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Yogi Adityanath was an unexpected pick for the chief minister’s post after the BJP scored a landslide win in the 2017 Uttar Pradesh Assembly polls.&nbsp;

With the Bharatiya Janata Party set for a second consecutive innings in the state, Adityanath is almost certain to get another stint in office.

Born Ajay Singh Bisht in Pauri Garhwal’s Panchur (now Uttarakhand), on June 5, 1972, Adityanath left home in 1990 to join the campaign to build the Ram temple in Ayodhya. He also became a disciple of Mahant Avaidyanath of the Gorakhnath temple in Gorakhpur.

After Avaidyanath’s death in 2014, he took over as the head of the Gorakhnath `math’, a post he still holds and makes frequent trip to the eastern UP town. He was not averse to taking on the BJP then, and founded his own band of volunteers called the Hindu Yuva Vahini.

Adityanath went to school in his native village and later completed his bachelor’s degree in Mathematics from Hemwati Nandan Bahuguna Garhwal University.

He had entered politics on the directions of his guru in 1998 and at 28 became the youngest Lok Sabha member, winning from Gorakhpur. He went on the represent the parliamentary seat four more times till he became the chief minister of Uttar Pradesh on March 19, 2017.

Early in his term, he banned illegal slaughterhouses and the police cracked down on cow slaughter.

His government brought an ordinance and later a bill against religious conversion through force or deceit, a move that also seemed to target interfaith marriages.Other BJP-ruled states followed the UP example, coming up with their versions of the law.

Briefly, last year, there was speculation that the BJP wanted to replace Adityanath as chief minister. But the rumours died down with top leaders saying that he needed to be back as CM in 2022 if the party sought to return to power at the Centre in 2024. Party leaders hailed the Adityanath-Narendra Modi ‘double-engine’ government in the state.

The BJP’s 2022 assembly election win may have further consolidated his stock in the party. The saffron party is now set to win the UP state polls twice in a row, a feat achieved by no other party in three decades.

Adityanath has been blamed by some – and hailed by others – for adopting strong-arm tactics to fight crime. “Bulldozers”, used to raze illegal buildings, have figured repeatedly in campaign speeches.&nbsp;

Opposition parties slammed his government over its handling of law and order, alleging that it followed a “thoko niti”. Officials deny the allegation.

During this campaign, he has also been accused of “polarisation” of the state’s two major communities.

Yogi Adityanath was an unexpected pick for the chief minister’s post after the BJP scored a landslide win in the 2017 Uttar Pradesh Assembly polls. With the Bharatiya Janata Party set for a second consecutive innings in the state, Adityanath is almost certain to get another stint in office.

Yogi Adityanath was an unexpected pick for the chief minister’s post after the BJP scored a landslide win in the 2017 Uttar Pradesh Assembly polls. With the Bharatiya Janata Party set for a second consecutive innings in the state, Adityanath is almost certain to get another stint in office. Born Ajay Singh Bisht in Pauri Garhwal’s Panchur (now Uttarakhand), on June 5, 1972, Adityanath left home in 1990 to join the campaign to build the Ram temple in Ayodhya. He also became a disciple of Mahant Avaidyanath of the Gorakhnath temple in Gorakhpur. After Avaidyanath’s death in 2014, he took over as the head of the Gorakhnath `math’, a post he still holds and makes frequent trip to the eastern UP town. He was not averse to taking on the BJP then, and founded his own band of volunteers called the Hindu Yuva Vahini. Adityanath went to school in his native village and later completed his bachelor’s degree in Mathematics from Hemwati Nandan Bahuguna Garhwal University. He had entered politics on the directions of his guru in 1998 and at 28 became the youngest Lok Sabha member, winning from Gorakhpur. He went on the represent the parliamentary seat four more times till he became the chief minister of Uttar Pradesh on March 19, 2017. Early in his term, he banned illegal slaughterhouses and the police cracked down on cow slaughter. His government brought an ordinance and later a bill against religious conversion through force or deceit, a move that also seemed to target interfaith marriages.Other BJP-ruled states followed the UP example, coming up with their versions of the law. Briefly, last year, there was speculation that the BJP wanted to replace Adityanath as chief minister. But the rumours died down with top leaders saying that he needed to be back as CM in 2022 if the party sought to return to power at the Centre in 2024. Party leaders hailed the Adityanath-Narendra Modi ‘double-engine’ government in the state. The BJP’s 2022 assembly election win may have further consolidated his stock in the party. The saffron party is now set to win the UP state polls twice in a row, a feat achieved by no other party in three decades. Adityanath has been blamed by some – and hailed by others – for adopting strong-arm tactics to fight crime. “Bulldozers”, used to raze illegal buildings, have figured repeatedly in campaign speeches. Opposition parties slammed his government over its handling of law and order, alleging that it followed a “thoko niti”. Officials deny the allegation. During this campaign, he has also been accused of “polarisation” of the state’s two major communities.

Yogi Adityanath: The monk who would be Uttar Pradesh’s CM again

Three terrorists were killed in two different operations in Kashmir valley today.&nbsp;

In an ongoing encounter in the Naina Batpora area of litter hamlet in south Kashmir’s Pulwama district, two terrorists were killed.&nbsp;

In another operation in Srinagar's Hazratbal area, one terrorist was shot dead by security forces.&nbsp;A search for two more terrorists in the area is still going on.&nbsp;

''Another terrorist killed, both affiliated with proscribed terror outfit LeT. Search is still going on. We are incriminating material. Arms and ammunition have been recovered. Further details shall follow,'' said IG Kashmir Vijay Kumar.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/happiest-day-of-my-life-indian-envoy-in-ukraine-satpathy-to-evacuated-students-from-sumy-460712">Also read |&nbsp;'Happiest day of my life': Indian envoy in Ukraine Satpathy to evacuated students from Sumy</a>

In Srinagar, there was a brief encounter between terrorists and security forces in which one terrorist was killed while two others fled from the spot. A search operation has started in the area.&nbsp;

''One terrorist killed by Srinagar police in Hazratbal area. Search for two others who fled from the encounter site going on,'' said Vijay Kumar, IGP Kashmir Police.&nbsp;

There is a search operation is going on at both the operation sites.

Three terrorists were killed in two different operations in Kashmir valley today. In an ongoing encounter in the Naina Batpora area of litter hamlet in south Kashmir’s Pulwama district, two terrorists were killed.

Three terrorists were killed in two different operations in Kashmir valley today. In an ongoing encounter in the Naina Batpora area of litter hamlet in south Kashmir’s Pulwama district, two terrorists were killed. In another operation in Srinagar's Hazratbal area, one terrorist was shot dead by security forces. A search for two more terrorists in the area is still going on. ''Another terrorist killed, both affiliated with proscribed terror outfit LeT. Search is still going on. We are incriminating material. Arms and ammunition have been recovered. Further details shall follow,'' said IG Kashmir Vijay Kumar. Also read | 'Happiest day of my life': Indian envoy in Ukraine Satpathy to evacuated students from Sumy In Srinagar, there was a brief encounter between terrorists and security forces in which one terrorist was killed while two others fled from the spot. A search operation has started in the area. ''One terrorist killed by Srinagar police in Hazratbal area. Search for two others who fled from the encounter site going on,'' said Vijay Kumar, IGP Kashmir Police. There is a search operation is going on at both the operation sites.

Three terrorists killed in two operations in Kashmir valley

Arvind Kejriwal, congratulated the people of India's northern state Punjab for his political party's stellar performance in the state assembly elections, calling it "revolutionary".

Election Commission data shows that&nbsp;the Aam Aadmi Party is leading in 92&nbsp;seats out of 117 in the Punjab Assembly as of 4&nbsp;PM. This is followed by Congress with 17 seats and Shiromani Akali Dal with 7.

The party's win in Punjab would mark the party's first in the state and a dramatic turnaround from its performance in the 2017 elections when it had finished second behind Congress.

<h3><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/live-india-assembly-election-result-2022-aap-surge-sweeps-punjab-bjp-leads-in-4-states-460719">LIVE | India Assembly Election Result 2022: AAP surge sweeps Punjab; BJP leads in 4 states</a></h3>

"Iss Inquilab ke liye Punjab ke logon ko bahut bahut badhai (congratulations to the people of Punjab for this revolution)," tweeted Kejriwal, the Indian capital of Delhi's Chief Minister and political party Aam Aadmi Party's (AAP) national convenor.

Along with the tweet he also posted a photo of him and the AAP Chief Ministerial candidate Bhagwant Mann, showing the victory sign.

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इस इंक़लाब के लिए पंजाब के लोगों को बहुत-बहुत बधाई। <a href="https://t.co/BIJqv8OnGa">pic.twitter.com/BIJqv8OnGa</a>
— Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) <a href="https://twitter.com/ArvindKejriwal/status/1501808836297977857?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 10, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Former chief minister and Punjab Lok Congress president Amarinder Singh accepted his defeat and congratulated the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and its CM face Bhagwant Singh Mann "for an emphatic victory in the elections".

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indias-assembly-poll-results-major-embarrassment-as-capt-amarinder-singh-loses-patiala-seat-460882" hreflang="en">India's Assembly Poll results: Major embarrassment as Capt Amarinder Singh loses Patiala seat</a>

In a statement, he said that while winning and losing is the natural outcome of elections, at the end, it was a victory of democracy in the state.

As Congress entered the polls, it was battling factionalism and anti-incumbency. Navjot Singh Sidhu, the new state unit chief of the party, hinted at his own intentions to become chief minister. This was while his party changed its Chief Minister in September last year.&nbsp;

Congress nominated Charanjit Singh Channi for the chief ministerial post days before the elections on February 20, endorsing him as the first Dalit chief minister in Punjab.

Watch |&nbsp;India: Counting of votes begins in 5 states as people look to give poll mandates to parties

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-counting-of-votes-begins-in-5-states-as-people-look-to-give-poll-mandates-to-parties-460761/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Shiromani Akali Dal, which had broken off its alliance with the BJP over the three farm laws that were eventually repealed, allied with the Bahujan Samaj Party to contest the Assembly elections.

BJP candidates contested more than 65 seats in Punjab for the first time, coming out in a tie with Punjab Lok Congress candidates led by Captain Amarinder Singh and Sanyukt Party candidates led by SS Dhindsa.

Punjab recorded an average voter turnout of 65.50 per cent on February 20 compared to over 77 per cent in 2017.

(With inputs from agencies)

Arvind Kejriwal, congratulated the people of India's northern state Punjab for his political party's stellar performance in the state assembly elections, calling it "revolutionary".

Arvind Kejriwal, congratulated the people of India's northern state Punjab for his political party's stellar performance in the state assembly elections, calling it "revolutionary". Election Commission data shows that the Aam Aadmi Party is leading in 92 seats out of 117 in the Punjab Assembly as of 4 PM. This is followed by Congress with 17 seats and Shiromani Akali Dal with 7. The party's win in Punjab would mark the party's first in the state and a dramatic turnaround from its performance in the 2017 elections when it had finished second behind Congress. LIVE | India Assembly Election Result 2022: AAP surge sweeps Punjab; BJP leads in 4 states "Iss Inquilab ke liye Punjab ke logon ko bahut bahut badhai (congratulations to the people of Punjab for this revolution)," tweeted Kejriwal, the Indian capital of Delhi's Chief Minister and political party Aam Aadmi Party's (AAP) national convenor. Along with the tweet he also posted a photo of him and the AAP Chief Ministerial candidate Bhagwant Mann, showing the victory sign. इस इंक़लाब के लिए पंजाब के लोगों को बहुत-बहुत बधाई। pic.twitter.com/BIJqv8OnGa — Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) March 10, 2022 × Former chief minister and Punjab Lok Congress president Amarinder Singh accepted his defeat and congratulated the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and its CM face Bhagwant Singh Mann "for an emphatic victory in the elections". Also read | India's Assembly Poll results: Major embarrassment as Capt Amarinder Singh loses Patiala seat In a statement, he said that while winning and losing is the natural outcome of elections, at the end, it was a victory of democracy in the state. As Congress entered the polls, it was battling factionalism and anti-incumbency. Navjot Singh Sidhu, the new state unit chief of the party, hinted at his own intentions to become chief minister. This was while his party changed its Chief Minister in September last year. Congress nominated Charanjit Singh Channi for the chief ministerial post days before the elections on February 20, endorsing him as the first Dalit chief minister in Punjab. Watch | India: Counting of votes begins in 5 states as people look to give poll mandates to parties Shiromani Akali Dal, which had broken off its alliance with the BJP over the three farm laws that were eventually repealed, allied with the Bahujan Samaj Party to contest the Assembly elections. BJP candidates contested more than 65 seats in Punjab for the first time, coming out in a tie with Punjab Lok Congress candidates led by Captain Amarinder Singh and Sanyukt Party candidates led by SS Dhindsa. Punjab recorded an average voter turnout of 65.50 per cent on February 20 compared to over 77 per cent in 2017. (With inputs from agencies)

Punjab Election Results 2022: Even before ECI formal announcement, AAP celebrates a 'revolutionary' win

Most of the veterans in Punjab elections had to face the dust due to a massive upset.

