<p>A Russian cargo plane was seen exploding in the sky minutes after it reportedly took off from Ulan-Ude airport in Buryatia region, over 5,600 km east of Moscow.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Tu-204 airplane was seen trailing flames after its engine reportedly exploded. The pilots, however, were successful in making an emergency landing just minutes after the take off.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/exclusive-russia-will-not-probe-prigozhin-plane-crash-under-international-rules-630385">Russia will not probe Prigozhin plane crash under international rules</a></strong></p>

<p>"I heard a powerful explosion coming from above. At first, I thought it was fireworks, but the sound was too strange. It was very scary," a woman witness Lyubov Pichueva was quoted as saying by Britain's Daily Express paper.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Another witness said: "It was burning very bright just now. Something is falling out of it...It is dumping something."</p>

<h2><strong>Where was the flight headed?</strong></h2>

<p>The flight was reportedly headed to China. The aircraft took off from Baikal airport in Ulan-Ude and was headed for the Chinese city of Zhangzhou when the explosion occurred.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">🔥 ✈️ Russia: Tu-204 cargo plane's engine caught fire at takeoff. The jet dumped fuel and managed to land in Ulan-Ude, near Mongolia.<br />
Putin's regime cannot function without Western technology. Sanctions loopholes must continue to be eliminated. <a href="https://t.co/e31oTRMEiM">pic.twitter.com/e31oTRMEiM</a></p>
— Igor Sushko (@igorsushko) <a href="https://twitter.com/igorsushko/status/1732576846712304023?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 7, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>WION cannot immediately verify the authenticity of the video.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Were there any casualties?</strong></h2>

<p>The incident resulted in no casualties. The aircraft had five people onboard, and the incident is currently being investigated by the East Siberian Transport Prosecutor's Office.</p>

<p>According to Alexey Tsydenov, head of the Buryatia region, the plane dumped its fuel before making an emergency landing using one engine.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Prigozhin Plane Crash: What happened to Putin's other rivals</strong></p>

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<p>Russia is the subject of a 'red flag' probe by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) due to a spate of air safety issues it has suffered in the recent past.</p>

<p>In the first eight months of this year, there were 120 air accidents in Russia involving civil aircraft operated by Russian airlines.</p>

<p>This, reports in the British media claim, is more than double the number in recent years despite significantly fewer flights amid&nbsp;Russia-Ukraine conflict.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


A Russian cargo plane was seen exploding in the sky minutes after it reportedly took off from Ulan-Ude airport in Buryatia region, over 5,600 km east of Moscow. The Tu-204 airplane was seen trailing flames after its engine reportedly exploded.

A Russian cargo plane was seen exploding in the sky minutes after it reportedly took off from Ulan-Ude airport in Buryatia region, over 5,600 km east of Moscow. The Tu-204 airplane was seen trailing flames after its engine reportedly exploded. The pilots, however, were successful in making an emergency landing just minutes after the take off. Also read | Russia will not probe Prigozhin plane crash under international rules "I heard a powerful explosion coming from above. At first, I thought it was fireworks, but the sound was too strange. It was very scary," a woman witness Lyubov Pichueva was quoted as saying by Britain's Daily Express paper. Another witness said: "It was burning very bright just now. Something is falling out of it...It is dumping something." Where was the flight headed? The flight was reportedly headed to China. The aircraft took off from Baikal airport in Ulan-Ude and was headed for the Chinese city of Zhangzhou when the explosion occurred. 🔥 ✈️ Russia: Tu-204 cargo plane's engine caught fire at takeoff. The jet dumped fuel and managed to land in Ulan-Ude, near Mongolia. Putin's regime cannot function without Western technology. Sanctions loopholes must continue to be eliminated. pic.twitter.com/e31oTRMEiM — Igor Sushko (@igorsushko) December 7, 2023 × WION cannot immediately verify the authenticity of the video. Were there any casualties? The incident resulted in no casualties. The aircraft had five people onboard, and the incident is currently being investigated by the East Siberian Transport Prosecutor's Office. According to Alexey Tsydenov, head of the Buryatia region, the plane dumped its fuel before making an emergency landing using one engine. Also watch | Prigozhin Plane Crash: What happened to Putin's other rivals × Russia is the subject of a 'red flag' probe by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) due to a spate of air safety issues it has suffered in the recent past. In the first eight months of this year, there were 120 air accidents in Russia involving civil aircraft operated by Russian airlines. This, reports in the British media claim, is more than double the number in recent years despite significantly fewer flights amid Russia-Ukraine conflict. (With inputs from agencies)

Video: China-bound Russian plane goes up in flames moments after terrifying explosion

<p>Pakistan Army chief General Asim Munir, in a veiled reference to the Afghan refugees living in the South Asian country, said that "illegal foreigners" are "seriously affecting Pakistan's security and economy". His&nbsp;statement came in support for the interim Prime Minister Kakar's decision to deport hundreds of thousands of Afghans from the country.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The elections were supposed to be held in November in Pakistan but were pushed to February 2024 after Pakistan's election authorities cited the time needed to redraw some constituencies, especially in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, the stronghold of ousted former Prime Minister Imran Khan.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/explained-anwaar-ul-haq-kakar-established-as-pakistans-caretaker-pm-why-it-matters-625011">Explained | Anwaar-ul Haq Kakar established as Pakistan's caretaker PM. Why it matters</a></strong></p>

<p>But other than that, the Pakistani establishment has used the time without an elected government's writ, to expel Afghan refugees.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>What does it mean?</strong></h2>

<p>The Pakistani army chief passed these remarks during a visit to the garrison city of Peshawar. He was given a detailed briefing on the overall security situation in Pakistan, the Dawn newspaper reported.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: Has Pakistan's deportation plan flopped? Deadline ends, Afghan refugees detained</strong></p>

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<p>"Decision to repatriate them (the Afghans) has been taken by the government in the interest of Pakistan. Illegal foreigners are being repatriated to their countries in a humane and dignified manner as per the established norms," a statement by the Inter-Services Public Relations quoted General Munir.</p>

<h2><strong>Pakistan's decision to deport Afghan refugees</strong></h2>

<p>All foreign nationals which Islamabad deemed as illegal inhabitants in Pakistan, including millions of Afghans, were given until November 1 to leave voluntarily or face deportation.</p>

<p>The&nbsp;measures were aimed at Pakistan's purported effort to thwart rising terrorist attacks in the country.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Pakistani military's role in deporting Afghans</strong></h2>

<p>The meetings of Pakistan's National Action Plan (NAP) are attended by the Army chief Asim Munir and senior security officials. The NAP meetings are held to discuss the prevailing security situation in the country other than routine issues related to economic revival and public welfare.</p>

<p><strong>Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/web-stories/south-asia/pakistan/inside-the-jailtime-of-pakistans-imprisoned-leaders-imran-khan-nawaz-sharif-benazir-bhutto-zulfikar--1700207224468">Inside the jailtime of Pakistan's imprisoned leaders</a></strong></p>

<p>The recent NAP meeting was held against the backdrop of a surge in terrorist attacks and continued tensions with Afghanistan over its purported refusal to take action against the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).</p>

<p>According to Pakistan's official estimates, as many as 1.1 million Afghans are deemed illegal residents of the country.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Pakistan Army chief General Asim Munir, in a veiled reference to the Afghan refugees living in the South Asian country, said that "illegal foreigners" are "seriously affecting Pakistan's security and economy".

