India is continuously facing a surge in Covid cases. The government has advised citizens to wear masks, but has not made masks mandatory as of yet. Will the infection become a new normal for India? Molly Gambhir reports.

Gravitas: India witnesses sudden surge in Covid cases

Why has Qatar detained 8 Indian Navy Veterans? They have been in kept in detention since 7 months. The charges against them are yet to be framed. What is India doing to #BringOurVeteransHome? Molly Gambhir reports.

Gravitas: Why has Qatar detained 8 Indian Navy Veterans?

General Li Shangfu, China's newly appointed defence minister, is scheduled to visit India for the first time in April. This would be China's first high-level military visit to India since the Line of Actual Control (LAC) issue started in 2020, as reported by The Hindu.

SCO meet: China’s new Defence Minister likely to visit India in April

Vande Bharat&nbsp;Express: Ever since its launch in 2019, the semi-high-speed train became a popular mode of transport within the country. It's faster and lighter than other trains in India, and it not just cuts&nbsp;travel, but also improves a traveller's journey with a host of amenities and features like WiFi connectivity, entertainment screens and more. It was initially launched for travel from Delhi to &nbsp;Varanasi, but it will now function on 10 routers across India. Here's the list of the routes, prices and schedule. Take a look!

<h2>Vande Bharat Express train routes in&nbsp;in India:</h2>

<h3>1. News Delhi-Varanasi Vande Bharat Express:</h3>

Route:

The train will begin its journey from New Delhi to Varanasi with stops at Kanpur and Allahabad.&nbsp;

Ticket cost: Ranges from Rs 1,000 ($12) to Rs 3,000 ($36.5)

Schedule and Timings: The train departs from New Delhi at 6 am and reaches Varanasi by 2 pm. It then leaves Varanasi at 3 pm and reaches New Delhi by 11 pm.&nbsp;

The train travel cuts travel time from 13 hours to 8 hours, but it does not operate on MONDAY and THURSDAY.&nbsp;

<h3>2. New Delhi- Amb Andura in Himachal Pradesh Vande Bharat Express:</h3>

Route:

The train inaugurated in October 2022, travels from New Delhi to Himachal Pradesh with stops at Ambala, Chandigarh and Anandpur Sahib before reaching its destination Una.

Ticket Cost: Rs 1,000 ($12) to Rs 2,000 ($24)

Schedule and Timings:&nbsp;The train departs New Delhi railway station at 5:50 am and reaches Amb Anadaura at 11 am. It then departs from Amb Anandaura at 1 pm and reaches New Delhi at 6:25 pm.&nbsp;

It operates on all weekdays except FRIDAYS.&nbsp;

<h3>3. New Delhi-Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra (J &amp; K) Vande Bharat Express:</h3>

Route:

The train travels from New Delhi to Katra making travel for Vaishno Devi much faster in just 8 hours instead of 9.5 hours. It stops at Ambala Cantt, Ludhiana and Jammu Tawi.&nbsp;

It is India's first Veg train, as there is no meat or egg on the menu.&nbsp;

Ticket Cost: Rs 1,000 ($12) to Rs 3,000 ($ 36.5)

Schedule and Timings:&nbsp;It begins its travel from Delhi at 6 am and reaches Katra at 2 pm, leaves Katra at 3 pm and reaches Delhi at 11 pm.&nbsp;

It operates on all weekdays except Tuesdays.&nbsp;

<h3>4. Gandhinagar- Mumbai Vande Bharat Express</h3>

Route:

Launched in September 2022, the train travels from Gandhinagar to Mumbai, with stops at Surat, Vadodara Junction and Ahmedabad Junction.&nbsp;

Ticket cost: Rs 1,000 to Rs 2,000

Schedule: The train operates on all weekdays except SUNDAY.

<h3>5. Nagpur-Bilaspur Vande Bharat Express:</h3>

Route:

This train travels from Nagpur to Bilaspur with stops at Raipur, Durg and Gondia.&nbsp;

Ticket Cost: Rs 1,000 ($12) to Rs 2,000 ($24)

Schedule and Timings:&nbsp;Launched in December 2022, the train leaves Nagpur at 2:05 pm and reaches Bilaspur at 7:35 pm. It departs from Bilaspur Junction at 6:45 am and reaches Nagpur Junction at 12:15 pm.&nbsp;

It operates on all weekdays except SATURDAY.&nbsp;

<h3>6. Mumbai-Shirdi Vande Bharat Express:</h3>

Route:&nbsp;

The train from Mumbai to Shirdi stops at Dadar, Thane and Nashik Thane Road.&nbsp;

