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


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

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

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

The US embassy in Russia warned that "extremists" had immediate preparations for an assault in Moscow, only hours after Russian security agencies revealed they had prevented a planned shooting at a synagogue by an Islamic State cell from Afghanistan.

US warns of imminent attack after Russia foils Synagogue shooting

Thousands of Alexei Navalny supporters queued to lay flowers and pay tribute to the dead opposition leader, in a significant show of support for the anti-corruption campaigner.

Thousands of mourners continue to visit Alexei Navalny's grave

Hundreds of mourners gathered in front of a church in Moscow as the funeral service for Russia’s most prominent Putin critic, Alexei Navalny, held. Watch in for more details!

Hundreds bid farewell to Alexei Navalny at his funeral in Moscow

At least four people including a three-year-old child were killed and eight others wounded when a Russian drone crashed into an apartment block in Ukraine's southern port city of Odesa on Saturday (March 2), authorities said.

Russia-Ukraine war: At least four killed by Russian drone attack on Ukraine's Odesa

<p>Under the vigilant watch of law enforcement, thousands gathered in Moscow on Friday (March 1) to bid their final farewells to Alexei Navalny, whose death two weeks back&nbsp;in an Arctic penal colony remains shrouded in mystery.</p>

<p>The funeral ceremony unfolded amidst a backdrop of contention between Navalny's supporters and authorities over the release of his body. Despite facing hurdles, including refusals from several Moscow churches to host the service for the prominent anti-corruption crusader, Navalny's team secured permission from the Church of the Icon of the Mother of God Soothe My Sorrows.</p>

<p>As Navalny's coffin was ushered into the church, the crowd erupted into applause and chants of support. Western diplomats, presidential hopefuls, and mourners from across the globe paid their respects. Inside the church, Navalny's body lay adorned with flowers, with his mother by his side, holding a candle.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/love-you-more-and-more-alexei-navalnys-last-message-for-his-wife-from-jail-691011">Also read |&nbsp;‘Love you more and more,’ Navalny’s last message for his wife Yulia. Who is she?</a></p>

<h2><strong>Family dynamics and international attention</strong></h2>

<p>While Navalny's father was present, details regarding other family members remained unclear. His widow, Yulia Navalnaya, recently addressed the European Parliament, while his daughter studies&nbsp;at Stanford University and his son's whereabouts remain&nbsp;unknown. Close associates who left Russia under pressure observed the funeral remotely via Navalny's YouTube channel.</p>

<p>Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov cautioned against unauthorised gatherings, though sentiments among supporters echoed a deep respect for Navalny's activism. Despite legal admonitions, thousands marched to Borisovskoye Cemetery for the burial, where emotional scenes ensued, and demands to pay final respects echoed through the crowd.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: What Happened to 'Putin Critic' Alexei Navalny?</strong></p>

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<p>Navalny's mother's eight-day struggle to secure her son's body for burial highlighted bureaucratic hurdles and delays. Even on the day of the funeral, the morgue initially withheld the body, citing the need for further tests, prompting appeals from Navalny's allies for dignified closure.</p>

<p>Russian authorities have yet to determine Navalny's cause of death, fueling speculation and international outcry. His widow accused Putin and Moscow officials of obstructing a public funeral. Despite obstacles, Navalny's supporters worldwide were urged to honour him with floral tributes, underscoring his enduring legacy as a fearless advocate for justice.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Under the vigilant watch of law enforcement, thousands gathered in Moscow on Friday (March 1) to bid their final farewells to Alexei Navalny, whose death two weeks back in an Arctic penal colony remains shrouded in mystery.

Under the vigilant watch of law enforcement, thousands gathered in Moscow on Friday (March 1) to bid their final farewells to Alexei Navalny, whose death two weeks back in an Arctic penal colony remains shrouded in mystery. The funeral ceremony unfolded amidst a backdrop of contention between Navalny's supporters and authorities over the release of his body. Despite facing hurdles, including refusals from several Moscow churches to host the service for the prominent anti-corruption crusader, Navalny's team secured permission from the Church of the Icon of the Mother of God Soothe My Sorrows. As Navalny's coffin was ushered into the church, the crowd erupted into applause and chants of support. Western diplomats, presidential hopefuls, and mourners from across the globe paid their respects. Inside the church, Navalny's body lay adorned with flowers, with his mother by his side, holding a candle. Also read | ‘Love you more and more,’ Navalny’s last message for his wife Yulia. Who is she? Family dynamics and international attention While Navalny's father was present, details regarding other family members remained unclear. His widow, Yulia Navalnaya, recently addressed the European Parliament, while his daughter studies at Stanford University and his son's whereabouts remain unknown. Close associates who left Russia under pressure observed the funeral remotely via Navalny's YouTube channel. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov cautioned against unauthorised gatherings, though sentiments among supporters echoed a deep respect for Navalny's activism. Despite legal admonitions, thousands marched to Borisovskoye Cemetery for the burial, where emotional scenes ensued, and demands to pay final respects echoed through the crowd. Also watch | Gravitas: What Happened to 'Putin Critic' Alexei Navalny? Navalny's mother's eight-day struggle to secure her son's body for burial highlighted bureaucratic hurdles and delays. Even on the day of the funeral, the morgue initially withheld the body, citing the need for further tests, prompting appeals from Navalny's allies for dignified closure. Russian authorities have yet to determine Navalny's cause of death, fueling speculation and international outcry. His widow accused Putin and Moscow officials of obstructing a public funeral. Despite obstacles, Navalny's supporters worldwide were urged to honour him with floral tributes, underscoring his enduring legacy as a fearless advocate for justice. (With inputs from agencies)

Alexei Navalny funeral: Putin's fierce critic buried in Moscow amid tight security

Alexei Navalny Funeral: Hundreds of mourners queue outside Church

Thousands of mourners gathered in front of a church in Moscow as the funeral service for Russia’s most prominent Putin critic, Alexei Navalny, held. Watch in for more details!