Pakistan Army chief General Asim Munir, in a veiled reference to the Afghan refugees living in the South Asian country, said that "illegal foreigners" are "seriously affecting Pakistan's security and economy". His statement came in support for the interim Prime Minister Kakar's decision to deport hundreds of thousands of Afghans from the country. The elections were supposed to be held in November in Pakistan but were pushed to February 2024 after Pakistan's election authorities cited the time needed to redraw some constituencies, especially in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, the stronghold of ousted former Prime Minister Imran Khan. Also read | Explained | Anwaar-ul Haq Kakar established as Pakistan's caretaker PM. Why it matters But other than that, the Pakistani establishment has used the time without an elected government's writ, to expel Afghan refugees. What does it mean? The Pakistani army chief passed these remarks during a visit to the garrison city of Peshawar. He was given a detailed briefing on the overall security situation in Pakistan, the Dawn newspaper reported. Also watch | Gravitas: Has Pakistan's deportation plan flopped? Deadline ends, Afghan refugees detained × "Decision to repatriate them (the Afghans) has been taken by the government in the interest of Pakistan. Illegal foreigners are being repatriated to their countries in a humane and dignified manner as per the established norms," a statement by the Inter-Services Public Relations quoted General Munir. Pakistan's decision to deport Afghan refugees All foreign nationals which Islamabad deemed as illegal inhabitants in Pakistan, including millions of Afghans, were given until November 1 to leave voluntarily or face deportation. The measures were aimed at Pakistan's purported effort to thwart rising terrorist attacks in the country. Pakistani military's role in deporting Afghans The meetings of Pakistan's National Action Plan (NAP) are attended by the Army chief Asim Munir and senior security officials. The NAP meetings are held to discuss the prevailing security situation in the country other than routine issues related to economic revival and public welfare. Also read | Inside the jailtime of Pakistan's imprisoned leaders The recent NAP meeting was held against the backdrop of a surge in terrorist attacks and continued tensions with Afghanistan over its purported refusal to take action against the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). According to Pakistan's official estimates, as many as 1.1 million Afghans are deemed illegal residents of the country. (With inputs from agencies)

Pakistan Army chief says country's Afghan deportation drive is 'humane, dignified'

<p>For the first time in reported human history, a missile was shot down outside the Earth's atmosphere, throwing the debris effectively away from conventional gravitational pull of our planet, currently gripped by dozens of conflicts and two major wars;&nbsp;between Israel and Hamas, and Russia and Ukraine.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The significant as well as unprecedented development occurred last month after a Houthi missile heading towards southern Israel's Eilat was show down by the Arrow 3 system, jointly developed by Israel and the United States, the Times newspaper reported.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) had confirmed the first interception by Arrow 3 system on Nov 1 when it said that the missile was used to "thwart an aerial threat in the area of the Red Sea."</p>

<h2><strong>What does it mean?</strong></h2>

<p>The development has broken through the ceiling of cosmic warfare for the first time. It was reportedly the inaugural use of Israel's Arrow 3 air defence system which destroyed a "ballistic missile" — that&nbsp;are rocket-powered only in the initial (boost) phase of flight and thus are more advanced&nbsp;— allegedly fired from Yemen.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-shows-its-airprowess-uses-arrow-3-missile-killer-for-first-time-to-intercept-houthi-rockets-654011">Israel shows its air prowess, uses Arrow 3 ‘missile-killer’ for first time to intercept Houthi rockets</a></strong></p>

<p>In the wake of Israel's consequential intelligence failure to prevent the unprecedented wave of attacks by Palestinian group Hamas on October 7, the breakthrough is deemed militarily significant.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Add this to the fact that the missile attacks by Hamas into Israel have aimed at tiring country's Iron-dome missile system out, the development is set to boost Israel's credentials to defend itself in a hostile neighbourhood.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Israel-Hamas war: How the conflict has spread in the wider region?</strong></h2>

<p>Immediately after Israel launched a retaliatory state of war following October 7 attacks, Iran-aligned militias — specifically Lebanon-based Hezbollah and Yemen-based Houthis — too launched attacks on Israel.</p>

<p>They&nbsp;cited Israel's unprecedented wave of attacks purportedly aimed at "decimating Hamas", which have so far killed over 15,000 Palestinians in the densely populated and blockaded Palestinian enclave Gaza Strip.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Germany to buy Israeli missile defense system for $4.3 billion</strong></p>

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<p>Notably, these militias have better military capabilities than Hamas given their recent history of leading interventions in the Yemeni civil war.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Against the conventional Hamas 'missiles' — described as 'homemade' — and are nothing more than explosive-based reconstructed plumbing pipes, Hezbollah and Houthis possess more sophisticated conventional weapons.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>What is the bottom-line?</strong></h2>

<p>The successful demonstration of Israel's Arrow 3 air defence system has demonstrated its capability by intercepting the Houthi missiles, and has now bettered its effectiveness in countering threats in the region.</p>

<p><em>Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments on the Israel-Palestine conflict after the Hamas attacks. However, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.</em></p>


For the first time in reported human history, a missile was shot down outside the Earth's atmosphere, throwing the debris effectively away from conventional gravitational pull of our planet, currently gripped by dozens of conflicts and two major wars; between Israel and Hamas, and Russia and Ukraine.

For the first time in reported human history, a missile was shot down outside the Earth's atmosphere, throwing the debris effectively away from conventional gravitational pull of our planet, currently gripped by dozens of conflicts and two major wars; between Israel and Hamas, and Russia and Ukraine. The significant as well as unprecedented development occurred last month after a Houthi missile heading towards southern Israel's Eilat was show down by the Arrow 3 system, jointly developed by Israel and the United States, the Times newspaper reported. The Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) had confirmed the first interception by Arrow 3 system on Nov 1 when it said that the missile was used to "thwart an aerial threat in the area of the Red Sea." What does it mean? The development has broken through the ceiling of cosmic warfare for the first time. It was reportedly the inaugural use of Israel's Arrow 3 air defence system which destroyed a "ballistic missile" — that are rocket-powered only in the initial (boost) phase of flight and thus are more advanced — allegedly fired from Yemen. Also read | Israel shows its air prowess, uses Arrow 3 ‘missile-killer’ for first time to intercept Houthi rockets In the wake of Israel's consequential intelligence failure to prevent the unprecedented wave of attacks by Palestinian group Hamas on October 7, the breakthrough is deemed militarily significant. Add this to the fact that the missile attacks by Hamas into Israel have aimed at tiring country's Iron-dome missile system out, the development is set to boost Israel's credentials to defend itself in a hostile neighbourhood. Israel-Hamas war: How the conflict has spread in the wider region? Immediately after Israel launched a retaliatory state of war following October 7 attacks, Iran-aligned militias — specifically Lebanon-based Hezbollah and Yemen-based Houthis — too launched attacks on Israel. They cited Israel's unprecedented wave of attacks purportedly aimed at "decimating Hamas", which have so far killed over 15,000 Palestinians in the densely populated and blockaded Palestinian enclave Gaza Strip. Also watch | Germany to buy Israeli missile defense system for $4.3 billion × Notably, these militias have better military capabilities than Hamas given their recent history of leading interventions in the Yemeni civil war. Against the conventional Hamas 'missiles' — described as 'homemade' — and are nothing more than explosive-based reconstructed plumbing pipes, Hezbollah and Houthis possess more sophisticated conventional weapons. What is the bottom-line? The successful demonstration of Israel's Arrow 3 air defence system has demonstrated its capability by intercepting the Houthi missiles, and has now bettered its effectiveness in countering threats in the region. Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments on the Israel-Palestine conflict after the Hamas attacks. However, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