SAD patron Parkash Singh Badal, Capt Amarinder Singh, Sukhbir Badal, and Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi lost the election.

Amarinder Singh, who ran as a Punjab Lok Congress candidate in an alliance with the BJP in Patiala, was defeated by Ajitpal Singh Kohli of the AAP.

Both Chamkaur Sahib and Bhadaur were lost to Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi.

In Jalalabad, SAD chief Sukhbir Singh Badal was defeated.

PPCC president Navjot Singh Sidhu and senior SAD leader Bikram Majithia were defeated by AAP's Jeevan Jot Kaur in Amritsar East.&nbsp;

Parkash Singh Badal, a five-time Punjab chief minister and SAD patriarch, was beaten by AAP candidate and his closest challenger Gurmeet Singh Khudian in his home turf Lambi.&nbsp;

The SAD patriarch, who was 94 years old at the time, was the oldest candidate running in the Punjab assembly elections in 2022.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Most of the veterans in Punjab elections had to face the dust due to a massive upset. SAD patron Parkash Singh Badal, Capt Amarinder Singh, Sukhbir Badal, and Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi lost the election.

Most of the veterans in Punjab elections had to face the dust due to a massive upset. SAD patron Parkash Singh Badal, Capt Amarinder Singh, Sukhbir Badal, and Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi lost the election. Amarinder Singh, who ran as a Punjab Lok Congress candidate in an alliance with the BJP in Patiala, was defeated by Ajitpal Singh Kohli of the AAP. Both Chamkaur Sahib and Bhadaur were lost to Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi. In Jalalabad, SAD chief Sukhbir Singh Badal was defeated. PPCC president Navjot Singh Sidhu and senior SAD leader Bikram Majithia were defeated by AAP's Jeevan Jot Kaur in Amritsar East. Parkash Singh Badal, a five-time Punjab chief minister and SAD patriarch, was beaten by AAP candidate and his closest challenger Gurmeet Singh Khudian in his home turf Lambi. The SAD patriarch, who was 94 years old at the time, was the oldest candidate running in the Punjab assembly elections in 2022. (With inputs from agencies)

Parkash Singh Badal, Charanjit Channi, Navjot Sidhu, Amarinder Singh and Majithia lose election

Counting of votes is underway in five Indian states. Everyone is eagerly waiting for the results. As per latest update, BJP is maintaining its lead in UP, Manipur & Uttarakhand. While, AAP took a big lead in Punjab. However, there is a mixed mandate in Goa as parties fail to reach clear majority.

Counting on in 5 Indian states: Uttarakhand trends show a comfortable mandate for BJP

Counting of votes is underway in five Indian states. Political parties are looking forward to people's mandate. The elections were held in several phases. In the latest, BJP is maintaining its lead in UP, Manipur & Uttarakhand. Whereas, AAP took a big lead in Punjab. Meanwhile, there is a mixed mandate in Goa as parties fail to reach clear majority.

India Votes: Mixed mandate in Goa as parties fail to reach clear majority

Two-time Chief Minister of India's northern state of Punjab, Capt Amarinder Singh, faced a humiliating defeat in the Assembly elections as the nation on Thursday (March 10) closely watches results in five states - Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, Goa, Uttarakhand and Manipur.&nbsp;

Sing lost lo Aam Aadmi Party's Ajit Pal Kohli from his stronghold Patiala (Urban), the seat that he has won for four consecutive terms since 2002 when he first contested.&nbsp;

His loss has come as a major embarrassment for Congress rebel leader Capt Amarinder Singh, who left the Congress party just ahead of the polls after the Congress unceremoniously removed him from the helm.&nbsp;

LIVE |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/live-india-assembly-election-result-2022-aap-surge-sweeps-punjab-bjp-leads-in-4-states-460719">India Assembly Election Result 2022: AAP surge sweeps Punjab; BJP leads in 4 states</a>

Amarinder Singh was confident and expected the people of Punjab to favour his party Punjab Lok Congress and the alliance partners, including the Bharatiya Janata Party and the Shiromani Akali Dal-Samyukt.&nbsp;

However, the Aam Aadmi Party, which also rules the capital of New Delhi, is all set to form the government landslide win in Punjab - in a major blow to the Gandhi dynasty's once-mighty party.&nbsp;

Accepting the results, Capt Amarinder Singh said, " I accept the verdict of the people with all humility. Punjabis have shown true spirit of Punjabiyat by rising and voting above sectarian and caste lines."

In 2017, Capt Amarinder Singh, now 80, polled 72,217 votes against nearest rival Balbir Singh of the Aam Aadmi Party, who got just 19,852. Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) candidate and former Army chief Gen J.J. Singh (retd) got just 11,613 votes. Gen Singh is now with the BJP.&nbsp;

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I accept the verdict of the people with all humility. Democracy has triumphed. Punjabis have shown true spirit of Punjabiyat by rising and voting above sectarian and caste lines. 
Congratulations to <a href="https://twitter.com/AAPPunjab?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AAPPunjab</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/BhagwantMann?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BhagwantMann</a>.
— Capt.Amarinder Singh (@capt_amarinder) <a href="https://twitter.com/capt_amarinder/status/1501829790122209280?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 10, 2022</a></blockquote>
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(With inputs from agencies)

Two-time Chief Minister of India's northern state of Punjab, Capt Amarinder Singh, faced a humiliating defeat in the Assembly elections as the nation on Thursday (March 10) closely watches results in five states - Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, Goa, Uttarakhand and Manipur.

Two-time Chief Minister of India's northern state of Punjab, Capt Amarinder Singh, faced a humiliating defeat in the Assembly elections as the nation on Thursday (March 10) closely watches results in five states - Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, Goa, Uttarakhand and Manipur. Sing lost lo Aam Aadmi Party's Ajit Pal Kohli from his stronghold Patiala (Urban), the seat that he has won for four consecutive terms since 2002 when he first contested. His loss has come as a major embarrassment for Congress rebel leader Capt Amarinder Singh, who left the Congress party just ahead of the polls after the Congress unceremoniously removed him from the helm. LIVE | India Assembly Election Result 2022: AAP surge sweeps Punjab; BJP leads in 4 states Amarinder Singh was confident and expected the people of Punjab to favour his party Punjab Lok Congress and the alliance partners, including the Bharatiya Janata Party and the Shiromani Akali Dal-Samyukt. However, the Aam Aadmi Party, which also rules the capital of New Delhi, is all set to form the government landslide win in Punjab - in a major blow to the Gandhi dynasty's once-mighty party. Accepting the results, Capt Amarinder Singh said, " I accept the verdict of the people with all humility. Punjabis have shown true spirit of Punjabiyat by rising and voting above sectarian and caste lines." In 2017, Capt Amarinder Singh, now 80, polled 72,217 votes against nearest rival Balbir Singh of the Aam Aadmi Party, who got just 19,852. Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) candidate and former Army chief Gen J.J. Singh (retd) got just 11,613 votes. Gen Singh is now with the BJP. I accept the verdict of the people with all humility. Democracy has triumphed. Punjabis have shown true spirit of Punjabiyat by rising and voting above sectarian and caste lines. Congratulations to @AAPPunjab and @BhagwantMann. — Capt.Amarinder Singh (@capt_amarinder) March 10, 2022 × (With inputs from agencies)

India's Assembly Poll results: Major embarrassment as Capt Amarinder Singh loses Patiala seat

It has been termed the great exodus as residents of war-torn Ukraine look for a new home amid the continuing Russian invasion. This is the largest humanitarian crisis after World War II, with over 2 million people displaced. Besides Ukrainians, there were thousands of Indian students who were stranded in a country.&nbsp;

One among them was Arnaz Nasreen. The student from Kharkiv National Medical university was preparing for her trip back home on February 24 but was woken up to a message stating her flight was cancelled.

"I still chose to go to the airport to check the status. On my way I got the news that Russia has invaded Ukraine," said the 19-year-old. With the airport sealed off, she had nowhere to go as she had travelled from the northeastern city of Kharkiv to Kyiv, which is in the west, about 500 km away.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/spoke-to-him-5-days-ago-mother-of-indian-student-who-joined-ukraine-militia-tells-wion-460166">‘Spoke to him 5 days ago’, mother of Indian student who joined Ukraine militia tells WION</a>

The situation around her was getting worse. All she could hear was bombardment. Clueless of what to do next, she called home. “I informed my sister about the situation. She contacted my consultant, who directed me to another student’s accommodation in Kyiv.” The temporary safe house did not have a bunker, so they both decided to move to a nearby hostel to take shelter. “We were trying to book a cab when we heard that a Russian tank ran over a car. So, we chose to walk," Nasreen told WION.

“On reaching the hostel, we realised it was a military base used by the Ukrainian Army. There were snipers positioned on the higher floors and through our windows we saw Russian troops being shot down.”

With constant bombing in the vicinity, they had to make sure the food they had lasted longer, as stepping out was not an option. “I didn’t have a sip of water for three days, lunch was a piece of wafer, and bun for dinner.”

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/all-indian-students-moved-out-from-ukraines-sumy-says-india-460318">All Indian students moved out from Ukraine's Sumy, says India</a>

The news of the Chernobyl power plant being captured led her to leave the hostel. “I thought if anything goes wrong at the power plant, nobody will survive even if we are in bunkers. I asked around if people wanted to find a way to the borders, and some of them agreed.”

“I had been vigilant for a few days I was at the hostel. I noted that at a particular time slot, there was no bombing from either side, so we decided to move out accordingly.”&nbsp;

They planned to take a metro till wherever it goes, and then figure out the next step. “At the station, we were being interrogated; soon I was held at gunpoint and I had to convince the Ukrainian Army about my purpose of being at the location.”

Nasreen said she had no choice but to be strong and that kept her going.&nbsp;

<img alt="Indian students" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="61bb4d6e-1463-4cbe-b4eb-7c538e1f146e" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/FNVIHggaMAQdXgy.png" />

<img alt="Indian students" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="69cecb14-29ea-4336-8d92-ea0617468450" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/FNVLhCaaIAMgI_m.png" />

“As we tried to board the train, we were pushed out. At some point, there were people climbing over my shoulders, it was chaotic. I was struggling to get into the train, when one student pulled me in while I was almost hanging out. From there, we reached a place called Uzhhorod.”&nbsp;

She stressed that even if there was discrimination at the train station, the Ukrainian government made sure everybody who reached a safe zone was given enough food and water to sustain their journey.

The journey from Uzhhorod to Slovakia border was the last leg of their turbulent route to evacuation. “It was a 6km walk to the border. We heaved a sigh of relief once we reached there. Across the border, Indian embassy looked after our stay and food. Everything was smooth after crossing the border. However the fact that we made it will take some time to sink in. All along, I worked only on my instinct,” she said as she reached home safely.&nbsp;

Nasreen also mentioned how the journey began with a group of people, and then as they took calls for themselves, they had to unfortunately split. Even though the destination was the same, everybody took a different road to reach.

On returning, Nasreen has been in constant touch with her batchmates and friends, who have been trying to reach the borders for evacuation.&nbsp;

WATCH |&nbsp;Ukrainian refugees express frustration with UK's visa process

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&nbsp;

It has been termed the great exodus as residents of war-torn Ukraine look for a new home amid the continuing Russian invasion. This is the largest humanitarian crisis after World War II, with over 2 million people displaced.

