The anticipation surrounding the 72nd edition of Miss Universe has reached its zenith as the competition unveils its top 10 finalists. Hosted for the first time at the José Adolfo Pineda Arena in El Salvador, this year's pageant has witnessed some remarkable moments and surprising turns, including the unfortunate departure of India's Shweta Sharda, a promising model and dancer, from the competition.

Hailing from Chandigarh, the 22-year-old Sharda was a prominent contender throughout the preliminary rounds, captivating audiences with her grace and talent. However, despite making strides and securing a spot in the semi-finals, Sharda's journey culminated after the swimsuit round, and&nbsp;she did not advance to the evening gown segment.&nbsp;

<h2>Top 10 Finalists Revealed</h2>

The finalists who have made it to the esteemed top 10 of Miss Universe 2023 are:

Miss Puerto Rico 
Thailand 
Peru 
Colombia 
Nicaragua 
Philippines 
El Salvador 
Venezuela 
Australia 
Spain

The presence of these remarkable contestants promises an enthralling finale as they vie for the coveted title.

<h2>Notable Moments and Setbacks</h2>

Erica Robin’s ranking in the Top 20 marked a historic achievement for Pakistan, yet she did not secure a place among the top 10 finalists. This year’s pageant, notable for its unique milestones, is hosted entirely by women, featuring Former Miss Universe 2012 Olivia Culpo alongside TV personalities Jeannie Mai and Maria Menounos.

Amidst the competition, an unexpected turn of events saw Miss Universe China, Qi Jia, unable to compete due to visa issues. Despite diligent efforts to obtain her visa in time, the delay in issuance resulted in a significant setback, forcing Qi Jia to miss out on the international event.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/chinas-jia-qi-withdraws-from-miss-universe-2023-find-out-why-660161">China's Jia Qi withdraws from Miss Universe 2023, find out why</a>

A total of ninety countries initially entered the prestigious pageant, showcasing the global diversity and inclusivity of the competition. Notably, Marina Machete from Portugal and Rikkie Kollé from the Netherlands made history as the two transgender women competing in this year’s edition, marking a significant step towards greater inclusivity and representation in beauty pageants.

The anticipation surrounding the 72nd edition of Miss Universe has reached its zenith as the competition unveils its top 10 finalists. Hosted for the first time at the José Adolfo Pineda Arena in El Salvador, this year's pageant has witnessed some remarkable moments and surprising turns, including the unfortunate departure of India's Shweta Sharda, a promising model and dancer, from the competition.

The anticipation surrounding the 72nd edition of Miss Universe has reached its zenith as the competition unveils its top 10 finalists. Hosted for the first time at the José Adolfo Pineda Arena in El Salvador, this year's pageant has witnessed some remarkable moments and surprising turns, including the unfortunate departure of India's Shweta Sharda, a promising model and dancer, from the competition. Hailing from Chandigarh, the 22-year-old Sharda was a prominent contender throughout the preliminary rounds, captivating audiences with her grace and talent. However, despite making strides and securing a spot in the semi-finals, Sharda's journey culminated after the swimsuit round, and she did not advance to the evening gown segment. Top 10 Finalists Revealed The finalists who have made it to the esteemed top 10 of Miss Universe 2023 are: Miss Puerto Rico Thailand Peru Colombia Nicaragua Philippines El Salvador Venezuela Australia Spain The presence of these remarkable contestants promises an enthralling finale as they vie for the coveted title. Notable Moments and Setbacks Erica Robin’s ranking in the Top 20 marked a historic achievement for Pakistan, yet she did not secure a place among the top 10 finalists. This year’s pageant, notable for its unique milestones, is hosted entirely by women, featuring Former Miss Universe 2012 Olivia Culpo alongside TV personalities Jeannie Mai and Maria Menounos. Amidst the competition, an unexpected turn of events saw Miss Universe China, Qi Jia, unable to compete due to visa issues. Despite diligent efforts to obtain her visa in time, the delay in issuance resulted in a significant setback, forcing Qi Jia to miss out on the international event. Also read: China's Jia Qi withdraws from Miss Universe 2023, find out why A total of ninety countries initially entered the prestigious pageant, showcasing the global diversity and inclusivity of the competition. Notably, Marina Machete from Portugal and Rikkie Kollé from the Netherlands made history as the two transgender women competing in this year’s edition, marking a significant step towards greater inclusivity and representation in beauty pageants.

