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)

Indian officials announced they have contained a Nipah virus outbreak after confirming two cases in West Bengal state, saying enhanced surveillance, lab testing and tracing of 196 contacts — all testing negative — helped control spread. Nipah is a highly fatal virus with a 40–75% death rate and no vaccine, transmitted from animals like fruit bats and pigs to humans. The health ministry said the situation is under constant monitoring with measures in place. Several Asian countries have stepped up airport health screenings as a precaution. (PC: Reuters)

U.S. intelligence reports indicate interim Venezuelan President Delcy Rodríguez may not fully cooperate with the Trump administration’s goals, especially regarding severing ties with adversaries such as Iran, China and Russia. Rodríguez, who took office after the U.S. capture of Nicolás Maduro on Jan. 3, has not publicly expelled diplomats or advisers from those countries as Washington demands. The CIA assessed that Maduro loyalists were best placed to govern post‑ouster, but critics worry Rodríguez’s reliability could undermine U.S. influence and investment plans in Venezuela’s oil sector. Washington is also exploring contacts with military officials as alternatives. (PC: Reuters)

At least eight people have died in encounters with US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) so far in 2026, including deaths in custody and fatal shootings by federal agents. Two high‑profile cases in Minneapolis — Alex Pretti and Renée Nicole Good — have sparked protests and national debate over use of force. Others died from medical issues, alleged suicide, or under unclear circumstances in detention facilities. The toll follows 32 deaths in ICE custody in 2025, the highest in two decades, raising concerns about medical care, oversight and enforcement practices under the current administration. (PC: Bloomberg)

Before boarding the chartered flight carrying Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar to Baramati, flight attendant Pinky Mali made a final phone call to her father, Shivkumar Mali, saying: “Papa, I am flying to Baramati with Ajit Pawar… we’ll talk tomorrow” as she planned to continue to Nanded afterward — a call that tragically became her last. Pinky, a resident of Worli in Mumbai, had accompanied Pawar on several recent trips. After the Learjet 45 crashed near Baramati airport, killing all five on board including Pawar, her father expressed deep grief and said he only wishes to receive her body to perform her last rites with dignity. (PC: HT)