Russia on Monday (Mar 25) refuted claims made by the United States that the militant group Islamic State was behind the Moscow attack that claimed the lives of 137 people and wounded 182 others, alleging that Washington was covering for Ukraine.

Four assailants opened fire on a crowd inside the Crocus City Hall on Friday night (Mar 22), during a concert by the Soviet-era rock group Picnic in what is being considered the bloodiest attack to occur within Russia in over two decades.

Russia on Sunday (Mar 24) charged the suspects with acts of terrorism in connection to the tragic attack.

As per a Reuters report citing Moscow Basmanny district courts' official Telegram channel, the suspects have been named as Dalerdzhon Mirzoyev, Saidakrami Rachabalizoda, Shamsidin Fariduni, and Muhammadsobir Fayzov.

The men, whom the Russian media identified as being citizens of the ex-Soviet republic of Tajikistan living in the country, would be remanded in pre-trial custody until May 22.

Reportedly, three of the four had pleaded guilty to all charges. One of them, as per Reuters, said he was promised half a million roubles (a little over $5,000) to carry out the attack.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/moscow-concert-hall-attack-russian-charges-four-suspects-amid-reports-they-did-it-for-money-703914">Moscow concert hall attack: Russia charges four suspects amid reports they did it 'for money'</a>

<h2>US officials say had warned Russia of attack</h2>

The United States officials said that they had warned Moscow about an imminent attack earlier this month.

Islamic State has claimed responsibility for the attack and has also released footage that it claims is from the tragic incident.

However, Russia's Foreign Ministry spokeswoman, Maria Zakharova, questioned the assertions made by the United States stating that the Islamic State, which previously made attempts to seize control of swathes of Iraq and Syria, was the one who orchestrated the attack.

In an article for the Komsomolskaya Pravda newspaper, she stated that the United States was on purpose spurring the "bogeyman" of Islamic State in order to conceal its "wards" in Kyiv.

She further mentioned in the article how Washington backed the "mujahideen" fighters who fought Soviet forces in the 1980s.&nbsp;

Putin in an earlier address had claimed that&nbsp;the attackers made their way to the Bryansk region, about 340 km (210 miles) southwest of Moscow.

"They tried to hide and moved towards Ukraine, where, according to preliminary data, a window was prepared for them on the Ukrainian side to cross the state border," he said.

Meanwhile, Ukraine has denied any role in the attack. 
&nbsp; 
(With inputs from agencies)

Russia on Monday (Mar 25) refuted claims made by the United States that the militant group Islamic State was behind the Moscow attack that claimed the lives of 137 people and wounded 182 others, alleging that Washington was covering for Ukraine.

Russia on Monday (Mar 25) refuted claims made by the United States that the militant group Islamic State was behind the Moscow attack that claimed the lives of 137 people and wounded 182 others, alleging that Washington was covering for Ukraine. Four assailants opened fire on a crowd inside the Crocus City Hall on Friday night (Mar 22), during a concert by the Soviet-era rock group Picnic in what is being considered the bloodiest attack to occur within Russia in over two decades. Russia on Sunday (Mar 24) charged the suspects with acts of terrorism in connection to the tragic attack. As per a Reuters report citing Moscow Basmanny district courts' official Telegram channel, the suspects have been named as Dalerdzhon Mirzoyev, Saidakrami Rachabalizoda, Shamsidin Fariduni, and Muhammadsobir Fayzov. The men, whom the Russian media identified as being citizens of the ex-Soviet republic of Tajikistan living in the country, would be remanded in pre-trial custody until May 22. Reportedly, three of the four had pleaded guilty to all charges. One of them, as per Reuters, said he was promised half a million roubles (a little over $5,000) to carry out the attack. Also read: Moscow concert hall attack: Russia charges four suspects amid reports they did it 'for money' US officials say had warned Russia of attack The United States officials said that they had warned Moscow about an imminent attack earlier this month. Islamic State has claimed responsibility for the attack and has also released footage that it claims is from the tragic incident. However, Russia's Foreign Ministry spokeswoman, Maria Zakharova, questioned the assertions made by the United States stating that the Islamic State, which previously made attempts to seize control of swathes of Iraq and Syria, was the one who orchestrated the attack. In an article for the Komsomolskaya Pravda newspaper, she stated that the United States was on purpose spurring the "bogeyman" of Islamic State in order to conceal its "wards" in Kyiv. She further mentioned in the article how Washington backed the "mujahideen" fighters who fought Soviet forces in the 1980s. Putin in an earlier address had claimed that the attackers made their way to the Bryansk region, about 340 km (210 miles) southwest of Moscow. "They tried to hide and moved towards Ukraine, where, according to preliminary data, a window was prepared for them on the Ukrainian side to cross the state border," he said. Meanwhile, Ukraine has denied any role in the attack. (With inputs from agencies)

Russia questions US assertions about Islamic State orchestrating Moscow attack

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday (Mar 25) called off his senior aides’ trip to Washington after the United States abstained from vetoing a United Nations Security Council proposal calling for a ceasefire in war-torn Gaza.

The Israeli prime minister released a statement saying that the United States inability to veto the proposal&nbsp;showed a "clear retreat" from its prior stance and would harm both the combat operation against Palestinian militant group Hamas as well as the endeavour to free more than 130 hostages who were still held captive in the Gaza Strip.

"In light of the change in the American position, Prime Minister Netanyahu decided the delegation would not leave," his office said.

The United Nations Security Council (UNSC), on Monday (Mar 25) passed a resolution calling for an “immediate ceasefire” in Gaza amid the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas during the month of Ramadan and an unconditional release of all hostages held in the besieged enclave. &nbsp;&nbsp;

The UNSC adopted the resolution with 14 council members voting in favour of the measure while the United States abstained. &nbsp;

The text demanded an “immediate ceasefire” for the ongoing Muslim holy month of Ramadan, “leading to a permanent sustainable ceasefire.”

The White House, however, denied that the abstention reflected a diversion in American policy.

The high-level delegation was scheduled to fly to Washington to hold talks around a planned Israeli military operation in the southern Gaza city of Rafah, where reportedly over a million Palestinians are seeking refuge.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/unsc-to-vote-on-new-gaza-ceasefire-draft-as-un-chief-indicates-growing-international-consensus-704087">UNSC passes resolution demanding ‘immediate ceasefire’ in Gaza as US abstains</a>

<h2>We're very disappointed that they won't be coming:&nbsp;John Kirby</h2>

White House national security spokesperson John Kirby said that Netanyahu's decision to call off the meeting was unfortunate, however, the US would put forward its concerns regarding Israeli policies as part of the discussions between the two governments.

"It's disappointing. We're very disappointed that they won't be coming to Washington DC to allow us to have a fulsome conversation with them about viable alternatives to them going in on the ground in Rafah," Kirby said.

“Nothing has changed about our view that a major ground offensive in Rafah would be a major mistake."

<h2>Israel bars aid delivery to north Gaza&nbsp;</h2>

Meanwhile, the UN agency for Palestinian refugees on Sunday stated that Israel had permanently banned them from delivering aid to the northern Gaza region, where the threat of starvation was at its peak.

"Despite the tragedy unfolding under our watch, the Israeli Authorities informed the UN that they will no longer approve any @UNRWA food convoys to the north," Philippe Lazzarini, the head of the agency, said on X.

"This is outrageous and makes it intentional to obstruct lifesaving assistance during a man-made famine."

