India abstained from voting on a Russia-backed resolution on the war in Ukraine. What does India's third UNSC abstention say about its Ukraine policy? Palki Sharma tells you.

Gravitas: India refuses to back Russia's UNSC resolution

Relations between India and China can't go back to normal unless peace is restored on the border, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar told Chinese FM Wang Yi during a meeting in New Delhi today.

Chinese FM Wang Yi holds talks with External Affairs Minister Jaishankar

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi is in India on his first visit since the Galwan valley clash. He met with Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and NSA Ajit Doval in India.

China, India hold bilateral talks: Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar briefs media

Indian EAM S. Jaishankar addressed a press conference after extensive talks with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi. He said that ties between India and China are not normal at present.

'Our relationship with China is not normal', says Indian EAM Jaishankar after meeting with Chinese FM Wang Yi

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi invites Indian NSA Ajit Doval to China to boost ties

In 2018, his boat was destroyed while sailing solo, in the middle of nowhere… He suffered a terrible fall that left him with multiple spine fractures and functionless legs… As he lay in wait of a rescue, (which took nearly four days to reach), he wasn’t thinking of quitting… He had only firmed up his resolve to go again and take a second shot at the world's toughest, invite-only, solo, non-stop circumnavigation race - The Golden Globe Race (GGR). After an unfortunate accident in 2018, Commander Abhilash Tomy, the former Indian Navy Officer is back in 2022 - to endure and enjoy non-stop sailing 30,000 nautical miles, for a duration of up to 250 days.

WION had an exclusive conversation with the daredevil adventurer from India, where he shared about what keeps him going.&nbsp;

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'Musafir' -meaning Wanderer - A day in the life of <a href="https://twitter.com/abhilashtomy?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@abhilashtomy</a> 
He'll spend 250days like this, solo at sea, sailing around the world from Sept 4th this yr.. No comms, no GPS for navig, hardly time to sleep or shower or dine, only 1960s tech, Sun &amp; moon for guidance 
Godspeed! <a href="https://t.co/a9Tmy0nJmt">https://t.co/a9Tmy0nJmt</a> <a href="https://t.co/HRVfnhEOl7">pic.twitter.com/HRVfnhEOl7</a>
— Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) <a href="https://twitter.com/sdhrthmp/status/1507189416908926977?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 25, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Tomy's announcement of taking part in the latest edition of the Golden Globe Race was made on Twitter. The post read- "3 and a half(years) later, I am heading back into the same race that almost got me killed. Wish me luck!". Tomy recalls that the decision to compete again was a natural one and required no thought. &nbsp;

"The decision to get back and sail (GGR) was taken when I was lying injured and battered on my boat, back in 2018. For me, the difficult decision would have been the one to not contest this year," he laughed. This comes from a man, who had to be operated upon after his 2018 accident and had titanium rods inserted into his spine, besides getting five of his vertebrae fused into one.&nbsp;

Only the best can make it to the GGR and that too on the basis of an invite, but his first shot at the round-the-world race was one filled with immense hardships. &nbsp;

Referring to his plight back then as an 'interesting time', he says "I was physically injured, my wife was pregnant, my boat was damaged and I had no money". &nbsp;&nbsp;

However, this time around, thanks to the vast experience he has gathered in the sport, Tomy is better equipped and prepared. In 2018, he started building a boat, (which costs crores) and then began looking for a sponsor, which left him broke and anguished. &nbsp;

Despite the financial mess, he found himself in, Tomy decided to continue with the race, with the help of multiple donors, who helped him in their little ways. Now, Tomy is being fully sponsored by Bayanat, a company that offers predictive geospatial intelligence and supported by Jellyfish Watersports, a sailing and kayaking company based out of Kerala. &nbsp;

For his first circumnavigation attempt, Tomy had to prepare hard and sail over 27,000 nautical miles on the same boat, for his maiden GGR attempt, it was down to a year of preparation and now he's confident of managing this attempt with almost five months of preparation. "For the first GGR attempt, I built a 32-foot boat with two masts, it was the replica of the original boat that won the GGR and it was based on a 1923 design. The current boat is a 36-footer with a single masthead and has a much newer design. As I have no sailing hours on this boat, I'm planning on getting at least 3,000 miles."&nbsp;

