<p>The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has said&nbsp;that a minimum of 20 Indians, currently stuck in Russia, have reached out to Indian authorities seeking assistance. This development was communicated by MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal during a press briefing on Thursday (Feb 29).</p>

<p>India is actively engaged in efforts to repatriate these individuals, asserting its commitment to ensuring their safe return home. Jaiswal said that Indian authorities are maintaining regular communication with Russian officials to facilitate the necessary arrangements for the&nbsp;repatriation of the stranded Indians.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal says, "It is our understanding that there are 20 people who've gone there to work as support staff or as helpers with the Russian army. These are the people who have contacted us, and that is our understanding that this is the number that… <a href="https://t.co/5kXPrUtTrR">pic.twitter.com/5kXPrUtTrR</a></p>
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<h2><strong>Acknowledgment of the situation</strong></h2>

<p>The Indian government had formally acknowledged the predicament faced by some of its citizens amidst Russia's conflict with Ukraine on February 23. Recognising the gravity of the situation, the Centre affirmed its dedication to collaborating with Russian authorities to expedite the release and safe return of these stranded individuals.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/stay-away-from-this-conflict-india-after-four-citizens-say-forced-to-fight-for-russia-693114">Also read |&nbsp;'Stay away from this conflict', says Indian foreign ministry as 4 citizens 'forced to fight' for Russia</a></p>

<p>The situation presents numerous challenges, necessitating close coordination between Indian and Russian authorities to navigate logistical complexities and ensure the safe passage of the affected individuals. Efforts are being made to streamline processes and overcome hurdles hindering repatriation.</p>

<p>Ensuring the safety and well-being of Indian nationals stranded in foreign territories remains a top priority for the Indian government. The MEA continues to closely monitor the situation and remains committed to providing necessary assistance and support to facilitate their return to India.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Russia: Alexei Navalny to be burried on March 1; Navalny's widow fears arrests at funeral</strong></p>

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<p>Diplomatic channels are being leveraged to address the plight of Indian citizens in Russia, underscoring the significance of international cooperation and collaboration in times of crisis. The Indian government is actively engaging with relevant stakeholders to expedite repatriation efforts and alleviate the distress faced by stranded nationals.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has said that a minimum of 20 Indians, currently stuck in Russia, have reached out to Indian authorities seeking assistance.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has said that a minimum of 20 Indians, currently stuck in Russia, have reached out to Indian authorities seeking assistance. This development was communicated by MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal during a press briefing on Thursday (Feb 29). India is actively engaged in efforts to repatriate these individuals, asserting its commitment to ensuring their safe return home. Jaiswal said that Indian authorities are maintaining regular communication with Russian officials to facilitate the necessary arrangements for the repatriation of the stranded Indians. #WATCH | MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal says, "It is our understanding that there are 20 people who've gone there to work as support staff or as helpers with the Russian army. These are the people who have contacted us, and that is our understanding that this is the number that… pic.twitter.com/5kXPrUtTrR — ANI (@ANI) February 29, 2024 × Acknowledgment of the situation The Indian government had formally acknowledged the predicament faced by some of its citizens amidst Russia's conflict with Ukraine on February 23. Recognising the gravity of the situation, the Centre affirmed its dedication to collaborating with Russian authorities to expedite the release and safe return of these stranded individuals. Also read | 'Stay away from this conflict', says Indian foreign ministry as 4 citizens 'forced to fight' for Russia The situation presents numerous challenges, necessitating close coordination between Indian and Russian authorities to navigate logistical complexities and ensure the safe passage of the affected individuals. Efforts are being made to streamline processes and overcome hurdles hindering repatriation. Ensuring the safety and well-being of Indian nationals stranded in foreign territories remains a top priority for the Indian government. The MEA continues to closely monitor the situation and remains committed to providing necessary assistance and support to facilitate their return to India. Also watch | Russia: Alexei Navalny to be burried on March 1; Navalny's widow fears arrests at funeral Diplomatic channels are being leveraged to address the plight of Indian citizens in Russia, underscoring the significance of international cooperation and collaboration in times of crisis. The Indian government is actively engaging with relevant stakeholders to expedite repatriation efforts and alleviate the distress faced by stranded nationals. (With inputs from agencies)