(With inputs from agencies)

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday (Mar 25) called off his senior aides’ trip to Washington after the United States abstained from vetoing a United Nations Security Council proposal calling for a ceasefire in war-torn Gaza.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday (Mar 25) called off his senior aides’ trip to Washington after the United States abstained from vetoing a United Nations Security Council proposal calling for a ceasefire in war-torn Gaza. The Israeli prime minister released a statement saying that the United States inability to veto the proposal showed a "clear retreat" from its prior stance and would harm both the combat operation against Palestinian militant group Hamas as well as the endeavour to free more than 130 hostages who were still held captive in the Gaza Strip. "In light of the change in the American position, Prime Minister Netanyahu decided the delegation would not leave," his office said. The United Nations Security Council (UNSC), on Monday (Mar 25) passed a resolution calling for an “immediate ceasefire” in Gaza amid the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas during the month of Ramadan and an unconditional release of all hostages held in the besieged enclave. The UNSC adopted the resolution with 14 council members voting in favour of the measure while the United States abstained. The text demanded an “immediate ceasefire” for the ongoing Muslim holy month of Ramadan, “leading to a permanent sustainable ceasefire.” The White House, however, denied that the abstention reflected a diversion in American policy. The high-level delegation was scheduled to fly to Washington to hold talks around a planned Israeli military operation in the southern Gaza city of Rafah, where reportedly over a million Palestinians are seeking refuge. Also read: UNSC passes resolution demanding ‘immediate ceasefire’ in Gaza as US abstains We're very disappointed that they won't be coming: John Kirby White House national security spokesperson John Kirby said that Netanyahu's decision to call off the meeting was unfortunate, however, the US would put forward its concerns regarding Israeli policies as part of the discussions between the two governments. "It's disappointing. We're very disappointed that they won't be coming to Washington DC to allow us to have a fulsome conversation with them about viable alternatives to them going in on the ground in Rafah," Kirby said. “Nothing has changed about our view that a major ground offensive in Rafah would be a major mistake." Israel bars aid delivery to north Gaza Meanwhile, the UN agency for Palestinian refugees on Sunday stated that Israel had permanently banned them from delivering aid to the northern Gaza region, where the threat of starvation was at its peak. "Despite the tragedy unfolding under our watch, the Israeli Authorities informed the UN that they will no longer approve any @UNRWA food convoys to the north," Philippe Lazzarini, the head of the agency, said on X. "This is outrageous and makes it intentional to obstruct lifesaving assistance during a man-made famine." (With inputs from agencies)

Israeli PM Netanyahu calls off high-level delegation's visit to US over UN Gaza vote

With Lok Sabha elections drawing closer, the Congress party released its sixth list on Monday (Mar 25) including candidates that have been fielded from Rajasthan and Tamil Nadu.

The grand old party announced four candidates from Rajasthan and one from Tamil Nadu.

Rajasthan

- The party has decided to field to Ramchandra Choudhary from the Ajmer Lok Sabha seat

- Sudarshan Rawat has been fielded from Rajsamand

- Damodar Gurjar has been given the ticket from Bhilwara

- Prahlad Gunjal has been pitted from Kota constituency where he will face Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla

Rajasthan, which has a total of 25 parliamentary constituencies, is set to vote in two phases.&nbsp;

Twelve seats will go to polling during Phase 1, which is on April 19. Whereas, the remaining 13 seats will go into polling in the second phase, which is on April 26.

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Congress releases the sixth list of candidates for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. <a href="https://t.co/rOump3WGto">pic.twitter.com/rOump3WGto</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1772211692027441659?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 25, 2024</a></blockquote>
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Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/bjp-kangana-ranaut-slam-supriya-shrinate-over-objectionable-post-every-woman-deserves-dignity-704113">BJP, Kangana Ranaut slam Congress’ Supriya over objectionable post; ‘every woman deserves dignity’</a>

Tamil Nadu

- C Robert Bruce has been fielded from the Tirunelveli constituency.

Tamil Nadu is set to go into polling on April 19 for all the 39 Lok Sabha seats.

The party added that Tharahai Cuthbert will contest the bye-election from the Vilavancode constituency in Tamil Nadu.

Congress had earlier on Sunday released its fifth list which included three candidates including Pratap Singh Khachariyawas from Jaipur who replaced Sunil Sharma.

The election for 543 Lok Sabha seats is set to be held in seven phases starting April 19.&nbsp;

The Congress has announced names for 190 constituencies, while the BJP has announced names for 402 Lok Sabha seats so far.

The counting of the votes will take place on June 4.

Lok Sabha 2019 elections witnessed the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) win 303 seats, whereas the Indian National Congress (INC) got 52 seats.

In the 2014 Lok Sabha election, the BJP won 282 seats, while the Indian National Congress (INC) grabbed 44 seats.

(With inputs from agencies)

With Lok Sabha elections drawing closer, the Congress party released its sixth list on Monday (Mar 25) including candidates that have been fielded from Rajasthan and Tamil Nadu.

With Lok Sabha elections drawing closer, the Congress party released its sixth list on Monday (Mar 25) including candidates that have been fielded from Rajasthan and Tamil Nadu. The grand old party announced four candidates from Rajasthan and one from Tamil Nadu. Rajasthan - The party has decided to field to Ramchandra Choudhary from the Ajmer Lok Sabha seat - Sudarshan Rawat has been fielded from Rajsamand - Damodar Gurjar has been given the ticket from Bhilwara - Prahlad Gunjal has been pitted from Kota constituency where he will face Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla Rajasthan, which has a total of 25 parliamentary constituencies, is set to vote in two phases. Twelve seats will go to polling during Phase 1, which is on April 19. Whereas, the remaining 13 seats will go into polling in the second phase, which is on April 26. Congress releases the sixth list of candidates for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. pic.twitter.com/rOump3WGto — ANI (@ANI) March 25, 2024 × Also read: BJP, Kangana Ranaut slam Congress’ Supriya over objectionable post; ‘every woman deserves dignity’ Tamil Nadu - C Robert Bruce has been fielded from the Tirunelveli constituency. Tamil Nadu is set to go into polling on April 19 for all the 39 Lok Sabha seats. The party added that Tharahai Cuthbert will contest the bye-election from the Vilavancode constituency in Tamil Nadu. Congress had earlier on Sunday released its fifth list which included three candidates including Pratap Singh Khachariyawas from Jaipur who replaced Sunil Sharma. The election for 543 Lok Sabha seats is set to be held in seven phases starting April 19. The Congress has announced names for 190 constituencies, while the BJP has announced names for 402 Lok Sabha seats so far. The counting of the votes will take place on June 4. Lok Sabha 2019 elections witnessed the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) win 303 seats, whereas the Indian National Congress (INC) got 52 seats. In the 2014 Lok Sabha election, the BJP won 282 seats, while the Indian National Congress (INC) grabbed 44 seats. (With inputs from agencies)

Lok Sabha polls 2024: Congress releases sixth list including candidates for Tamil Nadu, Rajasthan

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Monday (Mar 25) slammed Congress national spokesperson Supriya Shrinate over a now-deleted Instagram post that featured a picture of actor-turned-politician Kangana Ranaut accompanied by an objectionable caption, demanding Shrinate's immediate removal from the party.

Kangana Ranaut, who was handed over BJP's ticket from Himachal Pradesh's Mandi constituency for the upcoming Lok Sabha polls, took to her social media account and hit out at Shrinate stating that every woman in the world "deserves her dignity".

"Dear Supriya ji In the last 20 years of my career as an artist I have played all kinds of women. From a naive girl in Queen to a seductive spy in Dhaakad, from a goddess in Manikarnika to a demon in Chandramukhi, from a prostitute in Rajjo to a revolutionary leader in Thalaivii," Ranaut said in a post on X.

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Dear Supriya ji 
In the last 20 years of my career as an artist I have played all kinds of women. From a naive girl in Queen to a seductive spy in Dhaakad, from a goddess in Manikarnika to a demon in Chandramukhi, from a prostitute in Rajjo to a revolutionary leader in Thalaivii.… <a href="https://t.co/GJbhJTQAzW">pic.twitter.com/GJbhJTQAzW</a>
— Kangana Ranaut (@KanganaTeam) <a href="https://twitter.com/KanganaTeam/status/1772233279879643193?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 25, 2024</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

"We must free our daughters from the shackles of prejudices, we must rise above the curiosity about their body parts and above all we must refrain from using sex workers’ challenging lives or circumstances as some kind of abuse or slur... every woman deserves her dignity...," she added.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/kangana-ranaut-to-contest-in-lok-sabha-elections-from-mandi-on-bjp-ticket-703858">Actor Kangana Ranaut to contest Lok Sabha elections on BJP ticket from Mandi in Himachal</a>

<h2>'Kharge should take stern action against Shrinate,' says Malviya</h2>

BJP leaders Shehzad Poonawalla and Amit Malviya also lashed out at Shrinate over the post.

Malviya, the in-charge of BJP's national information and technology department, said that Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge should take strict action against Shrinate.

"Congress's Supriya Shrinate makes an obnoxious comment on Kangana Ranaut in an Insta post. It is so disgusting that one can't help, but ask - how does Congress collect so much filth in one place? If Kharge has any say in the party, he must sack her immediately or else resign," Malviya, who is BJP IT cell head, posted on X.