It has been termed the great exodus as residents of war-torn Ukraine look for a new home amid the continuing Russian invasion. This is the largest humanitarian crisis after World War II, with over 2 million people displaced. Besides Ukrainians, there were thousands of Indian students who were stranded in a country. One among them was Arnaz Nasreen. The student from Kharkiv National Medical university was preparing for her trip back home on February 24 but was woken up to a message stating her flight was cancelled. "I still chose to go to the airport to check the status. On my way I got the news that Russia has invaded Ukraine," said the 19-year-old. With the airport sealed off, she had nowhere to go as she had travelled from the northeastern city of Kharkiv to Kyiv, which is in the west, about 500 km away. ALSO READ | ‘Spoke to him 5 days ago’, mother of Indian student who joined Ukraine militia tells WION The situation around her was getting worse. All she could hear was bombardment. Clueless of what to do next, she called home. “I informed my sister about the situation. She contacted my consultant, who directed me to another student’s accommodation in Kyiv.” The temporary safe house did not have a bunker, so they both decided to move to a nearby hostel to take shelter. “We were trying to book a cab when we heard that a Russian tank ran over a car. So, we chose to walk," Nasreen told WION. “On reaching the hostel, we realised it was a military base used by the Ukrainian Army. There were snipers positioned on the higher floors and through our windows we saw Russian troops being shot down.” With constant bombing in the vicinity, they had to make sure the food they had lasted longer, as stepping out was not an option. “I didn’t have a sip of water for three days, lunch was a piece of wafer, and bun for dinner.” ALSO READ | All Indian students moved out from Ukraine's Sumy, says India The news of the Chernobyl power plant being captured led her to leave the hostel. “I thought if anything goes wrong at the power plant, nobody will survive even if we are in bunkers. I asked around if people wanted to find a way to the borders, and some of them agreed.” “I had been vigilant for a few days I was at the hostel. I noted that at a particular time slot, there was no bombing from either side, so we decided to move out accordingly.” They planned to take a metro till wherever it goes, and then figure out the next step. “At the station, we were being interrogated; soon I was held at gunpoint and I had to convince the Ukrainian Army about my purpose of being at the location.” Nasreen said she had no choice but to be strong and that kept her going. “As we tried to board the train, we were pushed out. At some point, there were people climbing over my shoulders, it was chaotic. I was struggling to get into the train, when one student pulled me in while I was almost hanging out. From there, we reached a place called Uzhhorod.” She stressed that even if there was discrimination at the train station, the Ukrainian government made sure everybody who reached a safe zone was given enough food and water to sustain their journey. The journey from Uzhhorod to Slovakia border was the last leg of their turbulent route to evacuation. “It was a 6km walk to the border. We heaved a sigh of relief once we reached there. Across the border, Indian embassy looked after our stay and food. Everything was smooth after crossing the border. However the fact that we made it will take some time to sink in. All along, I worked only on my instinct,” she said as she reached home safely. Nasreen also mentioned how the journey began with a group of people, and then as they took calls for themselves, they had to unfortunately split. Even though the destination was the same, everybody took a different road to reach. On returning, Nasreen has been in constant touch with her batchmates and friends, who have been trying to reach the borders for evacuation. WATCH | Ukrainian refugees express frustration with UK's visa process ×

Escape from Ukraine: No water for 3 days, held at gunpoint, 19-year-old Indian student makes it to safety

In growing signs of worry with Taliban takeover of Afghanistan, India's National Security Advisor Ajit Doval has said "The problem of narcotics trafficking has intensified in last one year" in the "light of developments in Afghanistan" which is "evident in growing number of seizers in the past year". Taliban took over Afghanistan in August of last year as the previous Ghani regime collapsed.

Speaking at the Colombo Security conclave in the Maldives on Wednesday, NSA Doval said, "We remain vulnerable to the threats of trafficking, organised crime and maritime terrorism".&nbsp;

He pointed out how Indian and Sri Lankan authorities had busted narcotics being transported at the high seas.&nbsp;

He said, "Based on specific intelligence, a joint operation of India's narcotic Bureau, Indian navy along with our Sri Lankan counterparts recently seized over 800 kg of high-quality drug over the high seas that valued over $267 million."

He further added, "Our agencies and services have been continuously working for various such intelligence inputs and will carry out more operations. Close cooperation on such issues will be in our mutual interest."

India's NSA is in the Maldives for the 5th National Security Adviser level meeting of the Colombo Security conclave which includes India, Sri Lanka, and the Maldives. Mauritius has been added as the fourth member of the group, making it a quad grouping.&nbsp; 
Bangladesh and Seychelles participated as observers.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/operation-ganga-sheikh-hasina-thanks-pm-modi-for-rescuing-bangladeshis-from-war-hit-ukraine-460432">Also read |&nbsp;Operation Ganga: Sheikh Hasina thanks PM Modi for rescuing Bangladeshis from war-hit Ukraine</a>

At the meet, ​he called for "Institutionalisation of our cooperation with a concrete roadmap and defined charters of objectives", pointing out that "as ​maritime neighbours, we face common security challenges, our national security is deeply intertwined with our collective security aspirations in the region."

The 4th meeting of the NSAs happened in Colombo on November 28, 2020, where India, Sri Lanka and the Maldives agreed to expand the scope and membership of the group and renamed it the Colombo Security Conclave.&nbsp;

The next meeting of the conclave is scheduled to be held in India at the deputy NSA level. The next NSA level dialogue will also be held in India.

At the meet in the Maldives on Wednesday, NSAs discussed the significance of close cooperation between Member and observer countries in maritime safety and security, countering terrorism and radicalisation.&nbsp;

NSA Doval said, "As maritime national, our security at very basic level depends on the security of our coast. Our coasts are vulnerable and numerous threats such as maritime terrorism, smuggling, trafficking. Numerous strategic installations on our coasts that are vital for our security and development and prosperity of our nation and our people."

In growing signs of worry with Taliban takeover of Afghanistan, India's National Security Advisor Ajit Doval has said "The problem of narcotics trafficking has intensified in last one year" in the "light of developments in Afghanistan" which is "evident in growing number of seizers in the past year".

In growing signs of worry with Taliban takeover of Afghanistan, India's National Security Advisor Ajit Doval has said "The problem of narcotics trafficking has intensified in last one year" in the "light of developments in Afghanistan" which is "evident in growing number of seizers in the past year". Taliban took over Afghanistan in August of last year as the previous Ghani regime collapsed. Speaking at the Colombo Security conclave in the Maldives on Wednesday, NSA Doval said, "We remain vulnerable to the threats of trafficking, organised crime and maritime terrorism". He pointed out how Indian and Sri Lankan authorities had busted narcotics being transported at the high seas. He said, "Based on specific intelligence, a joint operation of India's narcotic Bureau, Indian navy along with our Sri Lankan counterparts recently seized over 800 kg of high-quality drug over the high seas that valued over $267 million." He further added, "Our agencies and services have been continuously working for various such intelligence inputs and will carry out more operations. Close cooperation on such issues will be in our mutual interest." India's NSA is in the Maldives for the 5th National Security Adviser level meeting of the Colombo Security conclave which includes India, Sri Lanka, and the Maldives. Mauritius has been added as the fourth member of the group, making it a quad grouping. Bangladesh and Seychelles participated as observers. Also read | Operation Ganga: Sheikh Hasina thanks PM Modi for rescuing Bangladeshis from war-hit Ukraine At the meet, he called for "Institutionalisation of our cooperation with a concrete roadmap and defined charters of objectives", pointing out that "as maritime neighbours, we face common security challenges, our national security is deeply intertwined with our collective security aspirations in the region." The 4th meeting of the NSAs happened in Colombo on November 28, 2020, where India, Sri Lanka and the Maldives agreed to expand the scope and membership of the group and renamed it the Colombo Security Conclave. The next meeting of the conclave is scheduled to be held in India at the deputy NSA level. The next NSA level dialogue will also be held in India. At the meet in the Maldives on Wednesday, NSAs discussed the significance of close cooperation between Member and observer countries in maritime safety and security, countering terrorism and radicalisation. NSA Doval said, "As maritime national, our security at very basic level depends on the security of our coast. Our coasts are vulnerable and numerous threats such as maritime terrorism, smuggling, trafficking. Numerous strategic installations on our coasts that are vital for our security and development and prosperity of our nation and our people."

Narcotics trafficking has intensified since Afghanistan 'developments': NSA Doval

Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina praised her Indian counterpart on Wednesday for rescuing nine of her country's residents from war-torn Ukraine.

Since Russia attacked Ukraine two weeks ago, India has rescued trapped individuals, especially students, from numerous other countries, including Pakistan, Nepal, and Tunisia, as part of its 'Operation Ganga' evacuation effort.

Earlier in the day, ANI posted a video of a Pakistani student thanking the Indian government for removing her from the conflict-torn country.&nbsp;

According to ANI, the girl, Asma Shafique, was rescued by Indian officials and is currently on her way to western Ukraine, according to reports.

According to the reports, she will be reunited with her family soon.

The girl can be heard in the video thanking the Indian consulate in Kyiv as well as Modi for his help.&nbsp;

"I want to thank the Indian embassy in Kyiv for supporting us all the way here as we were stuck in a very difficult situation, and I also want to thank the Prime Minister of India for supporting us. I hope we get home safely because of the Indian embassy," she said.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | Pakistan's Asma Shafique thanks the Indian embassy in Kyiv and Prime Minister Modi for evacuating her. 
 
Shas been rescued by Indian authorities and is enroute to Western <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Ukraine?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Ukraine</a> for further evacuation out of the country. She will be reunited with her family soon:Sources <a href="https://t.co/9hiBWGKvNp">pic.twitter.com/9hiBWGKvNp</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1501378896003883012?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 9, 2022</a></blockquote>
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On Sunday, Indian PM Modi said that "the fact that India was able to evacuate its citizens during the war in Ukraine demonstrates the country's growing global significance,".&nbsp;

"You have seen how, under Operation Ganga, India is bringing its citizens safely out of the war zone. Many big countries are facing difficulties in doing so. But it is due to India’s increasing influence that we have brought thousands of students back to their motherland," Modi said

(With inputs from agencies)

Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina praised her Indian counterpart on Wednesday for rescuing nine of her country's residents from war-torn Ukraine. Since Russia attacked Ukraine two weeks ago, India has rescued trapped individuals, especially students, from numerous other countries, including Pakistan, Nepal, and Tunisia, as part of its 'Operation Ganga' evacuation effort.

Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina praised her Indian counterpart on Wednesday for rescuing nine of her country's residents from war-torn Ukraine. Since Russia attacked Ukraine two weeks ago, India has rescued trapped individuals, especially students, from numerous other countries, including Pakistan, Nepal, and Tunisia, as part of its 'Operation Ganga' evacuation effort. Earlier in the day, ANI posted a video of a Pakistani student thanking the Indian government for removing her from the conflict-torn country. According to ANI, the girl, Asma Shafique, was rescued by Indian officials and is currently on her way to western Ukraine, according to reports. According to the reports, she will be reunited with her family soon. The girl can be heard in the video thanking the Indian consulate in Kyiv as well as Modi for his help. "I want to thank the Indian embassy in Kyiv for supporting us all the way here as we were stuck in a very difficult situation, and I also want to thank the Prime Minister of India for supporting us. I hope we get home safely because of the Indian embassy," she said. #WATCH | Pakistan's Asma Shafique thanks the Indian embassy in Kyiv and Prime Minister Modi for evacuating her. Shas been rescued by Indian authorities and is enroute to Western #Ukraine for further evacuation out of the country. She will be reunited with her family soon:Sources pic.twitter.com/9hiBWGKvNp — ANI (@ANI) March 9, 2022 × On Sunday, Indian PM Modi said that "the fact that India was able to evacuate its citizens during the war in Ukraine demonstrates the country's growing global significance,". "You have seen how, under Operation Ganga, India is bringing its citizens safely out of the war zone. Many big countries are facing difficulties in doing so. But it is due to India’s increasing influence that we have brought thousands of students back to their motherland," Modi said (With inputs from agencies)

Operation Ganga: Sheikh Hasina thanks PM Modi for rescuing Bangladeshis from war-hit Ukraine

(Reuters) - Cricketers will not be allowed to use saliva to shine the ball while the rarely used but entirely permissible "Mankad" method of dismissing batters will not be listed under unfair play in new laws approved by the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC). Cricketers have used the age-old method of shining one side of the ball with saliva and sweat to help bowlers generate more movement in the air as it travels towards batters. The new laws make permanent a ban on applying saliva to the ball due to health reasons, implemented when men`s cricket resumed after a COVID-19 suspension in July 2020. The MCC said it found through research that the ban over this period had little or no impact on the amount of swing that bowlers were getting. Polishing the ball with sweat will still be permitted. "The new laws will not permit the use of saliva on the ball, which also removes any grey areas of fielders eating sugary sweets to alter their saliva to apply to the ball," the MCC said in a statement. "Using saliva will be treated the same way as any other unfair methods of changing the condition of the ball." The Lord`s-based MCC, the sole authority on the laws of cricket since it was founded in 1787, said that the changes would be effective Oct. 1. The "Mankad" dismissal involves a bowler choosing to whip off the bails when a non-striker steps out of the crease instead of completing his delivery to the batter on strike. While legal, the dismissal, named after India bowler Vinoo Mankad who ran out Australia`s Bill Brown in similar fashion in 1947, has been considered against the spirit of the game. The MCC said that although the wording of the law would remain the same, it would move from Law 41 (Unfair play) to Law 38 (Run out). In other changes, the MCC said when a batter is out caught, the new player in will come in at the end the striker was at and face the next ball unless it is the end of an over. (Reporting by Shrivathsa Sridhar in Bengaluru; Editing by Sam Holmes)

(Reuters) - Cricketers will not be allowed to use saliva to shine the ball while the rarely used but entirely permissible "Mankad" method of dismissing batters will not be listed under unfair play in new laws approved by the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC).

