The black box from the Learjet 45 that crashed near Baramati airstrip has been recovered, the Civil Aviation Ministry confirmed Thursday. The crash killed Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar and four others. Union Civil Aviation Minister Rammohan Naidu wrote to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis requesting state government cooperation to expedite the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) probe, including crash site access and local administrative support. The ministry emphasized the investigation is being conducted transparently and in a time-bound manner, with AAIB and DGCA teams examining collected evidence. Officials stated key probe findings will be shared with the Maharashtra government. (PC: X)

The Beating Retreat Ceremony 2026 was held at Vijay Chowk, New Delhi, on January 29, marking the formal conclusion of India's Republic Day celebrations. The annual event showcased musical traditions of the Indian Armed Forces, featuring 30 presentations by massed bands from the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Central Armed Police Forces. Dating back to the 17th century, Beating Retreat originated as a battlefield practice where drums signaled troops to retreat at sunset. President of India, the Supreme Commander of Armed Forces, attended the ceremony. PM Modi emphasized India's rich military legacy, while Defence Minister Rajnath Singh described it as a solemn tradition embodying discipline, unity, and national pride.

A massive wildfire has been raging in Nagaland's Dzukou Valley for three days, threatening the trekkers' paradise known for its seasonal wildflowers and alpine grasses. Over 30 stranded trekkers have been evacuated as the blaze spreads toward Manipur's Mount Iso. The NDRF has been deployed, and IAF helicopters with Bambi buckets have been requisitioned for firefighting operations. Locals suspect arson, noting the fire started on a remote slope rather than the usual base camp area. The valley's dry winter conditions facilitate rapid fire spread. Dzukou Valley has experienced recurring fires, including major incidents in 2006, 2018, 2020-21, and December 2025, often attributed to trekker carelessness.

A six-year-old girl was allegedly gang-raped by three minor boys aged 10, 13, and 14 in Delhi's Bhajanpura area on January 18. The victim was returning from her aunt's house when the accused, who were her neighbors and playmates, lured her to a terrace. She returned home bleeding, initially claiming she had fallen before revealing the assault to her mother. Two juveniles have been apprehended and produced before the Juvenile Justice Board, while the eldest suspect has reportedly fled to Bihar. Cases under BNS and POCSO Act have been registered. Notably, one accused's mother handed over her son to authorities after witnessing the victim's condition. (PC: PTI)

A 27-year-old Delhi Police constable posted with the SWAT unit died on Tuesday, days after she was allegedly assaulted by her husband at their home in southwest Delhi. Police said the woman suffered severe head injuries after being attacked with a metal dumbbell and hitting her head against a door frame. She was declared brain dead at a private hospital near Dwarka and later died at a hospital in Ghaziabad. The accused, Ankur Chaudhary, was arrested on the night of the incident. Police said the case, earlier registered as attempt to murder, has now been converted to murder. The victim’s family has alleged dowry harassment. (PC: X)

The Supreme Court on Thursday reserved its order on a batch of pleas seeking changes to directions in the stray dogs case. The court asked all parties to file written submissions within a week. A bench of Justices Vikram Nath, Sandeep Mehta and N V Anjaria heard arguments from multiple states, animal welfare groups, dog bite victims and lawyers for the Centre. The court also heard submissions from the National Highways Authority of India on steps taken to keep highways free of stray dogs. It directed the Animal Welfare Board of India to process applications from NGOs seeking permission to run shelters or animal birth control facilities. (PC: HT)

Singer Arijit Singh may be preparing to enter politics after announcing his retirement from playback singing, according to an NDTV report. The report quoted sources close to the artist as saying he is planning to launch a political party, though details remain unclear. The 38-year-old recently said he would stop taking new playback assignments but continue making independent music. In a social media post, Singh wrote, “I won’t stop making music,” and said he would complete pending commitments. A two-time National Award winner, Singh is known for his low-profile lifestyle and lives in Jiaganj, in West Bengal’s Murshidabad district. Singh has not commented on the report. (PC: X)

The identity of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar was confirmed through personal belongings after a plane crash near Baramati on Wednesday morning. The impact and fire were so severe that the faces of the five victims could not be recognised. Locals and first responders said Pawar was identified by the wristwatch he was wearing, along with his clothes. A resident at the site said the watch was clearly visible on his hand. The detail drew attention because a clock is the election symbol of the Nationalist Congress Party, which Pawar led. Police and officials later completed formal identification procedures. (PC: X)

More than 1,200 stray dogs have been killed across Telangana in the past month, most of them by poisoning, activists and police records show. The deaths were reported from several districts, including Hanumakonda, Kamareddy, and Nagarkurnool. Animal welfare groups say the killings began after gram panchayat elections, where some candidates promised to remove street animals. Police have filed cases in a few villages under animal cruelty laws. Activists claim the actual number may be higher due to under-reporting. The incidents have triggered protests and renewed debate on stray animal management, including sterilisation and vaccination, as ordered by the Supreme Court. (PC: India Today)

A civil aviation ministry note has detailed the final radio exchanges before the Learjet 45 carrying Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar crashed at Baramati. The aircraft took off from Mumbai at 8:10 am and contacted Baramati at 8:18 am. Baramati is an uncontrolled airfield. The pilots made two landing attempts after reporting the runway was not visible. During the approach, cockpit voice records included the phrase, “Runway not in sight, oh shit,” according to the transcript cited by officials. At 8:43 am, the crew confirmed visual contact and was cleared to land. A minute later, ground staff saw flames near Runway 11. All five people on board died. (PC: X)