Humanity's 'first' space war occurred during thick of Israel-Hamas conflict. Here's how

<p>Garba, the traditional dance form of western India's Gujarat which is also the home state of India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has been declared as an Intangible Heritage by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO).&nbsp;</p>

<p>In a post on social media platform X (formerly Twitter) on Wednesday, UNESCO said, "New inscription on the Intangible Heritage List: Garba of Gujarat, India. Congratulations!"</p>

<p>Prime Minister Narendra Modi also reacted to the development and hailed Garba as "a celebration of life".</p>

<p>"Garba is a celebration of life, unity and our deep-rooted traditions. Its inscription on the Intangible Heritage List showcases to the world the beauty of Indian culture. This honour inspires us to preserve and promote our heritage for future generations. Congrats for this global acknowledgment," Modi wrote on X.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>How India's Garba became world's intangible heritage?</strong></h2>

<p>The decision was reached at the 18th session of the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage. The meet is currently being held at the Cresta Mowana Resort in Kasane, Botswana.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">As the auspicious Navratri dawns upon us, I am delighted to share a Garba penned by me during the past week. Let the festive rhythms embrace everyone!<br />
<br />
I thank <a href="https://twitter.com/meetbros?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MeetBros</a>, Divya Kumar for giving voice and music to this Garba.<a href="https://t.co/WqnlUFJTXm">https://t.co/WqnlUFJTXm</a></p>
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1713405211027599851?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 15, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>The ongoing session, initiated on December 4 and set to conclude on December 9, highlights diverse cultural practices worldwide. Garba, a ritualistic and devotional dance integral to the Hindu festival of Navaratri, secured its place on this list.</p>

<h2><strong>What is Garba?</strong></h2>

<p>During Garba performances, participants encircle a perforated earthenware pot illuminated with an oil lamp or an image of the Hindu goddess Amba.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Navratri greetings to everyone. The coming days are about devoting ourselves to the worship of Jagat Janani Maa.<br />
<br />
May Navratri be the bringer of strength, good health and prosperity in everyone’s lives. <a href="https://t.co/f42HyGnUYM">pic.twitter.com/f42HyGnUYM</a></p>
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1445925962734968835?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 7, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p>The dance unfolds with clockwise movements, gradually intensifying to spirited whirling.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/lifestyle/news-whats-leading-to-heart-attack-deaths-during-navratri-at-garba-events-and-how-to-avoid-it-650600">Explained | What's leading to heart attack deaths during Navratri at garba events and how to avoid it?</a></strong></p>

<p>Practitioners, spanning dancers, musicians, social groups, craftspeople, and religious figures, constitute to the festive atmosphere in a designated <em>pandaal.</em></p>

<h2><strong>UNESCO's citation for Garba</strong></h2>

<p>According to the UNESCO's citation, Garba is not merely a dance but a cultural legacy which has continued through generations in both urban and rural settings. The transfer occurs through dedicated practice, live performances, imitation, and attentive observation.</p>

<p>Garba joins a distinguished roster of cultural elements from around the globe.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Other recent additions include the rickshaws and rickshaw painting in Dhaka, Bangladesh, Indonesia's Jamu wellness culture, and Thailand's Songkran festival.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Notably, various elements of heritage from India, such as the Nawrouz festival, Kumbh Mela, Durga Puja of Kolkata, Ramlila, and Vedic Chants, have also found a place on UNESCO's Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.</p>

<p>As of January 2022, a total of 14 Intangible Cultural Heritage elements are inscribed on UNESCO's list, a show of cultural diversity of our world.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Garba, the traditional dance form of western India's Gujarat which is also the home state of India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has been declared as an Intangible Heritage by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO).

Garba, the traditional dance form of western India's Gujarat which is also the home state of India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has been declared as an Intangible Heritage by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO). In a post on social media platform X (formerly Twitter) on Wednesday, UNESCO said, "New inscription on the Intangible Heritage List: Garba of Gujarat, India. Congratulations!" Prime Minister Narendra Modi also reacted to the development and hailed Garba as "a celebration of life". "Garba is a celebration of life, unity and our deep-rooted traditions. Its inscription on the Intangible Heritage List showcases to the world the beauty of Indian culture. This honour inspires us to preserve and promote our heritage for future generations. Congrats for this global acknowledgment," Modi wrote on X. How India's Garba became world's intangible heritage? The decision was reached at the 18th session of the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage. The meet is currently being held at the Cresta Mowana Resort in Kasane, Botswana. As the auspicious Navratri dawns upon us, I am delighted to share a Garba penned by me during the past week. Let the festive rhythms embrace everyone! I thank @MeetBros, Divya Kumar for giving voice and music to this Garba.https://t.co/WqnlUFJTXm — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) October 15, 2023 × The ongoing session, initiated on December 4 and set to conclude on December 9, highlights diverse cultural practices worldwide. Garba, a ritualistic and devotional dance integral to the Hindu festival of Navaratri, secured its place on this list. What is Garba? During Garba performances, participants encircle a perforated earthenware pot illuminated with an oil lamp or an image of the Hindu goddess Amba. Navratri greetings to everyone. The coming days are about devoting ourselves to the worship of Jagat Janani Maa. May Navratri be the bringer of strength, good health and prosperity in everyone’s lives. pic.twitter.com/f42HyGnUYM — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) October 7, 2021 × The dance unfolds with clockwise movements, gradually intensifying to spirited whirling. Also read | Explained | What's leading to heart attack deaths during Navratri at garba events and how to avoid it? Practitioners, spanning dancers, musicians, social groups, craftspeople, and religious figures, constitute to the festive atmosphere in a designated pandaal. UNESCO's citation for Garba According to the UNESCO's citation, Garba is not merely a dance but a cultural legacy which has continued through generations in both urban and rural settings. The transfer occurs through dedicated practice, live performances, imitation, and attentive observation. Garba joins a distinguished roster of cultural elements from around the globe. Other recent additions include the rickshaws and rickshaw painting in Dhaka, Bangladesh, Indonesia's Jamu wellness culture, and Thailand's Songkran festival. Notably, various elements of heritage from India, such as the Nawrouz festival, Kumbh Mela, Durga Puja of Kolkata, Ramlila, and Vedic Chants, have also found a place on UNESCO's Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. As of January 2022, a total of 14 Intangible Cultural Heritage elements are inscribed on UNESCO's list, a show of cultural diversity of our world. (With inputs from agencies)

PM Modi hails Garba as 'celebration of life' after UNESCO's listing of dance form as 'Intangible Heritage'

Cricket, Shah Rukh Khan’s Films and More: Wikipedia’s Most Read Articles in India in 2023

The annual verdict is out. The internet’s most sought-after Wikipedia pages remained on top of search engine results in 2023 too. In India, and for most Indians, these Wikipedia pages garnered most attention. 

The Pink tsunami of Barbie swept India too, with over 18 million visits on its Wikipedia pages.