Government working to bring back Indians stranded in Russia, says external affairs ministry

<p>French Army Chief Gen Pierre Schill has termed India as a key partner, emphasising the necessity of enhancing military cooperation between the two nations. In an exclusive conversation with WION diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal, General Schill underscored India's significance, stating, "India is one of the biggest partners in the area."</p>

<p>He elaborated on his discussions with Indian Army Chief Manoj Pande, highlighting the need to deepen cooperation both quantitatively and qualitatively. This includes intensifying joint exercises, exchanging staff members, and engaging in dialogues regarding military doctrine and experiences.</p>

<p>During his three-day visit to India, Gen Schill engaged with representatives from the defence industry and observed a Pinaka firing demonstration in Rajasthan.</p>

<p>Regarding the situation in the Indo-Pacific region and Chinese assertiveness, he remarked that "China is a very strong power and China has a clear agenda to use this power."</p>

<p>Reflecting on the situation in Ukraine, he emphasised the imperative to expedite the development of weapons, ammunition, and military equipment, stating, "We will support Ukraine because France, you know, is behind Ukraine."</p>

<p><strong>Here is the full interview:</strong></p>

<p><strong>WION:</strong> How do you see army-to-army engagement between the Indian Army and the French Army?</p>

<p><strong>Gen Pierre Schill:</strong> Thank you for welcoming me here. I'm very happy to be here for three days and when I met my counterpart General Manoj Pande, we had very ancient relations between our two armies, we have a very ancient relation between our two countries. You mentioned the great honour of welcoming President Macron here for the Republic Day and marching of the French unit in the opening of the parade this year, and this is a sign of those 25 years of strategic relationship between our two countries. Relation is at the strategic level, there is a way to feed this relation at the army level. So the armed forces and the relation between the two Navies or Air forces counterparts are well-known, but there is also a very important relation between our two armies.</p>

<p><strong>WION:</strong>&nbsp;&nbsp;What are the key focus areas when you had a conversation with your Indian counterpart here in Delhi?</p>

<p><strong>Gen Pierre Schill:</strong> The base of our discussions was about how to deepen and enhance the relation we had during the last years and for example, in 2023 we increased the relation. General Manoj Pande was in charge and I was too and we met in Paris one year ago when he came and I received him in Paris. So we decided to enhance this relationship. So we did some important common activities in 2023, including exercises. We had an Army Detachment on a French ship which came here last year and that was the time to make a very interesting exercise. So the base for our discussions was to agree that we must go on further in quantity, but also in quality, for some common exercises, some exchanges of staff members, and also some talks about doctrine or exchange of experience, Army experience.</p>

<p><strong>WION:&nbsp;</strong>So you pointed out to various exercises which have been happening between the Indian side and the French side, there are upcoming exercises as well - the Shakti exercises, which will take place in the month of May, if you can elaborate what will be the focus area, the participation at the French level with the Indian side?</p>

<p><strong>Gen Pierre Schill:</strong> Yes...every two years we are doing those Shakti exercises and we try to do it once in France and once in India. So in 2024, it will be an exercise in India, here. The place is at the moment still [being] discussed, but what I know is that we will have about 100 French soldiers and we will come and do common exercise with the Army but also with some participation from the Air Force. And we will do an exercise at battalion level. That means we will try to increase the level of the exercise every year. The interest here is mutual knowledge. It is also the tactical theme we will make but it is also an exchange of military knowledge of our soldiers because our two armies are active armies that are really prepared for fight. And so that's sure from my side, regarding the fact that my soldiers will be able to know and learn from soldiers here, really efficient and famous with a famous military skill of the Indian Army.</p>