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Congress’s Supriya Shrinate makes an obnoxious comment on Kangana Ranaut in an Insta post. It is so disgusting that one can’t help, but ask - how does Congress collect so much filth in one place? 
 
If CP <a href="https://twitter.com/kharge?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Kharge</a> has any say in the party, he must sack her immediately or else… <a href="https://t.co/gM032dYf4x">pic.twitter.com/gM032dYf4x</a>
— Amit Malviya (मोदी का परिवार) (@amitmalviya) <a href="https://twitter.com/amitmalviya/status/1772222481970954592?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 25, 2024</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

Poonawalla, dubbing the comments made by the Congress leader as despicable demanded her to be immediately sacked.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | BJP Leader Shehzad Poonawalla says, "... Supriya Shrinate has made disgusting comment and poster on Kangana Ranut who has been given a Lok Sabha ticket from Mandi..." <a href="https://t.co/lk4ZFEskPg">pic.twitter.com/lk4ZFEskPg</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1772230292935205293?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 25, 2024</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

"The comments by Supriya Shrinate on Kangana Team are despicable! Should be immediately sacked. Will Priyanka Gandhi speak up? Will Kharge ji sack her! Where is the "Hathras" lobby now? First they justified Sandeshkhali, then Lal Singh getting a ticket from Congress and now this," he posted on X.

Shrinate triggered a massive uproar on the internet after an objectionable post from her social media account about Ranaut went viral.

She later denied posting the same stating that someone else who had an access to her account shared the "absolutely disgusting and objectionable post".

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Someone who had access to my meta accounts ( FB and Insta) posted an absolutely disgusting and objectionable post, which has been taken down. 
 
Anyone who knows me will know I would never say that for a woman. 
 
However a parody account that I have just discovered misusing my name…
— Supriya Shrinate (@SupriyaShrinate) <a href="https://twitter.com/SupriyaShrinate/status/1772218518282359056?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 25, 2024</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

"Someone who had access to my meta accounts (FB and Insta) posted an absolutely disgusting and objectionable post, which has been taken down. Anyone who knows me will know I would never say that for a woman. However, a parody account that I have just discovered misusing my name is being run on Twitter which started the whole mischief, and is being reported," she said.

(With inputs from media agencies)

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Monday (Mar 25) slammed Congress national spokesperson Supriya Shrinate over a now-deleted Instagram post that featured a picture of actor-turned-politician Kangana Ranaut accompanied by an objectionable caption, demanding Shrinate's immediate removal from the party.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Monday (Mar 25) slammed Congress national spokesperson Supriya Shrinate over a now-deleted Instagram post that featured a picture of actor-turned-politician Kangana Ranaut accompanied by an objectionable caption, demanding Shrinate's immediate removal from the party. Kangana Ranaut, who was handed over BJP's ticket from Himachal Pradesh's Mandi constituency for the upcoming Lok Sabha polls, took to her social media account and hit out at Shrinate stating that every woman in the world "deserves her dignity". "Dear Supriya ji In the last 20 years of my career as an artist I have played all kinds of women. From a naive girl in Queen to a seductive spy in Dhaakad, from a goddess in Manikarnika to a demon in Chandramukhi, from a prostitute in Rajjo to a revolutionary leader in Thalaivii," Ranaut said in a post on X. Dear Supriya ji In the last 20 years of my career as an artist I have played all kinds of women. From a naive girl in Queen to a seductive spy in Dhaakad, from a goddess in Manikarnika to a demon in Chandramukhi, from a prostitute in Rajjo to a revolutionary leader in Thalaivii.… pic.twitter.com/GJbhJTQAzW — Kangana Ranaut (@KanganaTeam) March 25, 2024 × "We must free our daughters from the shackles of prejudices, we must rise above the curiosity about their body parts and above all we must refrain from using sex workers’ challenging lives or circumstances as some kind of abuse or slur... every woman deserves her dignity...," she added. Also read: Actor Kangana Ranaut to contest Lok Sabha elections on BJP ticket from Mandi in Himachal 'Kharge should take stern action against Shrinate,' says Malviya BJP leaders Shehzad Poonawalla and Amit Malviya also lashed out at Shrinate over the post. Malviya, the in-charge of BJP's national information and technology department, said that Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge should take strict action against Shrinate. "Congress's Supriya Shrinate makes an obnoxious comment on Kangana Ranaut in an Insta post. It is so disgusting that one can't help, but ask - how does Congress collect so much filth in one place? If Kharge has any say in the party, he must sack her immediately or else resign," Malviya, who is BJP IT cell head, posted on X. Congress’s Supriya Shrinate makes an obnoxious comment on Kangana Ranaut in an Insta post. It is so disgusting that one can’t help, but ask - how does Congress collect so much filth in one place? If CP @Kharge has any say in the party, he must sack her immediately or else… pic.twitter.com/gM032dYf4x — Amit Malviya (मोदी का परिवार) (@amitmalviya) March 25, 2024 × Poonawalla, dubbing the comments made by the Congress leader as despicable demanded her to be immediately sacked. #WATCH | BJP Leader Shehzad Poonawalla says, "... Supriya Shrinate has made disgusting comment and poster on Kangana Ranut who has been given a Lok Sabha ticket from Mandi..." pic.twitter.com/lk4ZFEskPg — ANI (@ANI) March 25, 2024 × "The comments by Supriya Shrinate on Kangana Team are despicable! Should be immediately sacked. Will Priyanka Gandhi speak up? Will Kharge ji sack her! Where is the "Hathras" lobby now? First they justified Sandeshkhali, then Lal Singh getting a ticket from Congress and now this," he posted on X. Shrinate triggered a massive uproar on the internet after an objectionable post from her social media account about Ranaut went viral. She later denied posting the same stating that someone else who had an access to her account shared the "absolutely disgusting and objectionable post". Someone who had access to my meta accounts ( FB and Insta) posted an absolutely disgusting and objectionable post, which has been taken down. Anyone who knows me will know I would never say that for a woman. However a parody account that I have just discovered misusing my name… — Supriya Shrinate (@SupriyaShrinate) March 25, 2024 × "Someone who had access to my meta accounts (FB and Insta) posted an absolutely disgusting and objectionable post, which has been taken down. Anyone who knows me will know I would never say that for a woman. However, a parody account that I have just discovered misusing my name is being run on Twitter which started the whole mischief, and is being reported," she said. (With inputs from media agencies)

Kangana Ranaut, BJP slam Congress’ Supriya over objectionable post: ‘Every woman deserves dignity’

India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Sunday (Mar 24) said&nbsp;“a terrorist is a terrorist” and one should never allow terrorism to either be excused or defended just because people were using a different explanation for it. &nbsp;

His remarks at an interaction with the Indian community in Singapore came in the wake of the terror attack in a Moscow theatre that left nearly 140 people dead.

In response to a question about how Indian officials handle delicate and linguistically disparate subjects with their international counterparts, Jaishankar stated that many countries bring their own cultures, traditions, and at times their ideas to the table while engaging in diplomatic discussions.

"It's also natural that there will be different viewpoints. And what diplomacy is about is to find a way of reconciling it and coming to some kind of agreement," he said.

However, he said there were some issues like terrorism where clarity persists and there is no scope for confusion.

"You can take it in any language, but a terrorist is a terrorist in any language," he said.

"Never allow something like terrorism to be excused or defended because they're using a different language or a different explanation," he said.

His comments could also be an apparent reference to China which has in the past dismissed proposals put forward by India and the US at the United Nations Security Council to blacklist several Pakistan-based terrorists, including Lashkar-e-Taiba terrorist Sajid Mir.

He said there can be issues where two countries can genuinely have different viewpoints and there "will be issues when they are used as a cover as an excuse as a justification."

He then said that one should just know how to spot the difference and figure out a way to deal with it.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/jaishankar-dials-russian-counterpart-lavrov-expresses-condolence-over-loss-of-lives-in-moscow-terror-attack-703825">Jaishankar dials Lavrov, condoles loss of lives in Moscow terror attack</a>

<h2>Jaishankar dismisses China’s claims on Arunachal Pradesh</h2>

Rebuffing China's claims regarding Arunachal Pradesh as “ludicrous”, Jaishankar on Saturday reiterated that the state was a “natural part of India”.