The desi Swifties (as popstar Taylor Swift’s fans are called) flooded the Instagram with reels of theatres which showed Era’s Tour. In a year where Swift dominated the trends chart, her Wikipedia page’s emergence on most-viewed list is hardly a surprise. 

11. The Last of Us (TV series): 19,791,789 pageviews


Game of Thrones stars Bella Ramsay and Pedro Pascal donned the hat of Ellie and Joel in this post-apocalyptic HBO drama. The series’ Wikipedia page was widely viewed in India. 

10. Pathaan (film): 19,932,509 pageviews 

The Shah Rukh Khan-starrer dominated the box office as ‘the last of the stars’ returned to assert his star-power in India’s vast entertainment universe.

9. 2023 Indian Premier League: 20,694,974 pageviews

The annual Indian festival of T20 cricket also dominated the internet in terms of Wikipedia page visits.

The second of Shah Rukh Khan’s 2023 release was a bigger hit than Pathaan. And the Wikipedia page visits just show that with abject magnanimity.

7. J. Robert Oppenheimer: 25,672,469 pageviews

The ‘Barbenheimer’ spectacle was won by Barbie worldwide but in India, Oppenheimer became a buzzword. J. Robert Oppenheimer, the father of nuclear bomb topped the Wikipedia page visits in July when Christopher Nolan’s film by same name was released.

6. Cricket World Cup: 25,961,417 pageviews

In a country where the cricket’s popularity borders to the religion, the Cricket World Cup page being among top Wiki visits shouldn’t surprise anybody. 

5. Oppenheimer (film): 28,348,248 pageviews

You already know Indians were amongst the most curious bunch of people on the planet to know who was the ‘father of nuclear bomb’. The Oppenheimer film broke into the list of India’s most-visited Wikipedia pages of 2023.

4. Indian Premier League: 32,012,810 pageviews

While the 2023 edition of the IPL already made it to the list of most-visited Wikipedia pages in India, the Wikipedia page of Indian Premier League as whole broke into the list of top 5.

3. 2023 Cricket World Cup: 38,171,653 pageviews 

The final evidence of Cricket’s enduring popularity in India, the Wikipedia page of 2023 Cricket World Cup was the third most-visited page with over 38 million visits.

2. Deaths in 2023: 42,666,860 pageviews 

The Covid pandemic ended before the middle of 2023 but the deaths and dying still dominated the news cycle. The eternal truth, as it is called, became the second most-visited Wikipedia page in 2023.

There we have the winner. A generative AI free-for-all service became the buzzword of the year. Though it didn’t make it to ‘word of the year’ in any of the dictionaries, ChatGPT was on top of everyone’s minds on the internet.

On December 5, 2023, the Wikimedia Foundation released its annual list of the most viewed articles on English Wikipedia in 2023.

<p>Nearly 20&nbsp;months after Vladimir Putin announced a military offensive against Ukraine by describing them as 'special military operations', the Russian president landed in the United Arab Emirates in a rare visit outside the countries of former Soviet Union as well as China.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Putin was welcomed in the UAE with a 21-gun salute and a stunning flypast by Al Fursan, the UAE Air Force aerobatics team, showcasing Russian flag colours in smoke.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Watch: Russian President Vladimir Putin gets a grand welcome in the UAE with a 21-gun salute and a stunning flypast by Al Fursan, the UAE Air Force aerobatics team, showcasing Russian flag colors in smoke. <a href="https://t.co/M7VVQ38q2X">pic.twitter.com/M7VVQ38q2X</a></p>
— Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) <a href="https://twitter.com/sidhant/status/1732396269371543937?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 6, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>Putin's West Asia itinerary&nbsp;includes a visit to Saudi Arabia next.</p>

<p>The visit is rare because since December 2021 when the Russian president visited New Delhi for an annual India-Russia summit, he has not visited any other country except China and the countries of the erstwhile Soviet Union.&nbsp;</p>

<p>This is only the Russian leader's third trip outside the former Soviet Union since February 2022, after visits to Iran and China.</p>

<h2><strong>Putin's West Asia visit: Immediate backdrop</strong></h2>

<p>Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky has already conceded that the country's much-anticipated summer counteroffensive aimed to regain territories gained by Russia since February 2022, has not yielded expected results.</p>

<p>Besides, Russia has been able to withstand the impact of the economic sanctions by the US and European Union through straightforward oil exports to the countries such as India. While the European countries have been clandestinely buying Russian oil, and thus, are partly neutralising the impact of the sanctions.</p>

<p>With a wartime economy boosted by Russia's indigenous military-industry complex, the country recently proposed its biggest-ever defence budget.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/putin-trumps-wests-sanctions-as-moscow-proposes-largest-ever-federal-budget-659280">Putin trumps West's sanctions as Moscow proposes largest-ever federal budget with focus on defence</a></strong><br />
<br />
In West Asia, Putin is now expected to court his allies. The oil, trade as well as the Israel-Hamas conflict also feature in Putin's priorities during his current visit.</p>

<p>"Vladimir Putin has arrived in the United Arab Emirates for a working visit," the Kremlin said, before he was scheduled to travel onwards to Saudi Arabia.</p>

<p>Russian state television showed UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and other officials greeting Putin on the runway.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Trade and oil will be on the agenda in the UAE, which is "Russia's main economic partner in the Arab world," according to a statement issued by the Kremlin ahead of the visit.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Must think on how to stop the tragedy, says Putin | WION</strong></p>

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<p>Bilateral trade turnover between the two countries reached a record level $9bn in 2022, the Kremlin said.</p>

<p>Putin is expected to meet with the Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman when he arrives in Saudi Arabia later on Wednesday (Dec 6).</p>

<p>Putin, since March, has been wanted for war crimes by the International Criminal Court (ICC) which has accused him of unlawfully deporting Ukrainian children.</p>

<p>Putin skipped the BRICS summit in South Africa in August and G20 summit in New Delhi in September.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Nearly 20 months after Vladimir Putin announced a military offensive against Ukraine by describing them as 'special military operations', the Russian president landed in the United Arab Emirates in a rare visit outside the countries of former Soviet Union as well as China.

Nearly 20 months after Vladimir Putin announced a military offensive against Ukraine by describing them as 'special military operations', the Russian president landed in the United Arab Emirates in a rare visit outside the countries of former Soviet Union as well as China. Putin was welcomed in the UAE with a 21-gun salute and a stunning flypast by Al Fursan, the UAE Air Force aerobatics team, showcasing Russian flag colours in smoke. Watch: Russian President Vladimir Putin gets a grand welcome in the UAE with a 21-gun salute and a stunning flypast by Al Fursan, the UAE Air Force aerobatics team, showcasing Russian flag colors in smoke. pic.twitter.com/M7VVQ38q2X — Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) December 6, 2023 × Putin's West Asia itinerary includes a visit to Saudi Arabia next. The visit is rare because since December 2021 when the Russian president visited New Delhi for an annual India-Russia summit, he has not visited any other country except China and the countries of the erstwhile Soviet Union. This is only the Russian leader's third trip outside the former Soviet Union since February 2022, after visits to Iran and China. Putin's West Asia visit: Immediate backdrop Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky has already conceded that the country's much-anticipated summer counteroffensive aimed to regain territories gained by Russia since February 2022, has not yielded expected results. Besides, Russia has been able to withstand the impact of the economic sanctions by the US and European Union through straightforward oil exports to the countries such as India. While the European countries have been clandestinely buying Russian oil, and thus, are partly neutralising the impact of the sanctions. With a wartime economy boosted by Russia's indigenous military-industry complex, the country recently proposed its biggest-ever defence budget. Also read | Putin trumps West's sanctions as Moscow proposes largest-ever federal budget with focus on defence In West Asia, Putin is now expected to court his allies. The oil, trade as well as the Israel-Hamas conflict also feature in Putin's priorities during his current visit. "Vladimir Putin has arrived in the United Arab Emirates for a working visit," the Kremlin said, before he was scheduled to travel onwards to Saudi Arabia. Russian state television showed UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and other officials greeting Putin on the runway. Trade and oil will be on the agenda in the UAE, which is "Russia's main economic partner in the Arab world," according to a statement issued by the Kremlin ahead of the visit. Also watch | Must think on how to stop the tragedy, says Putin | WION × Bilateral trade turnover between the two countries reached a record level $9bn in 2022, the Kremlin said. Putin is expected to meet with the Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman when he arrives in Saudi Arabia later on Wednesday (Dec 6). Putin, since March, has been wanted for war crimes by the International Criminal Court (ICC) which has accused him of unlawfully deporting Ukrainian children. Putin skipped the BRICS summit in South Africa in August and G20 summit in New Delhi in September. (With inputs from agencies)