<p><strong>WION: </strong>We saw the French contingent at the Republic Day Parade, which was symbolic of the India-French relationship. We also saw the Indian contingent at the Bastille Day parade as well. Symbolic of the relationship. How do you see the participation of these contingents? The French contingent marched on Republic Day, which was seen across the world and tweeted by the French president as well.</p>

<p><strong>Gen Pierre Schill:</strong> I was lucky to be in the Champs-Élysées on Bastille Day, when Prime Minister [Narendra] Modi came and when three Armed forces contingents, from Air Force, Navy and Army were opening the parade. It was great. When French remember Bastille Day of 2023 they have in sight the parade of the Indian detachment. I think this is very important, our relation is a strategic relation, fed by the military relation. So having some Indian units on Bastille Day and Prime Minister Modi coming and this year having our President on the Republic Day and those French units marching with the Indian Army are very symbolic and very important symbols of this relation between our two countries.</p>

<p><strong>WION:&nbsp;</strong>&nbsp;Sir, your three-day visit was not just about the meeting but also about your travels. You saw the firing as well, the artillery firing in Rajasthan. What do you make out of that? Your conversation as well, your addresses as well and any specific comments on India's make in India projects.</p>

<p><strong>Gen Pierre Schill:</strong> I was very impressed during the last three days by all that I've seen. I've met...the higher [officials] responsible of the Army, of course General Pande, but also the Vice Chief of Air force, Vice Chief of Navy and some units on the ground including a demonstration of shooting, long-range artillery Indian shooting.&nbsp;I was very impressed at all levels because of the professionalism of the Indian Army, the quality of their equipment and as you mentioned, make-in-India equipment with the ambition to have real strategic autonomy. And I value this a lot because this is very close to the French view of strategic autonomy, freedom of decision, support of a world in which the rules are the normal way to cope with the relations between states. And I think this is the heart and the base of our relationship and what we military, we need to keep possible for our politicians. That means supporting this view of our two countries but very, very impressive Indian Army and I will have a lot to think about coming back to France.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


French Army Chief Gen Pierre Schill has termed India as a key partner, emphasising the necessity of enhancing military cooperation between the two nations. In an exclusive conversation with WION diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal, General Schill underscored India's significance, stating, "India is one of the biggest partners in the area.