(Reuters) - Cricketers will not be allowed to use saliva to shine the ball while the rarely used but entirely permissible "Mankad" method of dismissing batters will not be listed under unfair play in new laws approved by the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC). Cricketers have used the age-old method of shining one side of the ball with saliva and sweat to help bowlers generate more movement in the air as it travels towards batters. The new laws make permanent a ban on applying saliva to the ball due to health reasons, implemented when men`s cricket resumed after a COVID-19 suspension in July 2020. The MCC said it found through research that the ban over this period had little or no impact on the amount of swing that bowlers were getting. Polishing the ball with sweat will still be permitted. "The new laws will not permit the use of saliva on the ball, which also removes any grey areas of fielders eating sugary sweets to alter their saliva to apply to the ball," the MCC said in a statement. "Using saliva will be treated the same way as any other unfair methods of changing the condition of the ball." The Lord`s-based MCC, the sole authority on the laws of cricket since it was founded in 1787, said that the changes would be effective Oct. 1. The "Mankad" dismissal involves a bowler choosing to whip off the bails when a non-striker steps out of the crease instead of completing his delivery to the batter on strike. While legal, the dismissal, named after India bowler Vinoo Mankad who ran out Australia`s Bill Brown in similar fashion in 1947, has been considered against the spirit of the game. The MCC said that although the wording of the law would remain the same, it would move from Law 41 (Unfair play) to Law 38 (Run out). In other changes, the MCC said when a batter is out caught, the new player in will come in at the end the striker was at and face the next ball unless it is the end of an over. (Reporting by Shrivathsa Sridhar in Bengaluru; Editing by Sam Holmes)

Cricket-MCC bans use of saliva to shine ball, ''Mankad'' no longer unfair play

Supreme Court of India on Wednesday (March 9) granted bail to convict for the assassination of country's former prime minister Rajiv Gandhi. The court granted AG Perarivalan, the convict, a bail noting that he had spent more than 30 years behind bars.

A bench of Justices L. Nageswara Rao and BR Gavai said: "Taking into account, the appellant has spent more than 30 years of incarceration, he is entitled to be released on bail despite vehement opposition of the Additional Solicitor General (representing the Centre), the appellant is directed to be released on bail."

The bench noted during the hearing that decision on Perarivalan's mercy petition had been delated.&nbsp;

It queried Additional Solicitor General KM Nataraj, representing the Centre, what is the role of the Governor in sending the remission plea to the President, and does the Governor have any independent discretion in a decision taken by the state cabinet.

The bench also noted that there is sufficient material on record in connection with his conduct during imprisonment, along with his educational qualifications.

Perarivalan was represented by senior advocate Gopal Sankaranarayan in the apex court. He informed the court that his client was released on parole thrice and there was no complaint regarding his conduct.

The bench also noted the Central government`s submissions that the state government does not have power to take a stand on mercy petition, especially when the death was commuted to life.

Nataraj, opposing bail to Perarivalan, submitted that he has already availed the benefit of a mercy petition once, and his death penalty was commuted to life sentence by the top court in 2014, against the backdrop of delay in considering the mercy petition. He added that his remission application has been submitted before the Governor who, in turn, said the competent authority to decide is the President.

Granting bail to Perarivalan, the bench said it will be subject to the satisfaction of the trial court`s conditions and directed him to report to the local police, during the first week of every month.

In February last year, the Union Home Ministry had informed the Supreme Court that the Tamil Nadu Governor has recorded that the President is the competent authority to deal with the pardon plea of Perarivalan.

Parole to Perarivalan, who has been in jail since his arrest in 1991, was granted and extended by the Tamil Nadu government periodically.

In 2014, the top court had commuted his death penalty, for aiding in making the bomb, which killed Rajiv Gandhi, to life imprisonment on the ground of delay in deciding their mercy petitions.

On various occasions, the Supreme Court had expressed its dissatisfaction over the pendency of the pardon plea of Perarivalan for over two years with the Tamil Nadu Governor. Perarivalan had moved the top court seeking premature release and remit of his sentence. He had also cited the recommendation made by the state government in 2018 for his release.

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

Supreme Court of India on Wednesday (March 9) granted bail to convict for the assassination of country's former prime minister Rajiv Gandhi. The court granted AG Perarivalan, the convict, a bail noting that he had spent more than 30 years behind bars.

Supreme Court of India on Wednesday (March 9) granted bail to convict for the assassination of country's former prime minister Rajiv Gandhi. The court granted AG Perarivalan, the convict, a bail noting that he had spent more than 30 years behind bars. A bench of Justices L. Nageswara Rao and BR Gavai said: "Taking into account, the appellant has spent more than 30 years of incarceration, he is entitled to be released on bail despite vehement opposition of the Additional Solicitor General (representing the Centre), the appellant is directed to be released on bail." The bench noted during the hearing that decision on Perarivalan's mercy petition had been delated. It queried Additional Solicitor General KM Nataraj, representing the Centre, what is the role of the Governor in sending the remission plea to the President, and does the Governor have any independent discretion in a decision taken by the state cabinet. The bench also noted that there is sufficient material on record in connection with his conduct during imprisonment, along with his educational qualifications. Perarivalan was represented by senior advocate Gopal Sankaranarayan in the apex court. He informed the court that his client was released on parole thrice and there was no complaint regarding his conduct. The bench also noted the Central government`s submissions that the state government does not have power to take a stand on mercy petition, especially when the death was commuted to life. Nataraj, opposing bail to Perarivalan, submitted that he has already availed the benefit of a mercy petition once, and his death penalty was commuted to life sentence by the top court in 2014, against the backdrop of delay in considering the mercy petition. He added that his remission application has been submitted before the Governor who, in turn, said the competent authority to decide is the President. Granting bail to Perarivalan, the bench said it will be subject to the satisfaction of the trial court`s conditions and directed him to report to the local police, during the first week of every month. In February last year, the Union Home Ministry had informed the Supreme Court that the Tamil Nadu Governor has recorded that the President is the competent authority to deal with the pardon plea of Perarivalan. Parole to Perarivalan, who has been in jail since his arrest in 1991, was granted and extended by the Tamil Nadu government periodically. In 2014, the top court had commuted his death penalty, for aiding in making the bomb, which killed Rajiv Gandhi, to life imprisonment on the ground of delay in deciding their mercy petitions. On various occasions, the Supreme Court had expressed its dissatisfaction over the pendency of the pardon plea of Perarivalan for over two years with the Tamil Nadu Governor. Perarivalan had moved the top court seeking premature release and remit of his sentence. He had also cited the recommendation made by the state government in 2018 for his release. (With inputs from agencies)

Rajiv Gandhi assassination: Indian Supreme Court grants bail to convict

Indian academia is gearing up to build 75 satellites, that are expected to be launched by ISRO rockets between August 15, 2022, and 2023. Efforts in this regard are being carried out to commemorate the 75th year of Indian independence.

Indian academia is gearing up to build 75 satellites, that are expected to be launched by ISRO rockets between August 15, 2022, and 2023. Efforts in this regard are being carried out to commemorate the 75th year of Indian independence. The project is being carried out under the technical guidance of Dr Mayilsamy Annadurai, a former Director of the Indian Space Research Organisation's lead centre for the design and development of satellites. WION spoke to Dr Annadurai regarding this ambitious goal that lay ahead. Initiated by the Indian Technology Congress Association (ITCA), the project aims to bring together universities, engineering colleges and schools that will design, build, integrate and test their student-built satellites. Back in 2021, a handful of Indian academia had built 3 satellites known as 'UNITYSat', which was launched as a co-passenger in ISRO's PSLV C51, Amazonia mission. According to Dr Annadurai, some of the major lessons that students learned from building UNITYSat are being implemented in the ongoing project of building 75 satellites. To test the new systems that are being incorporated in the upcoming satellites, an engineering model will be flown in the coming months. Once the validation is completed successfully, the students will be trained to build the nano-satellites and carry out the related tasks, with the support of an Indian space start-up. While the respective academic institutions are bearing the cost of this initiative, some state governments such as that of Karnataka have also pitched in with financial support to help students from their government-run schools. Project monitoring committee, comprising topmost officials from @isro & outside experts to meet every 2 weeks to follow up, facilitate the #IndianStudent mission to build 75 nano satellites btween August 15th 2022-23 , get them launched by #ISRO rockets #India #space #Satellite pic.twitter.com/Na3gHduyrY — Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) March 9, 2022 × To cut short the time to fabricate 75 satellites and make the mission frugal, the start-up is expected to provide satellite-building kits, to the students. Once placed in orbit by the PSLV rocket, each satellite is designed to remain in earth orbit for up to a year and provide data to the ground stations. This will give the students the experience of not just building the satellite, but also the ability to operate the ground station to track the satellite and gather, analyse the data obtained. While each of the 75 satellites is meant to have an individual objective, such as capturing images, collecting data, monitoring radiation, other parameters, that will not be the only task at hand. The constellation of 75 nano-satellites will also be used to test concepts such as the internet of things, low-earth communication, inter-satellite communication, among others. This is being done to keep the mission going, even if a few satellites fail. This concept also has the potential to be improvised, even beyond this 75 satellites mission, Dr Annadurai added. Playing a lead role in this mission of ensuring design, development, fabrication, testing and launching of 75 nano-satellites (each weighing less than 10kg), ITCA is being supported by the Indian Space Research Organisation. In the next year, ITCA and ISRO will mentor the students, provide their technical support, review the progress of the mission and suggest corrections as necessary. The project monitoring committee comprising of experts from within and outside ISRO is to meet every few weeks to track the progress of the mission and ensure its facilitation.

As part of 75th year of independence, ISRO to launch 75 satellites built by Indian academia

Asserting that railway linking will help in the "rapid shrinking of South Asia's geography", India’s foreign secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla announced that India will soon be connected with Nepal with two railway links while Bangladesh will be linked with six rail links.

Speaking at the inaugural session of the Training Module on India’s Neighbourhood at Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration in Mussoorie, the foreign secretary emphasised on the role of connectivity in the region.

“Improved connectivity means greater people-to-people contact and greater goodwill", Shringla said, adding, "Travel between India and three of its neighbours – Nepal, Bhutan and Maldives – does not require visas. Our diplomatic missions in Sri Lanka and Yangon report an increasing trend in the number of visas being issued.”

Currently, India and Nepal are working on railway service between Kurtha-Jayanagar. The test run for the railway service between India's Jayanagar and Nepal's Kurtha has already been conducted.

Apart from that, Indian Railway's Konkan Railway Corporation Limited is helping Nepal Railways in the establishment of the service that will help people from both sides of the border.

As far as India and Bangladesh are concerned, five pre-1965 railway links have been revived. These include Petrapole (India) - Benapole (Bangladesh), Gede (India) - Darshana (Bangladesh), Singhabad (India) Rohanpur (Bangladesh), Radhikapur (India) - Birol (Bangladesh) with Haldibari-Chilahati forming the 5th such link.

On electric grid connectivity, Shringla said, "Indian grid is connected to Nepal, Bhutan and Bangladesh through high-capacity connections. Trans-national movement of electricity in the neighbourhood is a reality."

India supplies around 1160 MW of power to Bangladesh, about 700 MW to Nepal, and imports 1.8 GW from Bhutan.

Apart from this, India has been able to create 2100 MW of hydropower capacity in Bhutan and is constructing the 1320 MW Maitree Super Thermal Power Project in Bangladesh.

The top Indian diplomat pointed out that India's "neighbourhood first policy" requires "us to be proactive in augmenting cooperation with our neighbours in capacity-building and in the implementation of projects”.

India's Line of Credit to its neighbours have jumped from US$ 3.27 billion in 2014 to US$ 14.7 billion in 2020.

On India-China ties, he said, "We have made it clear to China that peace and tranquillity in the border are essential for the development of our relationship and development of India-China relationship has to be based on three mutuals- mutual respect, mutual sensitivity and mutual interest."

His remark on China comes just days ahead of the 15th round of military talks between India and China that is scheduled to take place on Friday.

It is expected that resolution on PP15 friction point will be the key focus of this round of talks.

Asserting that railway linking will help in the "rapid shrinking of South Asia's geography", India’s foreign secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla announced that India will soon be connected with Nepal with two railway links while Bangladesh will be linked with six rail links.

Asserting that railway linking will help in the "rapid shrinking of South Asia's geography", India’s foreign secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla announced that India will soon be connected with Nepal with two railway links while Bangladesh will be linked with six rail links. Speaking at the inaugural session of the Training Module on India’s Neighbourhood at Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration in Mussoorie, the foreign secretary emphasised on the role of connectivity in the region. “Improved connectivity means greater people-to-people contact and greater goodwill", Shringla said, adding, "Travel between India and three of its neighbours – Nepal, Bhutan and Maldives – does not require visas. Our diplomatic missions in Sri Lanka and Yangon report an increasing trend in the number of visas being issued.” Currently, India and Nepal are working on railway service between Kurtha-Jayanagar. The test run for the railway service between India's Jayanagar and Nepal's Kurtha has already been conducted. Apart from that, Indian Railway's Konkan Railway Corporation Limited is helping Nepal Railways in the establishment of the service that will help people from both sides of the border. As far as India and Bangladesh are concerned, five pre-1965 railway links have been revived. These include Petrapole (India) - Benapole (Bangladesh), Gede (India) - Darshana (Bangladesh), Singhabad (India) Rohanpur (Bangladesh), Radhikapur (India) - Birol (Bangladesh) with Haldibari-Chilahati forming the 5th such link. On electric grid connectivity, Shringla said, "Indian grid is connected to Nepal, Bhutan and Bangladesh through high-capacity connections. Trans-national movement of electricity in the neighbourhood is a reality." India supplies around 1160 MW of power to Bangladesh, about 700 MW to Nepal, and imports 1.8 GW from Bhutan. Apart from this, India has been able to create 2100 MW of hydropower capacity in Bhutan and is constructing the 1320 MW Maitree Super Thermal Power Project in Bangladesh. The top Indian diplomat pointed out that India's "neighbourhood first policy" requires "us to be proactive in augmenting cooperation with our neighbours in capacity-building and in the implementation of projects”. India's Line of Credit to its neighbours have jumped from US$ 3.27 billion in 2014 to US$ 14.7 billion in 2020. On India-China ties, he said, "We have made it clear to China that peace and tranquillity in the border are essential for the development of our relationship and development of India-China relationship has to be based on three mutuals- mutual respect, mutual sensitivity and mutual interest." His remark on China comes just days ahead of the 15th round of military talks between India and China that is scheduled to take place on Friday. It is expected that resolution on PP15 friction point will be the key focus of this round of talks.