Responding to China's opposition to Indian leaders visiting the state and its repeated claims on Arunachal Pradesh, Jaishankar said that it was not a new issue.

“This is not a new issue. I mean China has laid claim, it has expanded its claim. The claims are ludicrous, to begin with, and remain ludicrous today,” he said in response to a question on the Arunachal issue after delivering a lecture at the NUS Institute of South Asian Studies.

He further underlined that Arunachal Pradesh was a “natural part of India.”&nbsp;

“So, I think we’ve been very clear, very consistent on this. And I think you know that is something which will be part of the boundary discussions which are taking place,” he stated. 
&nbsp; 
(With inputs from agencies)

India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Sunday (Mar 24) said “a terrorist is a terrorist” and one should never allow terrorism to either be excused or defended just because people were using a different explanation for it.

India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Sunday (Mar 24) said “a terrorist is a terrorist” and one should never allow terrorism to either be excused or defended just because people were using a different explanation for it. His remarks at an interaction with the Indian community in Singapore came in the wake of the terror attack in a Moscow theatre that left nearly 140 people dead. In response to a question about how Indian officials handle delicate and linguistically disparate subjects with their international counterparts, Jaishankar stated that many countries bring their own cultures, traditions, and at times their ideas to the table while engaging in diplomatic discussions. "It's also natural that there will be different viewpoints. And what diplomacy is about is to find a way of reconciling it and coming to some kind of agreement," he said. However, he said there were some issues like terrorism where clarity persists and there is no scope for confusion. "You can take it in any language, but a terrorist is a terrorist in any language," he said. "Never allow something like terrorism to be excused or defended because they're using a different language or a different explanation," he said. His comments could also be an apparent reference to China which has in the past dismissed proposals put forward by India and the US at the United Nations Security Council to blacklist several Pakistan-based terrorists, including Lashkar-e-Taiba terrorist Sajid Mir. He said there can be issues where two countries can genuinely have different viewpoints and there "will be issues when they are used as a cover as an excuse as a justification." He then said that one should just know how to spot the difference and figure out a way to deal with it. Also read: Jaishankar dials Lavrov, condoles loss of lives in Moscow terror attack Jaishankar dismisses China’s claims on Arunachal Pradesh Rebuffing China's claims regarding Arunachal Pradesh as “ludicrous”, Jaishankar on Saturday reiterated that the state was a “natural part of India”. Responding to China's opposition to Indian leaders visiting the state and its repeated claims on Arunachal Pradesh, Jaishankar said that it was not a new issue. “This is not a new issue. I mean China has laid claim, it has expanded its claim. The claims are ludicrous, to begin with, and remain ludicrous today,” he said in response to a question on the Arunachal issue after delivering a lecture at the NUS Institute of South Asian Studies. He further underlined that Arunachal Pradesh was a “natural part of India.” “So, I think we’ve been very clear, very consistent on this. And I think you know that is something which will be part of the boundary discussions which are taking place,” he stated. (With inputs from agencies)

India's Jaishankar, in wake of Moscow attack, says terror shouldn't be defended; takes dig at China

In the cash-for-query case against Mahua Moitra, the controversial&nbsp; businessman Darshan Hiranandani has been listed as a co-accused along with the former Trinamool Congress (TMC) lawmaker by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).&nbsp;Moitra was expelled from the lower house of the Indian parliament in the case last December.

Th first information report (FIR) from CBI&nbsp;comes after the Indian investigation agency on Saturday (Mar 23) raided the Kolkata residence of Moitra.

The anti-corruption body Lokpal earlier this week had ordered the CBI to probe all accusations made against the TMC leader.

The CBI has been asked to file a report of the case within six months, along with updated status every month.

"After careful evaluation and consideration of the entire material on record, there remains no doubt regarding the fact that the allegations levelled against the Respondent Public Servant (RPS), most of which are supported by cogent evidence, are extremely serious in nature, especially in view of the position held by her. Therefore, in our considered opinion, a deeper probe is required to establish the truth," Lokpal had said in its order.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/cash-for-query-case-lokpal-orders-cbi-to-probe-tmc-leader-mahua-moitra-702069">Also read:&nbsp;</a><a data-ved="2ahUKEwidv_P144mFAxUC2DgGHRlnCcAQxfQBKAB6BAgMEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/cash-for-query-case-lokpal-orders-cbi-to-probe-tmc-leader-mahua-moitra-702069" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/cash-for-query-case-lokpal-orders-cbi-to-probe-tmc-leader-mahua-moitra-702069&amp;ved=2ahUKEwidv_P144mFAxUC2DgGHRlnCcAQxfQBKAB6BAgMEAE">Cash-for-query case: India anti-graft body Lokpal orders CBI to probe TMC leader Mahua Moitra</a>

<h2>The cash-for-query case</h2>

Last year, an ethics panel of Indian parliament recommended Moitra's removal as MP over allegations that she&nbsp;took bribes from businessman Darshan Hiranandani in exchange for asking questions critical of the Narendra Modi government in Parliament.

Moitra was also accused of sharing her confidential log-in credentials for the parliamentary website to Hiranandani so that he could post the questions directly. 
&nbsp; 
She denied any wrongdoing.

The TMC leader argued that sharing of login credentials is a common practice among parliamentarians.

She has challenged her expulsion from the parliament in the Indian Supreme Court.

Moitra is seeking another term in Lok Sabha in the upcoming general elections as TMC has fielded her from West Bengal's Krishnanagar seat.

(With inputs from agencies)

In the cash-for-query case against Mahua Moitra, the controversial businessman Darshan Hiranandani has been listed as a co-accused along with the former Trinamool Congress (TMC) lawmaker by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).

In the cash-for-query case against Mahua Moitra, the controversial businessman Darshan Hiranandani has been listed as a co-accused along with the former Trinamool Congress (TMC) lawmaker by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). Moitra was expelled from the lower house of the Indian parliament in the case last December. Th first information report (FIR) from CBI comes after the Indian investigation agency on Saturday (Mar 23) raided the Kolkata residence of Moitra. The anti-corruption body Lokpal earlier this week had ordered the CBI to probe all accusations made against the TMC leader. The CBI has been asked to file a report of the case within six months, along with updated status every month. "After careful evaluation and consideration of the entire material on record, there remains no doubt regarding the fact that the allegations levelled against the Respondent Public Servant (RPS), most of which are supported by cogent evidence, are extremely serious in nature, especially in view of the position held by her. Therefore, in our considered opinion, a deeper probe is required to establish the truth," Lokpal had said in its order. Also read: Cash-for-query case: India anti-graft body Lokpal orders CBI to probe TMC leader Mahua Moitra The cash-for-query case Last year, an ethics panel of Indian parliament recommended Moitra's removal as MP over allegations that she took bribes from businessman Darshan Hiranandani in exchange for asking questions critical of the Narendra Modi government in Parliament. Moitra was also accused of sharing her confidential log-in credentials for the parliamentary website to Hiranandani so that he could post the questions directly. She denied any wrongdoing. The TMC leader argued that sharing of login credentials is a common practice among parliamentarians. She has challenged her expulsion from the parliament in the Indian Supreme Court. Moitra is seeking another term in Lok Sabha in the upcoming general elections as TMC has fielded her from West Bengal's Krishnanagar seat. (With inputs from agencies)

Ex-MP Mahua Moitra, businessman Darshan Hiranandani co-accused in cash-for-query case

The Aam Aadmi Party on Monday (Mar 25) launched a mass social media campaign called 'DP (Display Picture) campaign' over the arrest of Delhi Chief Minister and party supremo Arvind Kejriwal in connection with the Delhi excise policy scam case.

Delhi Minister Atishi during a press briefing said that all the party leaders and workers changed their display pictures on their respective social media profiles to that of Kejriwal showcasing him behind bars.

The picture showcases the text "Modi Ka Sabse Bada Dar Kejriwal&nbsp;(Modi's biggest fear Kejriwal)" written on it.

Atishi&nbsp;further called on people to back the campaign by changing their pictures on social media stating that this would help save the constitution and democracy in the country.