French Army Chief Gen Pierre Schill has termed India as a key partner, emphasising the necessity of enhancing military cooperation between the two nations. In an exclusive conversation with WION diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal, General Schill underscored India's significance, stating, "India is one of the biggest partners in the area." He elaborated on his discussions with Indian Army Chief Manoj Pande, highlighting the need to deepen cooperation both quantitatively and qualitatively. This includes intensifying joint exercises, exchanging staff members, and engaging in dialogues regarding military doctrine and experiences. During his three-day visit to India, Gen Schill engaged with representatives from the defence industry and observed a Pinaka firing demonstration in Rajasthan. Regarding the situation in the Indo-Pacific region and Chinese assertiveness, he remarked that "China is a very strong power and China has a clear agenda to use this power." Reflecting on the situation in Ukraine, he emphasised the imperative to expedite the development of weapons, ammunition, and military equipment, stating, "We will support Ukraine because France, you know, is behind Ukraine." Here is the full interview: WION: How do you see army-to-army engagement between the Indian Army and the French Army? Gen Pierre Schill: Thank you for welcoming me here. I'm very happy to be here for three days and when I met my counterpart General Manoj Pande, we had very ancient relations between our two armies, we have a very ancient relation between our two countries. You mentioned the great honour of welcoming President Macron here for the Republic Day and marching of the French unit in the opening of the parade this year, and this is a sign of those 25 years of strategic relationship between our two countries. Relation is at the strategic level, there is a way to feed this relation at the army level. So the armed forces and the relation between the two Navies or Air forces counterparts are well-known, but there is also a very important relation between our two armies. WION: What are the key focus areas when you had a conversation with your Indian counterpart here in Delhi? Gen Pierre Schill: The base of our discussions was about how to deepen and enhance the relation we had during the last years and for example, in 2023 we increased the relation. General Manoj Pande was in charge and I was too and we met in Paris one year ago when he came and I received him in Paris. So we decided to enhance this relationship. So we did some important common activities in 2023, including exercises. We had an Army Detachment on a French ship which came here last year and that was the time to make a very interesting exercise. So the base for our discussions was to agree that we must go on further in quantity, but also in quality, for some common exercises, some exchanges of staff members, and also some talks about doctrine or exchange of experience, Army experience. WION: So you pointed out to various exercises which have been happening between the Indian side and the French side, there are upcoming exercises as well - the Shakti exercises, which will take place in the month of May, if you can elaborate what will be the focus area, the participation at the French level with the Indian side? Gen Pierre Schill: Yes...every two years we are doing those Shakti exercises and we try to do it once in France and once in India. So in 2024, it will be an exercise in India, here. The place is at the moment still [being] discussed, but what I know is that we will have about 100 French soldiers and we will come and do common exercise with the Army but also with some participation from the Air Force. And we will do an exercise at battalion level. That means we will try to increase the level of the exercise every year. The interest here is mutual knowledge. It is also the tactical theme we will make but it is also an exchange of military knowledge of our soldiers because our two armies are active armies that are really prepared for fight. And so that's sure from my side, regarding the fact that my soldiers will be able to know and learn from soldiers here, really efficient and famous with a famous military skill of the Indian Army. WION: We saw the French contingent at the Republic Day Parade, which was symbolic of the India-French relationship. We also saw the Indian contingent at the Bastille Day parade as well. Symbolic of the relationship. How do you see the participation of these contingents? The French contingent marched on Republic Day, which was seen across the world and tweeted by the French president as well. Gen Pierre Schill: I was lucky to be in the Champs-Élysées on Bastille Day, when Prime Minister [Narendra] Modi came and when three Armed forces contingents, from Air Force, Navy and Army were opening the parade. It was great. When French remember Bastille Day of 2023 they have in sight the parade of the Indian detachment. I think this is very important, our relation is a strategic relation, fed by the military relation. So having some Indian units on Bastille Day and Prime Minister Modi coming and this year having our President on the Republic Day and those French units marching with the Indian Army are very symbolic and very important symbols of this relation between our two countries. WION: Sir, your three-day visit was not just about the meeting but also about your travels. You saw the firing as well, the artillery firing in Rajasthan. What do you make out of that? Your conversation as well, your addresses as well and any specific comments on India's make in India projects. Gen Pierre Schill: I was very impressed during the last three days by all that I've seen. I've met...the higher [officials] responsible of the Army, of course General Pande, but also the Vice Chief of Air force, Vice Chief of Navy and some units on the ground including a demonstration of shooting, long-range artillery Indian shooting. I was very impressed at all levels because of the professionalism of the Indian Army, the quality of their equipment and as you mentioned, make-in-India equipment with the ambition to have real strategic autonomy. And I value this a lot because this is very close to the French view of strategic autonomy, freedom of decision, support of a world in which the rules are the normal way to cope with the relations between states. And I think this is the heart and the base of our relationship and what we military, we need to keep possible for our politicians. That means supporting this view of our two countries but very, very impressive Indian Army and I will have a lot to think about coming back to France.

Exclusive: French army chief hails India as a key partner, calls for increased military cooperation

India Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired a key meeting of his Bhartiya Janata Party's Central Election Committee. The meeting was held late on Thrusday evening to finalise the first list of candidates for upcoming elections.

