Miss World 2024 winner: The winner of the 71st edition of the Miss World pageant has finally been announced! The event was held at the Jio World Convention Centre in Mumbai. The 71st edition of the Miss World pageant made a grand return to India after a gap of nearly 28 years. The much-anticipated grand finale was held at the Jio World Convention Centre in Mumbai with Karan Johar taking the hosting duties for the night. Watch to know more!

Miss World 2024: Czech Republic's Krystyna Pyszkova wins 71st Miss World crown

Exiled Tibetans living in the Indian city of Dharamshala mark the 65th anniversary of their Uprising against China today. Back in 1959 the incident led to over 80,000 Tibetans fleeing to India along with the spiritual leader the Dalai Lama. Watch to know more!

Tibetans in Dharamsala hold march to commemorate 65th 'National Uprising Day'

<p>Four Nepali nationals&nbsp;who claim they were fraudulently tricked into joining the Russian army as fighters, have pleaded with the Indian government to rescue them. The four men can be seen huddled in a hut in a video circulating on social media. They have also accused the Nepalese government of turning its back on them and “doing nothing” to secure their repatriation.</p>

<p>“We are not being heard by the Embassy of Nepal (in Moscow). Nepal is not helping us. We want to seek help from our neighbouring country, India," one of the men said.</p>

<p><strong>Watch the video below (in Hindi).</strong></p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Nepali men stuck in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Russia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Russia</a> appeal to the Indian government to rescue them, as their plea to Nepalese government has gone in vain. They were scammed by travel agents who sent them to Russia on the pretext of a helper job with Russian Army. <a href="https://twitter.com/MEAIndia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MEAIndia</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/IndiaInNepal?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@IndiaInNepal</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/PM_nepal_?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PM_nepal_</a> <a href="https://t.co/hfFsLHR1lJ">pic.twitter.com/hfFsLHR1lJ</a></p>
— Shalu Yadav (@StoriesByShalu) <a href="https://twitter.com/StoriesByShalu/status/1766819322842992890?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 10, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>"We have great hope that India will help us and will not let us down. Nepal and India have a very strong relationship. Nothing is happening from our side, but your country and your embassy are very powerful. All of us want to go back because we have been cheated here,” he added.</p>

<h2><strong>How did they end up in Russia?</strong></h2>

<p>The Nepali citizens said they were duped by an agent who promised them to offer the role of ‘helper’ in the Russian Army.</p>

<p>“The agent sent us here (Russia) by lying to us, and now we are facing a lot of difficulties. We were told that we have to work as helpers in the Russian Army, but now we have to fight in the war,” the man said.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwj8kr-W5-uEAxVxRmwGHWzhD88QxfQBKAB6BAgBEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/putin-abandoned-use-of-nuclear-weapon-in-ukraine-after-intervention-from-india-china-report-698455" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/world/putin-abandoned-use-of-nuclear-weapon-in-ukraine-after-intervention-from-india-china-report-698455&amp;ved=2ahUKEwj8kr-W5-uEAxVxRmwGHWzhD88QxfQBKAB6BAgBEAE">India's intervention made Putin abandon use of nuclear weapon in Ukraine: Report</a></strong></p>

<p>He added that there were at least 30 of them initially but now only five were remaining as others were sent to different places. He also claimed some of them have suffered serious injuries.</p>

<p>“Help us to get out of here," the man pleads.</p>

<h2><strong>Action by India</strong></h2>

<p>The appeal from the Nepali men comes as New Delhi said it was working to secure the release of around 20 Indian nationals who were "stuck" in the Russian army.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Russia-Ukraine war | How would Russia react to NATO in Ukraine?</strong></p>

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<p>Meanwhile, Indian authorities last week detained members of a "trafficking" network sending Indian nationals to Russia, after raiding several travel agents.</p>

<p>So far, at least two Indian citizens have lost their lives while fighting the war against Ukraine.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Four Nepali nationals who claim they were fraudulently tricked into joining the Russian army as fighters, have pleaded with the Indian government to rescue them.