Known for its brutal rules and regulations, the GGR is a sailing race where one has to only rely on sail boats, equipment and technology that dates back to the year 1968 (the year when the original race was conducted). This means that sailors will have to purely rely on their sextants, seamanship and celestial navigation (positioning based on sun and moon) to find their way. The only GPS equipment they will be carrying on-board, is the one that transmits their location to the race headquarters. While they do carry the essential technology to alert the rescuers in case of accident/mishap, using that option will mean getting disqualified.&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-china-hold-highest-level-talks-in-two-years-meet-focus-on-ladakh-standoff-465346" hreflang="en">High-level talks between China and India take place for the first time in two years; focus on Ladakh standoff</a>

If this doesn’t make the voyage challenging enough, Tomy explains how it's like to be out there - "Let’s say you've not slept in 28 hours, but want to catch some sleep.. But, your clothes are drenched and its five degrees out there and windy… the boat is moving all over the place, your bed is wet, saltwater is dripping into your eyes, there's salt in your armpits and hair and you haven't changed clothes for nearly ten days… A shower is something that happens once in 30days… Imagine cooking or using the washroom under such conditions… Amid uncertain weather, you'd also have to spend nearly four hours every day to figure out your position using traditional methods.. All of this has to go on for nearly 300 days".&nbsp;

On being queried why he wants to undertake such extreme challenges, stress and loneliness, Tomy laughingly says, he finds it harder to sit in an office chair and go through accounts and signing papers. "It's (sailing is), difficult for you, not me. I like this solitude," said the former naval aviator from India. For his family back in Goa, all they want is for him to prepare well and be competitive. &nbsp;

"My wife is happy about it, my younger boy is aged three and too young to understand. But the elder son, who is aged 12, calls it the 'Golden Death Race'. They are all in Goa, but I will be shuttling between France, Netherlands and the UK. I hope to get back to India sometime in the coming months to meet family, before I embark on the race," Tomy said.&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/number-of-terrorists-have-come-down-but-terror-still-alive-says-jk-dgp-465285" hreflang="en">Number of terrorists have come down but terror still alive, says J&amp;K DGP</a>

For those, who think that this fascination for sailing was something that Tomy picked up from his time in the Indian Navy, it actually didn’t work that way. Being at sea has been a childhood fascination for him. The desire only grew stronger, thanks to his father, who served as an officer in the Indian Navy. "I recall that the first Indian Army expedition of circumnavigating the globe took place during my childhood, that was something which captivated me. I was also someone who read books on sailing expeditions and stories of being stranded at sea, etc. Thanks to my father, I've even attended few events at sailing clubs, as a young lad."&nbsp;

Reminiscing his having to discontinue the 2018 race after sailing for 82 days (1/3rd the journey), Tomy says half-jokingly that he was lucky to have encountered a storm and lost the race and the boat, because, winning/completing the race and bringing his boat back to India would have cost him an additional Rs 25lakh, that too at a time when he was too broke. "You've got to remember that I spent only Rs 350 for even getting married," he signed off.&nbsp;

The 2022 Golden Globe Race follows this route: Depart from Les Sables-d’Olonne, France on September 4th, 2022 and sail solo(at the mercy of the wind and sea current), non-stop around the world, via the five Great Capes and return to Les Sables-d’Olonne.&nbsp;

In 2018, his boat was destroyed while sailing solo, in the middle of nowhere… He suffered a terrible fall that left him with multiple spine fractures and functionless legs… As he lay in wait of a rescue, (which took nearly four days to reach), he wasn’t thinking of quitting… He had only firmed up his resolve to go again and take a second shot at the world's toughest, invite-only, solo, non-stop circumnavigation race - The Golden Globe Race (GGR).