Alexei Navalny funeral service held at Borisovskoye cemetery in Moscow

Russia's opposition leader, Alexei Navalny, has passed away. While the Russian government disputes any connection, his wife claims that President Putin assassinated her husband. What does his passing signify, then, for Russia's future, the opposition, and the Kremlin?

Russia: Alexei Navalny's funeral to be in Moscow

Senior Chinese, Russian diplomats talk security, Ukraine as war enters third year. China’s foreign vice-minister Sun Weidong meets Russian foreign minister Sergey Lavrov as Kyiv says Moscow is planning new offensive.

Senior Chinese, Russian diplomats talk security, war in Ukraine

<p>Russian authorities are threatening to bury opposition leader Alexei Navalny's body on prison grounds if the family did not agree to hold a closed funeral for him, the leader's team said on Friday (Feb 23).&nbsp;</p>

<p>"An hour ago, investigators called Alexei's mother and gave her an ultimatum. She has three hours to agree to a secret funeral without a public farewell, or Alexei will be buried in the colony," Navalny's spokesperson Kira Yarmysh wrote in a post on X.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">An investigator called Alexey’s mother an hour ago and gave her an ultimatum. Either she agrees to a secret funeral without a public farewell within 3 hours, or Alexey will be buried in the colony. She refused to negotiate with the IC, as they are not authorised to decide how and…</p>
— Кира Ярмыш (@Kira_Yarmysh) <a href="https://twitter.com/Kira_Yarmysh/status/1761051462837129537?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 23, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p><br />
Navalny, the most prominent face of Russian political opposition and a fierce critic of Russian President Vladimir Putin, died on February 16 in a prison in the country. He was incarcerated for three years over charges that were perceived by many to be retribution for his constant criticism of the president and the Russian state headed by him.</p>

<p><strong>Watch | Joe Biden meets Navalny's widow, daughter</strong></p>

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<p>His body has not been handed over to his mother Lyudmila Navalnaya despite the 69-year-old braving the Arctic wind to reach the prison in northern Siberia where her son died. The authorities have refused to hand over the body.</p>

<p>Navalny's team has been maintaining that pro-Putin elements were "scared" of Navalny even after his death and are not handing over the body fearing a public funeral that'll potentially be a rallying point for those who oppose Putin.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/joe-biden-announces-more-than-500-sanctions-targeting-russian-prez-vladimir-putins-war-machine-693182">US announces 500+ sanctions against Russia to 'ensure Putin pays an even steeper price for his aggression'</a></strong></p>

<p>Authorities have not allowed an independent forensic analysis of Navalny's body. Navalny' supporters and&nbsp;allies allege it is 'killer' Putin who is trying to cover his tracks.</p>

<p>Hundreds of the mourners, who gathered near makeshift memorials across Russia were arrested by the Russian police on Friday.</p>

<p>Putin is yet to comment publicly on Navalny's death.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Russian authorities are threatening to bury opposition leader Alexei Navalny's body on prison grounds if the family did not agree to hold a closed funeral for him, the leader's team said on Friday (Feb 23).

Russian authorities are threatening to bury opposition leader Alexei Navalny's body on prison grounds if the family did not agree to hold a closed funeral for him, the leader's team said on Friday (Feb 23). "An hour ago, investigators called Alexei's mother and gave her an ultimatum. She has three hours to agree to a secret funeral without a public farewell, or Alexei will be buried in the colony," Navalny's spokesperson Kira Yarmysh wrote in a post on X. An investigator called Alexey’s mother an hour ago and gave her an ultimatum. Either she agrees to a secret funeral without a public farewell within 3 hours, or Alexey will be buried in the colony. She refused to negotiate with the IC, as they are not authorised to decide how and… — Кира Ярмыш (@Kira_Yarmysh) February 23, 2024 × Navalny, the most prominent face of Russian political opposition and a fierce critic of Russian President Vladimir Putin, died on February 16 in a prison in the country. He was incarcerated for three years over charges that were perceived by many to be retribution for his constant criticism of the president and the Russian state headed by him. Watch | Joe Biden meets Navalny's widow, daughter × His body has not been handed over to his mother Lyudmila Navalnaya despite the 69-year-old braving the Arctic wind to reach the prison in northern Siberia where her son died. The authorities have refused to hand over the body. Navalny's team has been maintaining that pro-Putin elements were "scared" of Navalny even after his death and are not handing over the body fearing a public funeral that'll potentially be a rallying point for those who oppose Putin. Also Read | US announces 500+ sanctions against Russia to 'ensure Putin pays an even steeper price for his aggression' Authorities have not allowed an independent forensic analysis of Navalny's body. Navalny' supporters and allies allege it is 'killer' Putin who is trying to cover his tracks. Hundreds of the mourners, who gathered near makeshift memorials across Russia were arrested by the Russian police on Friday. Putin is yet to comment publicly on Navalny's death. (With inputs from agencies)

Alexei Navalny's team says authorities are threatening to bury him on prison grounds

<p>Former US president Donald Trump's comment that he would not defend NATO members that do not meet defence spending targets continued to evoke reactions in the European capitals all this week. But Moscow's response to Putin critic Alexei Navalny's death in an Arctic jail as well as major battlefield gain in Ukraine after the fall of Adviika dominated the news cycle.</p>

<p>Elsewhere, a new president has been elected to govern Indonesia. While in Islamabad, the country's disputed elections continue to loom large as the caretaker prime minister awaits a successor amid the military's defining dominance.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Read this and more in The Capitals this week.</p>

<h2><strong>Doha, Qatar; Abu Dhabi, UAE</strong></h2>

<p>Visiting West Asia this week, India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi first stopped at Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), where he signed an investment treaty, addressed a gathering of 40,000 Indian expatriates, and opened a vast new Hindu temple. Modi then headed to the Qatari capital Doha days after New Delhi secured the release of eight Indians jailed there for alleged espionage. Meanwhile, several Indian Navy ships were in close vicinity, aiding the protection of global shipping under threat from Houthi attacks.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: India's PM Modi inaugurates first Hindu mandir in Abu Dhabi | Temples in Muslim countries</strong></p>