Four Nepali nationals who claim they were fraudulently tricked into joining the Russian army as fighters, have pleaded with the Indian government to rescue them. The four men can be seen huddled in a hut in a video circulating on social media. They have also accused the Nepalese government of turning its back on them and “doing nothing” to secure their repatriation. “We are not being heard by the Embassy of Nepal (in Moscow). Nepal is not helping us. We want to seek help from our neighbouring country, India," one of the men said. Watch the video below (in Hindi). Nepali men stuck in #Russia appeal to the Indian government to rescue them, as their plea to Nepalese government has gone in vain. They were scammed by travel agents who sent them to Russia on the pretext of a helper job with Russian Army. @MEAIndia @IndiaInNepal @PM_nepal_ pic.twitter.com/hfFsLHR1lJ — Shalu Yadav (@StoriesByShalu) March 10, 2024 × "We have great hope that India will help us and will not let us down. Nepal and India have a very strong relationship. Nothing is happening from our side, but your country and your embassy are very powerful. All of us want to go back because we have been cheated here,” he added. How did they end up in Russia? The Nepali citizens said they were duped by an agent who promised them to offer the role of ‘helper’ in the Russian Army. “The agent sent us here (Russia) by lying to us, and now we are facing a lot of difficulties. We were told that we have to work as helpers in the Russian Army, but now we have to fight in the war,” the man said. Also read: India's intervention made Putin abandon use of nuclear weapon in Ukraine: Report He added that there were at least 30 of them initially but now only five were remaining as others were sent to different places. He also claimed some of them have suffered serious injuries. “Help us to get out of here," the man pleads. Action by India The appeal from the Nepali men comes as New Delhi said it was working to secure the release of around 20 Indian nationals who were "stuck" in the Russian army. Watch: Russia-Ukraine war | How would Russia react to NATO in Ukraine? × Meanwhile, Indian authorities last week detained members of a "trafficking" network sending Indian nationals to Russia, after raiding several travel agents. So far, at least two Indian citizens have lost their lives while fighting the war against Ukraine. (With inputs from agencies)

‘You are powerful,’ Nepali men stuck in Russia urge India to help as Kathmandu ‘ignores’ them

In a significant boost to India's global trade credentials, New Delhi has signed a deal with the European free trade association. That's a four nation bloc, comprising Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland, which will soon open an office in India. The free trade deal is a culmination of over 15 years of negotiations between India and the E-F-T-A. Watch to know more!

India: PM Modi hails landmark India-EFTA trade agreement

Today, the Supreme Court will consider the State Bank of India's application, which asks for an extension till June 30th to provide information about the Election Bonds. In accordance with the verdict rendered on February 15, the Bank was required to provide the data to the Indian Election Commission by March 6.

Electoral bonds: The Supreme Court of India hears SBI's extension plea

While blind Cricket has been in India for nearly three decades it has gained momentum ever since Cricket Association for the blind in India was constituted as the sports Apex body, since then the enthusiastic Indian team has won all three editions of the T20 World Cups. Adding weight to Blind Cricket in India is Samarth by Hyundai an initiative which aims to help create a more aware and inclusive Society for people with disabilities. Watch to know more!

Hyundai's Samarth Championship for blind cricket bats for an equal playing field

Against the backdrop of the India-EFTA historic deal, Norwegian Minister for Trade and Industry, Jan Christian Vestre and Liechtenstein Minister of Foreign Affairs, Education and Sport, Dominique Hasler spoke to WION. Watch to know more!

Norway & Liechtenstein Ministers speak on India-EFTA agreement

<p>Indian politician Manpreet Singh Badal, who is former Punjab finance minister, suffered a heart attack on Sunday (Mar 10) and was rushed to hospital.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As reported by India-based news agency PTI, a doctor attending to him said that the 61-year-old leader underwent an angioplasty as there was a blockage in one of his arteries. The doctor added that Badal's condition is stable.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) chief Sukhbir Singh Badal visited the hospital to inquire about Manpreet's health. Sukhbir, who is Manpreet's cousin, said: "He is perfectly ok."&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">STORY | Former Punjab minister Manpreet Badal suffers heart attack<br />
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READ: <a href="https://t.co/MTjpcEeyox">https://t.co/MTjpcEeyox</a><br />
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VIDEO | “He is fine and taking rest. I think he will be discharged in a day or two,” said Shiromani Akali Dal president Sukhbir Singh Badal after meeting Manpreet Badal at the… <a href="https://t.co/RUZunMk4Wn">pic.twitter.com/RUZunMk4Wn</a></p>
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<p>Akali leader Sikandar Singh Maluka said Manpreet was taken to the hospital after he complained of pain on Sunday.</p>