In 2018, his boat was destroyed while sailing solo, in the middle of nowhere… He suffered a terrible fall that left him with multiple spine fractures and functionless legs… As he lay in wait of a rescue, (which took nearly four days to reach), he wasn’t thinking of quitting… He had only firmed up his resolve to go again and take a second shot at the world's toughest, invite-only, solo, non-stop circumnavigation race - The Golden Globe Race (GGR). After an unfortunate accident in 2018, Commander Abhilash Tomy, the former Indian Navy Officer is back in 2022 - to endure and enjoy non-stop sailing 30,000 nautical miles, for a duration of up to 250 days. WION had an exclusive conversation with the daredevil adventurer from India, where he shared about what keeps him going. 'Musafir' -meaning Wanderer - A day in the life of @abhilashtomy He'll spend 250days like this, solo at sea, sailing around the world from Sept 4th this yr.. No comms, no GPS for navig, hardly time to sleep or shower or dine, only 1960s tech, Sun & moon for guidance Godspeed! https://t.co/a9Tmy0nJmt pic.twitter.com/HRVfnhEOl7 — Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) March 25, 2022 × Tomy's announcement of taking part in the latest edition of the Golden Globe Race was made on Twitter. The post read- "3 and a half(years) later, I am heading back into the same race that almost got me killed. Wish me luck!". Tomy recalls that the decision to compete again was a natural one and required no thought. "The decision to get back and sail (GGR) was taken when I was lying injured and battered on my boat, back in 2018. For me, the difficult decision would have been the one to not contest this year," he laughed. This comes from a man, who had to be operated upon after his 2018 accident and had titanium rods inserted into his spine, besides getting five of his vertebrae fused into one. Only the best can make it to the GGR and that too on the basis of an invite, but his first shot at the round-the-world race was one filled with immense hardships. Referring to his plight back then as an 'interesting time', he says "I was physically injured, my wife was pregnant, my boat was damaged and I had no money". However, this time around, thanks to the vast experience he has gathered in the sport, Tomy is better equipped and prepared. In 2018, he started building a boat, (which costs crores) and then began looking for a sponsor, which left him broke and anguished. Despite the financial mess, he found himself in, Tomy decided to continue with the race, with the help of multiple donors, who helped him in their little ways. Now, Tomy is being fully sponsored by Bayanat, a company that offers predictive geospatial intelligence and supported by Jellyfish Watersports, a sailing and kayaking company based out of Kerala. For his first circumnavigation attempt, Tomy had to prepare hard and sail over 27,000 nautical miles on the same boat, for his maiden GGR attempt, it was down to a year of preparation and now he's confident of managing this attempt with almost five months of preparation. "For the first GGR attempt, I built a 32-foot boat with two masts, it was the replica of the original boat that won the GGR and it was based on a 1923 design. The current boat is a 36-footer with a single masthead and has a much newer design. As I have no sailing hours on this boat, I'm planning on getting at least 3,000 miles." Known for its brutal rules and regulations, the GGR is a sailing race where one has to only rely on sail boats, equipment and technology that dates back to the year 1968 (the year when the original race was conducted). This means that sailors will have to purely rely on their sextants, seamanship and celestial navigation (positioning based on sun and moon) to find their way. The only GPS equipment they will be carrying on-board, is the one that transmits their location to the race headquarters. While they do carry the essential technology to alert the rescuers in case of accident/mishap, using that option will mean getting disqualified. Also Read: High-level talks between China and India take place for the first time in two years; focus on Ladakh standoff If this doesn’t make the voyage challenging enough, Tomy explains how it's like to be out there - "Let’s say you've not slept in 28 hours, but want to catch some sleep.. But, your clothes are drenched and its five degrees out there and windy… the boat is moving all over the place, your bed is wet, saltwater is dripping into your eyes, there's salt in your armpits and hair and you haven't changed clothes for nearly ten days… A shower is something that happens once in 30days… Imagine cooking or using the washroom under such conditions… Amid uncertain weather, you'd also have to spend nearly four hours every day to figure out your position using traditional methods.. All of this has to go on for nearly 300 days". On being queried why he wants to undertake such extreme challenges, stress and loneliness, Tomy laughingly says, he finds it harder to sit in an office chair and go through accounts and signing papers. "It's (sailing is), difficult for you, not me. I like this solitude," said the former naval aviator from India. For his family back in Goa, all they want is for him to prepare well and be competitive. "My wife is happy about it, my younger boy is aged three and too young to understand. But the elder son, who is aged 12, calls it the 'Golden Death Race'. They are all in Goa, but I will be shuttling between France, Netherlands and the UK. I hope to get back to India sometime in the coming months to meet family, before I embark on the race," Tomy said. Also Read: Number of terrorists have come down but terror still alive, says J&K DGP For those, who think that this fascination for sailing was something that Tomy picked up from his time in the Indian Navy, it actually didn’t work that way. Being at sea has been a childhood fascination for him. The desire only grew stronger, thanks to his father, who served as an officer in the Indian Navy. "I recall that the first Indian Army expedition of circumnavigating the globe took place during my childhood, that was something which captivated me. I was also someone who read books on sailing expeditions and stories of being stranded at sea, etc. Thanks to my father, I've even attended few events at sailing clubs, as a young lad." Reminiscing his having to discontinue the 2018 race after sailing for 82 days (1/3rd the journey), Tomy says half-jokingly that he was lucky to have encountered a storm and lost the race and the boat, because, winning/completing the race and bringing his boat back to India would have cost him an additional Rs 25lakh, that too at a time when he was too broke. "You've got to remember that I spent only Rs 350 for even getting married," he signed off. The 2022 Golden Globe Race follows this route: Depart from Les Sables-d’Olonne, France on September 4th, 2022 and sail solo(at the mercy of the wind and sea current), non-stop around the world, via the five Great Capes and return to Les Sables-d’Olonne.