India, Nepal will soon be connected by 2 rail links, says foreign secretary Shringla

India,&nbsp;under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, is more like to respond to the Pakistan military’s real or perceived provocation than in the past, an annual threat assessment report by the US intelligence community told the US Congress.

The report released by the Office of Director of National Intelligence (ODNI) said that the crisis between India and Pakistan was of particular concern "because of the risk – however low – of an escalatory cycle between two nuclear-armed states."

"Pakistan has a long history of supporting anti-India militant groups; under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India is more likely than in the past to respond with military force to perceived or real Pakistani provocations, and each side's perception of heightened tensions raises the risk of conflict, with violent unrest in Kashmir or a militant attack in India being potential flashpoints," the ODNI report said.

The report also acknowledged the growing strain in relations between India and China in the wake 2020 border clash, saying that there is a growing risk of armed confrontation between the two Asian giants.

"We assess that the expanded military postures by both India and China along the disputed border elevate the risk of armed confrontation between two nuclear powers that might involve direct threats to US persons and interests and calls for US intervention. Previous standoffs have demonstrated that persistent low-level friction on the Line of Actual Control (LAC) has the potential to escalate swiftly," the report noted.

The tensions between New Delhi and Beijing escalated following a deadly clash in Galwan Valley on June 15, 2020.

So far 14 rounds of talks have taken place to resolve the situation along&nbsp; the friction areas in eastern Ladakh, but with little success.

According to reports, India and China will be holding the 15th round of Corps Commander-level discussions on March 11 to try and resolve the issues.

As of now, China has a platoon-sized strength of troops on the Indian side of the&nbsp;Line of Actual Control&nbsp;(LAC)&nbsp;at Hot Springs.

Chinese troops are blocking Indian soldiers from accessing their traditional patrolling limits&nbsp;in Depsang Plains, which is close to India’s strategic Daulat Beg Oldie base in the north.

(With inputs from agencies)

India, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, is more like to respond to the Pakistan military’s real or perceived provocation than in the past, an annual threat assessment report by the US intelligence community told the US Congress.

India, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, is more like to respond to the Pakistan military’s real or perceived provocation than in the past, an annual threat assessment report by the US intelligence community told the US Congress. The report released by the Office of Director of National Intelligence (ODNI) said that the crisis between India and Pakistan was of particular concern "because of the risk – however low – of an escalatory cycle between two nuclear-armed states." "Pakistan has a long history of supporting anti-India militant groups; under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India is more likely than in the past to respond with military force to perceived or real Pakistani provocations, and each side's perception of heightened tensions raises the risk of conflict, with violent unrest in Kashmir or a militant attack in India being potential flashpoints," the ODNI report said. The report also acknowledged the growing strain in relations between India and China in the wake 2020 border clash, saying that there is a growing risk of armed confrontation between the two Asian giants. "We assess that the expanded military postures by both India and China along the disputed border elevate the risk of armed confrontation between two nuclear powers that might involve direct threats to US persons and interests and calls for US intervention. Previous standoffs have demonstrated that persistent low-level friction on the Line of Actual Control (LAC) has the potential to escalate swiftly," the report noted. The tensions between New Delhi and Beijing escalated following a deadly clash in Galwan Valley on June 15, 2020. So far 14 rounds of talks have taken place to resolve the situation along the friction areas in eastern Ladakh, but with little success. According to reports, India and China will be holding the 15th round of Corps Commander-level discussions on March 11 to try and resolve the issues. As of now, China has a platoon-sized strength of troops on the Indian side of the Line of Actual Control (LAC) at Hot Springs. Chinese troops are blocking Indian soldiers from accessing their traditional patrolling limits in Depsang Plains, which is close to India’s strategic Daulat Beg Oldie base in the north. (With inputs from agencies)

India more likely to respond to Pakistan’s provocations under PM Modi: US Intel

Asma Shafique, a Pakistani girl who was rescued by Indian officials in the war-torn country of Ukraine, has expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Indian Embassy in Kyiv.

The Pakistani student who had been stuck in Kyiv is now on his way to Western Ukraine for further evacuation.

According to the reports, she will be reunited with her family soon.

Shafique conveyed her gratitude to the Indian embassy in Kyiv and Prime Minister Narendra Modi for their assistance after she was rescued by Indian authorities.&nbsp;

"I want to thank the Indian embassy in Kyiv for supporting us all the way here as we were stuck in a very difficult situation, and I also want to thank the Prime Minister of India for supporting us. Hope we get home safely because of the Indian embassy," she said.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | Pakistan's Asma Shafique thanks the Indian embassy in Kyiv and Prime Minister Modi for evacuating her. 
 
Shas been rescued by Indian authorities and is enroute to Western <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Ukraine?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Ukraine</a> for further evacuation out of the country. She will be reunited with her family soon:Sources <a href="https://t.co/9hiBWGKvNp">pic.twitter.com/9hiBWGKvNp</a>
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&nbsp;

This isn't the first time India has saved a foreign national.

According to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), India had already evacuated nine Bangladeshi nationals

According to The Kathmandu Post, Roshan Jha, the first Nepali national to be evacuated from Ukraine by Indian officials, expressed his gratitude to the Indian government for their assistance.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, all Indian students stuck in the war-torn Ukrainian city of Sumy have been relocated, and flights under Operation Ganga are being readied to transport them back to India, according to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).

Arindam Bagchi, a spokesperson for the Ministry of External Affairs, stated that the Indian students who were evacuated from Sumy were being transported to Poltava, from where they will board trains to western Ukraine.

Sumy is roughly 175 kilometres away from Poltava.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Asma Shafique, a Pakistani girl who was rescued by Indian officials in the war-torn country of Ukraine, has expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Indian Embassy in Kyiv.

Asma Shafique, a Pakistani girl who was rescued by Indian officials in the war-torn country of Ukraine, has expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Indian Embassy in Kyiv. The Pakistani student who had been stuck in Kyiv is now on his way to Western Ukraine for further evacuation. According to the reports, she will be reunited with her family soon. Shafique conveyed her gratitude to the Indian embassy in Kyiv and Prime Minister Narendra Modi for their assistance after she was rescued by Indian authorities. "I want to thank the Indian embassy in Kyiv for supporting us all the way here as we were stuck in a very difficult situation, and I also want to thank the Prime Minister of India for supporting us. Hope we get home safely because of the Indian embassy," she said. #WATCH | Pakistan's Asma Shafique thanks the Indian embassy in Kyiv and Prime Minister Modi for evacuating her. Shas been rescued by Indian authorities and is enroute to Western #Ukraine for further evacuation out of the country. She will be reunited with her family soon:Sources pic.twitter.com/9hiBWGKvNp — ANI (@ANI) March 9, 2022 × This isn't the first time India has saved a foreign national. According to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), India had already evacuated nine Bangladeshi nationals According to The Kathmandu Post, Roshan Jha, the first Nepali national to be evacuated from Ukraine by Indian officials, expressed his gratitude to the Indian government for their assistance. Meanwhile, all Indian students stuck in the war-torn Ukrainian city of Sumy have been relocated, and flights under Operation Ganga are being readied to transport them back to India, according to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). Arindam Bagchi, a spokesperson for the Ministry of External Affairs, stated that the Indian students who were evacuated from Sumy were being transported to Poltava, from where they will board trains to western Ukraine. Sumy is roughly 175 kilometres away from Poltava. (With inputs from agencies)

Watch: Pakistani girl thanks PM Modi and the Indian Embassy in Kyiv for evacuating her

Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi conceded that ties with India had "met with some setbacks" amid tensions along the Line of Actual Control (LAC).&nbsp;

The Chinese foreign minister said both countries should help each other accomplish goals instead of "draining each other's energies", while adding that "some forces" have tried to create division between the two Asian countries.

India and China have been locked in a border tussle since May 2020. In June 2020, Chinese and Indian troops had clashed at Galwan leading to the death of 20 Indian soldiers and 4 PLA soldiers although reports claimed the casualties among the Chinese troops was much higher.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/stalemate-in-ladakh-de-escalation-from-the-friction-points-and-the-way-ahead-419900">Also Read:&nbsp;Stalemate in Ladakh - De-escalation from the friction points and the way ahead</a>

In February last year, the Chinese government had said it was pulling out troops from the forward areas along the LAC, however, India's Army said Chinese troops hadn't pulled back completely and were fortifying positions and building infrastructure.

In January, the two nations concluded the 14th round of corps commander-level meeting at the Chushul-Moldo border.&nbsp;

In a joint statement, the two sides said had a "frank and in-depth exchange of views" on the issues related to the LAC in the western sector while seeking to maintain dialogue via military and diplomatic channels.

India's external affairs minister S Jaishankar had said that India will not agree to any status change along the LAC.

"We are absolutely clear that we will not agree to any change in the status quo. Any attempt to change the LAC unilaterally by one side. So however complex, however long it takes, however difficult it is, I think that clarity is what guides us," Jaishankar said while adding that "friction points" still needed to be resolved.

(With inputs from Agencies)

Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi conceded that ties with India had "met with some setbacks" amid tensions along the Line of Actual Control (LAC). The Chinese foreign minister said both countries should help each other accomplish goals instead of "draining each other's energies", while adding that "some forces" have tried to create division between the two Asian countries.

Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi conceded that ties with India had "met with some setbacks" amid tensions along the Line of Actual Control (LAC). The Chinese foreign minister said both countries should help each other accomplish goals instead of "draining each other's energies", while adding that "some forces" have tried to create division between the two Asian countries. India and China have been locked in a border tussle since May 2020. In June 2020, Chinese and Indian troops had clashed at Galwan leading to the death of 20 Indian soldiers and 4 PLA soldiers although reports claimed the casualties among the Chinese troops was much higher. Also Read: Stalemate in Ladakh - De-escalation from the friction points and the way ahead In February last year, the Chinese government had said it was pulling out troops from the forward areas along the LAC, however, India's Army said Chinese troops hadn't pulled back completely and were fortifying positions and building infrastructure. In January, the two nations concluded the 14th round of corps commander-level meeting at the Chushul-Moldo border. In a joint statement, the two sides said had a "frank and in-depth exchange of views" on the issues related to the LAC in the western sector while seeking to maintain dialogue via military and diplomatic channels. India's external affairs minister S Jaishankar had said that India will not agree to any status change along the LAC. "We are absolutely clear that we will not agree to any change in the status quo. Any attempt to change the LAC unilaterally by one side. So however complex, however long it takes, however difficult it is, I think that clarity is what guides us," Jaishankar said while adding that "friction points" still needed to be resolved. (With inputs from Agencies)

India, China should help each other, not drain each other's energies: Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi

The Centre on Monday told the Supreme Court that induction of women cadets in National Defence Academy (NDA) has been a major policy decision and it needs at least three months for deliberating implications in the long term for induction and deployment of ex-NDA women cadets in the Indian Armed Forces.

It said that in respect of the number of women to be inducted for "NDA-II 2021" and "NDA-I 2022," it is submitted that each course at NDA has 370 vacancies for the three services out of which 208 will get commissioned in the Indian Army, 120 cadets will get commissioned in the Indian Air Force (IAF) and 42 will get commissioned in the Indian Navy.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-announces-a-new-ceasefire-to-let-people-evacuate-in-direction-of-their-choice-460092">Russia announces a new ceasefire to let people evacuate in ‘direction of their choice’</a>

The induction of woman cadets in NDA has been a major policy decision. The respondents need sufficient time for deliberating implications in the long term for induction and deployment of ex-NDA women cadets in the Indian Armed Forces. It is, therefore, submitted that the respondents require at least three months additional time towards this , the Centre said in its affidavit.

The affidavit was filed pursuant to the top court's direction on a plea filed by advocate Kush Kalra about the data of the women who have appeared for the NDA-2021 examination and the number of women inducted.

The Centre said, It is submitted that a total of 5,75,854 candidates applied for the exam and 3,57,197 candidates took the examination. A total of 8009 candidates, including 1002 women candidates passed the NDA write examination held during November 2021. The Service Selection Board (SSB) is scheduled with effect from March-April 2022.