"AAP will start a DP campaign for a wider outreach of Kejriwal's vision. All leaders, legislators and karyakartas of APP will change their DP on all social media to a picture showing Kejriwal behind bars with a slogan reading 'Modi ka sabse bada dar Kejriwal'," Atishi said.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | Delhi Minister Atishi says, "To ensure that Arvind Kejriwal's inspiration reaches all parts of the country, we are starting a DP campaign on social media today...All the leaders, MLAs and workers of Aam Aadmi Party will change their DPs..." <a href="https://t.co/dLEW55Ydlf">pic.twitter.com/dLEW55Ydlf</a>
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&nbsp;

"Also I appeal to all people of the country, if you believe in Kejriwal, if you want to raise your voice against the injustices happening, if you want to save our democracy, you may also change the DP. And spread this message to the world that this is not just Kejriwal's fight but a fight of the whole country, a fight to save democracy," she added.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/lok-sabha-polls-congress-releases-sixth-list-including-names-of-five-candidates-704138">Lok Sabha polls: Congress releases 6th list including names of five candidates</a>

<h2>PM Modi trying to crush Kejriwal,&nbsp;alleges Atishi</h2>

Atishi further alleged that the Indian prime minister was "trying to crush Kejriwal due to fear of defeat" adding that AAP was waging a battle against "dictatorship" in the country.

"BJP's political weapon ED arrested Kejriwal in a fake case. In a case in which even after two years of investigation not even a single rupee proceeds of crime were recovered from any of the AAP leaders. Arvind Kejriwal was arrested after the ECI announced the dates of Lok Sabha elections in a case whose investigation has been on for two years," Atishi said while addressing a press conference at party headquarters in Delhi.

"Why did Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrest Arvind Kejriwal after the Lok Sabha election dates were announced? He was arrested because PM Modi knows, if there is any leader in this country who challenges him, it is Arvind Kejriwal," she added.

Kejriwal was remanded to the custody of the Enforcement Directorate for seven days, i.e., until March 28.

He was arrested on Thursday (March 21) in connection with the Delhi excise policy scam case by the central probe agency.

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

The Aam Aadmi Party on Monday (Mar 25) launched a mass social media campaign called 'DP (Display Picture) campaign' over the arrest of Delhi Chief Minister and party supremo Arvind Kejriwal in connection with the Delhi excise policy scam case.

The Aam Aadmi Party on Monday (Mar 25) launched a mass social media campaign called 'DP (Display Picture) campaign' over the arrest of Delhi Chief Minister and party supremo Arvind Kejriwal in connection with the Delhi excise policy scam case. Delhi Minister Atishi during a press briefing said that all the party leaders and workers changed their display pictures on their respective social media profiles to that of Kejriwal showcasing him behind bars. The picture showcases the text "Modi Ka Sabse Bada Dar Kejriwal (Modi's biggest fear Kejriwal)" written on it. Atishi further called on people to back the campaign by changing their pictures on social media stating that this would help save the constitution and democracy in the country. "AAP will start a DP campaign for a wider outreach of Kejriwal's vision. All leaders, legislators and karyakartas of APP will change their DP on all social media to a picture showing Kejriwal behind bars with a slogan reading 'Modi ka sabse bada dar Kejriwal'," Atishi said. #WATCH | Delhi Minister Atishi says, "To ensure that Arvind Kejriwal's inspiration reaches all parts of the country, we are starting a DP campaign on social media today...All the leaders, MLAs and workers of Aam Aadmi Party will change their DPs..." pic.twitter.com/dLEW55Ydlf — ANI (@ANI) March 25, 2024 × "Also I appeal to all people of the country, if you believe in Kejriwal, if you want to raise your voice against the injustices happening, if you want to save our democracy, you may also change the DP. And spread this message to the world that this is not just Kejriwal's fight but a fight of the whole country, a fight to save democracy," she added. Also read: Lok Sabha polls: Congress releases 6th list including names of five candidates PM Modi trying to crush Kejriwal, alleges Atishi Atishi further alleged that the Indian prime minister was "trying to crush Kejriwal due to fear of defeat" adding that AAP was waging a battle against "dictatorship" in the country. "BJP's political weapon ED arrested Kejriwal in a fake case. In a case in which even after two years of investigation not even a single rupee proceeds of crime were recovered from any of the AAP leaders. Arvind Kejriwal was arrested after the ECI announced the dates of Lok Sabha elections in a case whose investigation has been on for two years," Atishi said while addressing a press conference at party headquarters in Delhi. "Why did Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrest Arvind Kejriwal after the Lok Sabha election dates were announced? He was arrested because PM Modi knows, if there is any leader in this country who challenges him, it is Arvind Kejriwal," she added. Kejriwal was remanded to the custody of the Enforcement Directorate for seven days, i.e., until March 28. He was arrested on Thursday (March 21) in connection with the Delhi excise policy scam case by the central probe agency. (With inputs from agencies)

AAP launches DP campaign over party supremo Arvind Kejriwal’s arrest

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) threw up some surprises on Sunday (Mar 24) as it released its fifth list of candidates ahead of the Lok Sabha polls 2024 and has fielded Bollywood actor Kangana Ranaut, Ramayana TV serial's actor Arun Govil, former Calcutta High Court Justice Abhijit Gangopadhyay, industrialist and former Congress MP Naveen Jindal and a number of present and former Union ministers.

The list includes candidates from the seats of Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Odisha, Rajasthan, Haryana, Maharashtra, West Bengal, Kerala, Karnataka, Goa, Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, Jharkhand, Mizoram, Sikkim, Telangana, West Bengal and Andhra Pradesh.

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The BJP Central Election Committee has decided on the following names for the ensuing General Elections to the Legislative Assembly of Sikkim. <a href="https://t.co/wxlxDu3Lk3">pic.twitter.com/wxlxDu3Lk3</a>
— BJP (@BJP4India) <a href="https://twitter.com/BJP4India/status/1771935809014280582?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 24, 2024</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

<h2>Top points</h2>

- The party announced the list of 111 candidates for the Lok Sabha polls.

- The list issued by the ruling party includes prominent names like actor Kangana Ranaut, who has been fielded from Himachal Pradesh's Mandi, which is considered the Congress party's stronghold.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/congress-releases-its-fourth-list-of-candidates-fields-ajay-rai-against-pm-modi-from-varanasi-703598">Also read: Lok Sabha Polls: Congress releases fourth list of candidates, fields Ajay Rai against PM Modi from Varanasi</a>

- Arun Govil, who played the character of Lord Ram in Ramanand Sagar's TV serial 'Ramayan', has been fielded from Meerut in Uttar Pradesh.

- Former Congress MP Naveen Jindal, who joined the party on Sunday (Mar 24), was handed the ticket from Haryana's Kurukshetra. 
 
- Former Calcutta High Court Justice Abhijit Gangopadhyay will contest from Tamluk, West Bengal 
 
- Union Minister of Rural Development&nbsp;and Panchayati Raj Giriraj Singh is set to contest from Bihar's Begusarai

- Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Nityanand Rai from Ujiyarpur, Bihar 
 
- Union Minister of Education and Minister of Skill Development &amp; Entrepreneurship Dharmendra Pradhan from Sambalpur, Odisha

- Former minister and sitting MP Ravi Shankar Prasad from Patna Sahib, Bihar 
 
- Former Union Minister of Agriculture Radha Mohan Singh from East Champaran, Bihar&nbsp; 
 
-&nbsp;Former Union Minister Rajiv Pratap Rudy from Saran, Bihar 
 
- Union&nbsp;Minister of Power and New &amp; Renewable Energy R K Singh from Arrah, Bihar 
 
-&nbsp;Baijayant Jay Panda from Kendrapara, Odisha&nbsp;

&nbsp;- Sita Soren from Dumka, Jharkhand 
 
- K Surendran from Wayanad, Kerala against Congress leader Rahul Gandhi&nbsp; 
 
- The party dropped Varun Gandhi from Pilibhit in Uttar Pradesh and allotted the seat to former Congress leader Jitin Prasada.&nbsp;

- Varun's mother Maneka Gandhi was retained by the party and has been fielded from Sultanpur in Uttar Pradesh.

- Tapas Roy has been fielded as the candidate from Kolkata North

- Dilip Ghosh from&nbsp;Bardhaman-Durgapur

- The party dropped Ashwini Choubey from Buxar (Bihar) and replaced&nbsp;him with Mithilesh Tiwari.