Exclusive: India's Abhilash Tomy, once stranded at sea, takes 2nd shot at world's toughest sailing event

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi is in India on his first visit since the Galwan valley clash. He met with Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar in India.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi meets with India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar

Thousands of tourists thronged Asia's largest Tulip Garden in Srinagar on the very first day of its opening. The tourism industry is hoping that there will be a record number of tourists visiting the valley to enjoy the beautiful visuals of the Tulip Garden.

Tourists flock to Asia's largest Tulip garden in Srinagar, India

During draft resolution voting in UNSC, the west has slammed the Russian resolution. While Russia and China voted in favour, India and the other 12 council members abstained.

Russian draft in UNSC fails, 13 nations abstain during the voting

China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi will reportedly be visiting India after his engagements in Pakistan. This is the first high-profile visit by a Chinese leader since the beginning of the Ladakh stand-off. What's on Wang Yi's agenda? Listen in to Palki Sharma.

Gravitas: Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi to visit India

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on Thursday told the Rajya Sabha that India`s stand on the Russia-Ukraine war is based on six principles. 
 
Responding to a question, he said that India has called for immediate cessation of violence and end to all hostilities. "We stand for peace, we believe that there is no other way than a return to the path of dialogue and diplomacy. We recognize that the global order is anchored on international law, UN charter and respect for territorial integrity and sovereignty of all states and we call for humanitarian access to a conflict situation." 
 
He also said, "We have given 90 tonnes of humanitarian assistance so far and we are looking to providing more, especially medicines."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/more-than-half-of-ukrainian-children-displaced-by-war-says-un-465162">More than half of Ukrainian children displaced by war, says UN</a> 
 
Jaishankar also said that the Government of India is in touch with the leadership of both the Russian Federation and Ukraine on this matter. "The Prime Minister himself has spoken with the Presidents of both the countries. This was also mentioned in a statement made before the House recently," he added. 
 
Responding to a question by MP Naresh Gujral on Indian trade with Russia especially payment in rupees, Jaishankar said that because of the emerging problems with Russia, the government is examining various aspects by the group composed of various Ministries under the aegis of the Finance Ministry to examine the issue of payment. 
 
Replying to the query of Gujral on crude oil import, he said, "we import less than one per cent of crude oil from Russia. Many western countries are importing 15 to 20 times more than what we import."

Also read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/one-month-since-russia-invaded-ukraine-hundreds-dead-millions-displaced-when-will-it-end-465149">&nbsp;One month since Russia invaded Ukraine: Hundreds dead, millions displaced - When will it end?</a> 
 
Replying another question on the development in our neighbourhood, the Minister also said that the government is very clear on principles, "We believe that international order must respect the territorial integrity of States and it is our foremost attention in our neighbourhood." 
 