Ticket Cost: Rs 1,000 ($12) to Rs 2,000 ($24)

Schedule and Timings: The train leaves Mumbai at 6:20 am and reaches its destination Shirdi at 11:40 am. It leaves Shirdi at 5:25 pm and reaches Mumbai at 10:50 pm.&nbsp;

It operates on all days except TUESDAY.&nbsp;

<h3>7. Mumbai-Solapur Vande Bharat Express:</h3>

Route:

The train travels from Mumbai to Solapur in 6 hours and 35 minutes with stops at Dadar, Kalyan, Pune and Kurduwadi.&nbsp;

Ticket cost: Rs 1,000 ($12) to Rs 3,000 ($ 36.5)

Schedule and Timings:

The train departs from Mumbai at 4:05 pm and reaches Solapur at 10:40 pm. It then leaves Solaput t 6:05 am and reaches Mumbai at 12:35 pm.&nbsp;

It operates for six days, except on WEDNESDAY.&nbsp;

<h3>8. Secunderabad-Visakhapatnam Vande Bharat Express:</h3>

Route:

The train travels from Secunderabad to Visakhapatnam with stops at Warangal, Khammam, Vijayawada Junction and Rajahmundry.&nbsp;

Ticket Cost: Rs 1,000 ($12) to Rs 3,000 ($36.5)

Schedule and Timings:&nbsp;The train departs from Secunderabad at 3 pm and reaches Vizag or Visakhapatnam at 11:30 pm. It then leaves Vizag at 5:45 am and reaches Secunderabad at 2:15 pm in just 8.5 hours.&nbsp;

It travels six days a week but not on SUNDAY.&nbsp;

<h3>9. Howrah-New Japaiguri Vande Bharat Express</h3>

Route:

Vande Bharat Express in West Bengal departs from Howrah to New Jalpaiguri with stops at Bolpur (Shantiniketan), Malda Town and Barsoi.

Ticket Cost: Rs 1,000 ($12) to Rs 2,000 ($24)

Schedule and Timings:&nbsp;Covering the distance between Howrah and New Jalpaiguri in 7-8 hours, the train leaves Howrah Junction at 5:55 am and reaches its final destination at 1:25 pm.&nbsp;

It leaves New Jalpaiguri at 3:05 pm and will reach Howrah at 10:35 pm.&nbsp;

<h3>10. Chennai-Mysuru Vande Bharat Express:</h3>

Route:

South India's first Bharat Vande Express departs from Chennai to Mysuru with stops at Katpadi and Bengaluru.&nbsp;

Ticket Cost: Rs 1,000 to Rs 3,000

Schedule and Timings:&nbsp;It departs from Chennai at 5:50 am and reaches Mysuru Junction at 12:20 pm and departs Mysuru at 1:05 pm and arrives in Chennai at 7:30 pm.&nbsp;

It operates on all weekdays, except on WEDNESDAY.

Vande Bharat Express: Ever since its launch in 2019, the semi-high-speed train became a popular mode of transport within the country. It's faster and lighter than other trains in India, and it not just cuts travel, but also improves a traveller's journey with a host of amenities and features like WiFi connectivity, entertainment screens and more.