<p>Manpreet Singh Badal switched from the Indian National Congress (INC) to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in January last year.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em></p>


Indian politician Manpreet Singh Badal, who is former Punjab finance minister, suffered a heart attack on Sunday (Mar 10) and was rushed to hospital. As reported by India-based news agency PTI, a doctor attending to him said that the 61-year-old leader underwent an angioplasty as there was a blockage in one of his arteries.

Indian politician Manpreet Singh Badal, who is former Punjab finance minister, suffered a heart attack on Sunday (Mar 10) and was rushed to hospital. As reported by India-based news agency PTI, a doctor attending to him said that the 61-year-old leader underwent an angioplasty as there was a blockage in one of his arteries. The doctor added that Badal's condition is stable. Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) chief Sukhbir Singh Badal visited the hospital to inquire about Manpreet's health. Sukhbir, who is Manpreet's cousin, said: "He is perfectly ok." STORY | Former Punjab minister Manpreet Badal suffers heart attack READ: https://t.co/MTjpcEeyox VIDEO | “He is fine and taking rest. I think he will be discharged in a day or two,” said Shiromani Akali Dal president Sukhbir Singh Badal after meeting Manpreet Badal at the… pic.twitter.com/RUZunMk4Wn — Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) March 10, 2024 × Akali leader Sikandar Singh Maluka said Manpreet was taken to the hospital after he complained of pain on Sunday. Manpreet Singh Badal switched from the Indian National Congress (INC) to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in January last year. (With inputs from agencies)

India: Ex-Punjab finance minister Manpreet Badal suffers heart attack, rushed to hospital

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the Northern State of Uttar Pradesh. The visit is part of his 10-day tour across 12 States and union territories ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha Elections. Early in the day the Prime Minister launched development projects worth over $4 billion inaugurating 15 airport projects including 12 new terminal buildings during his visit to Azamgarh in Uttar Pradesh. The Prime Minister was accompanied by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and other top Party leaders as well. Watch to know more!

India: PM Modi virtually launches ‘Mahatari Vandana' Scheme for women in Chhattisgarh

Indian band Shakti made the country proud at the Grammys this year. Did you know violinist Ganesh Rajagopalan was confident about the win? In this exclusive conversation with WION's Samarpita Das, the musician reveals more.

Violinist Ganesh Rajagoapalan on Grammy win: It was so great to go up on stage and make India proud

The indian general election is not just another electoral exercise. It is a festival celebrating democracy. Over 900 million indians are eligible to participate in the world's biggest elections. It's no surprise that the upcoming general elections will involve a huge expenditure too.

India: Over $14 billion to spent by political parties, says report

Iceland's Foreign Minister, Bjarni Benediktsson, expressed enthusiasm over the signing of a trade and economic agreement between India and the European Free Trade Association (EFTA). He highlighted the vast opportunities this partnership brings for all EFTA states and India, particularly in industries like fishing and energy. Speaking to our diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal, he said, "At the end of the day, a free trade agreement is something that just opens the door. So now it's up to the business partners to seize those opportunities and have good things come out of this." He also spoke on investment commitments under the pact, supply chain focus etc. Watch to know more!

India EFTA Deal: Iceland FM Bjarni Benediktsson to WION on opportunities for EFTA states

We put the spotlight on the Indian economy and most notably it's domestic currency-- the rupee. The Indian rupee has outperformed other emerging market currencies in the past six months. But what does this mean for the global economy?

What a strong rupee means for the global economy

Just weeks before India's general elections ar kickstarting, India's Election Commissioner Arun Goel has stepped down from his position.