To a follow-up question about the growing relations between Russia and China, Jaishankar said, the government is aware of the changes in international relations. "We monitor it, we obviously assess it from our own national perspective and fashion our strategy in accordance with those developments," he said. 
 
Jaishankar also informed the House that when Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to Vladimir Putin thrice and to Volodymyr Zelensky twice, the evacuations of Indians was the priority, but the major part of the conversations was on what we could do to encourage a cessation of hostility through the dialogue and diplomacy.

Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: Ukraine invasion: What does Putin want from Ukraine?

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-ukraine-invasion-what-does-putin-want-from-ukraine-464992/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on Thursday told the Rajya Sabha that India`s stand on the Russia-Ukraine war is based on six principles. Responding to a question, he said that India has called for immediate cessation of violence and end to all hostilities.

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on Thursday told the Rajya Sabha that India`s stand on the Russia-Ukraine war is based on six principles. Responding to a question, he said that India has called for immediate cessation of violence and end to all hostilities. "We stand for peace, we believe that there is no other way than a return to the path of dialogue and diplomacy. We recognize that the global order is anchored on international law, UN charter and respect for territorial integrity and sovereignty of all states and we call for humanitarian access to a conflict situation." He also said, "We have given 90 tonnes of humanitarian assistance so far and we are looking to providing more, especially medicines." Also read | More than half of Ukrainian children displaced by war, says UN Jaishankar also said that the Government of India is in touch with the leadership of both the Russian Federation and Ukraine on this matter. "The Prime Minister himself has spoken with the Presidents of both the countries. This was also mentioned in a statement made before the House recently," he added. Responding to a question by MP Naresh Gujral on Indian trade with Russia especially payment in rupees, Jaishankar said that because of the emerging problems with Russia, the government is examining various aspects by the group composed of various Ministries under the aegis of the Finance Ministry to examine the issue of payment. Replying to the query of Gujral on crude oil import, he said, "we import less than one per cent of crude oil from Russia. Many western countries are importing 15 to 20 times more than what we import." Also read | One month since Russia invaded Ukraine: Hundreds dead, millions displaced - When will it end? Replying another question on the development in our neighbourhood, the Minister also said that the government is very clear on principles, "We believe that international order must respect the territorial integrity of States and it is our foremost attention in our neighbourhood." To a follow-up question about the growing relations between Russia and China, Jaishankar said, the government is aware of the changes in international relations. "We monitor it, we obviously assess it from our own national perspective and fashion our strategy in accordance with those developments," he said. Jaishankar also informed the House that when Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to Vladimir Putin thrice and to Volodymyr Zelensky twice, the evacuations of Indians was the priority, but the major part of the conversations was on what we could do to encourage a cessation of hostility through the dialogue and diplomacy. Watch | Gravitas: Ukraine invasion: What does Putin want from Ukraine?

'We stand for peace': Jaishankar briefs Rajya Sabha on Ukraine war

India, Russia and China have the advantage when it comes to hypersonic technology and the United States is&nbsp;no longer the dominant force in several advanced technologies, an influential American senator in Washington said on Wednesday.<o:p></o:p>

"We're in a situation where we have technological improvements. We used to dominate technology. That's no longer the case. Hypersonic, clearly, China and India, Russia have advantages on it," Senator Jack Reed, Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee said during a nomination hearing on Wednesday according to an AFP report.

<o:p>Also read |&nbsp;</o:p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-blocks-google-over-inauthentic-information-on-ukraine-war-465012">Russia blocks Google over 'inauthentic' information on Ukraine war</a>

"We are about to emerge for the first time in the history of the world in a trilateral nuclear competition. No longer bilateral. The Soviet Union, the United States -- no, it's China, Russia, and the United States," Senator Reed said and asked Dr William LaPlante, to be undersecretary of defence for acquisition and sustainment, how he intends to address these issues according to the report.<o:p></o:p>

Dr LaPlante said that the target will be to get into the mainstream weapons systems as soon as possible. "These new technologies that you talked about. We do have a lot of initiatives over the last several years, thanks to this committee, using your authority to rapidly contract and to do prototypes. I think that's very good," AFP quoted him as saying.