Justifying the number of women cadets for all three forces, the Centre said that in respect of the Army, the ratio is to ensure that there is a younger profile and mobility of officer cadre, borne out of its operational role and tasks in difficult areas.

Also read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/nse-ex-ceo-chitra-ramkrishna-sent-to-7-day-cbi-custody-459969">&nbsp;NSE ex-CEO Chitra Ramkrishna sent to 7-day CBI custody</a>

The total vacancies planned for the Indian Army through NDA are 416 every year that is 208 per course. These vacancies are planned for all arms and services of the Indian Army. Officers commissioned through NDA have a major component of combat Arms and Women officers (WO) are not being inducted in combat arms , the affidavit said.

The Centre said that the average intake in the last four years of women officers in the eight arms and services has been up to 15 per cent of the total cadre strength.

With the present allotment of 10 women candidates per course in NDA, that is 20 per year the women cadre in these arms will witness a growth of 5 per cent from the existing 15 per cent to 20 per cent , the affidavit said.

It said that the Indian Army since has been simultaneously engaged in a large number of operational challenges, especially on Northern Borders which have effected permanent changes in deployment and various other operational facets requiring in-depth analysis and extrapolated impacts in cadre management to include women officers operational employment.

It emphasised that a considered decision has been made to allot 10 vacancies for women cadets in NDA and this major policy decision needs an adaptation period to evaluate the effect and a therefore substantial amount of time is required to review, analyze and assess the net impact of induction of women officers.

With regard to the Navy, the Centre said that despite gender-neutral induction, in the last two decades, women have constituted approximately six per cent of the total strength of Navy's officer cadre (amounting to 20.72 per cent of the total officers in the branches/cadres/specializations open for induction of women).

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-assembly-elections-2022-exit-poll-bjp-likely-to-retain-power-in-uttar-pradesh-460009">India Assembly elections 2022: Exit poll - BJP likely to retain power in Uttar Pradesh</a>

Regarding Air Force, the affidavit said IAF is inducting women in all its branches and its sub-streams and they are cleared and being trained for all combat roles associated with these branches.

On January 18, the apex court had asked the Centre to explain why, despite its orders, the intake of women candidates in the National Defence Academy (NDA) for the year 2022 has been restricted to 19, the figure same as last year.

It had asked the Centre to place the figures on record about the total number of candidates including women who have appeared in the NDA examination 2021, for entrance tests for Rashtriya Indian Military College (RIMC) and for Rashtriya Military School (RMS).

On September 22, last year, in a first, the top court had permitted female candidates to appear for the entrance exam to the NDA which was to be held in November, last year, saying their induction cannot be postponed by one year as sought by the Centre.

The Centre had submitted that a study group has been formed to facilitate the entry of women, and the necessary mechanism to facilitate that can be put in place by May 2022.

On October 7, last year the top court had permitted female candidates to appear in the examination for Rashtriya Indian Military College (RIMC) in Dehradun, scheduled to be held on December 18, last year, saying the Centre has walked a mile and should walk a step ahead.

The Centre on Monday told the Supreme Court that induction of women cadets in National Defence Academy (NDA) has been a major policy decision and it needs at least three months for deliberating implications in the long term for induction and deployment of ex-NDA women cadets in the Indian Armed Forces.

The Centre on Monday told the Supreme Court that induction of women cadets in National Defence Academy (NDA) has been a major policy decision and it needs at least three months for deliberating implications in the long term for induction and deployment of ex-NDA women cadets in the Indian Armed Forces. It said that in respect of the number of women to be inducted for "NDA-II 2021" and "NDA-I 2022," it is submitted that each course at NDA has 370 vacancies for the three services out of which 208 will get commissioned in the Indian Army, 120 cadets will get commissioned in the Indian Air Force (IAF) and 42 will get commissioned in the Indian Navy. Also read | Russia announces a new ceasefire to let people evacuate in ‘direction of their choice’ The induction of woman cadets in NDA has been a major policy decision. The respondents need sufficient time for deliberating implications in the long term for induction and deployment of ex-NDA women cadets in the Indian Armed Forces. It is, therefore, submitted that the respondents require at least three months additional time towards this , the Centre said in its affidavit. The affidavit was filed pursuant to the top court's direction on a plea filed by advocate Kush Kalra about the data of the women who have appeared for the NDA-2021 examination and the number of women inducted. The Centre said, It is submitted that a total of 5,75,854 candidates applied for the exam and 3,57,197 candidates took the examination. A total of 8009 candidates, including 1002 women candidates passed the NDA write examination held during November 2021. The Service Selection Board (SSB) is scheduled with effect from March-April 2022. Justifying the number of women cadets for all three forces, the Centre said that in respect of the Army, the ratio is to ensure that there is a younger profile and mobility of officer cadre, borne out of its operational role and tasks in difficult areas. Also read | NSE ex-CEO Chitra Ramkrishna sent to 7-day CBI custody The total vacancies planned for the Indian Army through NDA are 416 every year that is 208 per course. These vacancies are planned for all arms and services of the Indian Army. Officers commissioned through NDA have a major component of combat Arms and Women officers (WO) are not being inducted in combat arms , the affidavit said. The Centre said that the average intake in the last four years of women officers in the eight arms and services has been up to 15 per cent of the total cadre strength. With the present allotment of 10 women candidates per course in NDA, that is 20 per year the women cadre in these arms will witness a growth of 5 per cent from the existing 15 per cent to 20 per cent , the affidavit said. It said that the Indian Army since has been simultaneously engaged in a large number of operational challenges, especially on Northern Borders which have effected permanent changes in deployment and various other operational facets requiring in-depth analysis and extrapolated impacts in cadre management to include women officers operational employment. It emphasised that a considered decision has been made to allot 10 vacancies for women cadets in NDA and this major policy decision needs an adaptation period to evaluate the effect and a therefore substantial amount of time is required to review, analyze and assess the net impact of induction of women officers. With regard to the Navy, the Centre said that despite gender-neutral induction, in the last two decades, women have constituted approximately six per cent of the total strength of Navy's officer cadre (amounting to 20.72 per cent of the total officers in the branches/cadres/specializations open for induction of women). Also read | India Assembly elections 2022: Exit poll - BJP likely to retain power in Uttar Pradesh Regarding Air Force, the affidavit said IAF is inducting women in all its branches and its sub-streams and they are cleared and being trained for all combat roles associated with these branches. On January 18, the apex court had asked the Centre to explain why, despite its orders, the intake of women candidates in the National Defence Academy (NDA) for the year 2022 has been restricted to 19, the figure same as last year. It had asked the Centre to place the figures on record about the total number of candidates including women who have appeared in the NDA examination 2021, for entrance tests for Rashtriya Indian Military College (RIMC) and for Rashtriya Military School (RMS). On September 22, last year, in a first, the top court had permitted female candidates to appear for the entrance exam to the NDA which was to be held in November, last year, saying their induction cannot be postponed by one year as sought by the Centre. The Centre had submitted that a study group has been formed to facilitate the entry of women, and the necessary mechanism to facilitate that can be put in place by May 2022. On October 7, last year the top court had permitted female candidates to appear in the examination for Rashtriya Indian Military College (RIMC) in Dehradun, scheduled to be held on December 18, last year, saying the Centre has walked a mile and should walk a step ahead.

Induction of women cadets in NDA major policy decision, need time to study impact: Centre to SC

India's Ministry of External Affairs said on Tuesday that it had evacuated all Indian students from Ukraine's Sumy.

"Happy to inform that we have been able to move out all Indian students from Sumy. They are currently en route to Poltava, from where they will board trains to western Ukraine. Flights under #OperationGanga are being prepared to bring them home," tweeted MEA spokesperson Arindam Bagchi

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Happy to inform that we have been able to move out all Indian students from Sumy. 
 
They are currently en route to Poltava, from where they will board trains to western Ukraine. 
 
Flights under <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/OperationGanga?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#OperationGanga</a> are being prepared to bring them home. <a href="https://t.co/s60dyYt9U6">pic.twitter.com/s60dyYt9U6</a>
— Arindam Bagchi (@MEAIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/MEAIndia/status/1501180680184627203?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 8, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Under `Operation Ganga` to rescue Indian citizens from Ukraine`s neighbouring countries, about 18 thousand Indians have been brought back by special flights so far.

410 Indians were brought back on Tuesday by special Civilian flights from Ukraine`s neighbouring countries by 2 special civilian flights from Suceava, said the Ministery of Civil Aviation press release.

With this, about 18,000 Indians have been brought back through the special flights which began on February 22, 2022.The number of Indians airlifted by 75 special civilian flights goes up to 15521.&nbsp;

IAF had flown 12 missions to bring back 2467 passengers, as part of Operation Ganga, and carried over 32-tonne relief material, read the release.The humanitarian toll has increased amid Russian military operations in Ukraine that was launched on February 24. As per the UN, around 1.5 million refugees have fled Ukraine.

(With inputs from agencies)

India's Ministry of External Affairs said on Tuesday that it had evacuated all Indian students from Ukraine's Sumy. "Happy to inform that we have been able to move out all Indian students from Sumy.

India's Ministry of External Affairs said on Tuesday that it had evacuated all Indian students from Ukraine's Sumy. "Happy to inform that we have been able to move out all Indian students from Sumy. They are currently en route to Poltava, from where they will board trains to western Ukraine. Flights under #OperationGanga are being prepared to bring them home," tweeted MEA spokesperson Arindam Bagchi Happy to inform that we have been able to move out all Indian students from Sumy. They are currently en route to Poltava, from where they will board trains to western Ukraine. Flights under #OperationGanga are being prepared to bring them home. pic.twitter.com/s60dyYt9U6 — Arindam Bagchi (@MEAIndia) March 8, 2022 × Under `Operation Ganga` to rescue Indian citizens from Ukraine`s neighbouring countries, about 18 thousand Indians have been brought back by special flights so far. 410 Indians were brought back on Tuesday by special Civilian flights from Ukraine`s neighbouring countries by 2 special civilian flights from Suceava, said the Ministery of Civil Aviation press release. With this, about 18,000 Indians have been brought back through the special flights which began on February 22, 2022.The number of Indians airlifted by 75 special civilian flights goes up to 15521. IAF had flown 12 missions to bring back 2467 passengers, as part of Operation Ganga, and carried over 32-tonne relief material, read the release.The humanitarian toll has increased amid Russian military operations in Ukraine that was launched on February 24. As per the UN, around 1.5 million refugees have fled Ukraine. (With inputs from agencies)

All Indian students moved out from Ukraine's Sumy, says India

The Indian government on Tuesday said it has decided to resume scheduled commercial international passenger services in the country from March 27 as part of the summer schedule 2022.

The government had suspended operations of international commercial passenger services on March 23, 2020, amid&nbsp;the coronavirus outbreak.&nbsp;

The government said after increased global vaccination coverage and in consultation with stakeholders it decided to resume scheduled commercial flights in India.

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After deliberation with stakeholders &amp;keeping in view the decline in the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/COVID19?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#COVID19</a> caseload,we have decided to resume international travel from Mar 27 onwards.Air Bubble arrangements will also stand revoked thereafter.With this step,I’m confident the sector will reach new heights!
— Jyotiraditya M. Scindia (@JM_Scindia) <a href="https://twitter.com/JM_Scindia/status/1501168243095977985?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 8, 2022</a></blockquote>
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"The suspension of scheduled commercial international passenger services to/from India, thus, stands extended only upto 2359 hrs IST till March 26 and air bubble arrangements shall accordingly be extended," it said.

The government added that the flight operations will be subject to "strict adherence to the ministry of health &amp; family welfare guidelines for international travel. India had planned to resume flight operations in December last year but it had to be pushed back due surge in Omicron variant cases in the country and across the world.

(With inputs from Agencies)

The Indian government on Tuesday said it has decided to resume scheduled commercial international passenger services in the country from March 27 as part of the summer schedule 2022.

The Indian government on Tuesday said it has decided to resume scheduled commercial international passenger services in the country from March 27 as part of the summer schedule 2022. The government had suspended operations of international commercial passenger services on March 23, 2020, amid the coronavirus outbreak. The government said after increased global vaccination coverage and in consultation with stakeholders it decided to resume scheduled commercial flights in India. After deliberation with stakeholders &keeping in view the decline in the #COVID19 caseload,we have decided to resume international travel from Mar 27 onwards.Air Bubble arrangements will also stand revoked thereafter.With this step,I’m confident the sector will reach new heights! — Jyotiraditya M. Scindia (@JM_Scindia) March 8, 2022 × "The suspension of scheduled commercial international passenger services to/from India, thus, stands extended only upto 2359 hrs IST till March 26 and air bubble arrangements shall accordingly be extended," it said. The government added that the flight operations will be subject to "strict adherence to the ministry of health & family welfare guidelines for international travel. India had planned to resume flight operations in December last year but it had to be pushed back due surge in Omicron variant cases in the country and across the world. (With inputs from Agencies)

India to resume regular international flights from March 27

Komal Rani, Ishrat and Vibhuti belong to Uttar Pradesh's hinterlands where they studied in government primary schools and had grim chances of pursuing higher education.