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<p>A 20-year-old student studying in Greater Noida, in the Gautam Buddha Nagar district of the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh, was allegedly strangled to death by four friends.</p>

<p>Local police officials said that the incident happened after an argument broke out. The friends allegedly buried his body 6 ft deep inside a farmland in Amroha.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Police said that the accused killed the student on February 27 but to mislead the police and his family, they sent ransom messages on February 28.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Officials said that three accused were engaged in a gunfight with the police in Greater Noida on Wednesday evening and the accused also suffered gunshot injuries on their legs. They were arrested by the police.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The fourth accused, Shubham Chaudhary, is at large.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-at-least-14-killed-20-injured-after-pick-up-van-overturns-in-madhya-pradesh-694963">At least 14 killed, 20 injured after pick-up van overturns in Madhya Pradesh</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>The victim, who has been identified as Yash Mittal, and the accused belonged to the Gajraula area in Amroha district, Uttar Pradesh, where the murder took place on Tuesday night.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The student belonged to a business family and was enrolled for a Bachelor in Business Administration (BBA) degree at a private university in Greater Noida.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As quoted by the news agency PTI, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Greater Noida) Saad Miya Khan said that when Yash did not return to the university hostel after leaving the premises on Monday, an FIR was lodged at the local Dadri police station and a probe was launched.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Khan added, "On February 27, the police received information that Bennett University student Yash Mittal had not returned to the hostel since February 26. Immediately, police teams were formed to investigate this case. When CCTV footage was reviewed, it was found that he left the university campus safely in a car while talking to someone on the phone."&nbsp;</p>

<p>The officer said that call data records were also checked as part of the probe. The call details led the police to some suspects, including his friend Rachit Nagar who told the police about a party in Gajraula to which Mittal was invited by his friends.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-1993-serial-train-blasts-accused-abdul-karim-tunda-acquitted-by-court-in-rajasthan-695077">Lashkar-e-Taiba bomb maker Abdul Karim Tunda acquitted in 1993 blast case</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Row erupts after Tamil Nadu Minister's Chinese flag on Indian rocket ad. Here's how PM Modi reacted&nbsp;</strong></p>

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<p>"During the probe, Rachit Nagar told police that he, Yash Mittal, Shivam Singh, Shubham Singh, Sushant Verma and Shubham Chaudhary, who lived in Gajraula (Amroha), are friends with each other since November 2023," the DCP said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"On February 26, they had called Yash Mittal for the party in Gajraula. He went there during which an argument broke out between him and others after which he was killed and his body was buried inside a farmland in Gajraula. We recovered the body from the farmland on Wednesday," Khan said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Reports said that the victim's family is in the electronics business and he apparently told his friends that they were "surviving and having parties on his money", which became the reason for the conflict.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The police received information that the accused were in Greater Noida's Dadri area on Wednesday evening and during a combing operation, a gunfight broke out during which the accused suffered bullet injuries.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em></p>


A 20-year-old student studying in Greater Noida, in the Gautam Buddha Nagar district of the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh, was allegedly strangled to death by four friends.