Miss Universe 2023: Shweta Sharda’s journey ends, top 10 finalists revealed

In a first, the Miss Universe competition will feature not one but two transgender contestants this year – Marina Machete, Miss Portugal and Rikkie Kolle, Miss Netherlands. Rikkie led the change as she became the first transgender woman to win her country’s pageant and participate in the Miss Universe contest. She won the Miss Netherlands-Miss Universe title in July. Marina followed Rikkie and won the Miss Portugal-Miss Universe crown in November.&nbsp;

The Miss Universe pageant will take place in El Salvador this year in November. The event will feature 90 women from around the globe who will compete for the Miss Universe crown. At the finale, current Miss Universe R'Bonney Gabriel will crown her successor.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, Marina and Rikkie have always used their voice to promote inclusivity in beauty pageants. In a video posted to the Portuguese pageant's YouTube channel ahead of the Miss Portugal competition, Marina Machete said, “As a trans woman, I've been through many obstacles along the way, but fortunately, and especially with my family, love proved to be stronger than ignorance.”

Rikkie had also posted a video before her pageant and said, "Miss Universe asked us to describe ourselves in one word. The word I'm choosing is 'victory,' because as a little boy I conquered all the things that came through my path - and look at me now, standing here as a strong, empowering and confident trans woman."

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In a first, the Miss Universe competition will feature not one but two transgender contestants this year – Marina Machete, Miss Portugal and Rikkie Kolle, Miss Netherlands.

In a first, the Miss Universe competition will feature not one but two transgender contestants this year – Marina Machete, Miss Portugal and Rikkie Kolle, Miss Netherlands. Rikkie led the change as she became the first transgender woman to win her country’s pageant and participate in the Miss Universe contest. She won the Miss Netherlands-Miss Universe title in July. Marina followed Rikkie and won the Miss Portugal-Miss Universe crown in November. The Miss Universe pageant will take place in El Salvador this year in November. The event will feature 90 women from around the globe who will compete for the Miss Universe crown. At the finale, current Miss Universe R'Bonney Gabriel will crown her successor. Meanwhile, Marina and Rikkie have always used their voice to promote inclusivity in beauty pageants. In a video posted to the Portuguese pageant's YouTube channel ahead of the Miss Portugal competition, Marina Machete said, “As a trans woman, I've been through many obstacles along the way, but fortunately, and especially with my family, love proved to be stronger than ignorance.” Rikkie had also posted a video before her pageant and said, "Miss Universe asked us to describe ourselves in one word. The word I'm choosing is 'victory,' because as a little boy I conquered all the things that came through my path - and look at me now, standing here as a strong, empowering and confident trans woman." WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

First in history: Miss Universe pageant to have two trans women contestants

The Miss Universe Organization said it was cutting ties with its Indonesian franchisee and cancelling this year's Malaysia pageant after contestants accused local organisers of sexual harassment.

The U.S.-based organisation said in an emailed statement late on Saturday that it had decided to sever its contract with PT Capella Swastika Karya and its national director Poppy Capella, who also holds the license for Miss Universe Malaysia.

Six contestants of a&nbsp;Miss&nbsp;Universe&nbsp;Indonesia pageant have filed complaints with police accusing organisers of sexual harassment after they alleged they were subjected to topless "body checks", their lawyer said on Tuesday.

Police confirmed contestants had filed a report that would be investigated.

The Indonesian contestants of the Indonesian beauty pageant, held in the capital Jakarta from July 29 to Aug. 3, said the organisers asked five of them to strip to their underwear for physical examinations in a room with more than 20 people, including men.