- Sambit Patra will again contest from Odisha's Puri seat

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) threw up some surprises on Sunday (Mar 24) as it released its fifth list of candidates ahead of the Lok Sabha polls 2024 and has fielded Bollywood actor Kangana Ranaut, Ramayana TV serial's actor Arun Govil, former Calcutta High Court Justice Abhijit Gangopadhyay, industrialist and former Congress MP Naveen Jindal and a number of present and former Union ministers.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) threw up some surprises on Sunday (Mar 24) as it released its fifth list of candidates ahead of the Lok Sabha polls 2024 and has fielded Bollywood actor Kangana Ranaut, Ramayana TV serial's actor Arun Govil, former Calcutta High Court Justice Abhijit Gangopadhyay, industrialist and former Congress MP Naveen Jindal and a number of present and former Union ministers. The list includes candidates from the seats of Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Odisha, Rajasthan, Haryana, Maharashtra, West Bengal, Kerala, Karnataka, Goa, Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, Jharkhand, Mizoram, Sikkim, Telangana, West Bengal and Andhra Pradesh. The BJP Central Election Committee has decided on the following names for the ensuing General Elections to the Legislative Assembly of Sikkim. pic.twitter.com/wxlxDu3Lk3 — BJP (@BJP4India) March 24, 2024 × Top points - The party announced the list of 111 candidates for the Lok Sabha polls. - The list issued by the ruling party includes prominent names like actor Kangana Ranaut, who has been fielded from Himachal Pradesh's Mandi, which is considered the Congress party's stronghold. Also read: Lok Sabha Polls: Congress releases fourth list of candidates, fields Ajay Rai against PM Modi from Varanasi - Arun Govil, who played the character of Lord Ram in Ramanand Sagar's TV serial 'Ramayan', has been fielded from Meerut in Uttar Pradesh. - Former Congress MP Naveen Jindal, who joined the party on Sunday (Mar 24), was handed the ticket from Haryana's Kurukshetra. - Former Calcutta High Court Justice Abhijit Gangopadhyay will contest from Tamluk, West Bengal - Union Minister of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Giriraj Singh is set to contest from Bihar's Begusarai - Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Nityanand Rai from Ujiyarpur, Bihar - Union Minister of Education and Minister of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship Dharmendra Pradhan from Sambalpur, Odisha - Former minister and sitting MP Ravi Shankar Prasad from Patna Sahib, Bihar - Former Union Minister of Agriculture Radha Mohan Singh from East Champaran, Bihar - Former Union Minister Rajiv Pratap Rudy from Saran, Bihar - Union Minister of Power and New & Renewable Energy R K Singh from Arrah, Bihar - Baijayant Jay Panda from Kendrapara, Odisha - Sita Soren from Dumka, Jharkhand - K Surendran from Wayanad, Kerala against Congress leader Rahul Gandhi - The party dropped Varun Gandhi from Pilibhit in Uttar Pradesh and allotted the seat to former Congress leader Jitin Prasada. - Varun's mother Maneka Gandhi was retained by the party and has been fielded from Sultanpur in Uttar Pradesh. - Tapas Roy has been fielded as the candidate from Kolkata North - Dilip Ghosh from Bardhaman-Durgapur - The party dropped Ashwini Choubey from Buxar (Bihar) and replaced him with Mithilesh Tiwari. - Sambit Patra will again contest from Odisha's Puri seat (With inputs from agencies)

Lok Sabha polls: Kangana Ranaut, Arun Govil in BJP’s 5th list of 111 candidates that includes new joinees

The jihadist group Islamic State (IS), which claimed responsibility for the deadly terror attack on a Moscow concert hall, has released visuals of the&nbsp;incident showing the assailants who carried out the assault.

The purported minute-and-a-half-long video of the attack shot by the gunmen showed individuals with blurred faces armed with knives and assault rifles.

The attackers appear to be in the lobby of the Crocus City Hall concert venue in Krasnogorsk, northwest of the Russian capital.

The assailants can be seen jumping into a shooting rampage firing several bursts of gunfire, multiple inert bodies can be seen scattered and a fire can be seen starting in the background.

The video, according to the SITE monitoring group, appeared on a Telegram account which is considered to be IS' news arm Amaq.

The attack claimed the lives of at least 137 people.

<h2>Putin vows action against perpetrators&nbsp;</h2>

Russian President Vladimir Putin vowed action against the perpetrators of the devastating attack in his address on Saturday.

During the televised address, the Russian leader said, "All the executors, planners and those who ordered this crime will be rightfully and inevitably punished, whoever they are and whoever directed them. Let me repeat: we will identify and punish everyone who stood behind the terrorists, who prepared this attack against Russia, against our people."

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/jaishankar-dials-russian-counterpart-lavrov-expresses-condolence-over-loss-of-lives-in-moscow-terror-attack-703825">Jaishankar dials Lavrov, condoles loss of lives in Moscow terror attack</a>

Citing a probe into the attack, he also claimed that four attackers were fleeing towards Ukraine when they were nabbed.&nbsp;

"Regarding the investigation of this crime and results of operational search actions, I can now say the following: all four of the actual performers of the act of terror, all those who shot and killed people were found and detained. They tried to hide and were moving in the direction of Ukraine."

"There, according to the preliminary data, they had a crossing of the border prepared from the Ukrainian side. Overall, 11 people were detained," Putin added.

<h2>‘Low-life Putin trying to shift blame,’ says Zelensky</h2>

Following the Russian leader's remarks, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in a nightly public address condemned Russia for trying to shift the blame for the attack on Kyiv.&nbsp;

Calling Russian president Vladimir Putin a “low-life”, Zelensky said: “What happened yesterday in Moscow is obvious: Putin and the other scum are just trying to blame it on someone else … They always have the same methods.”

The untoward incident unfolded on Friday evening at Crocus City Hall in Krasnogorsk, on the western outskirts of the Russian capital.

The terrorists struck the venue with a capacity of 7,500 at the time it was almost full.

The attack struck the concert hall minutes before the performance by Russian rock band Picnic, reported RT news agency.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

The jihadist group Islamic State (IS), which claimed responsibility for the deadly terror attack on a Moscow concert hall, has released visuals of the incident showing the assailants who carried out the assault.

The jihadist group Islamic State (IS), which claimed responsibility for the deadly terror attack on a Moscow concert hall, has released visuals of the incident showing the assailants who carried out the assault. The purported minute-and-a-half-long video of the attack shot by the gunmen showed individuals with blurred faces armed with knives and assault rifles. The attackers appear to be in the lobby of the Crocus City Hall concert venue in Krasnogorsk, northwest of the Russian capital. The assailants can be seen jumping into a shooting rampage firing several bursts of gunfire, multiple inert bodies can be seen scattered and a fire can be seen starting in the background. The video, according to the SITE monitoring group, appeared on a Telegram account which is considered to be IS' news arm Amaq. The attack claimed the lives of at least 137 people. Putin vows action against perpetrators Russian President Vladimir Putin vowed action against the perpetrators of the devastating attack in his address on Saturday. During the televised address, the Russian leader said, "All the executors, planners and those who ordered this crime will be rightfully and inevitably punished, whoever they are and whoever directed them. Let me repeat: we will identify and punish everyone who stood behind the terrorists, who prepared this attack against Russia, against our people." Also read: Jaishankar dials Lavrov, condoles loss of lives in Moscow terror attack Citing a probe into the attack, he also claimed that four attackers were fleeing towards Ukraine when they were nabbed. "Regarding the investigation of this crime and results of operational search actions, I can now say the following: all four of the actual performers of the act of terror, all those who shot and killed people were found and detained. They tried to hide and were moving in the direction of Ukraine." "There, according to the preliminary data, they had a crossing of the border prepared from the Ukrainian side. Overall, 11 people were detained," Putin added. ‘Low-life Putin trying to shift blame,’ says Zelensky Following the Russian leader's remarks, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in a nightly public address condemned Russia for trying to shift the blame for the attack on Kyiv. Calling Russian president Vladimir Putin a “low-life”, Zelensky said: “What happened yesterday in Moscow is obvious: Putin and the other scum are just trying to blame it on someone else … They always have the same methods.” The untoward incident unfolded on Friday evening at Crocus City Hall in Krasnogorsk, on the western outskirts of the Russian capital. The terrorists struck the venue with a capacity of 7,500 at the time it was almost full. The attack struck the concert hall minutes before the performance by Russian rock band Picnic, reported RT news agency. (With inputs from agencies)

Islamic State shares footage of gunmen carrying out deadly Moscow attack

The Israeli offensive around Gaza's main hospital intensified on Saturday (Mar 23) in which Israel claims to have killed more than 170 gunmen and according to the Palestinian Health Ministry, five patients lost their lives.