A 20-year-old student studying in Greater Noida, in the Gautam Buddha Nagar district of the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh, was allegedly strangled to death by four friends. Local police officials said that the incident happened after an argument broke out. The friends allegedly buried his body 6 ft deep inside a farmland in Amroha. Police said that the accused killed the student on February 27 but to mislead the police and his family, they sent ransom messages on February 28. Officials said that three accused were engaged in a gunfight with the police in Greater Noida on Wednesday evening and the accused also suffered gunshot injuries on their legs. They were arrested by the police. The fourth accused, Shubham Chaudhary, is at large. Also read: At least 14 killed, 20 injured after pick-up van overturns in Madhya Pradesh The victim, who has been identified as Yash Mittal, and the accused belonged to the Gajraula area in Amroha district, Uttar Pradesh, where the murder took place on Tuesday night. The student belonged to a business family and was enrolled for a Bachelor in Business Administration (BBA) degree at a private university in Greater Noida. As quoted by the news agency PTI, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Greater Noida) Saad Miya Khan said that when Yash did not return to the university hostel after leaving the premises on Monday, an FIR was lodged at the local Dadri police station and a probe was launched. Khan added, "On February 27, the police received information that Bennett University student Yash Mittal had not returned to the hostel since February 26. Immediately, police teams were formed to investigate this case. When CCTV footage was reviewed, it was found that he left the university campus safely in a car while talking to someone on the phone." The officer said that call data records were also checked as part of the probe. The call details led the police to some suspects, including his friend Rachit Nagar who told the police about a party in Gajraula to which Mittal was invited by his friends. Also read: Lashkar-e-Taiba bomb maker Abdul Karim Tunda acquitted in 1993 blast case Watch: Row erupts after Tamil Nadu Minister's Chinese flag on Indian rocket ad. Here's how PM Modi reacted × "During the probe, Rachit Nagar told police that he, Yash Mittal, Shivam Singh, Shubham Singh, Sushant Verma and Shubham Chaudhary, who lived in Gajraula (Amroha), are friends with each other since November 2023," the DCP said. "On February 26, they had called Yash Mittal for the party in Gajraula. He went there during which an argument broke out between him and others after which he was killed and his body was buried inside a farmland in Gajraula. We recovered the body from the farmland on Wednesday," Khan said. Reports said that the victim's family is in the electronics business and he apparently told his friends that they were "surviving and having parties on his money", which became the reason for the conflict. The police received information that the accused were in Greater Noida's Dadri area on Wednesday evening and during a combing operation, a gunfight broke out during which the accused suffered bullet injuries. (With inputs from agencies)

'Friends' kill 20-year-old student in Indian state of Uttar Pradesh, send ransom messages to 'mislead' police

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In the state of West Bengal, the ruling Trinamool congress party leader Sheikh Shahjahan has been arrested. Shahjahan faces accusations of sexual violence and land grab in the Sandeshkhali village. He was arrested from a house in north 24 PARGANAS district where he was reportedly hiding.

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<p>A couple from India's Gujarat took on a remarkable journey to tie the knot amidst the breathtaking beauty of Himachal Pradesh's Spiti Valley. Their extraordinary wedding ceremony amidst snow-capped mountains has captivated the internet audience, as it took place in -25 degrees Celsius.</p>

<p>Shared by Ajay Banyal, an Assistant Public Relations Officer in the Himachal Pradesh Government, a video showing&nbsp;the couple's nuptials has garnered widespread attention. Banyal's caption, lauding the couple's determination to wed in Spiti despite the extreme cold.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="hi">एक विवाह ऐसा भी! गुजरात का प्रेमी जोड़ा, प्रेमिका की जिद्द ने स्पीति पहुंचाया, फिर माईनस 25 डिग्री तापमान में सजाया मंडप, यह अपने आप में पहली तरह का मामला है।<br />
स्पीति के मुरंग में आज हुआ अनोखा विवाह।<br />
यह है डेस्टिनेशन वेडिंग का example। <a href="https://t.co/4lnaRl0c5h">pic.twitter.com/4lnaRl0c5h</a></p>
— Ajay Banyal (@iAjay_Banyal) <a href="https://twitter.com/iAjay_Banyal/status/1762151343220048128?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 26, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<h2><strong>Wedding amidst snowy splendor</strong></h2>

<p>The video unfolds with scenes of the bride, in her bridal attire, braving the frigid temperatures of Spiti. From the decorated car to the couple's embrace under the canopy, the footage captures the surreal ambience of the ceremony set against the backdrop of snow-covered peaks, witnessed by awe-struck onlookers.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-massive-fire-breaks-out-in-densely-populated-slum-in-mumbais-bhayandar-east-area-694665">Also read |&nbsp;India: Massive fire breaks out in densely populated slum in Mumbai's Bhayandar East area</a></p>