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<p>New Delhi's geopolitical heft in West Asia was&nbsp;in full display this week as Prime Minister Narendra Modi concluded one of his final overseas visits ahead of India's General Elections later this year in which he is seeking a third term in a row.</p>

<h2><strong>Brussels, Belgium (European Union headquarters)</strong></h2>

<p>Former US President Donald Trump again said that if he returns to the White House, he would not defend NATO members that don’t meet defence spending targets. The alarm bells rang in Brussels as the NATO allies of the United States braced for a potential Trump win.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Now 18 of the 31 countries announced that they are set to spend 2 per cent of their GDP on defence, NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As of 2016, only 5 of the 31 countries met the 2 per cent spending target.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"We have to listen and take note of the following: the criticism that we hear [from Trump] is not primarily about NATO. It is about NATO allies not spending enough. And that is a valid point that European allies and Canada have to spend more," Stoltenbrg said.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Moscow, Russia</strong></h2>

<p>Alexei Navalny, Russian President Vladimir Putin's most vociferous critic died in an Arctic Circle jail while serving 19 years on extremism charges. While the Kremlin said that Russia's penitentiary service was making all checks regarding Navalny's death, the West's accusation of President Putin's role sparked defensive outrage in Russian corridors of power.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Meanwhile, as the war in Ukraine is about to enter its third year in the third week of February, Russian troops captured Adviivka in Ukraine, one of the most fortified settlements that have been described as a 'gateway' to the nearby Russia-controlled Donetsk.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Moscow claimed that it was in complete control of Avdiivka after Kyiv withdrew its forces from the area.</p>

<h2><strong>Jakarta, Indonesia</strong></h2>

<p>Indonesian Defence Minister Prabowo Subianto declared victory in this week's presidential election after unofficial results showed him trouncing rivals in his third shot at the top job in the world's third-largest democracy.</p>

<p>Prabowo galvanised support with the tacit backing of the wildly popular incumbent Joko Widodo, who bet on his former rival as a continuity candidate to preserve his legacy, bolstered by the inclusion of the president's son Gibran Rakabuming Raka as Prabowo's running mate.</p>

<p>The world's biggest single-day election saw nearly 259,000 candidates and 18 parties contest 20,600 posts across the archipelago of 17,000 islands.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Washington said that the vote was "a testament to the durability and strength of the Indonesian people's commitment to the democratic process".</p>

<h2><strong>Islamabad, Pakistan</strong></h2>

<p>The disputed Feb 8 elections of Pakistan continue to keep uncertain waters of Pakistan's corridors of power rather choppier. The country's Supreme Court on Monday (Feb 19) will hear the petition if the elections should be declared null and void.</p>

<p>That's all for The Capitals this week. See you next weekend.&nbsp;</p>


Former US president Donald Trump's comment that he would not defend NATO members that do not meet defence spending targets continued to evoke reactions in the European capitals all this week.

Former US president Donald Trump's comment that he would not defend NATO members that do not meet defence spending targets continued to evoke reactions in the European capitals all this week. But Moscow's response to Putin critic Alexei Navalny's death in an Arctic jail as well as major battlefield gain in Ukraine after the fall of Adviika dominated the news cycle. Elsewhere, a new president has been elected to govern Indonesia. While in Islamabad, the country's disputed elections continue to loom large as the caretaker prime minister awaits a successor amid the military's defining dominance. Read this and more in The Capitals this week. Doha, Qatar; Abu Dhabi, UAE Visiting West Asia this week, India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi first stopped at Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), where he signed an investment treaty, addressed a gathering of 40,000 Indian expatriates, and opened a vast new Hindu temple. Modi then headed to the Qatari capital Doha days after New Delhi secured the release of eight Indians jailed there for alleged espionage. Meanwhile, several Indian Navy ships were in close vicinity, aiding the protection of global shipping under threat from Houthi attacks. Also watch | Gravitas: India's PM Modi inaugurates first Hindu mandir in Abu Dhabi | Temples in Muslim countries × New Delhi's geopolitical heft in West Asia was in full display this week as Prime Minister Narendra Modi concluded one of his final overseas visits ahead of India's General Elections later this year in which he is seeking a third term in a row. Brussels, Belgium (European Union headquarters) Former US President Donald Trump again said that if he returns to the White House, he would not defend NATO members that don’t meet defence spending targets. The alarm bells rang in Brussels as the NATO allies of the United States braced for a potential Trump win. Now 18 of the 31 countries announced that they are set to spend 2 per cent of their GDP on defence, NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said. As of 2016, only 5 of the 31 countries met the 2 per cent spending target. "We have to listen and take note of the following: the criticism that we hear [from Trump] is not primarily about NATO. It is about NATO allies not spending enough. And that is a valid point that European allies and Canada have to spend more," Stoltenbrg said. Moscow, Russia Alexei Navalny, Russian President Vladimir Putin's most vociferous critic died in an Arctic Circle jail while serving 19 years on extremism charges. While the Kremlin said that Russia's penitentiary service was making all checks regarding Navalny's death, the West's accusation of President Putin's role sparked defensive outrage in Russian corridors of power. Meanwhile, as the war in Ukraine is about to enter its third year in the third week of February, Russian troops captured Adviivka in Ukraine, one of the most fortified settlements that have been described as a 'gateway' to the nearby Russia-controlled Donetsk. Moscow claimed that it was in complete control of Avdiivka after Kyiv withdrew its forces from the area. Jakarta, Indonesia Indonesian Defence Minister Prabowo Subianto declared victory in this week's presidential election after unofficial results showed him trouncing rivals in his third shot at the top job in the world's third-largest democracy. Prabowo galvanised support with the tacit backing of the wildly popular incumbent Joko Widodo, who bet on his former rival as a continuity candidate to preserve his legacy, bolstered by the inclusion of the president's son Gibran Rakabuming Raka as Prabowo's running mate. The world's biggest single-day election saw nearly 259,000 candidates and 18 parties contest 20,600 posts across the archipelago of 17,000 islands. Washington said that the vote was "a testament to the durability and strength of the Indonesian people's commitment to the democratic process". Islamabad, Pakistan The disputed Feb 8 elections of Pakistan continue to keep uncertain waters of Pakistan's corridors of power rather choppier. The country's Supreme Court on Monday (Feb 19) will hear the petition if the elections should be declared null and void. That's all for The Capitals this week. See you next weekend.