However, their destinies changed when they enrolled at VidyaGyan Leadership Academy which provides free world-class education to underprivileged meritorious students from families with an annual income of less than a lakh.

Komal Rani from Rasoolpur Madhi village of Meerut district could have never imagined that she would one day work as a Manager with Kinara Capital, a digital lending company in the vibrant city of Bengaluru.

Also read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/breakthebias-this-is-why-we-celebrate-international-womens-day-460133">&nbsp;#BreakTheBias: This is why we celebrate International Women's Day</a>

Till the age of 12, she worked in the local village to earn a measly income to support her family of seven members financially.

However, she was always passionate about education, and it was this passion that helped her secure admission at VidyaGyan.

Komal went on to study the B. Com programme at Gargi College of Delhi University for her undergraduate studies and pursued an MBA from Vedica Scholars Programme for women. As an independent young woman, she hopes to help uplift her family out of poverty and be the change agent that she always aspired to be.

Ishrat' s story is no different. Daughter of a daily wager from the Sirsali village of Baghpat district, Ishrat comes from an extremely conservative background where education for girl children is frowned upon.

Seeing her zest for learning, her parents allowed her to take admission at VidyaGyan and eventually study at Gargi College in Delhi University.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/bollywood/news-womens-day-movies-that-celebrate-powerful-sheroes-in-indian-cinema-459800">Women's Day: Movies that celebrate powerful sheroes in Indian cinema</a>

Ishrat has now secured a job with Byju's. Empowered by her education, she is financially independent and has impressed upon her family the importance of a good education. She is preparing for a bank exam now.

Her success has made her a role model and torchbearer of women empowerment within her community.

Another inspiring story is of Vibhuti who lost her father at a very young age.

Brought up single-handedly by her mother, she was encouraged to pursue education and study at a residential school despite strong opposition from her village community.

Watch |&nbsp;International Women's Day: How women protest in Peru against gender-based violence

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Vibhuti has secured an engineering degree in Computer Science, and works with IBM as an Application Developer in Gurugram.

From dreamers to achievers, these women represent the larger community of young women of rural India who are talented and ready to walk shoulder-to-shoulder with their urban counterparts.

Komal Rani, Ishrat and Vibhuti belong to Uttar Pradesh's hinterlands where they studied in government primary schools and had grim chances of pursuing higher education.

Komal Rani, Ishrat and Vibhuti belong to Uttar Pradesh's hinterlands where they studied in government primary schools and had grim chances of pursuing higher education. However, their destinies changed when they enrolled at VidyaGyan Leadership Academy which provides free world-class education to underprivileged meritorious students from families with an annual income of less than a lakh. Komal Rani from Rasoolpur Madhi village of Meerut district could have never imagined that she would one day work as a Manager with Kinara Capital, a digital lending company in the vibrant city of Bengaluru. Also read | #BreakTheBias: This is why we celebrate International Women's Day Till the age of 12, she worked in the local village to earn a measly income to support her family of seven members financially. However, she was always passionate about education, and it was this passion that helped her secure admission at VidyaGyan. Komal went on to study the B. Com programme at Gargi College of Delhi University for her undergraduate studies and pursued an MBA from Vedica Scholars Programme for women. As an independent young woman, she hopes to help uplift her family out of poverty and be the change agent that she always aspired to be. Ishrat' s story is no different. Daughter of a daily wager from the Sirsali village of Baghpat district, Ishrat comes from an extremely conservative background where education for girl children is frowned upon. Seeing her zest for learning, her parents allowed her to take admission at VidyaGyan and eventually study at Gargi College in Delhi University. Also read | Women's Day: Movies that celebrate powerful sheroes in Indian cinema Ishrat has now secured a job with Byju's. Empowered by her education, she is financially independent and has impressed upon her family the importance of a good education. She is preparing for a bank exam now. Her success has made her a role model and torchbearer of women empowerment within her community. Another inspiring story is of Vibhuti who lost her father at a very young age. Brought up single-handedly by her mother, she was encouraged to pursue education and study at a residential school despite strong opposition from her village community. Watch | International Women's Day: How women protest in Peru against gender-based violence Vibhuti has secured an engineering degree in Computer Science, and works with IBM as an Application Developer in Gurugram. From dreamers to achievers, these women represent the larger community of young women of rural India who are talented and ready to walk shoulder-to-shoulder with their urban counterparts.

International Women's Day: How these women realised their dreams

The family of Sainikhesh Ravichandran, an Indian student who has joined a pro-Ukrainian militia—Georgian National Legion—are extremely worried and anguished.

Hailing from Coimbatore in southern Tamil Nadu state, Sainikhesh—a student at the National Aerospace University in Ukraine's Kharkiv—is said to have volunteered to join the forces that are fighting against Russia.

When contacted his mother, Jhansi Lakshmi told WION that she last spoke to him around five days ago. However, she added that their family was extremely anguished and not in a position to divulge any further.

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This is the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Coimbatore?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Coimbatore</a> residence of the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/indianstudentsinukraine?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#indianstudentsinukraine</a> Sainikhesh Ravichandran, who joined the militia to fight <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Russia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Russia</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UkraineRussianWar?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UkraineRussianWar</a> 
 
Anguished, the boy's mother told me that she last spoke to him 5 days ago... 
 
Family is deeply pained, troubled..<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Ukraine?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Ukraine</a> <a href="https://t.co/kgeLG0RfGh">pic.twitter.com/kgeLG0RfGh</a>
— Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) <a href="https://twitter.com/sdhrthmp/status/1501105670573420547?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 8, 2022</a></blockquote>
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According to reports, Indian intelligence officials had recently visited the family’s residence near Thudiyalur in western Coimbatore district and apprised them of the boy having&nbsp;joined the Ukraine forces.

It is being claimed that the 21-year-old had been keen to join the Indian armed forces when he was in his home country. Even his social media profile shows pictures of personnel dressed in military combat gear, brandishing an assault rifle.

There are also other pictures doing the rounds on social media purportedly showing the Indian student posing with the Ukrainian forces, all dressed in military combat gear.

However, WION could not independently verify the authenticity of the&nbsp;pictures of the boy in military fatigues.

This development comes at a time when India continues to evacuate thousands of its students from war-torn Ukraine and its contiguous nations via special flights operated by both private carriers and the Indian Air Force.

The family of Sainikhesh Ravichandran, an Indian student who has joined a pro-Ukrainian militia—Georgian National Legion—are extremely worried and anguished. Hailing from Coimbatore in southern Tamil Nadu state, Sainikhesh—a student at the National Aerospace University in Ukraine's Kharkiv—is said to have volunteered to join the forces that are fighting against Russia.

The family of Sainikhesh Ravichandran, an Indian student who has joined a pro-Ukrainian militia—Georgian National Legion—are extremely worried and anguished. Hailing from Coimbatore in southern Tamil Nadu state, Sainikhesh—a student at the National Aerospace University in Ukraine's Kharkiv—is said to have volunteered to join the forces that are fighting against Russia. When contacted his mother, Jhansi Lakshmi told WION that she last spoke to him around five days ago. However, she added that their family was extremely anguished and not in a position to divulge any further. This is the #Coimbatore residence of the #indianstudentsinukraine Sainikhesh Ravichandran, who joined the militia to fight #Russia #UkraineRussianWar Anguished, the boy's mother told me that she last spoke to him 5 days ago... Family is deeply pained, troubled..#Ukraine pic.twitter.com/kgeLG0RfGh — Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) March 8, 2022 × According to reports, Indian intelligence officials had recently visited the family’s residence near Thudiyalur in western Coimbatore district and apprised them of the boy having joined the Ukraine forces. It is being claimed that the 21-year-old had been keen to join the Indian armed forces when he was in his home country. Even his social media profile shows pictures of personnel dressed in military combat gear, brandishing an assault rifle. There are also other pictures doing the rounds on social media purportedly showing the Indian student posing with the Ukrainian forces, all dressed in military combat gear. However, WION could not independently verify the authenticity of the pictures of the boy in military fatigues. This development comes at a time when India continues to evacuate thousands of its students from war-torn Ukraine and its contiguous nations via special flights operated by both private carriers and the Indian Air Force.

‘Spoke to him 5 days ago’, mother of Indian student who joined Ukraine militia tells WION

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will hold talks with Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky and Russian President Vladimir Putin on the phone today. PM Modi will hold talks with Ukraine President in the morning, while with Russian President Putin in the afternoon.&nbsp;

Today's talks come amid the ongoing Russian offensive of Ukraine and multiple requests by the Ukrainian side, including by Ukraine’s foreign minister for New Delhi to play a more active role.&nbsp;

Over the weekend, Ukraine's foreign minister Dmytro Kuleba had urged Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to reach out to Russian President Putin to stop the ongoing invasion of his country.

ALSO READ&nbsp; |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/we-will-not-forgive-we-will-not-forget-ukraines-zelensky-says-russian-shelling-plans-deliberate-murder-459697">'We will not forgive. We will not forget': Ukraine's Zelensky says Russian shelling plans 'deliberate murder'</a>

Pointing to the "special relations" between India and Russia, Ukraine foreign minister Dmytro Kuleba in response to WION question said, "All countries who enjoy special relations with India they can appeal to President Putin, PM Modi we call him to continue reaching out to President Putin and explaining to him that this war is against interest of all".&nbsp;

So far Indian PM Modi has spoken to the Russian President two times, and Ukraine President once. During his first conversation with President Putin on February 24, PM appealed for cessation of violence and return to the path of diplomatic negotiations.&nbsp;

It was on February 24, Russia began the invasion of Ukraine. While the safety of Indian nationals has been the top focus of the talks, PM Modi has during the talks has emphasized "honest and sincere dialogue" according to the readout by the Indian side. The second conversation happened last week.&nbsp;

But for India, the biggest worry remains the around 500+ Indian students stranded in Sumy. India has launched 'Operation Ganga' to evacuate its nationals from the war-torn country who have crossed over to neighbouring countries like Poland, Slovakia, Hungary, Romania and Moldova.&nbsp;

IN PICS |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/what-are-czech-hedgehogs-homemade-obstacles-that-can-destroy-russian-tanks-459254">What are Czech hedgehogs?: Homemade obstacles that can destroy Russian tanks</a>

Under 'Operation Ganga', so far 76 Flights have brought over 15920 Indians back to India. Out of these 76 flights, 13 flights landed in the last 24 hours.&nbsp;

In all, over 21000 Indians came out of Ukraine since the issuance of the advisory in January 2022. Out of these, 19920 Indians have already reached India.&nbsp;

WATCH |&nbsp;Zelensky urges people to continue resistance as Russia builds military columns near Kyiv

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&nbsp;

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will hold talks with Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky and Russian President Vladimir Putin on the phone today. PM Modi will hold talks with Ukraine President in the morning, while with Russian President Putin in the afternoon.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will hold talks with Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky and Russian President Vladimir Putin on the phone today. PM Modi will hold talks with Ukraine President in the morning, while with Russian President Putin in the afternoon. Today's talks come amid the ongoing Russian offensive of Ukraine and multiple requests by the Ukrainian side, including by Ukraine’s foreign minister for New Delhi to play a more active role. Over the weekend, Ukraine's foreign minister Dmytro Kuleba had urged Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to reach out to Russian President Putin to stop the ongoing invasion of his country. ALSO READ | 'We will not forgive. We will not forget': Ukraine's Zelensky says Russian shelling plans 'deliberate murder' Pointing to the "special relations" between India and Russia, Ukraine foreign minister Dmytro Kuleba in response to WION question said, "All countries who enjoy special relations with India they can appeal to President Putin, PM Modi we call him to continue reaching out to President Putin and explaining to him that this war is against interest of all". So far Indian PM Modi has spoken to the Russian President two times, and Ukraine President once. During his first conversation with President Putin on February 24, PM appealed for cessation of violence and return to the path of diplomatic negotiations. It was on February 24, Russia began the invasion of Ukraine. While the safety of Indian nationals has been the top focus of the talks, PM Modi has during the talks has emphasized "honest and sincere dialogue" according to the readout by the Indian side. The second conversation happened last week. But for India, the biggest worry remains the around 500+ Indian students stranded in Sumy. India has launched 'Operation Ganga' to evacuate its nationals from the war-torn country who have crossed over to neighbouring countries like Poland, Slovakia, Hungary, Romania and Moldova. IN PICS | What are Czech hedgehogs?: Homemade obstacles that can destroy Russian tanks Under 'Operation Ganga', so far 76 Flights have brought over 15920 Indians back to India. Out of these 76 flights, 13 flights landed in the last 24 hours. In all, over 21000 Indians came out of Ukraine since the issuance of the advisory in January 2022. Out of these, 19920 Indians have already reached India. WATCH | Zelensky urges people to continue resistance as Russia builds military columns near Kyiv ×

Indian PM Modi to hold talks with Ukraine President, Russian President today

Mukul Arya, India's representative to Palestine, was found dead inside the Indian post in Ramallah on Sunday.