The armed wing of Hamas and the Islamic Jihad stated that their fighters were gripped in battles with the Israeli military troops around the Al Shifa Hospital in Gaza City.

Israeli military personnel launched its attack on Al Shifa in the early hours of Monday morning and have been inspecting its complex, which, as per the troops, is connected to a tunnel network that the Palestinian militant group Hamas and other Palestinian fighters use as a base.

The Gaza Health Ministry said that the five injured Palestinians "besieged" inside Al Shifa lost their lives because they were denied proper care, water and food for the past six days.

It further added that the health condition of other wounded patients was also deteriorating.

<h2>Hamas denies armed presence</h2>

Hamas has denied any military presence in the area claiming that the ones announced dead by Israeli troops were not fighters but patients and displaced people.

Hamas media stated that elsewhere in Gaza City on Saturday seven Palestinians were killed and several others were injured at the Kuwait roundabout at the time they were waiting for aid trucks.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/gaza-war-online-spat-erupts-between-uk-and-israel-as-eu-us-pile-pressure-for-ceasefire-702871">Also read:&nbsp;Gaza war: Online spat erupts between UK and Israel as EU, US pile pressure for ceasefire</a>

"We survived death, they shot at us, there are many martyrs, there are many injured, we almost died to get our children a bite to eat," said Alaa al-Khoudary, a resident of Gaza City who had just returned from Kuwait roundabout carrying a bag of aid.

<h2>China and Russia veto US-proposed UN Gaza 'ceasefire' resolution</h2>

Meanwhile, the United Nations Security Council's recent session witnessed the rejection of a resolution spearheaded by the United States, advocating for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza.&nbsp;

The resolution, proposed amid escalating tensions in the region, aimed to secure a six-week ceasefire to facilitate humanitarian aid delivery and ensure the protection of civilians caught in the conflict.&nbsp;

However, the measure faced significant opposition from two permanent members of the Security Council: Russia and China, who exercised their veto power to block its passage.

The US-led resolution backed support from 11 out of the 15 Security Council members, showing a broad consensus among the international community regarding the urgency of ending the violence in Gaza.

Despite this overwhelming support, the resolution was thwarted by the vetoes of Russia and China, leading to a deadlock in the Security Council's efforts to address the crisis.

(With inputs from agencies)

The Israeli offensive around Gaza's main hospital intensified on Saturday (Mar 23) in which Israel claims to have killed more than 170 gunmen and according to the Palestinian Health Ministry, five patients lost their lives.

The Israeli offensive around Gaza's main hospital intensified on Saturday (Mar 23) in which Israel claims to have killed more than 170 gunmen and according to the Palestinian Health Ministry, five patients lost their lives. The armed wing of Hamas and the Islamic Jihad stated that their fighters were gripped in battles with the Israeli military troops around the Al Shifa Hospital in Gaza City. Israeli military personnel launched its attack on Al Shifa in the early hours of Monday morning and have been inspecting its complex, which, as per the troops, is connected to a tunnel network that the Palestinian militant group Hamas and other Palestinian fighters use as a base. The Gaza Health Ministry said that the five injured Palestinians "besieged" inside Al Shifa lost their lives because they were denied proper care, water and food for the past six days. It further added that the health condition of other wounded patients was also deteriorating. Hamas denies armed presence Hamas has denied any military presence in the area claiming that the ones announced dead by Israeli troops were not fighters but patients and displaced people. Hamas media stated that elsewhere in Gaza City on Saturday seven Palestinians were killed and several others were injured at the Kuwait roundabout at the time they were waiting for aid trucks. Also read: Gaza war: Online spat erupts between UK and Israel as EU, US pile pressure for ceasefire "We survived death, they shot at us, there are many martyrs, there are many injured, we almost died to get our children a bite to eat," said Alaa al-Khoudary, a resident of Gaza City who had just returned from Kuwait roundabout carrying a bag of aid. China and Russia veto US-proposed UN Gaza 'ceasefire' resolution Meanwhile, the United Nations Security Council's recent session witnessed the rejection of a resolution spearheaded by the United States, advocating for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza. The resolution, proposed amid escalating tensions in the region, aimed to secure a six-week ceasefire to facilitate humanitarian aid delivery and ensure the protection of civilians caught in the conflict. However, the measure faced significant opposition from two permanent members of the Security Council: Russia and China, who exercised their veto power to block its passage. The US-led resolution backed support from 11 out of the 15 Security Council members, showing a broad consensus among the international community regarding the urgency of ending the violence in Gaza. Despite this overwhelming support, the resolution was thwarted by the vetoes of Russia and China, leading to a deadlock in the Security Council's efforts to address the crisis. (With inputs from agencies)

Israel says 170 gunmen killed in Gaza hospital raid

With&nbsp;Lok Sabha elections drawing closer, the Congress party released its fourth list of&nbsp;45 candidates on Saturday (Mar 23), leaving the Nagaur seat in Rajasthan for the RLP.&nbsp;

The list issued by Congress General Secretary (Organisation) K.C. Venugopal includes prominent names like former Madhya Pradesh chief minister Digvijaya Singh, Karti Chidambaram and Danish Ali, who joined the party earlier this week.

The party fielded Karti Chidambaram, the son of former Union Minister P Chidambaram, from Sivaganga in Tamil Nadu, whereas Ali was handed&nbsp;the ticket from Amroha in Uttar Pradesh.

The party has fielded Congress' Uttar Pradesh President Ajay Rai from Varanasi against Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the third time.

Rai joined the grand old party in the year 2012 and is a five-time MLA from Uttar Pradesh. He is believed to be a local strongman in the area.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/conman-sukesh-threatens-to-expose-arvind-kejriwal-says-will-become-approver-against-delhi-cm-703505">‘Conman’ Sukesh threatens to expose Arvind Kejriwal, says ‘will become approver against Delhi CM’</a>

The list includes one candidate each from Assam, West Bengal, A&amp;N Islands, and Chhattisgarh. Twelve&nbsp;from Madhya Pradesh, 7 from Tamil Nadu, 9 from Uttar Pradesh and two each from Uttarakhand, J&amp;K, Rajasthan and Manipur.

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Congress releases the fourth list of 46 candidates for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. 
 
Congress leader Digvijay Singh to contest from Rajgarh Lok Sabha Constituency, UP Congress President Ajay Rai from Varanasi, Imran Masood from Saharanpur, Virender Rawat from Haridwar and… <a href="https://t.co/wpnr6kvoUr">pic.twitter.com/wpnr6kvoUr</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1771588235472335039?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 23, 2024</a></blockquote>
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Some of the other names in the list include senior Congress leader Manickam Tagore who has been given the ticket from Virudhunagar in Tamil Nadu, and Union Minister in UPA-2, Kantilal Bhuria, who has been fielded from Ratlam (ST) in Madhya Pradesh.

While Akhilesh Pratap Singh has been given a ticket for the coming polls from Deoria, UP, Piya Roy Chowdhury from Cooch Behar, West Bengal, Kawasi Lakhma from Chhattisgarh, Raman Bhalla from Jammu, Sanjay Sharma from Hoshangbad, Madhya Pradesh, Angomcha Bimol Akoijam from Inner Manipur and Lalbiakzama from Mizoram.

The party is yet to reveal its candidate from UP's Rae Bareli, which is the seat held by Congress leader Sonia Gandhi since the year 2004.

(With inputs from agencies)

With Lok Sabha elections drawing closer, the Congress party released its fourth list of 45 candidates on Saturday (Mar 23), leaving the Nagaur seat in Rajasthan for the RLP.