The Capitals: Delhi’s historic West Asia moment; Moscow after Navalny's death; and more

<p><strong>Alexei Navalny News:&nbsp;</strong>Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny died on Friday (Feb 16) at the Arctic prison colony where he was serving his 19-year prison term, said Russia's federal penitentiary service in a statement.</p>

<p>"Navalny felt bad after a walk, almost immediately losing consciousness. Medical staff arrived immediately and an ambulance team was called. Resuscitation measures were carried out which did not yield positive results. Paramedics confirmed the death of the convict. The causes of death are being established," the statement said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Russia's Investigative Committee said that it had launched a probe into Navalny's death.</p>

<p>After the news of the 47-year-old's death broke, Navalny's press secretary Kira Yarmysh said that their team had no confirmation of this yet.</p>

<p>"The Federal Penitentiary Service of Russia in the Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous Okrug is spreading the news of Alexey Navalny's death in IK-3. We have no confirmation of this yet. Alexey's lawyer is currently on his way to Kharp. As soon as we have some information, we will report on it,"&nbsp;said Yarmysh on social media platform X.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">The Federal Penitentiary Service of Russia in the Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous Okrug is spreading the news of Alexey Navalny's death in IK-3. We have no confirmation of this yet. Alexey's lawyer is currently on his way to Kharp. As soon as we have some information, we will report on…</p>
— Кира Ярмыш (@Kira_Yarmysh) <a href="https://twitter.com/Kira_Yarmysh/status/1758457690429305206?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 16, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>President Vladimir Putin was briefed on the Navalny's death, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Friday.</p>

<p>"It has been reported to the president," Peskov told journalists, adding that "it should be up to the medics to clarify" the cause of death.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/alexei-navalny-the-embattled-putin-critic-now-reported-dead-what-you-need-to-know-690964">Navalny, embattled Putin critic, now reported dead: All you need to know</a></p>

<h2><strong>Navalny's life of defiance</strong></h2>

<p>Navalny has been known for campaigning against official corruption and organising major anti-Kremlin protests.</p>

<p>The exposes that he shared on his official YouTube channel, grabbed millions of views and prompted thousands of Russians to stage protests in the country.</p>

<p>Navalny was imprisoned in early 2021 after returning to Russia from Germany, where he was recovering from a deadly poisoning attack with Novichok, which is a Soviet-era nerve agent.</p>

<p>He was sentenced to 19 years in prison in a string of cases on charges that were widely condemned by independent rights groups and in the West as a retaliation for his opposition to the Kremlin.</p>

<h2><strong>Mysterious disappearance</strong></h2>

<p>In December 2023, Navalny's lawyers reported losing contact with the imprisoned Russian opposition leader and said that his whereabouts were not known.</p>

<p>His lawyers had said that they made several attempts to get access to two penal colonies near Moscow where he was believed to be kept, but they were informed that the 47-year-old was neither at IK-6 nor at IK-7.</p>

<p>However, after two weeks, the staunch Kremlin critic released a statement saying that he was fine after a "pretty exhausting" 20-day transfer to a penal colony beyond the Arctic Circle.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In a post on X, he said, "Don't worry about me. I'm fine. I'm totally relieved that I've finally made it."</p>

<p>"I'm still in a good mood, as befits a Santa Claus," he said.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Alexei Navalny News: Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny died on Friday (Feb 16) at the Arctic prison colony where he was serving his 19-year prison term, said Russia's federal penitentiary service in a statement.

Alexei Navalny News: Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny died on Friday (Feb 16) at the Arctic prison colony where he was serving his 19-year prison term, said Russia's federal penitentiary service in a statement. "Navalny felt bad after a walk, almost immediately losing consciousness. Medical staff arrived immediately and an ambulance team was called. Resuscitation measures were carried out which did not yield positive results. Paramedics confirmed the death of the convict. The causes of death are being established," the statement said. Russia's Investigative Committee said that it had launched a probe into Navalny's death. After the news of the 47-year-old's death broke, Navalny's press secretary Kira Yarmysh said that their team had no confirmation of this yet. "The Federal Penitentiary Service of Russia in the Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous Okrug is spreading the news of Alexey Navalny's death in IK-3. We have no confirmation of this yet. Alexey's lawyer is currently on his way to Kharp. As soon as we have some information, we will report on it," said Yarmysh on social media platform X. The Federal Penitentiary Service of Russia in the Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous Okrug is spreading the news of Alexey Navalny's death in IK-3. We have no confirmation of this yet. Alexey's lawyer is currently on his way to Kharp. As soon as we have some information, we will report on… — Кира Ярмыш (@Kira_Yarmysh) February 16, 2024 × President Vladimir Putin was briefed on the Navalny's death, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Friday. "It has been reported to the president," Peskov told journalists, adding that "it should be up to the medics to clarify" the cause of death. Also read: Navalny, embattled Putin critic, now reported dead: All you need to know Navalny's life of defiance Navalny has been known for campaigning against official corruption and organising major anti-Kremlin protests. The exposes that he shared on his official YouTube channel, grabbed millions of views and prompted thousands of Russians to stage protests in the country. Navalny was imprisoned in early 2021 after returning to Russia from Germany, where he was recovering from a deadly poisoning attack with Novichok, which is a Soviet-era nerve agent. He was sentenced to 19 years in prison in a string of cases on charges that were widely condemned by independent rights groups and in the West as a retaliation for his opposition to the Kremlin. Mysterious disappearance In December 2023, Navalny's lawyers reported losing contact with the imprisoned Russian opposition leader and said that his whereabouts were not known. His lawyers had said that they made several attempts to get access to two penal colonies near Moscow where he was believed to be kept, but they were informed that the 47-year-old was neither at IK-6 nor at IK-7. However, after two weeks, the staunch Kremlin critic released a statement saying that he was fine after a "pretty exhausting" 20-day transfer to a penal colony beyond the Arctic Circle. In a post on X, he said, "Don't worry about me. I'm fine. I'm totally relieved that I've finally made it." "I'm still in a good mood, as befits a Santa Claus," he said. (With inputs from agencies)