<p>Another video, shared as an Instagram Reel, offers a glimpse into the wedding rituals amidst falling snow in the Moorang village of Spiti. The couple, wearing&nbsp;gloves to fight&nbsp;the cold, display&nbsp;their "Longest Road Trip Wedding Expedition."&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="hi">स्पीति के मुरंग में माइनस 25 में डेस्टिनेशन वेडिंग की शानदार रील <a href="https://t.co/SRJlJh2GVx">pic.twitter.com/SRJlJh2GVx</a></p>
— Ajay Banyal (@iAjay_Banyal) <a href="https://twitter.com/iAjay_Banyal/status/1762501900296196217?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 27, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>The videos, posted just two days ago, have already garnered significant traction, accumulating thousands of views and sparking diverse reactions from viewers. While many expressed admiration for the couple's dreamy wedding in Spiti, others raised concerns about environmental impact and the trend of extravagant weddings.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;&nbsp;Fate of Himachal Pradesh CM Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu hangs in balance</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-fate-of-himachal-pradesh-cm-sukhvinder-singh-sukhu-hangs-in-balance-694771/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>Comments on the videos range from expressions of envy to critiques of environmental stewardship. Some users expressed aspirations for their own Spiti weddings, while others lamented perceived environmental degradation and imitation of foreign wedding trends.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


A couple from India's Gujarat took on a remarkable journey to tie the knot amidst the breathtaking beauty of Himachal Pradesh's Spiti Valley. Their extraordinary wedding ceremony amidst snow-capped mountains has captivated the internet audience, as it took place in -25 degrees Celsius.

A couple from India's Gujarat took on a remarkable journey to tie the knot amidst the breathtaking beauty of Himachal Pradesh's Spiti Valley. Their extraordinary wedding ceremony amidst snow-capped mountains has captivated the internet audience, as it took place in -25 degrees Celsius. Shared by Ajay Banyal, an Assistant Public Relations Officer in the Himachal Pradesh Government, a video showing the couple's nuptials has garnered widespread attention. Banyal's caption, lauding the couple's determination to wed in Spiti despite the extreme cold. एक विवाह ऐसा भी! गुजरात का प्रेमी जोड़ा, प्रेमिका की जिद्द ने स्पीति पहुंचाया, फिर माईनस 25 डिग्री तापमान में सजाया मंडप, यह अपने आप में पहली तरह का मामला है। स्पीति के मुरंग में आज हुआ अनोखा विवाह। यह है डेस्टिनेशन वेडिंग का example। pic.twitter.com/4lnaRl0c5h — Ajay Banyal (@iAjay_Banyal) February 26, 2024 × Wedding amidst snowy splendor The video unfolds with scenes of the bride, in her bridal attire, braving the frigid temperatures of Spiti. From the decorated car to the couple's embrace under the canopy, the footage captures the surreal ambience of the ceremony set against the backdrop of snow-covered peaks, witnessed by awe-struck onlookers. Also read | India: Massive fire breaks out in densely populated slum in Mumbai's Bhayandar East area Another video, shared as an Instagram Reel, offers a glimpse into the wedding rituals amidst falling snow in the Moorang village of Spiti. The couple, wearing gloves to fight the cold, display their "Longest Road Trip Wedding Expedition." स्पीति के मुरंग में माइनस 25 में डेस्टिनेशन वेडिंग की शानदार रील pic.twitter.com/SRJlJh2GVx — Ajay Banyal (@iAjay_Banyal) February 27, 2024 × The videos, posted just two days ago, have already garnered significant traction, accumulating thousands of views and sparking diverse reactions from viewers. While many expressed admiration for the couple's dreamy wedding in Spiti, others raised concerns about environmental impact and the trend of extravagant weddings. Also watch | Fate of Himachal Pradesh CM Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu hangs in balance Comments on the videos range from expressions of envy to critiques of environmental stewardship. Some users expressed aspirations for their own Spiti weddings, while others lamented perceived environmental degradation and imitation of foreign wedding trends. (With inputs from agencies)

WATCH: Indian couple braves bone-chilling weather, gets married at -25 degrees. Wedding video goes viral