The five contestants were then photographed topless, said their lawyer, Mellisa Anggraeni, adding there was no need for such checks. Six contestants had filed complaints, she said.

The&nbsp;Miss&nbsp;Universe&nbsp;Organization said in a statement on Tuesday that it had been made aware of the allegations and it was looking into this matter.

"Miss&nbsp;Universe&nbsp;takes allegations of sexual abuse and impropriety extremely seriously. Providing a safe place for women is the&nbsp;Miss&nbsp;Universe&nbsp;Organization's utmost priority," it said.

One of the complainants told a press conference, broadcast by news channel Kompas TV, that she had been asked to pose inappropriately, including by opening her legs.

"I felt like I was being peeked on, I was very confused and uncomfortable," said the unidentified woman. The broadcaster blurred her face.

Reuters tried to contact the company that runs the&nbsp;Miss&nbsp;Universe&nbsp;Indonesia pageant, PT Capella Swastika Karya, and the company's founder, Poppy Capella, through their social media accounts but they did not respond.

Reuters was not able to find contact details for a company spokesperson.

Jakarta police spokesperson Trunoyudo Wisnu Andiko said a report from contestants had been received on Monday and it would be investigated.

Religious groups in Indonesia, the world' most populous Muslim country, have in the past objected to beauty pageants.

Thai celebrity media tycoon and transgender rights advocate Jakapong “Anne” Jakrajutatip bought the&nbsp;Miss&nbsp;Universe&nbsp;Organization for $20 million last year.

The contest in Jakarta was held to select Indonesia's entry for the annual&nbsp;Miss&nbsp;Universe&nbsp;competition to be held in El Salvador late this year.

The contest run by the&nbsp;Miss&nbsp;Universe&nbsp;Organization, which was co-owned by Donald Trump between 1996 and 2002, has been running since 1952.

The Miss Universe Organization said it was cutting ties with its Indonesian franchisee and cancelling this year's Malaysia pageant after contestants accused local organisers of sexual harassment.

The Miss Universe Organization said it was cutting ties with its Indonesian franchisee and cancelling this year's Malaysia pageant after contestants accused local organisers of sexual harassment. The U.S.-based organisation said in an emailed statement late on Saturday that it had decided to sever its contract with PT Capella Swastika Karya and its national director Poppy Capella, who also holds the license for Miss Universe Malaysia. Six contestants of a Miss Universe Indonesia pageant have filed complaints with police accusing organisers of sexual harassment after they alleged they were subjected to topless "body checks", their lawyer said on Tuesday. Police confirmed contestants had filed a report that would be investigated. The Indonesian contestants of the Indonesian beauty pageant, held in the capital Jakarta from July 29 to Aug. 3, said the organisers asked five of them to strip to their underwear for physical examinations in a room with more than 20 people, including men. The five contestants were then photographed topless, said their lawyer, Mellisa Anggraeni, adding there was no need for such checks. Six contestants had filed complaints, she said. The Miss Universe Organization said in a statement on Tuesday that it had been made aware of the allegations and it was looking into this matter. "Miss Universe takes allegations of sexual abuse and impropriety extremely seriously. Providing a safe place for women is the Miss Universe Organization's utmost priority," it said. One of the complainants told a press conference, broadcast by news channel Kompas TV, that she had been asked to pose inappropriately, including by opening her legs. "I felt like I was being peeked on, I was very confused and uncomfortable," said the unidentified woman. The broadcaster blurred her face. Reuters tried to contact the company that runs the Miss Universe Indonesia pageant, PT Capella Swastika Karya, and the company's founder, Poppy Capella, through their social media accounts but they did not respond. Reuters was not able to find contact details for a company spokesperson. Jakarta police spokesperson Trunoyudo Wisnu Andiko said a report from contestants had been received on Monday and it would be investigated. Religious groups in Indonesia, the world' most populous Muslim country, have in the past objected to beauty pageants. Thai celebrity media tycoon and transgender rights advocate Jakapong “Anne” Jakrajutatip bought the Miss Universe Organization for $20 million last year. The contest in Jakarta was held to select Indonesia's entry for the annual Miss Universe competition to be held in El Salvador late this year. The contest run by the Miss Universe Organization, which was co-owned by Donald Trump between 1996 and 2002, has been running since 1952.