Alexei Navalny's life of defiance and mysterious disappearance

Alexei Navalny, Russia's most prominent opposition leader and Putin's fiercest domestic critic has reportedly died in a Russian prison. The West is blaming Putin for the death of Alexei Navalny. U.S. President Joe Biden blames Russian President Vladimir Putin for Alexei Navalny's death, saying he was "Not surprised" but "Outraged" by the opposition leader's passing. "We don't know exactly what happened, but there is no doubt that the death of Navalny was a consequence of something that Putin and his thugs did," Biden said at the white house after russian prison officials said Navalny had died. Watch to know more!

Russia: People detained near Moscow memorial after Navalny's | Alexei Navalny death mystery

The Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny has died in jail. Navalny was one of Putin’s most visible and persistent critics. He was being held in a jail in Arctic Circle where he had been sentenced to 19 years under a 'special regime'. The Kremlin said it had no information on the cause of death

Alexei Navalny, Putin critic and Russian opposition leader dies in jail

Moscow was hit by a heavy blizzard on Wednesday (February 7) with the thickness of the snow blanket expected to break quarter of century record the next day, according to forecasts. The traffic situation remains complicated due to limited visibility.

Cyclone Olga brings heavy snowfall to Moscow

<p>In a major development, the Uttar Pradesh Anti-Terrorism Squad (UP ATS) has arrested an employee posted at the Indian Embassy in Moscow, Russia, accused of being an agent of&nbsp;&nbsp; Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI).&nbsp;</p>

<p>The accused, identified as&nbsp;Satyendra Siwal, a native of the northern Indian city of Hapur in Uttar Pradesh&nbsp;had&nbsp;been posted at the Embassy since 2021 and worked as an MTS (multi-tasking&nbsp;staff) at the Ministry of External Affairs.</p>

<p>According to reports, he was arrested after ATS received intelligence from confidential sources that an ISI spy was operating from the Embassy.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>Acting on the information, UP ATS questioned Siwal, who initially gave unsatisfactory answers. However, later he confessed to spying and was arrested in Meerut.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-paks-isi-spooked-after-mystery-killings-of-terrorists-641069"><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: Pak's ISI spooked after mystery killings of terrorists</strong></a></p>

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<p>Siwal was allegedly extracting confidential documents by exploiting his position within the Indian Embassy.&nbsp;Motivated by greed for money, he extracted critical information about the Indian Army and its day-to-day functioning.</p>

<p>Additionally, he also passed&nbsp;critical information concerning the strategic activities of the Ministry of Defence, Ministry of External Affairs, and Indian military establishments to ISI handlers.</p>

<h2><strong>Previous incidents</strong></h2>

<p>In October last year, a Pakistani man who had been granted Indian citizenship in 2005 was caught by the&nbsp;ATS for&nbsp;allegedly spying on Indian defence personnel via WhatsApp.</p>

<p>The suspect, identified as 53-year-old Labhshankar Maheshwari, hailed from Tarapur town in Anand district in Gujarat.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The snooping was done to allegedly help Pakistani authorities. The plot involved sending spyware to the WhatsApp of Indian defence personnel in the garb of a fake 'Har Ghar Tiranga' campaign, which sought to encourage every Indian household to sport the national flag.</p>

<p>The accused had&nbsp;been booked under Bhartiya Nyaya Sanhita Act&nbsp;section 123 (concealing with intent to facilitate a design to wage war against the government) and 121-A (conspiracy to wage war against the government) and under relevant sections of the Information Technology Act.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>ISI’s nefarious plans</strong></h2>

<p>Notably, the ISI has been notorious for attempting to infiltrate the Indian bureaucratic setups with its spies. When not busy planting moles, ISI lays the groundwork to stoke the separatism cause in India and abroad.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Last year, several intel reports found that ISI had been providing funds to intensify&nbsp;Khalistani activities in Canada.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pakistans-inter-services-intelligence-isi-funding-khalistan-activities-in-canada-report-637939"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence funding Khalistan activities in Canada: Report</strong></a></p>

<p>The funding, according to the report, has been utilised to take people to the protest site, make posters and banners, and also to instigate youth against India.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


In a major development, the Uttar Pradesh Anti-Terrorism Squad (UP ATS) has arrested an employee posted at the Indian Embassy in Moscow, Russia, accused of being an agent of Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI).

In a major development, the Uttar Pradesh Anti-Terrorism Squad (UP ATS) has arrested an employee posted at the Indian Embassy in Moscow, Russia, accused of being an agent of Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI). The accused, identified as Satyendra Siwal, a native of the northern Indian city of Hapur in Uttar Pradesh had been posted at the Embassy since 2021 and worked as an MTS (multi-tasking staff) at the Ministry of External Affairs. According to reports, he was arrested after ATS received intelligence from confidential sources that an ISI spy was operating from the Embassy. Acting on the information, UP ATS questioned Siwal, who initially gave unsatisfactory answers. However, later he confessed to spying and was arrested in Meerut. Watch | Gravitas: Pak's ISI spooked after mystery killings of terrorists × Siwal was allegedly extracting confidential documents by exploiting his position within the Indian Embassy. Motivated by greed for money, he extracted critical information about the Indian Army and its day-to-day functioning. Additionally, he also passed critical information concerning the strategic activities of the Ministry of Defence, Ministry of External Affairs, and Indian military establishments to ISI handlers. Previous incidents In October last year, a Pakistani man who had been granted Indian citizenship in 2005 was caught by the ATS for allegedly spying on Indian defence personnel via WhatsApp. The suspect, identified as 53-year-old Labhshankar Maheshwari, hailed from Tarapur town in Anand district in Gujarat. The snooping was done to allegedly help Pakistani authorities. The plot involved sending spyware to the WhatsApp of Indian defence personnel in the garb of a fake 'Har Ghar Tiranga' campaign, which sought to encourage every Indian household to sport the national flag. The accused had been booked under Bhartiya Nyaya Sanhita Act section 123 (concealing with intent to facilitate a design to wage war against the government) and 121-A (conspiracy to wage war against the government) and under relevant sections of the Information Technology Act. ISI’s nefarious plans Notably, the ISI has been notorious for attempting to infiltrate the Indian bureaucratic setups with its spies. When not busy planting moles, ISI lays the groundwork to stoke the separatism cause in India and abroad. Last year, several intel reports found that ISI had been providing funds to intensify Khalistani activities in Canada. Also read | Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence funding Khalistan activities in Canada: Report The funding, according to the report, has been utilised to take people to the protest site, make posters and banners, and also to instigate youth against India. (With inputs from agencies)