Vande Bharat Express: Ever since its launch in 2019, the semi-high-speed train became a popular mode of transport within the country. It's faster and lighter than other trains in India, and it not just cuts travel, but also improves a traveller's journey with a host of amenities and features like WiFi connectivity, entertainment screens and more. It was initially launched for travel from Delhi to Varanasi, but it will now function on 10 routers across India. Here's the list of the routes, prices and schedule. Take a look! Vande Bharat Express train routes in in India: 1. News Delhi-Varanasi Vande Bharat Express: Route: The train will begin its journey from New Delhi to Varanasi with stops at Kanpur and Allahabad. Ticket cost: Ranges from Rs 1,000 ($12) to Rs 3,000 ($36.5) Schedule and Timings: The train departs from New Delhi at 6 am and reaches Varanasi by 2 pm. It then leaves Varanasi at 3 pm and reaches New Delhi by 11 pm. The train travel cuts travel time from 13 hours to 8 hours, but it does not operate on MONDAY and THURSDAY. 2. New Delhi- Amb Andura in Himachal Pradesh Vande Bharat Express: Route: The train inaugurated in October 2022, travels from New Delhi to Himachal Pradesh with stops at Ambala, Chandigarh and Anandpur Sahib before reaching its destination Una. Ticket Cost: Rs 1,000 ($12) to Rs 2,000 ($24) Schedule and Timings: The train departs New Delhi railway station at 5:50 am and reaches Amb Anadaura at 11 am. It then departs from Amb Anandaura at 1 pm and reaches New Delhi at 6:25 pm. It operates on all weekdays except FRIDAYS. 3. New Delhi-Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra (J & K) Vande Bharat Express: Route: The train travels from New Delhi to Katra making travel for Vaishno Devi much faster in just 8 hours instead of 9.5 hours. It stops at Ambala Cantt, Ludhiana and Jammu Tawi. It is India's first Veg train, as there is no meat or egg on the menu. Ticket Cost: Rs 1,000 ($12) to Rs 3,000 ($ 36.5) Schedule and Timings: It begins its travel from Delhi at 6 am and reaches Katra at 2 pm, leaves Katra at 3 pm and reaches Delhi at 11 pm. It operates on all weekdays except Tuesdays. 4. Gandhinagar- Mumbai Vande Bharat Express Route: Launched in September 2022, the train travels from Gandhinagar to Mumbai, with stops at Surat, Vadodara Junction and Ahmedabad Junction. Ticket cost: Rs 1,000 to Rs 2,000 Schedule: The train operates on all weekdays except SUNDAY. 5. Nagpur-Bilaspur Vande Bharat Express: Route: This train travels from Nagpur to Bilaspur with stops at Raipur, Durg and Gondia. Ticket Cost: Rs 1,000 ($12) to Rs 2,000 ($24) Schedule and Timings: Launched in December 2022, the train leaves Nagpur at 2:05 pm and reaches Bilaspur at 7:35 pm. It departs from Bilaspur Junction at 6:45 am and reaches Nagpur Junction at 12:15 pm. It operates on all weekdays except SATURDAY. 6. Mumbai-Shirdi Vande Bharat Express: Route: The train from Mumbai to Shirdi stops at Dadar, Thane and Nashik Thane Road. Ticket Cost: Rs 1,000 ($12) to Rs 2,000 ($24) Schedule and Timings: The train leaves Mumbai at 6:20 am and reaches its destination Shirdi at 11:40 am. It leaves Shirdi at 5:25 pm and reaches Mumbai at 10:50 pm. It operates on all days except TUESDAY. 7. Mumbai-Solapur Vande Bharat Express: Route: The train travels from Mumbai to Solapur in 6 hours and 35 minutes with stops at Dadar, Kalyan, Pune and Kurduwadi. Ticket cost: Rs 1,000 ($12) to Rs 3,000 ($ 36.5) Schedule and Timings: The train departs from Mumbai at 4:05 pm and reaches Solapur at 10:40 pm. It then leaves Solaput t 6:05 am and reaches Mumbai at 12:35 pm. It operates for six days, except on WEDNESDAY. 8. Secunderabad-Visakhapatnam Vande Bharat Express: Route: The train travels from Secunderabad to Visakhapatnam with stops at Warangal, Khammam, Vijayawada Junction and Rajahmundry. Ticket Cost: Rs 1,000 ($12) to Rs 3,000 ($36.5) Schedule and Timings: The train departs from Secunderabad at 3 pm and reaches Vizag or Visakhapatnam at 11:30 pm. It then leaves Vizag at 5:45 am and reaches Secunderabad at 2:15 pm in just 8.5 hours. It travels six days a week but not on SUNDAY. 9. Howrah-New Japaiguri Vande Bharat Express Route: Vande Bharat Express in West Bengal departs from Howrah to New Jalpaiguri with stops at Bolpur (Shantiniketan), Malda Town and Barsoi. Ticket Cost: Rs 1,000 ($12) to Rs 2,000 ($24) Schedule and Timings: Covering the distance between Howrah and New Jalpaiguri in 7-8 hours, the train leaves Howrah Junction at 5:55 am and reaches its final destination at 1:25 pm. It leaves New Jalpaiguri at 3:05 pm and will reach Howrah at 10:35 pm. 10. Chennai-Mysuru Vande Bharat Express: Route: South India's first Bharat Vande Express departs from Chennai to Mysuru with stops at Katpadi and Bengaluru. Ticket Cost: Rs 1,000 to Rs 3,000 Schedule and Timings: It departs from Chennai at 5:50 am and reaches Mysuru Junction at 12:20 pm and departs Mysuru at 1:05 pm and arrives in Chennai at 7:30 pm. It operates on all weekdays, except on WEDNESDAY.

Vande Bharat Express: Here's a full list of train routes, schedules, timings and ticket costs

The Secretary of Russia's security Council, Nikolay Patrushev, is in India ahead of the SCO summit on Wednesday. Patrushev called on Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi.