<o:p>Also read |&nbsp;</o:p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pentagon-says-russian-army-taking-defensive-positions-in-ukraine-465022">Pentagon says Russian army 'taking defensive positions' in Ukraine</a>

"We got to get those capabilities rapidly into the weapons systems, and sometimes, bridge what they call the valley of death. So, I pledge to work with the programme officers to make it their job to do continuous upgrades of technology so we can get back into this race that you talked about.”

<o:p></o:p>

Powell: More aggressive rate hikes if needed as the US battles with too-high inflation

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/powell-more-aggressive-rate-hikes-if-needed-as-the-us-battles-with-too-high-inflation-464467/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<o:p></o:p>

(With inputs from agencies)

India, Russia and China have the advantage when it comes to hypersonic technology and the United States is no longer the dominant force in several advanced technologies, an influential American senator in Washington said on Wednesday.

India, Russia and China have the advantage when it comes to hypersonic technology and the United States is no longer the dominant force in several advanced technologies, an influential American senator in Washington said on Wednesday. "We're in a situation where we have technological improvements. We used to dominate technology. That's no longer the case. Hypersonic, clearly, China and India, Russia have advantages on it," Senator Jack Reed, Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee said during a nomination hearing on Wednesday according to an AFP report. Also read | Russia blocks Google over 'inauthentic' information on Ukraine war "We are about to emerge for the first time in the history of the world in a trilateral nuclear competition. No longer bilateral. The Soviet Union, the United States -- no, it's China, Russia, and the United States," Senator Reed said and asked Dr William LaPlante, to be undersecretary of defence for acquisition and sustainment, how he intends to address these issues according to the report. Dr LaPlante said that the target will be to get into the mainstream weapons systems as soon as possible. "These new technologies that you talked about. We do have a lot of initiatives over the last several years, thanks to this committee, using your authority to rapidly contract and to do prototypes. I think that's very good," AFP quoted him as saying. Also read | Pentagon says Russian army 'taking defensive positions' in Ukraine "We got to get those capabilities rapidly into the weapons systems, and sometimes, bridge what they call the valley of death. So, I pledge to work with the programme officers to make it their job to do continuous upgrades of technology so we can get back into this race that you talked about.” Powell: More aggressive rate hikes if needed as the US battles with too-high inflation (With inputs from agencies)

India, China and Russia ahead of US in hypersonic technology, says top senator

India has rejected Chinese FM Wang Yi's comments referring to J&K at Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) meeting in Islamabad. The Ministry of External Affairs said matters related to J&K is entirely internal and China has no locus standi to comment.

Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi rakes Kashmir before Delhi trip

India has slammed Chinese FM Wang Yi's comments referring to Kashmir at OIC meeting in Islamabad. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said China has no locus standi to comment.

India slams Chinese FM Wang Yi for referring Kashmir in OIC Speech

Neeraj Chopra created history last year at the Tokyo Olympics, becoming just the second Indian and first from the sport of Athletics to be crowned Olympic Champion. That performance saw Chopra win Sportsman of the Year Male (track & Field) as well as Sportstar of the Year at the Sportstar Aces Award in Mumbai. WION Sports Editor Digvijay Singh Deo caught up with Chopra to find out his preparations for the new season which include the World Championships as well as the Asiad and the Commonwealth Games.

WION Exclusive with India's Olympic Champion Neeraj Chopra

Indian shuttler Kidambi Srikanth on Wednesday stormed into the second round of the Swiss Open here at St. Jakobshalle, Basel.

Playing in court 1, Srikanth defeated Denmark's Mads Christophersen in straight games 21-16, 21-17, in a match that lasted 32 minutes.

However, Shuttler Malvika Bansod lost in her women's singles clash against France's Qi Xuefei. Bansod lost 21-16, 21-17 in a match that lasted for 42 minutes.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2022-not-rishabh-pant-shane-watson-reserves-special-praise-for-delhi-capitals-young-gun-464918">IPL 2022: Not Rishabh Pant! Shane Watson reserves special praise for Delhi Capitals' young gun</a>

Earlier, the Indian men's doubles pair of Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty won the first-round clash against the Indonesian pair of Muhammad Shohibul Fikri and Bagas Maulana 17-21, 21-11, 21-18. The match lasted 57 minutes.