Putin enters West Asia powerplay in rare wartime visit to UAE, Saudi Arabia

<p>Italy's Prime Minister Giorgi Meloni and India's Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman featured among world's most powerful women of 2023. While Meloni was listed as world's fourth most powerful woman by the Forbes, Sitharaman was ranked at 32nd spot.</p>

<p>Forbes said that its 2023 Power List was determined by four main metrics, "money, media, impact and spheres of influence".</p>

<p>"For political leaders, we weighed gross domestic products and populations; for corporate chiefs, revenues, valuations and employee counts were critical," it said.</p>

<p>"Media mentions and social reach were analysed for all. The result: 100 women who are shaping the policies, products and political fights that define our world," Forbes wrote.&nbsp;</p>

<p>European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen topped the Forbes List of the world's most powerful women leaders followed by European Central Bank's president Christine Lagarde and the US Vice President Kamala Harris.</p>

<p>Popstar Taylor Swift was listed as the world's fifth most powerful woman in 2023.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Philanthropist Melinda Gates was listed as the tenth most powerful woman in 2023.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Giorgia Meloni fourth most powerful woman leader: Why is it so?</strong></h2>

<p>Italy's Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni took office in October 2022 and became the first woman in the modern history to hold that role. The president of Italy's right-wing Brothers of Italy party since March 2014, Meloni's role has been consequential in ensuring Italy's exit from the Chinese expansionist project Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).&nbsp;</p>

<p>She has been unapologetic about saying "yes to natural families and no to the LGBT lobby", deeming the parenting of children by same-sex couples as unnatural, in a row that snowballed into an unprecedented controversy in Europe's liberal landscape.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/italy-very-real-fears-for-lgbt-community-after-melonis-win-as-the-new-prime-minister-520379">Italy: 'Very real fears' for LGBT community after Meloni's win as the new prime minister</a></strong></p>

<p>But her most notable moment of political prominence has been a constitutional reform that she backed in November 2023. The said proposal&nbsp;would allow for the direct election of the prime minister in a nearly presidential manner.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Nirmala Sitharaman among world's most powerful women leaders: What does it mean?</strong></h2>

<p>India's Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman figuratively helms over the world's fifth largest economy. After former foreign minister Sushma Swaraj's death in 2019 and&nbsp;toning down of Union minister Smriti Irani's cabinet portfolios, Sitharaman is the&nbsp;most senior female figure in Prime Minister Narendra Modi's cabinet. Finance Minister since 2019, Sitharaman is a member of Rajya Sabha, the upper house of Indian parliament.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Nirmala Sitharaman top ranked Indian woman in Forbes list of Powerful Women 2023</strong></p>

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<p>Besides, Roshni Malhotra Nadar (60), Soma Mandal (70)&nbsp;and Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw (76), also feature in the Forbes' list of the world's most powerful women.&nbsp;</p>


Italy's Prime Minister Giorgi Meloni and India's Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman featured among world's most powerful women of 2023. While Meloni was listed as world's fourth most powerful woman by the Forbes, Sitharaman was ranked at 32nd spot.

Italy's Prime Minister Giorgi Meloni and India's Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman featured among world's most powerful women of 2023. While Meloni was listed as world's fourth most powerful woman by the Forbes, Sitharaman was ranked at 32nd spot. Forbes said that its 2023 Power List was determined by four main metrics, "money, media, impact and spheres of influence". "For political leaders, we weighed gross domestic products and populations; for corporate chiefs, revenues, valuations and employee counts were critical," it said. "Media mentions and social reach were analysed for all. The result: 100 women who are shaping the policies, products and political fights that define our world," Forbes wrote. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen topped the Forbes List of the world's most powerful women leaders followed by European Central Bank's president Christine Lagarde and the US Vice President Kamala Harris. Popstar Taylor Swift was listed as the world's fifth most powerful woman in 2023. Philanthropist Melinda Gates was listed as the tenth most powerful woman in 2023. Giorgia Meloni fourth most powerful woman leader: Why is it so? Italy's Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni took office in October 2022 and became the first woman in the modern history to hold that role. The president of Italy's right-wing Brothers of Italy party since March 2014, Meloni's role has been consequential in ensuring Italy's exit from the Chinese expansionist project Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). She has been unapologetic about saying "yes to natural families and no to the LGBT lobby", deeming the parenting of children by same-sex couples as unnatural, in a row that snowballed into an unprecedented controversy in Europe's liberal landscape. Also read | Italy: 'Very real fears' for LGBT community after Meloni's win as the new prime minister But her most notable moment of political prominence has been a constitutional reform that she backed in November 2023. The said proposal would allow for the direct election of the prime minister in a nearly presidential manner. Nirmala Sitharaman among world's most powerful women leaders: What does it mean? India's Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman figuratively helms over the world's fifth largest economy. After former foreign minister Sushma Swaraj's death in 2019 and toning down of Union minister Smriti Irani's cabinet portfolios, Sitharaman is the most senior female figure in Prime Minister Narendra Modi's cabinet. Finance Minister since 2019, Sitharaman is a member of Rajya Sabha, the upper house of Indian parliament. Also watch | Nirmala Sitharaman top ranked Indian woman in Forbes list of Powerful Women 2023 × Besides, Roshni Malhotra Nadar (60), Soma Mandal (70) and Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw (76), also feature in the Forbes' list of the world's most powerful women.