The abrupt death of Arya, who was 36 years old, shocked India's Foreign Minister, S. Jaishankar.

"He was a bright and talented officer with so much before him. My heart goes out to his family and loved ones, " Jaishankar, said in a tweet.

The cause of his death was unknown at the time.&nbsp;

Many Indian officials who worked with him were also taken aback by the news of Arya's death.

"This is truly shocking. A wonderful colleague was snatched away so young. My deepest condolences to his family, "said TS Tirumurti, India's ambassador to the United Nations, who also previously served as a representative to Palestine.

According to the Palestinian foreign ministry, President Mahmoud Abbas and Prime Minister Mohammad Shtayyeh have ordered security and police personnel, as well as forensic experts, to immediately deploy to the Indian representative's apartment to closely monitor the case.

It stated that in such tough circumstances, all parties were fully prepared to do what was required.

In a statement, the ministry said it was in contact with Indian authorities about conveying the envoy's body.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Mukul Arya, India's representative to Palestine, was found dead inside the Indian post in Ramallah on Sunday. The abrupt death of Arya, who was 36 years old, shocked India's Foreign Minister, S.

Mukul Arya, India's representative to Palestine, was found dead inside the Indian post in Ramallah on Sunday. The abrupt death of Arya, who was 36 years old, shocked India's Foreign Minister, S. Jaishankar. "He was a bright and talented officer with so much before him. My heart goes out to his family and loved ones, " Jaishankar, said in a tweet. The cause of his death was unknown at the time. Many Indian officials who worked with him were also taken aback by the news of Arya's death. "This is truly shocking. A wonderful colleague was snatched away so young. My deepest condolences to his family, "said TS Tirumurti, India's ambassador to the United Nations, who also previously served as a representative to Palestine. According to the Palestinian foreign ministry, President Mahmoud Abbas and Prime Minister Mohammad Shtayyeh have ordered security and police personnel, as well as forensic experts, to immediately deploy to the Indian representative's apartment to closely monitor the case. It stated that in such tough circumstances, all parties were fully prepared to do what was required. In a statement, the ministry said it was in contact with Indian authorities about conveying the envoy's body. (With inputs from agencies)

Mukul Arya, India's envoy to Palestine, found dead at office

Harjot Singh, an Indian student who was hospitalised after he was shot in the capital city of Ukraine, has safely crossed the border and entered Poland amid the escalating Russia-Ukraine conflict.&nbsp;

The India-based news agency ANI reported that Singh is among the stranded Indian nationals&nbsp;being brought back. His flight is expected to land in India by Monday evening as part of the government's evacuation programme 'Operation Ganga'.&nbsp;

Puneet Singh Chandhok, the President of the Indian World Forum said, "Harjot Singh has crossed the border and entered Poland. Indian diplomats were present with him. He has been shifted into an ambulance provided by Polish RedCross on the border."&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-pm-modi-to-hold-talks-with-ukraine-president-russian-president-today-459732">Indian PM Modi to hold talks with Ukraine President, Russian President today</a>

Previously, the student had released the video claiming that he didn't receive support from the Indian embassy. Responding to his video, India's ministry of external affairs noted that the government of India "will be bearing expenses for Harjot Singh's medical treatment" (in Kyiv, Ukraine).&nbsp;

In a video that was released later, Harjot can be seen speaking about his journey and informed that he is en route to the Poland border.&nbsp;

"Now we are going to the Poland border... everything is okay... the journey till now had been very hard, but I was motivated that I have to return to India somehow," he said in an ambulance.&nbsp;

IN PICS |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/what-are-czech-hedgehogs-homemade-obstacles-that-can-destroy-russian-tanks-459254">What are Czech hedgehogs?: Homemade obstacles that can destroy Russian tanks</a>

Harjot also thanked the Indian officials for the assistance and support, saying, "It is due to all your support that I am here today, thank you very much to everyone".&nbsp;

The student also talked about how he had sustained the injuries. He told the news agency that he was injured when bullets were fired at the car in which he was travelling.&nbsp;

He said, "This is February 27 incident. We were three people in a cab on our way to the third checkpoint where we were told to return due to security reasons. While coming back, multiple bullets were fired at our car due to which I sustained multiple bullet injuries."&nbsp;

The Indian student said he regained consciousness at 10 pm on the night of March 2. The Indian student pursuing studies in Information Technology said that he has got a new life.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, Indian Prime Minister&nbsp;Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will hold talks with Ukraine President Zelensky and Russian President Putin amid the government's ramped up efforts to evacuate its citizens from war-torn Ukraine.&nbsp;

Since February 22, the Indian government&nbsp;has so far evacuated nearly 16,000 nationals from Ukraine, the government said on Sunday.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;Asian stocks tumble in morning trade as the risk of stagflationary shock for world markets continue

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(With inputs from agencies)

Harjot Singh, an Indian student who was hospitalised after he was shot in the capital city of Ukraine, has safely crossed the border and entered Poland amid the escalating Russia-Ukraine conflict.

Harjot Singh, an Indian student who was hospitalised after he was shot in the capital city of Ukraine, has safely crossed the border and entered Poland amid the escalating Russia-Ukraine conflict. The India-based news agency ANI reported that Singh is among the stranded Indian nationals being brought back. His flight is expected to land in India by Monday evening as part of the government's evacuation programme 'Operation Ganga'. Puneet Singh Chandhok, the President of the Indian World Forum said, "Harjot Singh has crossed the border and entered Poland. Indian diplomats were present with him. He has been shifted into an ambulance provided by Polish RedCross on the border." ALSO READ | Indian PM Modi to hold talks with Ukraine President, Russian President today Previously, the student had released the video claiming that he didn't receive support from the Indian embassy. Responding to his video, India's ministry of external affairs noted that the government of India "will be bearing expenses for Harjot Singh's medical treatment" (in Kyiv, Ukraine). In a video that was released later, Harjot can be seen speaking about his journey and informed that he is en route to the Poland border. "Now we are going to the Poland border... everything is okay... the journey till now had been very hard, but I was motivated that I have to return to India somehow," he said in an ambulance. IN PICS | What are Czech hedgehogs?: Homemade obstacles that can destroy Russian tanks Harjot also thanked the Indian officials for the assistance and support, saying, "It is due to all your support that I am here today, thank you very much to everyone". The student also talked about how he had sustained the injuries. He told the news agency that he was injured when bullets were fired at the car in which he was travelling. He said, "This is February 27 incident. We were three people in a cab on our way to the third checkpoint where we were told to return due to security reasons. While coming back, multiple bullets were fired at our car due to which I sustained multiple bullet injuries." The Indian student said he regained consciousness at 10 pm on the night of March 2. The Indian student pursuing studies in Information Technology said that he has got a new life. Meanwhile, Indian Prime Minister Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will hold talks with Ukraine President Zelensky and Russian President Putin amid the government's ramped up efforts to evacuate its citizens from war-torn Ukraine. Since February 22, the Indian government has so far evacuated nearly 16,000 nationals from Ukraine, the government said on Sunday. ALSO READ | Asian stocks tumble in morning trade as the risk of stagflationary shock for world markets continue × (With inputs from agencies)

Ukraine under attack: Indian student shot at in Kyiv crosses into Poland, thanks officials

The seventh and final phase of Assembly elections in Uttar Pradesh, a state with a population of 200 million people in northern India, is currently happening.

This round will bring to a close one of the state's most bitterly contested elections.

Purvanchal has 54 Assembly constituencies spread over nine districts where voting is taking place.

Azamgarh, Mau, Jaunpur, Ghazipur, Chandauli, Varanasi, Mirzapur, Bhadohi, and Sonbhadra are among the districts where voting is taking place.

On March 10th, all of the phases will be counted.

In this round, a total of 613 candidates are vying for 54 seats, 11 of which are reserved for Scheduled Castes and two for Scheduled Tribes, among a total electorate of about 20.06 million.

The last round would also put the BJP and Samajwadi Party's alliances with tiny caste-based parties to the test.&nbsp; 
 
In the last phase, significant contenders include BJP allies Apna Dal (Sonelal) and Nishad Party, as well as Akhilesh Yadav's new friends Apna Dal (K), Suheldev Bhartiya Samaj Party (SBSP) of Om Prakash Rajbhar and others.

Previously a stronghold of the Samajwadi Party, the region witnessed the BJP gain ground in 2017 by capturing 29 seats alongside its partners Apna Dal (4) and the SBSP (3).

The BSP received six seats, while the Samajwadi Party received eleven.

UP ministers Neelkanth Tiwari, Anil Rajbhar, Ravindra Jaiswal, Girish Yadav, and Rama Shankar Singh Patel are among the prominent contestants in this phase.

Dara Singh Chauhan, who left Yogi Adityanath's government and joined the Samajwadi Party, is also running for the seat of Ghosi in Mau.&nbsp; 
 
SBSP president Om Prakash Rajbhar (Zahoorabad), Dhananjay Singh (Malhani-Jaunpur) as JD(U) candidate and Abbas Ansari, son of mafia turned politician Mukhtar Ansari, from Mau Sadar seat are other prominent candidates in the final phase. 
 
The BJP is going all out to retain its bastion while the Samajwadi Party is eyeing to regain the constituencies it won in the 2012 Assembly elections. 
 
Also, the seventh and last phase of UP assembly elections will be a litmus test for allies on both the sides-- from Anupriya Patel in BJP-led alliance to Om Prakash Rajbhar in the SP-led alliance. 
 
In this election, BJP has fielded 48 candidates out of 54 seats on the party symbol while its ally Apna Dal (S) and Nishad Party have fielded 3-3 candidates each. 
 
On the other hand, Samajwadi Party has fielded 45 candidates on its symbol while its ally SBSP has fielded 7 candidates and Apna Dal (K) has fielded two candidates. 
 
Prime Minister Narendra Modi along with UP chief minister Yogi Adityanath, BJP president J.P. Nadda, union ministers, Rajnath Singh and Amit Shah, have been extensively campaigning in Purvanchal for the final phase to repeat its 2017 success story. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

The seventh and final phase of Assembly elections in Uttar Pradesh, a state with a population of 200 million people in northern India, is currently happening. This round will bring to a close one of the state's most bitterly contested elections.

The seventh and final phase of Assembly elections in Uttar Pradesh, a state with a population of 200 million people in northern India, is currently happening. This round will bring to a close one of the state's most bitterly contested elections. Purvanchal has 54 Assembly constituencies spread over nine districts where voting is taking place. Azamgarh, Mau, Jaunpur, Ghazipur, Chandauli, Varanasi, Mirzapur, Bhadohi, and Sonbhadra are among the districts where voting is taking place. On March 10th, all of the phases will be counted. In this round, a total of 613 candidates are vying for 54 seats, 11 of which are reserved for Scheduled Castes and two for Scheduled Tribes, among a total electorate of about 20.06 million. The last round would also put the BJP and Samajwadi Party's alliances with tiny caste-based parties to the test. In the last phase, significant contenders include BJP allies Apna Dal (Sonelal) and Nishad Party, as well as Akhilesh Yadav's new friends Apna Dal (K), Suheldev Bhartiya Samaj Party (SBSP) of Om Prakash Rajbhar and others. Previously a stronghold of the Samajwadi Party, the region witnessed the BJP gain ground in 2017 by capturing 29 seats alongside its partners Apna Dal (4) and the SBSP (3). The BSP received six seats, while the Samajwadi Party received eleven. UP ministers Neelkanth Tiwari, Anil Rajbhar, Ravindra Jaiswal, Girish Yadav, and Rama Shankar Singh Patel are among the prominent contestants in this phase. Dara Singh Chauhan, who left Yogi Adityanath's government and joined the Samajwadi Party, is also running for the seat of Ghosi in Mau. SBSP president Om Prakash Rajbhar (Zahoorabad), Dhananjay Singh (Malhani-Jaunpur) as JD(U) candidate and Abbas Ansari, son of mafia turned politician Mukhtar Ansari, from Mau Sadar seat are other prominent candidates in the final phase. The BJP is going all out to retain its bastion while the Samajwadi Party is eyeing to regain the constituencies it won in the 2012 Assembly elections. Also, the seventh and last phase of UP assembly elections will be a litmus test for allies on both the sides-- from Anupriya Patel in BJP-led alliance to Om Prakash Rajbhar in the SP-led alliance. In this election, BJP has fielded 48 candidates out of 54 seats on the party symbol while its ally Apna Dal (S) and Nishad Party have fielded 3-3 candidates each. On the other hand, Samajwadi Party has fielded 45 candidates on its symbol while its ally SBSP has fielded 7 candidates and Apna Dal (K) has fielded two candidates. Prime Minister Narendra Modi along with UP chief minister Yogi Adityanath, BJP president J.P. Nadda, union ministers, Rajnath Singh and Amit Shah, have been extensively campaigning in Purvanchal for the final phase to repeat its 2017 success story. (With inputs from agencies)

Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections: Voting underway in 54 seats across 9 districts

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