On Wednesday (Feb 28), the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced the annual central contracts for Team India (Senior men) for the 2023-24 season. Here are the players part of the Grade A+ category, i.e. the top-tier of the contract, with a likely annual fees of INR 7 crore each (or 70 million)

Indian players part of Grade A+ category in BCCI contract

India slams Pakistan at UNHRC for Kashmir comments, 'no grounds to comment on our internal matter'

<p>A train ran over two persons at Kalajharia railway station on Wednesday (Feb 28) in Jamtara, a city in the Indian state of Jharkhand.</p>

<p>Initial reports claimed that at least 12 lost their lives, but later India-based news&nbsp;agency PTI said the toll stood at two.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>The deputy commissioner said that medical teams and ambulances were rushed to the spot.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Jamtara Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO) Mujibur Rahman told PTI that the accident took place near Kaljharia around 140 km from Jharkhand's capital Ranchi.</p>

<p>"Bodies of two persons have been recovered so far. The search operation is on," he said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The railway officials said&nbsp;that&nbsp;the incident occurred at 7:00 pm (IST) and only two persons were killed.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Jharkhand | A train ran over the passengers at Kalajharia railway station in Jamtara. Some deaths have been reported. The exact number of deaths will be confirmed later. Medical teams and ambulances rushed to the spot: Deputy Commissioner, Jamtara<br />
<br />
More details awaited.</p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1762853901492011022?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 28, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>"Train no 12254 (Anga Express) passing between Vidyasagar-Kasitar stopped due to ACP (alarm chain pulling) at 7 pm at Asansol division of ER (Eastern Railway). At 7.07 pm, two persons who were walking on the track were run over on the up line by MEMU train, at least two kilometres away where the train stopped", the Eastern Railway said in a press statement.</p>

<p>A three-member committee has been formed to investigate the issue, it stated.</p>

<p>Kausik Mitra, CPRO, Eastern Railway said, "The deceased are not passengers, they are walking on the track... A 3-member JAG committee has been formed to enquire about the issue. Reports of 12 passengers getting killed are not true."</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em></p>


A train ran over two persons at Kalajharia railway station on Wednesday (Feb 28) in Jamtara, a city in the Indian state of Jharkhand. Initial reports claimed that at least 12 lost their lives, but later India-based news agency PTI said the toll stood at two.

A train ran over two persons at Kalajharia railway station on Wednesday (Feb 28) in Jamtara, a city in the Indian state of Jharkhand. Initial reports claimed that at least 12 lost their lives, but later India-based news agency PTI said the toll stood at two. The deputy commissioner said that medical teams and ambulances were rushed to the spot. Jamtara Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO) Mujibur Rahman told PTI that the accident took place near Kaljharia around 140 km from Jharkhand's capital Ranchi. "Bodies of two persons have been recovered so far. The search operation is on," he said. The railway officials said that the incident occurred at 7:00 pm (IST) and only two persons were killed. Jharkhand | A train ran over the passengers at Kalajharia railway station in Jamtara. Some deaths have been reported. The exact number of deaths will be confirmed later. Medical teams and ambulances rushed to the spot: Deputy Commissioner, Jamtara More details awaited. — ANI (@ANI) February 28, 2024 × "Train no 12254 (Anga Express) passing between Vidyasagar-Kasitar stopped due to ACP (alarm chain pulling) at 7 pm at Asansol division of ER (Eastern Railway). At 7.07 pm, two persons who were walking on the track were run over on the up line by MEMU train, at least two kilometres away where the train stopped", the Eastern Railway said in a press statement. A three-member committee has been formed to investigate the issue, it stated. Kausik Mitra, CPRO, Eastern Railway said, "The deceased are not passengers, they are walking on the track... A 3-member JAG committee has been formed to enquire about the issue. Reports of 12 passengers getting killed are not true." (With inputs from agencies)

Express train runs over people in India's Jamtara, at least two dead

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