Senior NCP leader Ajit Pawar was cremated with full state honours in Baramati on Thursday. Thousands of supporters gathered as funeral arrangements began in the morning. Authorities shortened the planned procession due to crowd size and the condition of the body. Pawar’s wife Sunetra and sons Parth and Jay were present, along with uncle Sharad Pawar. Leaders from several parties also attended. Pawar, 66, died on Wednesday when a chartered Learjet 45 crashed near Baramati airport. Four others, including both pilots, were killed. Investigators have recovered the aircraft’s black box. Three days of state mourning have been announced. 

US President Donald Trump warned Iran that time was running out to reach a nuclear deal as US military forces increased in the Gulf. He said a large naval force, led by the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln, was moving toward the region. Iran responded by saying its armed forces were ready to react to any attack. Tehran repeated that its nuclear programme was peaceful and denied seeking nuclear weapons. US officials said the military build-up was meant to deter threats and protect personnel. The warning comes as Washington presses Iran to curb uranium enrichment and missile activity. No formal talks are under way. (PC: BBC)

The Indian rupee slipped to a fresh record low against the US dollar on Tuesday. It fell to 91.9850, moving past its earlier all-time low of 91.9650 seen last week. This is the first time the rupee has come so close to the 92 mark. The currency has now declined about 2% so far this year. Traders said pressure came from a strong dollar and steady foreign fund outflows. Demand for dollars from importers also weighed on the rupee. Market participants are watching global interest rate trends and crude oil prices for further direction in the currency market.

UK health authorities have issued a health warning about the Nipah virus after two cases were confirmed in West Bengal, India, prompting increased airport screening and surveillance across several Asian countries. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) says the risk to the UK public remains very low, as no cases have been detected there, but emphasises travellers should be aware. Nipah is a zoonotic virus transmitted from animals like fruit bats to humans, through contaminated food, or via close contact, and has a high fatality rate (40–75 %). Initial symptoms include fever, headache, and respiratory issues, which can worsen to encephalitis or brain inflammation. There is no specific treatment or vaccine currently available, making vigilance essential. 

U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent sharply criticised the newly signed India-European Union free trade agreement, accusing European leaders of prioritising trade with India over solidarity with Ukraine amid the war against Russia. Bessent argued that by pursuing the trade deal, Europe has shown a “deep contradiction” in its Ukraine policy and, in his view, placed economic interests above geopolitical commitments. He also said some European nations continued buying refined products linked to discounted Russian oil, undermining coordinated Western sanctions. The landmark India-EU pact is expected to significantly boost bilateral trade, but has triggered transatlantic tensions over geopolitical priorities. (PC: NDTV)

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar was identified after the Baramati plane crash through his wristwatch, as his face was not recognisable due to severe fire damage, according to locals and officials. The aircraft caught fire immediately after impact, making visual identification impossible. First responders and residents at the site noticed the wristwatch and clothing, which helped confirm his identity before formal procedures. The crash claimed the lives of five people onboard and has deeply shocked Baramati and the state. Authorities later conducted post-mortem and forensic identification, while the AAIB continues its investigation into the cause of the accident. (PC: HT)

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar’s last rites began on Thursday in Baramati, his political stronghold, following his death in a plane crash near Baramati airport on January 28, 2026 that also killed four others. His mortal remains were taken to Vidya Pratisthan ground, where thousands gathered to pay respects before the funeral at 11 am, attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, state ministers, MLAs and supporters. A three-day state mourning has been declared. Post-mortems for the crew were conducted, and an AAIB investigation is underway into the crash. (PC: X)

A powerful avalanche hit the popular Sonamarg tourist resort in Ganderbal district, Jammu and Kashmir late Tuesday night, around 10:12 pm, sweeping down snow and debris across the area. The dramatic event was captured on CCTV, showing a wall of snow engulfing buildings and vehicles. Officials confirmed no casualties or injuries so far, as most people were indoors and precautionary advisories had been issued due to heavy snowfall. The avalanche followed several days of intense snow, which disrupted travel — with the Jammu–Srinagar highway closed and flights cancelled from Srinagar airport. Emergency teams were deployed to assess impact and clear debris. 

Senior political leader Sharad Pawar has described the plane crash that killed his nephew, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, as a pure accident with no political motives, urging parties and public not to politicise the tragedy. Ajit Pawar, 66, died along with four others when the aircraft crashed near Baramati airport during landing. Some leaders, including West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee, called for a Supreme Court‑monitored probe amid suggestions of foul play. Sharad Pawar appealed for restraint, stressing the loss to Maharashtra and dismissing conspiracy claims as baseless. (PC: India Today)

Filmmaker Anurag Basu revealed that superstar singer Arijit Singh, following his surprise decision to step away from Bollywood playback singing, has new creative ambitions beyond music. Basu said Singh once asked to work as an assistant on the film Barfi!, showing interest in learning filmmaking. Singh’s shift comes after he announced he would no longer take new playback singing assignments, citing a desire to explore different artistic paths and creative restlessness. Basu also noted Singh dreams of opening a school for children, indicating broader personal and professional goals ahead. (PC: X)