Indian Embassy employee in Moscow arrested for spying, links to Pakistan’s ISI

Russian mercenaries are strengthening their presence in Africa. The deployment of the Kremlin's private Army signals a strategic shift replacing the notorious Wagner group and expanding Moscow's influence in the continent.

Russia's Africa Corps: The Wagner group's successor

Around 20 journalists were detained by police in central Moscow for several hours on Saturday at a rally of Russian soldiers' wives calling for their men to be returned from the front in Ukraine.

Russia-Ukraine war | Moscow: Russian soldiers' wives call for their return

<p>After a commercial aircraft initially believed to be from India crashed in Afghanistan’s northeast Badakhshan province on Saturday (Jan 20) night, the Indian authorities clarified that none of India's regular flights fly that route.</p>

<p>After verifying if it was a private or a chartered flight, the Ministry of Civil Aviation on Sunday (Jan 21) said "the plane is neither an Indian Scheduled Aircraft nor a Non-Scheduled (NSOP)/Charter aircraft."</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">The unfortunate plane crash that has just occurred in Afghanistan is neither an Indian Scheduled Aircraft nor a Non Scheduled (NSOP)/Charter aircraft. It is a Moroccan registered small aircraft. More details are awaited: Indian Govt <a href="https://t.co/2yrhHu0zxL">https://t.co/2yrhHu0zxL</a></p>
— Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) <a href="https://twitter.com/sidhant/status/1748974666067411380?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 21, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>"It is a Moroccan registered small aircraft," the Ministry of Civil Aviation added.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">The unfortunate plane crash that has just occurred in Afghanistan is neither an Indian Scheduled Aircraft nor a Non Scheduled (NSOP)/Charter aircraft. It is a Moroccan registered small aircraft. More details are awaited.</p>
— MoCA_GoI (@MoCA_GoI) <a href="https://twitter.com/MoCA_GoI/status/1748973098169209068?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 21, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>Afghanistan-based media publications initially reported&nbsp;that the crashed plane was of Indian origin and was en route to Moscow.</p>

<p>An official readout from India's Ministry of Civil Aviation stated that the aircraft was an air ambulance&nbsp;and was flying from Thailand to Moscow and had refueled at Gaya airport in eastern India's Bihar state.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">The Indian Civil Aviation ministry says that the Afghanistan crash did not involve an Indian Carrier: <a href="https://t.co/MoUdlyQFlC">https://t.co/MoUdlyQFlC</a> <a href="https://t.co/y1XjG4kJhe">pic.twitter.com/y1XjG4kJhe</a></p>
— Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) <a href="https://twitter.com/sidhant/status/1748986277259776230?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 21, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>"As per available information, the crashed aircraft is a DF-10 (Dassault Falcon) small aircraft registered in Morocco. It is not an aircraft of Indian carriers. The aircraft was an air ambulance and was flying from Thailand to Moscow and did refueling at Gaya Airport," the Ministry of Civil Aviation's statement read.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>What did Taliban say?</strong></h2>

<p>The Taliban-run&nbsp;Afghan Aviation Ministry said that a&nbsp;plane carrying six Russians from India to Tashkent crashed in Badakshan.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Zabihullah Amiri, a spokesperson for Badakhshan's provincial government, told Reuters that a team had been sent to the location of the crash, a remote area more than 200 km (124 miles) from the provincial capital Fayzabad that would take the team 12 hours to reach.</p>

<h2><strong>What did Russia say?</strong></h2>

<p>&nbsp;A Russian-registered chartered plane with six people on board disappeared from radar screens over Afghanistan a day earlier, Russian aviation authorities said after Afghan police said they had received reports of a crash. The aircraft, local media reported while citing Taliban officials, was of Indian origin, a claim later denounced by Indian authorities.</p>

<p>The plane was a charter ambulance flight travelling from Thailand's Utapao Airport in Pattaya to Moscow via India and Uzbekistan on a French-made Dassault Aviation.</p>

<p>The flight was carrying out a private medical evacuation from Thailand's Pattaya, a popular tourist destination for Russians, to Moscow, Russian state-run TASS news agency reported, citing the Russian embassy in Bangkok.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Passenger plane crashes in Afghanistan's Badakhshan province</strong></p>

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<p>The claim coincides with the statement of Indian aviation ministry&nbsp;that it was an air ambulance flying from Thailand to Moscow.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"On board was a bedridden patient in serious condition, a Russian citizen, who was transported from one of the hospitals in Pattaya to Russia," the RIA news agency reported, citing a source at Thailand's Utapao International Airport.</p>

<p>Russia's Investigative Committee said it had opened a criminal case to determine if safety rules had been violated, Reuters reported.</p>


After a commercial aircraft initially believed to be from India crashed in Afghanistan’s northeast Badakhshan province on Saturday (Jan 20) night, the Indian authorities clarified that none of India's regular flights fly that route.