Miss Universe cuts ties with Indonesia organiser accused of sexual harassment

Miss Universe 2023:&nbsp;&nbsp;Divita Rai will represent the Indian flag on the international stage of Miss Universe this year. The 71st annual pageant Miss Universe is all set to start on 14 January at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center in New Orleans, Louisiana. India's contestant Divita Rai will compete with 86 other women at one of the biggest international beauty contests. If Divita Rai win the coveted Miss Universe title this year, she will be crowned by Miss Universe Harnaz Sandhu who took home the crown for India in December 2021. The 25-year-old Indian model Divita has crowned Miss Universe India on 28 August 2022 in Mumbai.&nbsp;

<h2>Who is Divita Rai, the Miss Universe India 2023?</h2>

Divita Rai was born in Mangalore and currently resides in Mumbai. The 25-year-old received his education at Mumbai's Sir JJ College of Architecture. She works as a model and architect and enjoys&nbsp;sports such as badminton, basketball, painting, listening to music, and reading.
<img alt="Miss Universe India 2023 Divita Rai " data-align="center" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="57c6bede-4bb0-4139-869d-fc7978c20db6" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20-%202023-01-13T155635.904.png" />
Rai was one of the top three Karnataka state contestants attempting to qualify for Femina Miss India 2019. In 2021, she competed in Miss Diva 2021 and finished as the second runner-up to Harnaaz Sandhu, Miss Universe 2021. During the pageant, she also won the sub-contest titles of Miss IQ, Miss Lifestyle, and Miss Sudoku.
<img alt="Miss Universe India 2023 Divita Rai " data-align="center" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="f9a53b31-7956-4e6a-88a2-697b08bfb20e" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20-%202023-01-13T155759.028.png" />
On 28 August 2022, Rai was crowned Miss Diva Universe 2022 by the outgoing titleholder, Harnaaz Sandhu, at the Miss Diva Organization's 10th-anniversary gala event. More than 30 former beauty pageant winners who represented India on a global scale attended the event.&nbsp;

<h2>What Divita Rai said about herself and who inspires her?</h2>

Divita Rai gave an interview with Time Now in which she said that she defines her personality as adaptable as she had to switch six schools, travel and live in several places during her childhood. Her life mantra is to "embrace life, not fear change, and live each moment to the fullest."
<img alt="Miss Universe India 2023 Divita Rai " data-align="center" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="f2f162e6-72e3-44b0-97f9-d7f6a68e86a3" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20-%202023-01-13T155925.820.png" />
She sees her father as an inspiration to make education accessible to all, as it was her father who used the potential of his education to overcome his financial condition to provide his family with the best life.&nbsp; 
Sushmita Sen, Miss Universe 1994, ultimately inspires Rai because of "her strength, faith in her abilities, and kindness that she radiates." Furthermore, if given the opportunity to experience Frida Kahlo's mindset, she wishes to be born as an artist.

<h2>Miss Universe India 2023 Divita Rai's National Costume&nbsp;</h2>

Rai turned into 'Sone Ki Chidiya' for the National Costume round at the 71st Miss Universe 2023. She dazzles in the stunning outfit which features gold metallic hand embellishments which give a strong and powerful message to the world. The costume was designed by Abhishek Sharma who said that the National Costume is "inspired by the ethereal portrayal of India". The lehenga is made from a hand-woven tissue fabric which is from the Chanderi district of India.&nbsp;

