley, the 1981 riots in Liverpool &amp; Birmingham, or the 1969 unrest in Northern Ireland over the discrimination against Catholic &amp; Irish nationalists.

India did not discuss these in parliament because India respects boundaries. On the other hand, by whipping anti-India rhetoric in Britain, they seek votes.

A lot is happening in the United Kingdom - with a new mutation of COVID-19, along with the disruption of daily life brought upon by Brexit. Owing to Brexit rules, businesses are drowning.

A lot is happening in the United Kingdom - with a new mutation of COVID-19, along with the disruption of daily life brought upon by Brexit. Owing to Brexit rules, businesses are drowning. But British members of parliament are busy discussing India. British colonialists left India 73 years ago, but their colonial hangover seems to be persisting. India remains a source of endless fascination for English lawmakers. Last week, British parliamentarians were lobbying to repeal India's farm laws. On Monday this week, they were debating minority rights in India. On January 13, they were discussing the political situation in Kashmir. Parliamentarians are not just discussing India's internal affairs, but are taking sides on the topic of debates, and this has been going on for days. But what if the Indian parliament began discussing and debating what's happening in Britain? What if Indian MPs were to pass judgment on British policies? The Windrush political scandal, which was unearthed in the UK revealed how 83 British citizens - mostly blacks were wrongly detained, denied legal rights, threatened and deported by the UK's home office. The country offered an apology to only 18. In 2011, riots broke out in London after the police shooting of Mark Duggan, a young black British citizen. Imagine the Indian Parliament debating the 2001 riots in Bradford, Harehills and Oldham, the 1991 riots in Oxford & Dudley, the 1981 riots in Liverpool & Birmingham, or the 1969 unrest in Northern Ireland over the discrimination against Catholic & Irish nationalists. India did not discuss these in parliament because India respects boundaries. On the other hand, by whipping anti-India rhetoric in Britain, they seek votes.

While Britain drowns in domestic problems, its parliamentarians are busy discussing India

Tirumurti told the Council that India has been steadfast in extending support to the countries of the region in their efforts to bring back peace, stability and normalcy.

India at UNSC expresses concern over terror acts by Boko Haram, IS in West Africa

The Chief of Indian Army staff General MM Naravane said Pakistan continues to use terrorism as an instrument of state policy and India will continue to confront the menace effectively.

General Naravane: Pakistan continues to use terror as state policy

India has expressed its concerns on acts of terrorism in West Africa at the United Nations Security Council pointing out to increased activities of Boko Haram and&nbsp;Islamic State's West Africa Province (ISWAP).

Highlighting out how, "terrorism, drug trafficking, and organized crime have continued unabated", India's envoy to United Nations, TS Tirumurti said, "The terror attacks in Burkina Faso, particularly in regions bordering Mali and Niger, have again underscored the urgent need to intensify efforts to combat terrorism, which is spilling over into other countries and regions"

He explained, "The activities of Boko Haram in Nigeria and Lake Chad have not subsided either". Adding, "the recent terror attacks by the Islamic State's West Africa Province (ISWAP) are more brutal than those carried out by Boko Haram. ISWAP, supported by elements in West Asia and North Africa, is emerging as a radicalized and brutal terrorist entity, posing a serious threat to peace and stability in the region"

India was speaking at a security council meeting on West Africa and Sahel region. The council had taken up the latest report of the Secretary-General on the activities of the United Nations Office for West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWAS) between 23 June to 14 December 2020.

The Indian envoy called for "closer coordination in counter-terrorism cooperation in the region and its periphery, to counter the growth of terrorist entities effectively.". In fact, India has commenced counter-terrorism training in the region.&nbsp;

New Delhi also conveyed its deep condolences for the terror attack in Niger earlier this month that killed around 100 people and the&nbsp;deaths of French soldiers involved in Operation Barkhane in Mali.&nbsp;Operation Barkhane is an ongoing anti-insurgent operation by France and 5 countries of Sahel--G5 Sahel--Burkina Faso, Chad, Mali, Mauritania and Niger. The British and Estonia have also extended support to it.

The Indian envoy commended the "efforts of regional counter-terrorism initiatives such as G-5 Sahel Joint Force, and Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF), which is a model that illustrates the ownership taken by countries of the region for their collective security. The Council and the international community need to actively support these initiatives."

India expressed its concern vis a vis "piracy hotspot" of Gulf of guinea that has seen 17 incidents in last 6 months. Several Indian sailors have been victims of piracy and kidnappings in that region for which&nbsp;Tirumurti&nbsp;called for "urgent need to increase surveillance to ensure maritime security in the area, through increased international collaboration."

India has expressed its concerns on acts of terrorism in West Africa at the United Nations Security Council pointing out to increased activities of Boko Haram and Islamic State's West Africa Province (ISWAP).