Mixed doubles pair of Ashwini Ponnappa and Sumeeth Reddy were defeated by fifth seeds Thom Gicquel and Delphine Delrue of France in straight-sets 13-21, 9-21 in 33 minutes.

Later in the day, Indian pair of Treesa Jolly, Gayatri Gopichand will face Thailand's Jongkolphan Kititharakul and Rawinda Prajongjai.

Indian shuttler Kidambi Srikanth on Wednesday stormed into the second round of the Swiss Open here at St. Jakobshalle, Basel. Playing in court 1, Srikanth defeated Denmark's Mads Christophersen in straight games 21-16, 21-17, in a match that lasted 32 minutes.

Indian shuttler Kidambi Srikanth on Wednesday stormed into the second round of the Swiss Open here at St. Jakobshalle, Basel. Playing in court 1, Srikanth defeated Denmark's Mads Christophersen in straight games 21-16, 21-17, in a match that lasted 32 minutes. However, Shuttler Malvika Bansod lost in her women's singles clash against France's Qi Xuefei. Bansod lost 21-16, 21-17 in a match that lasted for 42 minutes. ALSO READ: IPL 2022: Not Rishabh Pant! Shane Watson reserves special praise for Delhi Capitals' young gun Earlier, the Indian men's doubles pair of Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty won the first-round clash against the Indonesian pair of Muhammad Shohibul Fikri and Bagas Maulana 17-21, 21-11, 21-18. The match lasted 57 minutes. Mixed doubles pair of Ashwini Ponnappa and Sumeeth Reddy were defeated by fifth seeds Thom Gicquel and Delphine Delrue of France in straight-sets 13-21, 9-21 in 33 minutes. Later in the day, Indian pair of Treesa Jolly, Gayatri Gopichand will face Thailand's Jongkolphan Kititharakul and Rawinda Prajongjai.

Swiss Open: Kidambi Srikanth outclasses Christophersen in men's singles clash to advance into second round

Joe Biden says India's response to Russia has been shaky. But his own allies in Europe are planning a strategic rethink, including a 5,000-strong rapid reaction force. Are US partners preparing for the end of American dominance? Palki Sharma tells you.

Gravitas: Biden says India 'shaky' in responding to Russia

In a shocking incident, a 26-year-old woman has been arrested in connection with the murder of her two-month-old daughter. The police on Tuesday (March 22) said that the body of the baby was found inside a microwave oven in the Chirag Dilli region of India's capital, New Delhi.&nbsp;

As per the police statement, the accused woman has been identified as Dimple, a resident of Chirag Dilli. She was found unconscious in her house on Monday.&nbsp;

The body of her infant daughter was found inside an oven on the second floor of the house. The initial report didn't reveal much but the police have said that the woman has been giving inconsistent statements since her arrest, becoming a key suspect in the baby's death.&nbsp;

Deputy Commissioner of Police (south) Benita Mary Jaiker said, "She [the woman] seems to be disturbed." Jaiker added that she has been interrogated twice, Monday night and Tuesday morning.&nbsp;

Revealing further about the case, Jaiker said, "We received a missing report of a child on Monday around 4.30 pm (local time)."&nbsp;

"When our staff reached the house of the family, it was revealed that the infant had been found and shifted to Madan Mohan Malaviya Hospital. We reached the hospital. There we were told she was declared brought dead," she added.&nbsp;

The post mortem of the child was conducted on Tuesday. Prima facie, the doctors have conjectured that the child was smothered, and might have died a day earlier, and not Monday when she was found.

But, Jaiker said, the exact cause of death can only be ascertained after the post mortem report. The infant had injury marks on her body when she was found, she said.

"It is clearly found that the victim was in her mother's custody. All circumstantial evidence point towards the mother. We have no reason to believe that she was not involved," Jaiker said.&nbsp;

As of now, no other person has been found involved in the incident. The body was put inside the oven in order to hide it from others, police said.