See her stunning pictures in the costume here:
<img alt="Miss Universe India 2023 Divita Rai " data-align="center" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="0c2a6c3d-6d9c-4335-bb5d-5f10fde74e4f" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20-%202023-01-13T155226.045.png" /><img alt="Miss Universe India 2023 Divita Rai " data-align="center" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="49abd687-5e9a-4c16-8631-d7ee3cdcd207" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20-%202023-01-13T155246.486.png" /><img alt="Miss Universe India 2023 Divita Rai " data-align="center" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="4f14b354-4dce-420b-b0ef-a10f4fe2fe82" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20-%202023-01-13T155306.811.png" /><img alt="Miss Universe India 2023 Divita Rai " data-align="center" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="cd235054-9a04-40a3-90d9-25f25f55fc3a" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20-%202023-01-13T155452.957.png" />
<h2>How to vote for Miss Universe India Divita Rai online?</h2>

To vote for Miss Universe India Divita Rai download the Miss Universe app and vote for your favourite contestant. The first vote on the app is free, the more you vote, the more chances are there for your favourite contestant to win. The voting will end on 13 January.&nbsp;

<h2>Where to watch Miss Universe 2023 live?</h2>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/miss-universe-2023-live-streaming-when-where-how-to-watch-miss-universe-live-in-india-tv-channels-mobile-552238">The 2023 Miss Universe pageant will begin at 6:30 a.m</a>. IST&nbsp;on 15&nbsp;January&nbsp;or at 8 pm&nbsp;on Saturday,14&nbsp;&nbsp;January&nbsp;(ET). Viewers in India can watch the stream live on Voot&nbsp;or on the official Facebook and YouTube pages of the JKN18 channel. Outside of India, viewers can watch the live stream for free on the Roku Channel website at 7 pm&nbsp;ET, or in Spanish on Telemundo at the same time.

Miss Universe 2023: Divita Rai will represent the Indian flag on the international stage of Miss Universe this year. The 71st annual pageant Miss Universe is all set to start on 14 January at the Ernest N.

Miss Universe 2023: Divita Rai will represent the Indian flag on the international stage of Miss Universe this year. The 71st annual pageant Miss Universe is all set to start on 14 January at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center in New Orleans, Louisiana. India's contestant Divita Rai will compete with 86 other women at one of the biggest international beauty contests. If Divita Rai win the coveted Miss Universe title this year, she will be crowned by Miss Universe Harnaz Sandhu who took home the crown for India in December 2021. The 25-year-old Indian model Divita has crowned Miss Universe India on 28 August 2022 in Mumbai. Who is Divita Rai, the Miss Universe India 2023? Divita Rai was born in Mangalore and currently resides in Mumbai. The 25-year-old received his education at Mumbai's Sir JJ College of Architecture. She works as a model and architect and enjoys sports such as badminton, basketball, painting, listening to music, and reading. Rai was one of the top three Karnataka state contestants attempting to qualify for Femina Miss India 2019. In 2021, she competed in Miss Diva 2021 and finished as the second runner-up to Harnaaz Sandhu, Miss Universe 2021. During the pageant, she also won the sub-contest titles of Miss IQ, Miss Lifestyle, and Miss Sudoku. On 28 August 2022, Rai was crowned Miss Diva Universe 2022 by the outgoing titleholder, Harnaaz Sandhu, at the Miss Diva Organization's 10th-anniversary gala event. More than 30 former beauty pageant winners who represented India on a global scale attended the event. What Divita Rai said about herself and who inspires her? Divita Rai gave an interview with Time Now in which she said that she defines her personality as adaptable as she had to switch six schools, travel and live in several places during her childhood. Her life mantra is to "embrace life, not fear change, and live each moment to the fullest." She sees her father as an inspiration to make education accessible to all, as it was her father who used the potential of his education to overcome his financial condition to provide his family with the best life. Sushmita Sen, Miss Universe 1994, ultimately inspires Rai because of "her strength, faith in her abilities, and kindness that she radiates." Furthermore, if given the opportunity to experience Frida Kahlo's mindset, she wishes to be born as an artist. Miss Universe India 2023 Divita Rai's National Costume Rai turned into 'Sone Ki Chidiya' for the National Costume round at the 71st Miss Universe 2023. She dazzles in the stunning outfit which features gold metallic hand embellishments which give a strong and powerful message to the world. The costume was designed by Abhishek Sharma who said that the National Costume is "inspired by the ethereal portrayal of India". The lehenga is made from a hand-woven tissue fabric which is from the Chanderi district of India. See her stunning pictures in the costume here: How to vote for Miss Universe India Divita Rai online? To vote for Miss Universe India Divita Rai download the Miss Universe app and vote for your favourite contestant. The first vote on the app is free, the more you vote, the more chances are there for your favourite contestant to win. The voting will end on 13 January. Where to watch Miss Universe 2023 live? The 2023 Miss Universe pageant will begin at 6:30 a.m. IST on 15 January or at 8 pm on Saturday,14 January (ET). Viewers in India can watch the stream live on Voot or on the official Facebook and YouTube pages of the JKN18 channel. Outside of India, viewers can watch the live stream for free on the Roku Channel website at 7 pm ET, or in Spanish on Telemundo at the same time.