After a commercial aircraft initially believed to be from India crashed in Afghanistan’s northeast Badakhshan province on Saturday (Jan 20) night, the Indian authorities clarified that none of India's regular flights fly that route. After verifying if it was a private or a chartered flight, the Ministry of Civil Aviation on Sunday (Jan 21) said "the plane is neither an Indian Scheduled Aircraft nor a Non-Scheduled (NSOP)/Charter aircraft." The unfortunate plane crash that has just occurred in Afghanistan is neither an Indian Scheduled Aircraft nor a Non Scheduled (NSOP)/Charter aircraft. It is a Moroccan registered small aircraft. More details are awaited: Indian Govt https://t.co/2yrhHu0zxL — Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) January 21, 2024 × "It is a Moroccan registered small aircraft," the Ministry of Civil Aviation added. The unfortunate plane crash that has just occurred in Afghanistan is neither an Indian Scheduled Aircraft nor a Non Scheduled (NSOP)/Charter aircraft. It is a Moroccan registered small aircraft. More details are awaited. — MoCA_GoI (@MoCA_GoI) January 21, 2024 × Afghanistan-based media publications initially reported that the crashed plane was of Indian origin and was en route to Moscow. An official readout from India's Ministry of Civil Aviation stated that the aircraft was an air ambulance and was flying from Thailand to Moscow and had refueled at Gaya airport in eastern India's Bihar state. The Indian Civil Aviation ministry says that the Afghanistan crash did not involve an Indian Carrier: https://t.co/MoUdlyQFlC pic.twitter.com/y1XjG4kJhe — Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) January 21, 2024 × "As per available information, the crashed aircraft is a DF-10 (Dassault Falcon) small aircraft registered in Morocco. It is not an aircraft of Indian carriers. The aircraft was an air ambulance and was flying from Thailand to Moscow and did refueling at Gaya Airport," the Ministry of Civil Aviation's statement read. What did Taliban say? The Taliban-run Afghan Aviation Ministry said that a plane carrying six Russians from India to Tashkent crashed in Badakshan. Zabihullah Amiri, a spokesperson for Badakhshan's provincial government, told Reuters that a team had been sent to the location of the crash, a remote area more than 200 km (124 miles) from the provincial capital Fayzabad that would take the team 12 hours to reach. What did Russia say? A Russian-registered chartered plane with six people on board disappeared from radar screens over Afghanistan a day earlier, Russian aviation authorities said after Afghan police said they had received reports of a crash. The aircraft, local media reported while citing Taliban officials, was of Indian origin, a claim later denounced by Indian authorities. The plane was a charter ambulance flight travelling from Thailand's Utapao Airport in Pattaya to Moscow via India and Uzbekistan on a French-made Dassault Aviation. The flight was carrying out a private medical evacuation from Thailand's Pattaya, a popular tourist destination for Russians, to Moscow, Russian state-run TASS news agency reported, citing the Russian embassy in Bangkok. Also watch | Passenger plane crashes in Afghanistan's Badakhshan province × The claim coincides with the statement of Indian aviation ministry that it was an air ambulance flying from Thailand to Moscow. "On board was a bedridden patient in serious condition, a Russian citizen, who was transported from one of the hospitals in Pattaya to Russia," the RIA news agency reported, citing a source at Thailand's Utapao International Airport. Russia's Investigative Committee said it had opened a criminal case to determine if safety rules had been violated, Reuters reported.

Afghanistan plane crash: What we know so far as India, Taliban, Russia give differing accounts

Standing on Russian soil, North Korea's leader Kim Jong Un shook hands with Putin while his country launched ballistic missiles in Japan’s direction. From Kim's medium of choice for travelling to Russia, to the prolonged handshake between Kim and Putin to the locations they chose for their meetings - this diplomatic meet was high on optics and the message was directly aimed at the West. The US State department used words like 'troubled' and 'concerned' seeing the warmth between Putin and North Korea. But what is troubling the U.S.? Will North Korea aid Russia in Ukraine? Will Russia take stance with the hermit nation against US in the Korean peninsula? Watch Game Plan with Shivan Chanana.

Russia to enter theatre of war in Korean peninsula? | What’s Kim-Putin game plan?

<p>Four individuals who miraculously survived a fatal plane crash in northern Afghanistan were in good health, the Taliban administration said in a statement on Monday (Jan 22).&nbsp;</p>

<p>It further said that the bodies of the two passengers who lost their lives in the incident were being moved to the Afghan capital from the remote crash site.</p>

<p>"Four people from the crashed plane in Badakhshan were transferred to Kabul, the medical and rescue teams of the Ministry of Aviation and the Ministry of Defence have provided them with first aid," Taliban administration spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid said in a statement.</p>

<p>The charter plane destined for Moscow, with six people aboard, had gone off the radar on Saturday (Jan 20) after which it was reported that it had crashed in the mountains in northern Afghanistan.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The footage released by Mujahid's office showed the four survivors of the crash, with severe injuries, getting out of a chopper with Taliban officials.</p>

<p>In the video, an unnamed Taliban official said that the health condition of the four men who survived the incident was good.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pak-iran-envoys-to-return-to-their-posts-easing-tensions-for-diplomatic-talks-682527">Pak, Iran envoys to return to their posts easing tensions for diplomatic talks</a></p>

<p>"Alhamdulillah (praise be to God) last night we found that place (the crash site), a total of six people were in the plane, four of them are alive and two are dead," he said, adding that the bodies had been transferred to the northern provincial city of Fayzabad and were being brought to Kabul.</p>

<p>The Moscow-bound jet that crashed was carrying out a private medical evacuation from Thailand's Pattaya, Russian state-run TASS news agency reported, citing the Russian embassy in Bangkok.</p>

<p>The French-made Dassault Aviation Falcon 10 jet, manufactured in 1978, experienced fuel issues about 25 minutes before disappearing from radar, news agency Reuters reported citing Russian media outlet SHOT.</p>

<p>The pilot had then warned that he would try to land the plane at an airport in Tajikistan.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Four individuals who miraculously survived a fatal plane crash in northern Afghanistan were in good health, the Taliban administration said in a statement on Monday (Jan 22).