(With inputs from agencies)

In a shocking incident, a 26-year-old woman has been arrested in connection with the murder of her two-month-old daughter. The police on Tuesday (March 22) said that the body of the baby was found inside a microwave oven in the Chirag Dilli region of India's capital, New Delhi.

In a shocking incident, a 26-year-old woman has been arrested in connection with the murder of her two-month-old daughter. The police on Tuesday (March 22) said that the body of the baby was found inside a microwave oven in the Chirag Dilli region of India's capital, New Delhi. As per the police statement, the accused woman has been identified as Dimple, a resident of Chirag Dilli. She was found unconscious in her house on Monday. The body of her infant daughter was found inside an oven on the second floor of the house. The initial report didn't reveal much but the police have said that the woman has been giving inconsistent statements since her arrest, becoming a key suspect in the baby's death. Deputy Commissioner of Police (south) Benita Mary Jaiker said, "She [the woman] seems to be disturbed." Jaiker added that she has been interrogated twice, Monday night and Tuesday morning. Revealing further about the case, Jaiker said, "We received a missing report of a child on Monday around 4.30 pm (local time)." "When our staff reached the house of the family, it was revealed that the infant had been found and shifted to Madan Mohan Malaviya Hospital. We reached the hospital. There we were told she was declared brought dead," she added. The post mortem of the child was conducted on Tuesday. Prima facie, the doctors have conjectured that the child was smothered, and might have died a day earlier, and not Monday when she was found. But, Jaiker said, the exact cause of death can only be ascertained after the post mortem report. The infant had injury marks on her body when she was found, she said. "It is clearly found that the victim was in her mother's custody. All circumstantial evidence point towards the mother. We have no reason to believe that she was not involved," Jaiker said. As of now, no other person has been found involved in the incident. The body was put inside the oven in order to hide it from others, police said. (With inputs from agencies)

New Delhi: Mother key suspect in death of two-month-old baby in microwave oven, say police

Austrian foreign minister Alexander Schallenberg who is on India visit has said that Russian President Putin "miscalculated" his invasion of Ukraine and " thought Ukrainians won't put up a fight, and he thought west won't react strongly". The Austrian FM met External Affairs minister Dr S Jaishankar on Sunday and he is the first European Foreign minister to visit Delhi since the Russian invasion started on 24th February. Speaking to our Principal Diplomatic Sidhant Sibal, FM Schallenberg on Austrian Model of neutrality for Ukraine said, " this is something Ukrainians themselves have to decide and we have to respect their own decision". There were reports of Kremlin proposing an Austria, Sweden model for Ukraine. Asked on French President Macron proposing EU army, FM said, " Austria by constitution is neutral country we could not prevent such a development but might not be part of EU army at the end because that is core issue of being neutral". During Delhi visit the foreign minister is accompanied by a large business delegation.

In Delhi, Austrian Foreign Minister Schallenberg says Putin "Miscalculated" his invasion of Ukraine

Amid the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine, India has maintained a neutral stance over the conflict. Now, US President Joe Biden says India's reponse is 'Shaky'.

US President Biden praises QUAD, NATO but singles out India for 'Shaky' response to Russian invasion

Israel's Prime Minister Naftali Bennett will be visiting India on April 2. This will be Bennett's first official visit to India. He is expected to meet PM Modi, and discuss trade, security, and Ukraine with him. Palki Sharma brings you a report.

Gravitas: Israel's PM Naftali Bennett to visit India

A senior Chinese diplomat has said that the US's Indo-Pacific strategy is as “dangerous” as NATO's eastward expansion in Europe resulting in Russia's military offensive against Ukraine.

China's Foreign Ministry issues dire warning to QUAD as it toughens stand on Taiwan

Indian PM Narendra Modi held virtual talks with his Australian counterpart PM Scott Morrison. New initiatives for the partnership were announced.

Second India-Australia Bilateral Summit: India, Australia discuss Economic cooperation

Pakistan PM in a rare feat heaped praises for India's foreign policy amid the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict. Khan said that India is neutral even as a QUAD member.

Under pressure to condemn Russian invasion, Pakistan PM Imran Khan praises India's foreign policy

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