Who is Divita Rai, the Miss Universe 2023 contender from India? Know everything about her

Miss Universe 2023 live streaming:&nbsp;The 71st Miss Universe pageant will be held at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center in New Orleans, Louisiana. On 14&nbsp;January, the highly anticipated beauty pageant will take place, with over 86 women competing for the title of Miss Universe, including Divita Rai, Miss Universe India.

Miss Universe Harnaaz Sandhu, who won the crown for India in December 2021, will crown the winner of the beauty pageant. Big Freedia and Big Sam's Funky Nation, both from New Orleans, will perform at the show. Amanda Shaw, an American fiddler, will also perform on the violin. Yolanda Adams and Tank And The Bangas are among the other performers.

"The city of New Orleans and the Miss Universe Organisation share common values of celebrating inclusion, culture and the empowerment of women", New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell said in a statement in September 2022.

<h2>Where to watch Miss Universe 2022 in India?</h2>

The big event will air from the New Orleans Earnest N. Morial Convention. Viewers in India can watch the grand event live on JKN18 channel's official Facebook and YouTube channels, besides streaming it on VIACOM 18-owned Voot.

<h2>When to watch Miss Universe 2022 in India?</h2>

The 2022 Miss Universe pageant will take place on Saturday, 14 January at 8 pm (ET) or on 15 January, at 6:30 am IST.&nbsp;

<h2>Who is representing India in Miss Universe 2022?</h2>

Divita Rai will compete in the Miss Universe pageant as India's representative. Divita Rai, who was born in Karnataka, was crowned LIVA Miss Diva Universe 2022 by Miss Universe Harnaaz Sandhu. Rai is a professional architect and model, and she enjoys badminton, basketball, painting, listening to music, and reading.
<img alt="Divita Rai " data-align="center" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="05404b09-abe1-43fd-badf-827e2e13b686" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20-%202023-01-13T135926.059.png" />
This year's Miss Universe pageant will be the first without the host&nbsp;Steve Harvey, who famously announced the wrong winner in 2015.&nbsp;

Miss Universe 2023 live streaming: The 71st Miss Universe pageant will be held at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center in New Orleans, Louisiana. On 14 January, the highly anticipated beauty pageant will take place, with over 86 women competing for the title of Miss Universe, including Divita Rai, Miss Universe India.

