Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister and Nationalist Congress Party leader Ajit Pawar died when his chartered plane crashed while landing at Baramati airport on Wednesday morning, killing him and four others. His unexpected death leaves a leadership vacuum in the Ajit Pawar‑led NCP faction, raising questions about who will take charge. Options include his wife Sunetra Pawar or senior leaders such as Praful Patel and Sunil Tatkare, though all face challenges. There is also speculation about possible reunification with Sharad Pawar’s NCP faction under cousin Supriya Sule amid political jockeying for control. (PC: NDTV)

West Bengal Chief Minister **Mamata Banerjee has sharply criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi, warning that if he tries to “hurt” her, she will “become dangerous,” amid growing tensions over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. Banerjee accused the BJP-led central government and the Election Commission of India (ECI) of harassing Bengali-speaking citizens, claiming people face discrimination and suffering in BJP-ruled states for speaking Bengali. She also condemned the SIR process as causing undue distress and stripping people of voter rights. Banerjee’s remarks reflect escalating political conflict ahead of upcoming elections. (PC: PTI)

U.S. President Donald Trump has escalated pressure on Iran, warning that Washington could launch a military attack if Tehran does not agree to negotiate a nuclear weapons deal. Trump said a “massive armada,” led by the USS Abraham Lincoln, is moving toward Iranian waters and insisted time is “running out” for diplomacy, referencing past U.S. strikes and stating a future attack could be “far worse.” Tehran has rejected talks under threat and says any assault would be met with fierce retaliation, while regional tensions rise amid protests and nuclear concerns. (PC: AP)

New CCTV footage reveals the Learjet 45 carrying Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar descending steeply and crashing near Baramati Airport, then erupting into a massive fireball on Wednesday morning. The aircraft, on a charter from Mumbai, was attempting a second emergency landing when it nosedived and burst into flames, killing all five on board including two pilots and Pawar’s security personnel. The video captures the final moments before impact, with thick black smoke and debris. Preliminary reports suggest poor visibility could be a factor; authorities are investigating the crash’s cause.

Maharashtra Deputy CM Ajit Pawar's Learjet 45 was cleared for landing at 8:43 AM but crashed a minute later at 8:44 AM, killing all five aboard. The civil aviation ministry revealed the pilot initially reported "runway not in sight" during the first approach, prompting a go-around. After reporting visibility moments later, the aircraft received landing clearance without readback confirmation before flames appeared at runway 11's threshold. Baramati operates as an "uncontrolled airfield" with flying school-managed ATC. Delhi-based operator VSR Ventures took down its website post-crash. The experienced pilots had 15,000 and 1,500 flying hours respectively. AAIB has assumed investigation responsibility. 

Pakistan Cricket Board chief Mohsin Naqvi's threat to withdraw from T20 World Cup 2026 over Bangladesh's venue dispute has drawn strong criticism from Pakistani cricket veterans. Former Test captain Muhammad Hafeez, ex-PCB Chairman Khalid Mahmood, and secretary Arif Ali Abbasi urged PCB to send the team, warning against damaging ICC and member board relations. Officials noted no other board supported Bangladesh's demand to move matches from India, and Bangladesh won't appeal ICC's decision. Former players including Inzamam ul Haq, Mohsin Khan, and Haroon Rasheed cautioned against sacrificing Pakistan's cricket interests, especially since all their matches are in Sri Lanka, not India. (PC: AFP)

Aviation Minister K Ram Mohan Naidu revealed poor visibility at Baramati airport when Ajit Pawar's plane crashed Wednesday morning. The pilot initially reported runway not in sight, prompting a go-around, but confirmed visibility during the second attempt before the tragic crash. The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau will analyze flight recorders, aircraft systems, crew records, and ATC data. Opposition leaders, led by Mamata Banerjee, demand Supreme Court-monitored probe, alleging compromised agencies. The VSR Ventures flight departed Mumbai at 8:10 AM, disappearing from radar at 8:45 AM. Witnesses described the aircraft appearing unstable before crash-landing with massive explosions. Maharashtra declared three days mourning; last rites scheduled Thursday with full state honors.

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar’s aircraft was cleared to land at Baramati airport at 8:43 am on January 28, 2026, just a minute before it crashed in flames, killing all five on board, the civil aviation ministry said. The Bombardier Learjet 45 had initially attempted a landing but went around after reporting the runway wasn’t in sight. On the second approach, ATC granted landing clearance but did not receive the required readback from the pilots; moments later flames were spotted near runway 11. The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau has taken over the probe. (PC: HT)

Renowned Indian singer Arijit Singh announced his retirement from playback singing, stating he will no longer take on new film assignments but will continue creating music independently. He shared gratitude for fans’ support and described his journey as “wonderful,” signalling a shift toward broader artistic exploration and self-directed music. Shreya Ghoshal responded positively, calling it the start of a new phase and urging fans not to see it as an end of an era, expressing excitement for his future work beyond traditional formats. Industry peers and fans have reacted with surprise and support. (PC: PTI)

U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer said India “comes out on top” in its newly concluded Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with the European Union, calling it a strategic win for New Delhi that offers expanded access to the EU market and bolsters long-term economic ties. The deal — described by leaders as the “mother of all deals” after nearly 20 years of talks — will slash tariffs on most goods and create a market of nearly two billion consumers. It also reflects growing trade diversification as U.S. tariff policies under President Trump prompt partners to seek alternative ties. (PC: X)