India has expressed its concerns on acts of terrorism in West Africa at the United Nations Security Council pointing out to increased activities of Boko Haram and Islamic State's West Africa Province (ISWAP). Highlighting out how, "terrorism, drug trafficking, and organized crime have continued unabated", India's envoy to United Nations, TS Tirumurti said, "The terror attacks in Burkina Faso, particularly in regions bordering Mali and Niger, have again underscored the urgent need to intensify efforts to combat terrorism, which is spilling over into other countries and regions" He explained, "The activities of Boko Haram in Nigeria and Lake Chad have not subsided either". Adding, "the recent terror attacks by the Islamic State's West Africa Province (ISWAP) are more brutal than those carried out by Boko Haram. ISWAP, supported by elements in West Asia and North Africa, is emerging as a radicalized and brutal terrorist entity, posing a serious threat to peace and stability in the region" India was speaking at a security council meeting on West Africa and Sahel region. The council had taken up the latest report of the Secretary-General on the activities of the United Nations Office for West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWAS) between 23 June to 14 December 2020. The Indian envoy called for "closer coordination in counter-terrorism cooperation in the region and its periphery, to counter the growth of terrorist entities effectively.". In fact, India has commenced counter-terrorism training in the region. New Delhi also conveyed its deep condolences for the terror attack in Niger earlier this month that killed around 100 people and the deaths of French soldiers involved in Operation Barkhane in Mali. Operation Barkhane is an ongoing anti-insurgent operation by France and 5 countries of Sahel--G5 Sahel--Burkina Faso, Chad, Mali, Mauritania and Niger. The British and Estonia have also extended support to it. The Indian envoy commended the "efforts of regional counter-terrorism initiatives such as G-5 Sahel Joint Force, and Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF), which is a model that illustrates the ownership taken by countries of the region for their collective security. The Council and the international community need to actively support these initiatives." India expressed its concern vis a vis "piracy hotspot" of Gulf of guinea that has seen 17 incidents in last 6 months. Several Indian sailors have been victims of piracy and kidnappings in that region for which Tirumurti called for "urgent need to increase surveillance to ensure maritime security in the area, through increased international collaboration."

At UNSC, India expresses concern over terror acts by Boko Haram, Islamic State in West Africa

A Chinese soldier who was apprehended a few days back by India has now been handed back to China. The Chinese soldier who had been apprehended on January 8, was handed back to China at Chushul-Moldo at 10.10 a.m. today (January 11).

News Alert: India releases Chinese soldier apprehended for crossing LAC

The average air quality was 'very poor' in Greater Noida and 'poor' in Ghaziabad, Noida, Faridabad and Gurgaon on Sunday, according to a 24-hour data provided by a government agency. Pollutants PM 2.5 and PM 10 remained prominent in the air of the five immediate neighbours of Delhi, according to the air quality index (AQI) maintained by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).

An AQI between zero and 50 is considered 'good', 51 and 100 'satisfactory', 101 and 200 'moderate', 201 and 300 'poor', 301 and 400 'very poor', and 401 and 500 'severe'. The average 24-hour AQI at 4 pm on Sunday was 280 in Ghaziabad, 311 in Greater Noida, 239 in Noida, 251 in Faridabad and 215 in Gurgaon, according to CPCB's Sameer app. On Saturday, the AQI was 348 in Ghaziabad, 360 in Greater Noida, 346 in Noida, 311 in Faridabad and 230 in Gurgaon.

According to the CPCB, an AQI in the 'very poor' category may cause respiratory illness on prolonged exposure, while prolonged exposure to 'poor' quality air may cause breathing discomfort to most people. The AQI for each city is based on the average value of all stations there.

Ghaziabad and Gurgaon have three such stations while Noida, Greater Noida and Faridabad have two stations each, according to the app.

The average air quality was 'very poor' in Greater Noida and 'poor' in Ghaziabad, Noida, Faridabad and Gurgaon on Sunday, according to a 24-hour data provided by a government agency.

The average air quality was 'very poor' in Greater Noida and 'poor' in Ghaziabad, Noida, Faridabad and Gurgaon on Sunday, according to a 24-hour data provided by a government agency. Pollutants PM 2.5 and PM 10 remained prominent in the air of the five immediate neighbours of Delhi, according to the air quality index (AQI) maintained by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). An AQI between zero and 50 is considered 'good', 51 and 100 'satisfactory', 101 and 200 'moderate', 201 and 300 'poor', 301 and 400 'very poor', and 401 and 500 'severe'. The average 24-hour AQI at 4 pm on Sunday was 280 in Ghaziabad, 311 in Greater Noida, 239 in Noida, 251 in Faridabad and 215 in Gurgaon, according to CPCB's Sameer app. On Saturday, the AQI was 348 in Ghaziabad, 360 in Greater Noida, 346 in Noida, 311 in Faridabad and 230 in Gurgaon. According to the CPCB, an AQI in the 'very poor' category may cause respiratory illness on prolonged exposure, while prolonged exposure to 'poor' quality air may cause breathing discomfort to most people. The AQI for each city is based on the average value of all stations there. Ghaziabad and Gurgaon have three such stations while Noida, Greater Noida and Faridabad have two stations each, according to the app.

Air quality in National Capital Region remains 'very poor'

Days after India termed sentencing of Zakiur Rehman Lakhvi as routine facial action, the US State Department has asked Pakistan to hold Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) commander accountable for the 26\11 Mumbai attacks.

US to Pakistan: Hold Lakhvi accountable for 26\11 Mumbai attack

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