India: Russian NSA Nikolay Patrushev in New Delhi for SCO event | WION Dispatch

The 16th season of the Indian Premier League is just a day away and the fans are geared up for the latest edition of India's cricket carnival. The 2023 IPL has some new rules - one of them is - the organisers have introduced the concept of impact player. Watch the video to know more such rules.

IPL 2023: India's cricket carnival is here & it begins on Friday in Ahmedabad | WION Sports

Radical Sikh preacher Amritpal Singh has now released a new video in which he said that he is not a fugitive and the pro-Khalistani preacher will soon appear before the world. The separator Sikh preacher has been on the run for the last 13 days after the police launched a crackdown against members of his unit.

India: Fugitive Amritpal Singh releases new video, says 'will soon appear before the world' | WION

In the midst of a worldwide banking crisis that has caused bond yields to drop on safe haven trading, India revealed a fiscal first-half borrowing plan that is broadly consistent with prior years.

India may sell green bonds in second half of fiscal

The nation's exports of products and services reached record highs in 2021–2022 of $422 billion and $254 billion, respectively, bringing the total to $676 billion. India's total exports have reached a record high of $750 billion, according to Piyush Goyal, the Union Minister of Commerce, on Tuesday.

India: A bright spot among global headwinds

Indian National Security Adviser (NSA) Ajit Doval and UK's NSA Tim Barrow will be meeting in Delhi on Thursday (March 30), a meeting that shows growing security cooperation between the two countries. While the meeting is informal, it is not a strategic dialogue between the two countries. Notably, NSA Doval was in London in February and held a strategic dialogue meeting with Barrow.

Defence and security cooperation has been a key pillar of India-UK's comprehensive and strategic partnership. As part of its 'Indo-Pacific tilt', London has been engaging with New Delhi, especially when it comes to cooperation in the Indo-Pacific.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-explained-india-uk-young-professionals-scheme-566951">WATCH |&nbsp;Gravitas | Explained: India-UK 'Young Professionals Scheme'</a>

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The visit of the UK NSA comes even as India has raised concerns over the Khalistan vandalism at the Indian High Commission earlier this month. India has already summoned the UK diplomat over the issue in the aftermath of the incident. It had also withdrawn all external security outside the British High Commission in Delhi. During the informal meeting, the matter may be discussed.

NSA Barrow is also UK's G20 sherpa and will be travelling to Kerala for the G20 sherpa meet that begins on Thursday (March 30). The second G20 sherpas meeting under India’s G20 presidency, chaired by India’s G20 Sherpa Amitabh Kant is set to take place in the picturesque village of Kumarakom, Kerala, from March 30 to April 2, 2023.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/shanghai-cooperation-organisation-summit-to-take-place-in-july-minister-meenakshi-lekhi-575617">ALSO READ |&nbsp;Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Summit to take place in July: Minister Meenakshi Lekhi</a>

This is the second high-level visit from the UK to India this month concerning security. Earlier this month, Richard Moore, the chief of MI6 - the UK secret intelligence service was in Delhi as the Indian national capital hosted a gathering of over 25 intelligence chiefs.

WATCH WION LIVE HERE:&nbsp;

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Indian National Security Adviser (NSA) Ajit Doval and UK's NSA Tim Barrow will be meeting in Delhi on Thursday (March 30), a meeting that shows growing security cooperation between the two countries.

Indian National Security Adviser (NSA) Ajit Doval and UK's NSA Tim Barrow will be meeting in Delhi on Thursday (March 30), a meeting that shows growing security cooperation between the two countries. While the meeting is informal, it is not a strategic dialogue between the two countries. Notably, NSA Doval was in London in February and held a strategic dialogue meeting with Barrow. Defence and security cooperation has been a key pillar of India-UK's comprehensive and strategic partnership. As part of its 'Indo-Pacific tilt', London has been engaging with New Delhi, especially when it comes to cooperation in the Indo-Pacific. WATCH | Gravitas | Explained: India-UK 'Young Professionals Scheme' × The visit of the UK NSA comes even as India has raised concerns over the Khalistan vandalism at the Indian High Commission earlier this month. India has already summoned the UK diplomat over the issue in the aftermath of the incident. It had also withdrawn all external security outside the British High Commission in Delhi. During the informal meeting, the matter may be discussed. NSA Barrow is also UK's G20 sherpa and will be travelling to Kerala for the G20 sherpa meet that begins on Thursday (March 30). The second G20 sherpas meeting under India’s G20 presidency, chaired by India’s G20 Sherpa Amitabh Kant is set to take place in the picturesque village of Kumarakom, Kerala, from March 30 to April 2, 2023. ALSO READ | Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Summit to take place in July: Minister Meenakshi Lekhi This is the second high-level visit from the UK to India this month concerning security. Earlier this month, Richard Moore, the chief of MI6 - the UK secret intelligence service was in Delhi as the Indian national capital hosted a gathering of over 25 intelligence chiefs. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Indian, UK NSAs to hold informal meet in Delhi on Thursday

At least 13 people were killed and several were injured following the collapse of the roof of a stepwell at a temple in Madhya Pradesh's Indore on Thursday. The incident occurred during the Ram Navami celebrations at the Beleshwar Mahadev Jhulelal Temple in the Patel Nagar area.