With Lok Sabha elections drawing closer, the Congress party released its fourth list of 45 candidates on Saturday (Mar 23), leaving the Nagaur seat in Rajasthan for the RLP. The list issued by Congress General Secretary (Organisation) K.C. Venugopal includes prominent names like former Madhya Pradesh chief minister Digvijaya Singh, Karti Chidambaram and Danish Ali, who joined the party earlier this week. The party fielded Karti Chidambaram, the son of former Union Minister P Chidambaram, from Sivaganga in Tamil Nadu, whereas Ali was handed the ticket from Amroha in Uttar Pradesh. The party has fielded Congress' Uttar Pradesh President Ajay Rai from Varanasi against Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the third time. Rai joined the grand old party in the year 2012 and is a five-time MLA from Uttar Pradesh. He is believed to be a local strongman in the area. Also read: ‘Conman’ Sukesh threatens to expose Arvind Kejriwal, says ‘will become approver against Delhi CM’ The list includes one candidate each from Assam, West Bengal, A&N Islands, and Chhattisgarh. Twelve from Madhya Pradesh, 7 from Tamil Nadu, 9 from Uttar Pradesh and two each from Uttarakhand, J&K, Rajasthan and Manipur. Congress releases the fourth list of 46 candidates for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. Congress leader Digvijay Singh to contest from Rajgarh Lok Sabha Constituency, UP Congress President Ajay Rai from Varanasi, Imran Masood from Saharanpur, Virender Rawat from Haridwar and… pic.twitter.com/wpnr6kvoUr — ANI (@ANI) March 23, 2024 × Some of the other names in the list include senior Congress leader Manickam Tagore who has been given the ticket from Virudhunagar in Tamil Nadu, and Union Minister in UPA-2, Kantilal Bhuria, who has been fielded from Ratlam (ST) in Madhya Pradesh. While Akhilesh Pratap Singh has been given a ticket for the coming polls from Deoria, UP, Piya Roy Chowdhury from Cooch Behar, West Bengal, Kawasi Lakhma from Chhattisgarh, Raman Bhalla from Jammu, Sanjay Sharma from Hoshangbad, Madhya Pradesh, Angomcha Bimol Akoijam from Inner Manipur and Lalbiakzama from Mizoram. The party is yet to reveal its candidate from UP's Rae Bareli, which is the seat held by Congress leader Sonia Gandhi since the year 2004. (With inputs from agencies)

Lok Sabha Polls: Congress releases fourth list of candidates, fields Ajay Rai against PM Modi from Varanasi

India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Sunday (Mar 24) held a telephonic conversation with his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov and expressed his deepest condolence over the loss of lives in the Moscow terror attack.

Taking to his official X account, Jaishankar wrote, "Spoke to Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov. Conveyed our deepest condolences on the loss of lives in the horrific terrorist attack in Moscow."

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Spoke to Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov. 
 
Conveyed our deepest condolences on the loss of lives in the horrific terrorist attack in Moscow.
— Dr. S. Jaishankar (Modi Ka Parivar) (@DrSJaishankar) <a href="https://twitter.com/DrSJaishankar/status/1771872054553219138?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 24, 2024</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday (Mar 23) condemned the terror attack that shook a packed concert hall in Moscow, calling it a 'heinous act' and also expressed solidarity with the Russian government and its people.

"We strongly condemn the heinous terrorist attack in Moscow. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of the victims. India stands in solidarity with the government and the people of the Russian Federation in this hour of grief," PM Modi wrote on his X official handle.

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We strongly condemn the heinous terrorist attack in Moscow. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of the victims. India stands in solidarity with the government and the people of the Russian Federation in this hour of grief.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1771357097390719438?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 23, 2024</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

The heinous attack at the Crocus City Hall music venue near Moscow on Friday (Mar 22) claimed the lives of 133 people, reported Russia-based TASS news agency, citing the Russian Investigative Committee.

The responsibility for the attack was claimed by ISIS.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/moscow-concert-hall-attack-more-than-one-isis-branch-likely-involved-in-rampage-says-report-703744">Moscow attack: More than 1 ISIS branch likely involved in rampage, says report</a>

<h2>Putin vows action against perpetrators&nbsp;</h2>

Russian President Vladimir Putin vowed action against the perpetrators of the devastating attack in his address on Saturday.

During the televised address, the Russian leader said, "All the executors, planners and those who ordered this crime will be rightfully and inevitably punished, whoever they are and whoever directed them. Let me repeat: we will identify and punish everyone who stood behind the terrorists, who prepared this attack against Russia, against our people."

Citing a probe into the attack, he also claimed that four attackers were fleeing towards Ukraine when they were nabbed.&nbsp;

"Regarding the investigation of this crime and results of operational search actions, I can now say the following: all four of the actual performers of the act of terror, all those who shot and killed people were found and detained. They tried to hide and were moving in the direction of Ukraine."

"There, according to the preliminary data, they had a crossing of the border prepared from the Ukrainian side. Overall, 11 people were detained," Putin added.

<h2>‘Low-life Putin trying to shift blame,’ says Zelensky</h2>

Following the Russian leader's remarks, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in a nightly public address condemned Russia for trying to shift the blame for the attack on Kyiv.&nbsp;

Calling Russian president Vladimir Putin a “low-life”, Zelensky said: “What happened yesterday in Moscow is obvious: Putin and the other scum are just trying to blame it on someone else … They always have the same methods.”

The untoward incident unfolded on Friday evening at Crocus City Hall in Krasnogorsk, on the western outskirts of the Russian capital.

The terrorists struck the venue with a capacity of 7,500 at the time it was almost full.

The attack struck the concert hall minutes before the performance by Russian rock band Picnic, reported RT news agency.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Sunday (Mar 24) held a telephonic conversation with his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov and expressed his deepest condolence over the loss of lives in the Moscow terror attack.

India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Sunday (Mar 24) held a telephonic conversation with his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov and expressed his deepest condolence over the loss of lives in the Moscow terror attack. Taking to his official X account, Jaishankar wrote, "Spoke to Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov. Conveyed our deepest condolences on the loss of lives in the horrific terrorist attack in Moscow." Spoke to Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov. Conveyed our deepest condolences on the loss of lives in the horrific terrorist attack in Moscow. — Dr. S. Jaishankar (Modi Ka Parivar) (@DrSJaishankar) March 24, 2024 × Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday (Mar 23) condemned the terror attack that shook a packed concert hall in Moscow, calling it a 'heinous act' and also expressed solidarity with the Russian government and its people. "We strongly condemn the heinous terrorist attack in Moscow. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of the victims. India stands in solidarity with the government and the people of the Russian Federation in this hour of grief," PM Modi wrote on his X official handle. We strongly condemn the heinous terrorist attack in Moscow. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of the victims. India stands in solidarity with the government and the people of the Russian Federation in this hour of grief. — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 23, 2024 × The heinous attack at the Crocus City Hall music venue near Moscow on Friday (Mar 22) claimed the lives of 133 people, reported Russia-based TASS news agency, citing the Russian Investigative Committee. The responsibility for the attack was claimed by ISIS. Also read: Moscow attack: More than 1 ISIS branch likely involved in rampage, says report Putin vows action against perpetrators Russian President Vladimir Putin vowed action against the perpetrators of the devastating attack in his address on Saturday. During the televised address, the Russian leader said, "All the executors, planners and those who ordered this crime will be rightfully and inevitably punished, whoever they are and whoever directed them. Let me repeat: we will identify and punish everyone who stood behind the terrorists, who prepared this attack against Russia, against our people." Citing a probe into the attack, he also claimed that four attackers were fleeing towards Ukraine when they were nabbed. "Regarding the investigation of this crime and results of operational search actions, I can now say the following: all four of the actual performers of the act of terror, all those who shot and killed people were found and detained. They tried to hide and were moving in the direction of Ukraine." "There, according to the preliminary data, they had a crossing of the border prepared from the Ukrainian side. Overall, 11 people were detained," Putin added. ‘Low-life Putin trying to shift blame,’ says Zelensky Following the Russian leader's remarks, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in a nightly public address condemned Russia for trying to shift the blame for the attack on Kyiv. Calling Russian president Vladimir Putin a “low-life”, Zelensky said: “What happened yesterday in Moscow is obvious: Putin and the other scum are just trying to blame it on someone else … They always have the same methods.” The untoward incident unfolded on Friday evening at Crocus City Hall in Krasnogorsk, on the western outskirts of the Russian capital. The terrorists struck the venue with a capacity of 7,500 at the time it was almost full. The attack struck the concert hall minutes before the performance by Russian rock band Picnic, reported RT news agency. (With inputs from agencies)

Jaishankar dials Russian counterpart Lavrov, expresses condolence over loss of lives in Moscow terror attack

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