India: Election Commissioner Arun Goel resigns weeks before General Elections

<p>India may have played a key role in discouraging Russia from launching a nuclear attack inside Ukraine in 2022 when President Vladimir Putin’s forces faced ‘one setback after another’ on the battlefield, according to a CNN report that cites US officials.</p>

<p>The report&nbsp;said intervention from Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and nations like China may have forced Putin to drop the nuclear plans.</p>

<h2><strong>Alarming intelligence</strong></h2>

<p>In 2022, US officials grew worried that Russia might resort to using a tactical nuclear weapon in the face of growing challenges in Ukraine. It was when Ukrainian forces were advancing on Russian-occupied Kherson in the south. As per the report, Russia became concerned that its forces in Kherson could be surrounded and devastated if Ukrainian troops kept advancing.</p>

<p>The US officials believed that such a heavy loss could trigger the Kremlin to resort to using non-conventional/nuclear means.</p>

<p>“If significant numbers of Russian forces were ­overrun —​­ if their lives were shattered as such —​­ that was a sort of precursor to a potential threat directly to Russian territory or the Russian state,” a senior US official was quoted as saying by CNN.</p>

<p>“In Kherson at that time there were increasing signs that Russian lines could collapse. Tens of thousands of Russian troops were potentially vulnerable,” the official added.</p>

<p>In addition to this theory, the Biden administration had access to new, sensitive intelligence—based on analysis, several indicators and developments—that pointed towards the possibility of a nuclear Armageddon.</p>

<h2><strong>Russia’s ‘Dirty Bomb’ theory</strong></h2>

<p>During the same period, Russian loyalists and propagandists started talking about the possibility of Ukraine using a ‘dirty bomb’ against Russia.</p>

<p>Western officials believed it was a false flag story that Russia could use as cover for launching its own nuclear attack.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;How did Ukraine sink 25% of Russia's Black Sea Fleet in the Naval War?</strong></p>

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<p>In October 2022, Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu reportedly made a series of phone calls to defence officials in the US, the UK, France and Turkey, telling them that the Kremlin was “concerned about possible provocations by Kyiv involving the use of a dirty bomb.”</p>

<p>The US meanwhile started working with its allies to develop contingency plans and warn Russia about potential consequences.</p>

<h2><strong>Role of India and China</strong></h2>

<p>As per US officials, help was also sought from non-allies like India and China.</p>

<p>US officials say intervention from PM Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping helped avert a nuclear disaster in Ukraine.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwjez4Gv5uiEAxW_7zgGHQuvCpcQxfQBKAB6BAgHEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pope-francis-advocates-for-ukraine-to-show-courage-in-negotiations-698401" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/world/pope-francis-advocates-for-ukraine-to-show-courage-in-negotiations-698401&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjez4Gv5uiEAxW_7zgGHQuvCpcQxfQBKAB6BAgHEAE">Pope encourages Ukraine to show ‘white flag’ courage in negotiations</a></strong></p>

<p>“I think we believe showing the international community the concern about this, particularly the concern from key countries for Russia and the Global South, was also a helpful, persuasive factor and showed them what the cost of all this could be,” a US official said.</p>

<p>“I think the fact that we know China weighed in, India weighed in, others weighed in, may have had some effect on their thinking. I can’t demonstrate this positively, but I think that’s our assessment,” a second official was quoted as saying.</p>


India may have played a key role in discouraging Russia from launching a nuclear attack inside Ukraine in 2022 when President Vladimir Putin’s forces faced ‘one setback after another’ on the battlefield, according to a CNN report that cites US officials.

