Age variation in winners, more participants: How the Miss Universe contest has evolved over the years 

India’s Harnaaz Sandhu has brought the Miss Universe crown back home. The 21-year-old from Chandigarh won the title, beating Paraguay’s Nadia Ferreira and South Africa’s Lalela Mswane.

After a huge gap of 21 years, India’s Harnaaz Sandhu has brought the Miss Universe crown back home. The 21-year-old from Chandigarh won the title beating Paraguay’s Nadia Ferreira and South Africa’s Lalela Mswane. Last year’s winner Andrea Meza from Mexico crowned her successor at the global beauty pageant held in Eilat, Israel.

Harnaaz became only the third Indian to win the coveted title. Sushmita Sen was the first Indian to be crowned Miss Universe in 1994 when she was only 18. Six years later, it was then 22-year-old Lara Dutta who became the first choice for the jury. Both women went on to become known names in India’s film fraternity.