Italy's Giorgia Meloni, India's Nirmala Sitharaman listed among world's most powerful women

<p>Kyiv officials accused Moscow of committing a war crime after a grainy video on social media appeared to show several soldiers shooting two surrendering military personnel who emerged from a dugout at gunpoint.</p>

<p>The unverified video shows one soldier coming out of a foxhole on the battlefield with his hands up and then lying on the ground. A second soldier stumbles out and also lies down. The Russian troops then appear to open fire and the video ends.</p>

<p><b>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraines-former-president-alleges-was-blocked-from-leaving-nation-665714">Ukraine’s former president claims he was stopped from leaving country</a></b></p>

<p>The Ukrainian General Prosecutor's Office said: "The video shows a group of people in Russian uniforms shooting, at point-blank range, two unarmed servicemen in the uniform of the Armed Forces of Ukraine who were surrendering."</p>

<p>Reuters could not independently verify the authenticity, date or location of the video clip. The Russian defence ministry did not immediately respond to a request for comment.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Russia-Ukraine war | Kyiv: Fears of accident at Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant</strong></p>

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<p>Russia denies committing war crimes during its 21-month-old war in Ukraine. Kyiv says Russia regularly violates the rules of war.</p>

<p>"The execution of those who surrender is a war crime!" Ukrainian human rights ombudsman Dmytro Lubinets said late on Saturday on the Telegram messaging platform.</p>

<p>"Today, a video of the execution by Russian servicemen of Ukrainian soldiers who surrendered as prisoners appeared online. This is another violation of the Geneva Conventions and disrespect for international humanitarian law."</p>

<p>Deepstate, a popular Ukrainian war blog which posted the video clip, said the footage was filmed near Stepove on the Avdiivka front line in Donetsk region.</p>

<p>The General Prosecutor's Office said the incident took place in Pokrovsk district, a large area of the Donetsk region that runs close to Avdiivka, site of some of the fiercest fighting in recent weeks.</p>

<p>Oleksandr Shtupun, a spokesperson for Ukraine's Tavria military command, told the Ukrainska Pravda news website that the video was "glaring confirmation" that Russia violates the rules of warfare on a daily basis.</p>

<p>In March, a Ukrainian sniper was seen being shot dead in a video after defiantly saying "Glory to Ukraine," or "Slava Ukraini," a phrase that has taken on special significance as a common public greeting since the start of the war.</p>


Kyiv officials accused Moscow of committing a war crime after a grainy video on social media appeared to show several soldiers shooting two surrendering military personnel who emerged from a dugout at gunpoint.

Kyiv officials accused Moscow of committing a war crime after a grainy video on social media appeared to show several soldiers shooting two surrendering military personnel who emerged from a dugout at gunpoint. The unverified video shows one soldier coming out of a foxhole on the battlefield with his hands up and then lying on the ground. A second soldier stumbles out and also lies down. The Russian troops then appear to open fire and the video ends. Also read | Ukraine’s former president claims he was stopped from leaving country The Ukrainian General Prosecutor's Office said: "The video shows a group of people in Russian uniforms shooting, at point-blank range, two unarmed servicemen in the uniform of the Armed Forces of Ukraine who were surrendering." Reuters could not independently verify the authenticity, date or location of the video clip. The Russian defence ministry did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Also watch | Russia-Ukraine war | Kyiv: Fears of accident at Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant × Russia denies committing war crimes during its 21-month-old war in Ukraine. Kyiv says Russia regularly violates the rules of war. "The execution of those who surrender is a war crime!" Ukrainian human rights ombudsman Dmytro Lubinets said late on Saturday on the Telegram messaging platform. "Today, a video of the execution by Russian servicemen of Ukrainian soldiers who surrendered as prisoners appeared online. This is another violation of the Geneva Conventions and disrespect for international humanitarian law." Deepstate, a popular Ukrainian war blog which posted the video clip, said the footage was filmed near Stepove on the Avdiivka front line in Donetsk region. The General Prosecutor's Office said the incident took place in Pokrovsk district, a large area of the Donetsk region that runs close to Avdiivka, site of some of the fiercest fighting in recent weeks. Oleksandr Shtupun, a spokesperson for Ukraine's Tavria military command, told the Ukrainska Pravda news website that the video was "glaring confirmation" that Russia violates the rules of warfare on a daily basis. In March, a Ukrainian sniper was seen being shot dead in a video after defiantly saying "Glory to Ukraine," or "Slava Ukraini," a phrase that has taken on special significance as a common public greeting since the start of the war.

Kyiv claims Russia shot down Ukrainian soldiers who surrendered

<p>Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's ruling Bharatiya Janata Party won three key states in western and central India ahead of next year's general elections. The BJP, on December 3, unseated the principal opposition party Congress in two states, Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh, in another sign of the expanding political dominance of the BJP under Modi.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Congress party was able to win the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/telangana-election-results-2023-brs-concedes-defeat-extends-congratulations-to-congress-665743">southern state of Telangana</a>, which had its only third assembly election since its formation in June 2014 after its division from Andhra Pradesh state.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In India, the state elections do not decide the formation of government at the Centre in New Delhi's corridors of power. They partly decide the composition of the upper house of parliament or the Rajya Sabha (where members are elected by the members of state assemblies), and whose tenure almost never coincides with the tenure of Lok Sabha, the upper house of parliament directly elected by people during General Elections every five years.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-pm-modi-hails-four-state-election-results-as-victory-of-politics-of-development-665751">Hat-trick in state elections is guarantee of hat-trick in 2024, says Indian PM Modi</a></strong></p>

<p>The Congress party conceded defeat while hailing its grace-saving win in Telangana.</p>

<p>Here's how the elections looked like in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Telangana, according to the Election Commission of India.<img alt="Courtesy: Election Commission of India" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="bda8e0e7-2498-45e5-b061-588898e5e06a" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20-%202023-12-04T023837.200.png" /></p>

<p><em>Courtesy: Election Commission of India</em></p>

<h2><strong>What does it mean?</strong></h2>

<p>Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh, where the BJP won,&nbsp;together constitute 65 of 543 seats in Lok Sabha or Lower House of the Indian Parliament directly elected by the people every five years. The BJP currently holds 63 of these 65 seats, and for the Indian National Congress — the principal opposition party run by India's fourth-generation Nehru-Gandhi family — this loss is morale-shattering.</p>

<p>"We bow to the Janata Janardan," Indian PM&nbsp;Modi, wrote on X (formerly Twitter), expressing reverence for the electorate's mandate in these states.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Suggesting that the win in three states is a sign of BJP securing a third straight term in New Delhi, Modi, while delivering a speech at the BJP headquarters in New Delhi,&nbsp;said: "Some people are even saying that today's hattrick has guaranteed the hattrick in 2024."</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Assembly elections results: Backward castes, women swing the results towards BJP</strong></p>

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<p>In total, elections were held in five states&nbsp;— Rajasthan in western India, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh in central India, Telangana in southern India and Mizoram state in the northeast&nbsp;—&nbsp;in November to choose lawmakers for their local legislatures.</p>

<p>The Election Commission of India released the results for four states on Sunday (Dec 3), while counting in Mizoram will be done on Monday (Dec 4).</p>


Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's ruling Bharatiya Janata Party won three key states in western and central India ahead of next year's general elections. The BJP, on December 3, unseated the principal opposition party Congress in two states, Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh, in another sign of the expanding political dominance of the BJP under Modi.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's ruling Bharatiya Janata Party won three key states in western and central India ahead of next year's general elections. The BJP, on December 3, unseated the principal opposition party Congress in two states, Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh, in another sign of the expanding political dominance of the BJP under Modi. The Congress party was able to win the southern state of Telangana, which had its only third assembly election since its formation in June 2014 after its division from Andhra Pradesh state. In India, the state elections do not decide the formation of government at the Centre in New Delhi's corridors of power. They partly decide the composition of the upper house of parliament or the Rajya Sabha (where members are elected by the members of state assemblies), and whose tenure almost never coincides with the tenure of Lok Sabha, the upper house of parliament directly elected by people during General Elections every five years. Also read | Hat-trick in state elections is guarantee of hat-trick in 2024, says Indian PM Modi The Congress party conceded defeat while hailing its grace-saving win in Telangana. Here's how the elections looked like in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Telangana, according to the Election Commission of India. Courtesy: Election Commission of India What does it mean? Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh, where the BJP won, together constitute 65 of 543 seats in Lok Sabha or Lower House of the Indian Parliament directly elected by the people every five years. The BJP currently holds 63 of these 65 seats, and for the Indian National Congress — the principal opposition party run by India's fourth-generation Nehru-Gandhi family — this loss is morale-shattering. "We bow to the Janata Janardan," Indian PM Modi, wrote on X (formerly Twitter), expressing reverence for the electorate's mandate in these states. Suggesting that the win in three states is a sign of BJP securing a third straight term in New Delhi, Modi, while delivering a speech at the BJP headquarters in New Delhi, said: "Some people are even saying that today's hattrick has guaranteed the hattrick in 2024." Also watch | Assembly elections results: Backward castes, women swing the results towards BJP × In total, elections were held in five states — Rajasthan in western India, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh in central India, Telangana in southern India and Mizoram state in the northeast — in November to choose lawmakers for their local legislatures. The Election Commission of India released the results for four states on Sunday (Dec 3), while counting in Mizoram will be done on Monday (Dec 4).

India state election results: PM Modi's BJP scores a sweeping 3/4 in crucial test before 2024 final

<p>Nigeria's Benin bronzes, Egypt's bust of Ramesses the Great, Mexico's double-headed serpent, India's Amravati Marbles and Greece's Parthenon sculptures. To view these pieces of history from different parts of the world, one must visit London's British Museum.</p>

<p>The last of these, the Greek Parthenon sculptures from the 5th century BC — a collection of marble artworks from the ancient temple of Athena (the Parthenon) in Greece — became the centre of a diplomatic fallout between London and Athens this week.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Earlier this week, UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak cancelled a one-on-one meeting with Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis. Sunak accused his Greek counterpart Kyriakos Mitsotakis of "grandstanding" during a recent trip to London over the ownership of the Parthenon sculptures.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The purported "grandstanding" moment was a BBC interview Mitsotakis gave ahead of his visit in which he compared Parthenon's absence at the ancient temple of Athena akin to Mona Lisa cut in half.<img alt="People visit Parthenon gallery with a view of the Parthenon temple ruins atop the Acropolis archaeological site at the Acropolis Museum in Athens, Greece | Photo: REUTERS/Louisa Gouliamaki" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="50397432-f1f4-402a-bffc-4641269462d3" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20-%202023-12-04T062642.035.png" /></p>

<p><em>People visit Parthenon gallery with a view of the Parthenon temple ruins atop the Acropolis archaeological site at the Acropolis Museum in Athens, Greece | Reuters</em></p>

<p>"This is not a question of returning artefacts… this is not an ownership question, this is a reunification argument. Where can you best appreciate what is essentially one monument? It’s as if I had told you had cut the Mona Lisa in half and you would have half of it at the Louvre and half of it at the British Museum," the Greek Prime Minister said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Greek media reported that Prime Minister Mitsotakis was going to raise the issue of the return of Parthenon sculptures back to Greece with his British counterpart.</p>

<p>Sunak, in a parliamentary statement, said: "It was clear that the purpose of the meeting was not to discuss substantive issues for the future, but rather to grandstand and relitigate issues of the past."</p>

<p>The frustration in and beyond the Greek capital Athens over what they called Sunak's 'insult' to the 'greatness of Greek culture' became a rallying point this week for the return of artefacts stolen during the era of British imperial exploitation in past centuries.</p>

<p>The Parthenon sculptures have been on display at the British museum since 1817 when they were sold to the London-based establishment.&nbsp;</p>

<p>They were removed from the Acropolis in Athens by agents of the 7th Earl of Elgin who had been the British ambassador to Constantinople -- then the capital of the Ottoman Empire -- at the start of the 19th century, when Greece was controlled by the Ottomans.</p>

<p>It's not that negotiations have not been initiated by Athens for the return of a crucial Greek symbol of the ancient city-state of Athens, which is often considered the birthplace of Western civilisation.</p>

<p>But nothing has moved beyond symbolic progress.</p>

<p>Last year, the chair of the British Museum, George Osborne, said that there is a "deal to be done" over sharing the Parthenon Marbles with Greece.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-to-help-greece-reclaim-historical-artefacts-from-uk-reports-british-media-592664">India to help Greece reclaim historical artefacts from UK</a></strong></p>

<p>Earlier this month, he reiterated this plan, expressing&nbsp;hope that "we can reach an agreement with Greece", for at least some of the British Museum’s sculptures "to be seen in Athens". In return, he wants "other treasures from Greece, some that have never left those shores, to be seen here at the British Museum".</p>

<p>Despite a calming of the current London-Athens row over Parthenon sculptures, Greece has vowed to intensify its campaign for the reunification of these marbles amid Britain's reluctance.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-what-is-parthenon-sculptures-row-triggered-between-united-kingdom-and-greece-663622">Explained: The Parthenon Sculptures row between United Kingdom and Greece</a></strong></p>

<p>Sunak's cancellation of talks with his Greek counterpart ended up giving the cause of return of objects of colonial loot more global publicity than at any other time.</p>

<p>That's all for The Capitals this week. See you next weekend.</p>


Nigeria's Benin bronzes, Egypt's bust of Ramesses the Great, Mexico's double-headed serpent, India's Amravati Marbles and Greece's Parthenon sculptures. To view these pieces of history from different parts of the world, one must visit London's British Museum.

Nigeria's Benin bronzes, Egypt's bust of Ramesses the Great, Mexico's double-headed serpent, India's Amravati Marbles and Greece's Parthenon sculptures. To view these pieces of history from different parts of the world, one must visit London's British Museum. The last of these, the Greek Parthenon sculptures from the 5th century BC — a collection of marble artworks from the ancient temple of Athena (the Parthenon) in Greece — became the centre of a diplomatic fallout between London and Athens this week. Earlier this week, UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak cancelled a one-on-one meeting with Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis. Sunak accused his Greek counterpart Kyriakos Mitsotakis of "grandstanding" during a recent trip to London over the ownership of the Parthenon sculptures. The purported "grandstanding" moment was a BBC interview Mitsotakis gave ahead of his visit in which he compared Parthenon's absence at the ancient temple of Athena akin to Mona Lisa cut in half. People visit Parthenon gallery with a view of the Parthenon temple ruins atop the Acropolis archaeological site at the Acropolis Museum in Athens, Greece | Reuters "This is not a question of returning artefacts… this is not an ownership question, this is a reunification argument. Where can you best appreciate what is essentially one monument? It’s as if I had told you had cut the Mona Lisa in half and you would have half of it at the Louvre and half of it at the British Museum," the Greek Prime Minister said. The Greek media reported that Prime Minister Mitsotakis was going to raise the issue of the return of Parthenon sculptures back to Greece with his British counterpart. Sunak, in a parliamentary statement, said: "It was clear that the purpose of the meeting was not to discuss substantive issues for the future, but rather to grandstand and relitigate issues of the past." The frustration in and beyond the Greek capital Athens over what they called Sunak's 'insult' to the 'greatness of Greek culture' became a rallying point this week for the return of artefacts stolen during the era of British imperial exploitation in past centuries. The Parthenon sculptures have been on display at the British museum since 1817 when they were sold to the London-based establishment. They were removed from the Acropolis in Athens by agents of the 7th Earl of Elgin who had been the British ambassador to Constantinople -- then the capital of the Ottoman Empire -- at the start of the 19th century, when Greece was controlled by the Ottomans. It's not that negotiations have not been initiated by Athens for the return of a crucial Greek symbol of the ancient city-state of Athens, which is often considered the birthplace of Western civilisation. But nothing has moved beyond symbolic progress. Last year, the chair of the British Museum, George Osborne, said that there is a "deal to be done" over sharing the Parthenon Marbles with Greece. Also read | India to help Greece reclaim historical artefacts from UK Earlier this month, he reiterated this plan, expressing hope that "we can reach an agreement with Greece", for at least some of the British Museum’s sculptures "to be seen in Athens". In return, he wants "other treasures from Greece, some that have never left those shores, to be seen here at the British Museum". Despite a calming of the current London-Athens row over Parthenon sculptures, Greece has vowed to intensify its campaign for the reunification of these marbles amid Britain's reluctance. Also read | Explained: The Parthenon Sculptures row between United Kingdom and Greece Sunak's cancellation of talks with his Greek counterpart ended up giving the cause of return of objects of colonial loot more global publicity than at any other time. That's all for The Capitals this week. See you next weekend.