India: 13 dead after stepwell collapses at Indore temple, CM announces relief

The Wuhan virus has made a comeback in India. The nation is witnessing a slow rise in cases in several states. Will the Covid virus become a seasonal phenomenon now? Molly Gambhir reports.

Gravitas: India witnesses surge in Covid cases

India has announced an additional 1.1% fee on digital wallet transactions over ₹2,000, which is $24.3. Personal transactions and UPI bank-to-bank transfers will remain free. The surcharge will be levied only on merchants. Could they direct the fee towards you? Molly Gambhir reports.

Gravitas: Who pays UPI payment surcharge?

Russia and India are looking at expanding the use of the Northern Sea shipping route. The shipping route passes through the Artic and the move could include the building of processing facilities as per Russia's Interfax agency. Watch this video for all details.

Russia, India in talks to develop Northern Sea shipping route

India and Romania have signed a bilateral agreement on defence. Simona Cojocaru, State Secretary of the Ministry of Defence in Romania speaking to our diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal said that the agreement will be focusing on important projects of cooperation between the two nations with emphasis on maritime security, personal training, and special communication. Cojocaru praised India's role in the Indo-Pacific and emphasizing the importance of consolidating defense industries and supply chains. Cojocaru saw great potential for cooperation between the two nations in this sector, and invited India to attend Romania's annual defense and aerospace exhibitions. She also spoke on the the Russia-Ukraine conflict, pointing that Romania found itself on the front lines of the aggression. She reaffirmed Romania's commitment to defending the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine, and supporting its right to self-defense.

ndia Romania sign bilateral agreement on Defence

India, as the current chair of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), is set to host a meeting of National Security Advisors (NSA) and top officials in New Delhi on Wednesday. Pakistan and China are likely to attend the SCO-NSA meeting virtually.

India's NSA Doval to chair Shanghai Cooperation Organisation meet of 2023

India hosting several SCO ministerial meetings this year

NSA Ajit Doval at SCO-NSA meet: Connectivity projects should be consultative & transparent

Indian Defence Secretary Giridhar Aramane and his Romanian counterpart Simona Cojocaru on Tuesday held a bilateral meeting on defence cooperation in New Delhi. A wide range of issues encompassing military to military cooperation, military training and courses, defence co-development and co-production and capacity building were discussed in the meeting. Defence Ministry said, both the countries have signed an agreement on Defence Cooperation, giving further impetus to bilateral defence cooperation.

Romania Defence Secretary, Simona Cojocaru speaks on Romania's latest defence agreement with India

Will remember my time in India, says outgoing Polish ambassador Adam Burakowski, he further added that Polish relations with India continues to grow stronger.

Poland`s envoy Adam Burakowski says Polish relations with India strong, will grow stronger'

Union Home Minister Amit Shah said on Tuesday that the ministry has identified and blocked over 500 apps which were being used for spoofing and committing fraud in India. Shah informed about the development while reviewing the working of the cybercrime centre at NDCC Bhawan in Delhi.

India blocks over 500 apps over spoofing and fraud fears

Close Indian ally and neighbour Bhutan, is showing signs of leaning away from India and towards China. Bhutan's Prime Minister Lotay Tshering said China has an equal say in resolving the Doklam issue.

Bhutan-China: New Tango? | Bhutan moving away India's embrace? | World News | WION

When the first batch of Indo-Russian BrahMos missiles was delivered to the Indian Armed Forces in 2004, the missiles were barely 13 per cent indigenous. Over the last 19 years, Indian defence industries from across the government and private sector have been contributing immensely and the potent supersonic cruise missile now comprises 78 per cent indigenous components, Atul Dinkar Rane, CEO & MD BrahMos Aerospace Private Limited told WION.

WION Exclusive: Atul Rane on Brahmos' Indigenous components

Alexander Novak, Russia's deputy prime minister, said Russian oil sales to India jumped 22-fold in 2022 amid sanctions against Moscow over its invasion of Ukraine.

Russia says oil sales to India surged amid war in Ukraine

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