India may have played a key role in discouraging Russia from launching a nuclear attack inside Ukraine in 2022 when President Vladimir Putin’s forces faced ‘one setback after another’ on the battlefield, according to a CNN report that cites US officials. The report said intervention from Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and nations like China may have forced Putin to drop the nuclear plans. Alarming intelligence In 2022, US officials grew worried that Russia might resort to using a tactical nuclear weapon in the face of growing challenges in Ukraine. It was when Ukrainian forces were advancing on Russian-occupied Kherson in the south. As per the report, Russia became concerned that its forces in Kherson could be surrounded and devastated if Ukrainian troops kept advancing. The US officials believed that such a heavy loss could trigger the Kremlin to resort to using non-conventional/nuclear means. “If significant numbers of Russian forces were overrun — if their lives were shattered as such — that was a sort of precursor to a potential threat directly to Russian territory or the Russian state,” a senior US official was quoted as saying by CNN. “In Kherson at that time there were increasing signs that Russian lines could collapse. Tens of thousands of Russian troops were potentially vulnerable,” the official added. In addition to this theory, the Biden administration had access to new, sensitive intelligence—based on analysis, several indicators and developments—that pointed towards the possibility of a nuclear Armageddon. Russia’s ‘Dirty Bomb’ theory During the same period, Russian loyalists and propagandists started talking about the possibility of Ukraine using a ‘dirty bomb’ against Russia. Western officials believed it was a false flag story that Russia could use as cover for launching its own nuclear attack. Watch: How did Ukraine sink 25% of Russia's Black Sea Fleet in the Naval War? × In October 2022, Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu reportedly made a series of phone calls to defence officials in the US, the UK, France and Turkey, telling them that the Kremlin was “concerned about possible provocations by Kyiv involving the use of a dirty bomb.” The US meanwhile started working with its allies to develop contingency plans and warn Russia about potential consequences. Role of India and China As per US officials, help was also sought from non-allies like India and China. US officials say intervention from PM Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping helped avert a nuclear disaster in Ukraine. Also read: Pope encourages Ukraine to show ‘white flag’ courage in negotiations “I think we believe showing the international community the concern about this, particularly the concern from key countries for Russia and the Global South, was also a helpful, persuasive factor and showed them what the cost of all this could be,” a US official said. “I think the fact that we know China weighed in, India weighed in, others weighed in, may have had some effect on their thinking. I can’t demonstrate this positively, but I think that’s our assessment,” a second official was quoted as saying.

India's intervention made Putin abandon use of nuclear weapon in Ukraine: Report

A landmark Maritime security exercise between the Indian and US Coast Guards has concluded. The Sea Defenders 2024 focused on enhancing Maritime cooperation and interoperability between the two forces. This drill was conducted at India's Andaman and Nicobar Islands. One of the highlights of the exercise was the pollution response demonstration where Indian coast guard ships and aircrafts displayed their proficiency in responding to oil spills and other environmental hazards. Watch to know more!

India-US maritime security exercise 'Sea Defenders-2024' culminates at Port Blair

As an extension of support to Indian Farmers wider agitation several farmer unions organized a 'Rail Rocko Protest' today blocking Railway trucks in the Indian state of Punjab. The protests were called by Samyukta Kisan Morcha and the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha. The leaders could be seen raising slogans against the union government for not accepting their demands. Watch to know more!

India: Farmers continue to press for MSP, hold 'Rail Roko' protest in 22 districts of Punjab

Prime Minister Narendra Modi performed Darshan and Pooja at Shri Kashi Vishwanath Mandir in Varanasi. The Indian prime minister is on a three-day tour of four Indian States. The visits are part of the PM's pan India outreach ahead of the upcoming general elections. The Indian Prime Minister was in the temple town of Varanasi where he was inside the sanctum sanctorum of Shri Kashi Vishwanath Mandir, where the Prime Minister offered prayers. Watch to know more!

PM Modi's pan-India outreach before elections, offers prayers at Kashi Vishwanath Temple

India: PM Modi inaugurates 15 Airport projects virtually from Uttar Pradesh's Azamgarh

India EFTA pact opens new opportunities, says Iceland FM Bjarni Benediktsson

More and more females are traveling overseas from India's Southern State of Kerala. A survey on youth student migration from Kerala says that this Indian state has the maximum number of female passport holders in line with the visible shift in the migration pattern. Watch to know more!

India: Kerala tops India's female passport issue chart

With election fever rising in India Trinamool Congress has become the latest party to officially kickstart its campaign ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha Polls. Watch to know more!

Lok Sabha Polls 2024: TMC to contest polls independently, setback to I.N.D.I.A bloc

Tibetans mark 65th anniversary of National Uprising Day, take out rally in Dharamsala

India-EFTA trade deal to create more jobs, says Union Minister Piyush Goyal

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