Miss Universe 2023 live streaming: The 71st Miss Universe pageant will be held at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center in New Orleans, Louisiana. On 14 January, the highly anticipated beauty pageant will take place, with over 86 women competing for the title of Miss Universe, including Divita Rai, Miss Universe India. Miss Universe Harnaaz Sandhu, who won the crown for India in December 2021, will crown the winner of the beauty pageant. Big Freedia and Big Sam's Funky Nation, both from New Orleans, will perform at the show. Amanda Shaw, an American fiddler, will also perform on the violin. Yolanda Adams and Tank And The Bangas are among the other performers. "The city of New Orleans and the Miss Universe Organisation share common values of celebrating inclusion, culture and the empowerment of women", New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell said in a statement in September 2022. Where to watch Miss Universe 2022 in India? The big event will air from the New Orleans Earnest N. Morial Convention. Viewers in India can watch the grand event live on JKN18 channel's official Facebook and YouTube channels, besides streaming it on VIACOM 18-owned Voot. When to watch Miss Universe 2022 in India? The 2022 Miss Universe pageant will take place on Saturday, 14 January at 8 pm (ET) or on 15 January, at 6:30 am IST. Who is representing India in Miss Universe 2022? Divita Rai will compete in the Miss Universe pageant as India's representative. Divita Rai, who was born in Karnataka, was crowned LIVA Miss Diva Universe 2022 by Miss Universe Harnaaz Sandhu. Rai is a professional architect and model, and she enjoys badminton, basketball, painting, listening to music, and reading. This year's Miss Universe pageant will be the first without the host Steve Harvey, who famously announced the wrong winner in 2015.

Miss Universe 2023 live streaming: When, where & how to watch Miss Universe live in India, TV channels, mobile

In what could be termed a historic move, the Miss Universe beauty pageant has literally expanded its universe and will now allow mothers and married women to participate in the beauty contest.&nbsp; 
 
From 2023, the marital and parental status will no longer affect women from applying to compete in the pageant.&nbsp; 
 
Until now, the Miss Universe pageant's strict rules did not allow participants to be married or be a mother. The winners were also expected to remain unmarried through the entire tenure with the title.&nbsp;

Mothers were also excluded from the pageant and winners were traditionally expected to not become pregnant for a year till they held the title of Miss Universe.&nbsp; 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/lifestyle/news-miss-universe-andrea-meza-talks-about-her-past-life-says-her-family-was-struggling-391186">Andrea Meza</a>, Miss Universe 2020 winner, applauded the change in rules. Speaking to Insider, Meza said, "I honestly love that this is happening. Just like society changes and women are now occupying leadership positions where in the past only men could, it was about time pageants changed and opened up to women with families."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/before-harnaaz-sandhu-take-a-look-at-other-indian-miss-universe-titleholders-436475">Before Harnaaz Sandhu, take a look at other Indian Miss Universe titleholders</a> 
 
"A few people are against these changes because they always wanted to see a single beautiful woman who is available for a relationship," Meza added. "They always wanted to see a woman that, from the outside, looks so perfect that she's almost unreachable. The former is sexist and the latter is unrealistic."

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/beyond-the-runway-wrap-dress-decoding-the-history-of-the-everlasting-fashion-statement-508078/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

In what could be termed a historic move, the Miss Universe beauty pageant has literally expanded its universe and will now allow mothers and married women to participate in the beauty contest.

In what could be termed a historic move, the Miss Universe beauty pageant has literally expanded its universe and will now allow mothers and married women to participate in the beauty contest. From 2023, the marital and parental status will no longer affect women from applying to compete in the pageant. Until now, the Miss Universe pageant's strict rules did not allow participants to be married or be a mother. The winners were also expected to remain unmarried through the entire tenure with the title. Mothers were also excluded from the pageant and winners were traditionally expected to not become pregnant for a year till they held the title of Miss Universe. Andrea Meza, Miss Universe 2020 winner, applauded the change in rules. Speaking to Insider, Meza said, "I honestly love that this is happening. Just like society changes and women are now occupying leadership positions where in the past only men could, it was about time pageants changed and opened up to women with families." Before Harnaaz Sandhu, take a look at other Indian Miss Universe titleholders "A few people are against these changes because they always wanted to see a single beautiful woman who is available for a relationship," Meza added. "They always wanted to see a woman that, from the outside, looks so perfect that she's almost unreachable. The former is sexist and the latter is unrealistic."

Miss Universe beauty pageant to allow married women and mothers to participate from 2023

miss-universe-2023

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