The Capitals: Athens renews campaign to get back stolen pieces of Greek history

<p>Leaders from nearly 120 nations vowed to triple the world's renewable energy capacity within the next seven years at COP28 summit in Dubai. The development has emerged as a collective push to shift away from fossil fuels and advance towards achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 despite the fact that major oil producers, including Saudi Arabia, Russia, Iran, and China, have opted not to join the initiative.</p>

<h2><strong>What does it mean?</strong></h2>

<p>These pledges are voluntary and non-binding. But their focus centres on an ambitious deployment of solar, wind, hydroelectric, and other renewable sources.</p>

<p>President Sultan Al Jaber, leading COP28, expressed the need for broader participation, particularly from key stakeholders. Notably, more than half of all nations signed up to triple global renewable capacity and double energy efficiency by 2030.</p>

<p>Clean energy advocates welcomed the commitment but called for the necessity of concurrently phasing out more polluting forms of energy.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Greenpeace's COP28 delegation head, Kaisa Kosonen, noted, "The future will be powered by solar and wind, but it won't happen fast enough unless governments regulate fossil fuels out of the way."</p>

<h2><b>COP28 summit: Inside oil companies' pledge to 'decarbonise'</b></h2>

<p>In another significant development, oil and gas companies responsible for 40 per cent of global production, including Saudi Aramco and UAE's ADNOC, pledged to decarbonise their operations by 2050 and curb methane emissions. However, these commitments excluded emissions from the burning of fuels by customers.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;COP28 summit in Dubai: India offers to host climate talks in 2028 | World News | WION</strong></p>

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<p>The issue of methane emissions gained prominence at COP28, with the US Environmental Protection Agency announcing tighter curbs on such emissions from the country's oil and gas industry.</p>

<p>Methane, responsible for about one-third of greenhouse gas warming, became a focal point in discussions between US climate envoy John Kerry and his Chinese counterpart Xie Zhenhua.</p>

<h2><strong>The US' call for tripling nuclear energy capacity</strong></h2>

<p>As world leaders gathered at COP28, the United States spearheaded a call by over 20 nations to triple nuclear energy capacity by 2050. &nbsp;Proponents say that it can play a "key role" in achieving carbon neutrality.</p>

<p>The US Vice President Kamala Harris announced a $3 billion contribution to a fund aiding developing countries in energy transition and climate change impacts, marking Washington's first pledge since 2014.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Leaders from nearly 120 nations vowed to triple the world's renewable energy capacity within the next seven years at COP28 summit in Dubai. The development has emerged as a collective push to shift away from fossil fuels and advance towards achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 despite the fact that major oil producers, including Saudi Arabia, Russia, Iran, and China, have opted not to join the initiative.

Leaders from nearly 120 nations vowed to triple the world's renewable energy capacity within the next seven years at COP28 summit in Dubai. The development has emerged as a collective push to shift away from fossil fuels and advance towards achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 despite the fact that major oil producers, including Saudi Arabia, Russia, Iran, and China, have opted not to join the initiative. What does it mean? These pledges are voluntary and non-binding. But their focus centres on an ambitious deployment of solar, wind, hydroelectric, and other renewable sources. President Sultan Al Jaber, leading COP28, expressed the need for broader participation, particularly from key stakeholders. Notably, more than half of all nations signed up to triple global renewable capacity and double energy efficiency by 2030. Clean energy advocates welcomed the commitment but called for the necessity of concurrently phasing out more polluting forms of energy. Greenpeace's COP28 delegation head, Kaisa Kosonen, noted, "The future will be powered by solar and wind, but it won't happen fast enough unless governments regulate fossil fuels out of the way." COP28 summit: Inside oil companies' pledge to 'decarbonise' In another significant development, oil and gas companies responsible for 40 per cent of global production, including Saudi Aramco and UAE's ADNOC, pledged to decarbonise their operations by 2050 and curb methane emissions. However, these commitments excluded emissions from the burning of fuels by customers. Also watch | COP28 summit in Dubai: India offers to host climate talks in 2028 | World News | WION × The issue of methane emissions gained prominence at COP28, with the US Environmental Protection Agency announcing tighter curbs on such emissions from the country's oil and gas industry. Methane, responsible for about one-third of greenhouse gas warming, became a focal point in discussions between US climate envoy John Kerry and his Chinese counterpart Xie Zhenhua. The US' call for tripling nuclear energy capacity As world leaders gathered at COP28, the United States spearheaded a call by over 20 nations to triple nuclear energy capacity by 2050. Proponents say that it can play a "key role" in achieving carbon neutrality. The US Vice President Kamala Harris announced a $3 billion contribution to a fund aiding developing countries in energy transition and climate change impacts, marking Washington's first pledge since 2014. (With inputs from agencies)

COP28 summit in Dubai makes breakthrough over renewable fuels. But there is a catch

India State Elections 2023: Top Winners In Race To Power 

Extremely popular as ‘mama’ (maternal uncle) as he likes to be called in Madhya Pradesh, Shivraj orchestrated a significant victory for the BJP, refuting all fears of anti-incumbency fears after three consecutive terms.





In Telangana, Revanth Reddy is likely to be the next chief minister after Congress party secured a decisive win in the state. 









The BJP lost in Telangana despite heavy campaigning by its star campaigner. A heartening consolation however was KV Ramana Reddy’s win in Kamareddy where he defeated the Chief Minister K. Chandrashekar Rao and Congress state chief Revanth Reddy.



At 52, with age by her side in terms of politics, Diya Kumari’s win is expected to result in a significant position of power for her in Rajasthan’s capital Jaipur.


Despite being sidelined, the former Rajasthan chief minister secured a decisive win from her Jhalarapatan seat. Raje continues to be the top Rajasthan CM contender within the BJP.


After Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, another monk has won an election for the BJP. This time it’s Mahant Balak Nath from Rajasthan’s Tijara constituency. 

The former Chhattisgarh chief minister has ensured a decisive victory for the BJP in central Indian state with most tribal population.


These are the politicians in race to power after four-state election results in India

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