Four individuals who miraculously survived a fatal plane crash in northern Afghanistan were in good health, the Taliban administration said in a statement on Monday (Jan 22). It further said that the bodies of the two passengers who lost their lives in the incident were being moved to the Afghan capital from the remote crash site. "Four people from the crashed plane in Badakhshan were transferred to Kabul, the medical and rescue teams of the Ministry of Aviation and the Ministry of Defence have provided them with first aid," Taliban administration spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid said in a statement. The charter plane destined for Moscow, with six people aboard, had gone off the radar on Saturday (Jan 20) after which it was reported that it had crashed in the mountains in northern Afghanistan. The footage released by Mujahid's office showed the four survivors of the crash, with severe injuries, getting out of a chopper with Taliban officials. In the video, an unnamed Taliban official said that the health condition of the four men who survived the incident was good. Also read: Pak, Iran envoys to return to their posts easing tensions for diplomatic talks "Alhamdulillah (praise be to God) last night we found that place (the crash site), a total of six people were in the plane, four of them are alive and two are dead," he said, adding that the bodies had been transferred to the northern provincial city of Fayzabad and were being brought to Kabul. The Moscow-bound jet that crashed was carrying out a private medical evacuation from Thailand's Pattaya, Russian state-run TASS news agency reported, citing the Russian embassy in Bangkok. The French-made Dassault Aviation Falcon 10 jet, manufactured in 1978, experienced fuel issues about 25 minutes before disappearing from radar, news agency Reuters reported citing Russian media outlet SHOT. The pilot had then warned that he would try to land the plane at an airport in Tajikistan. (With inputs from agencies)

Four survivors of Moscow-bound charter jet crash in Afghanistan in 'good condition', says Taliban official

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<p>Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny appeared on TV screen during a court hearing on Wednesday (Jan 10) for the first time since being imprisoned by Russian authorities.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Navalny was&nbsp;transferred to a “special regime” penal colony, the highest security level of prisons in Russia, above the Arctic Circle last month. Previously, he had&nbsp;been imprisoned in the Vladimir region of central Russia, about 230 kilometres (140 miles) east of Moscow.&nbsp;</p>

<p>During the hearing, where Navalny appeared via a video link, he joked if the prison department in&nbsp;Melekhovo had staged a naked party, referring to the gathering of scantily clad celebrities in Moscow last month that turned into a major scandal.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>In a message relayed on his Telegram app, Navalny said he had been shunted to a punishment cell for his attitude over a minor infraction.&nbsp;</p>

<p>”The thought that Putin will be satisfied with sticking me into a barracks in the far north and will stop torturing me in the punishment confinement was not only cowardly but naive as well,” he said in his usual sardonic manner.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-what-happened-to-putin-critic-alexei-navalny-669051"><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: What Happened to 'Putin Critic' Alexei Navalny?</strong></a></p>

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<p>A day before (Jan 9), he heaped ironic praise on the polar conditions at the prison.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"It has not been colder than -32°C yet. Nothing quite invigorates you like a walk in Yamal at 6:30 in the morning," he said in the message.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Even at this temperature, you can walk for more than half an hour only if you manage to grow a new nose, new ears and new fingers."</p>

<p>Navalny mentioned a scene from the Academy-nominated 2015 film, <em>The Revenant</em>, starring Leonardo DiCaprio. In the movie, DiCaprio's character shelters himself in the carcass of a horse.</p>

<p>"I don't think that would have worked here. A dead horse would freeze in 15 minutes," said Navalny, referring to the scene. "We need an elephant here, a hot elephant, a fried one."</p>

<h2><strong>Case against Navalny&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Navalny was sentenced in August last year to an additional 19 years in prison on top of the 11 1/2 years he was already serving.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/kremlin-critic-alexei-navalny-faces-decades-in-prison-for-rehabilitating-nazi-ideology-and-other-crimes-605858" target="_blank"><strong>Also read | Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny faces decades in prison for 'rehabilitating Nazi ideology' and other crimes</strong></a></p>

<p>Navalny, who denies all charges against him is a former lawyer and gained popularity by publicly criticising the elite who are said to be close to President Vladimir Putin.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny appeared on TV screen during a court hearing on Wednesday (Jan 10) for the first time since being imprisoned by Russian authorities.

Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny appeared on TV screen during a court hearing on Wednesday (Jan 10) for the first time since being imprisoned by Russian authorities. Navalny was transferred to a “special regime” penal colony, the highest security level of prisons in Russia, above the Arctic Circle last month. Previously, he had been imprisoned in the Vladimir region of central Russia, about 230 kilometres (140 miles) east of Moscow. During the hearing, where Navalny appeared via a video link, he joked if the prison department in Melekhovo had staged a naked party, referring to the gathering of scantily clad celebrities in Moscow last month that turned into a major scandal. In a message relayed on his Telegram app, Navalny said he had been shunted to a punishment cell for his attitude over a minor infraction. ”The thought that Putin will be satisfied with sticking me into a barracks in the far north and will stop torturing me in the punishment confinement was not only cowardly but naive as well,” he said in his usual sardonic manner. Watch | Gravitas: What Happened to 'Putin Critic' Alexei Navalny? × A day before (Jan 9), he heaped ironic praise on the polar conditions at the prison. "It has not been colder than -32°C yet. Nothing quite invigorates you like a walk in Yamal at 6:30 in the morning," he said in the message. "Even at this temperature, you can walk for more than half an hour only if you manage to grow a new nose, new ears and new fingers." Navalny mentioned a scene from the Academy-nominated 2015 film, The Revenant, starring Leonardo DiCaprio. In the movie, DiCaprio's character shelters himself in the carcass of a horse. "I don't think that would have worked here. A dead horse would freeze in 15 minutes," said Navalny, referring to the scene. "We need an elephant here, a hot elephant, a fried one." Case against Navalny Navalny was sentenced in August last year to an additional 19 years in prison on top of the 11 1/2 years he was already serving. Also read | Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny faces decades in prison for 'rehabilitating Nazi ideology' and other crimes Navalny, who denies all charges against him is a former lawyer and gained popularity by publicly criticising the elite who are said to be close to President Vladimir Putin. (With inputs from agencies)

Kremlin critic Navalny makes first appearance on screen during court hearing since moving to new jail

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