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The Economic Times

Top News / The Economic Times

Ajit Pawar death: Runway not in sight how the final moments unfolded in Baramati crash

A routine flight turned tragic at Baramati airfield. The aircraft lost sight of Runway 11 during landing. A go-around was initiated. Despite reporting the runway in sight, the aircraft crashed near the threshold. Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar and four others perished. The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau is investigating the incident.

28 Jan 2026 2:22 pm
Europe no longer Washington's centre of gravity, shift is structural, says EU foreign policy chief Kallas

India-EU FTA: The risk of a full-blown return to coercive power politics, spheres of influence and a world where might makes right, is very real, Kallas also said.

28 Jan 2026 2:21 pm
Insipid, hollow promises: Congress slams govt after Presidents address

Congress has strongly criticized President Droupadi Murmu's address to Parliament. Party leaders called the speech insipid and lacking vision. They stated it was filled with hollow promises. Congress also demanded the repeal of the new VB-G RAM G Act. They want the MGNREGA to be reinstated. The opposition protested the mention of the new act.

28 Jan 2026 2:05 pm
Australian stocks close lower after core inflation beats expectations, rate-hike bets rise; S&P/ASX 200 drops, check top gainers and losers

Australian shares saw early gains erased, closing slightly lower. Hotter inflation data has boosted expectations for an interest rate hike by the Reserve Bank of Australia next week. Miners and energy stocks provided some support, while financials experienced a dip. Life360 Inc. and Catapult Sports Ltd were among the top decliners.

28 Jan 2026 2:03 pm
Gold, silver prices at record highs: Why India may increase duties on their imports

India's gold and silver imports hit record highs in 2025, despite soaring prices, raising concerns over the widening trade deficit and a weakening rupee. Policymakers face challenges curbing these inflows, as investment demand, particularly in ETFs, has surged, offsetting a slowdown in jewellery purchases.

28 Jan 2026 2:02 pm
Suryakumar jumps five spots to seventh in latest ICC T20I rankings

Indian cricket captain Suryakumar Yadav has risen to seventh in the ICC T20I rankings. This follows his impressive batting in the series against New Zealand. Other Indian players like Abhishek Sharma and Tilak Varma also feature prominently. Afghanistan and South African players also made gains in the rankings. Jasprit Bumrah and Ravi Bishnoi are among the bowlers who have progressed.

28 Jan 2026 2:00 pm
Ajit Pawar, Khaleda Zia among leaders paid tributes in Lok Sabha

The Lok Sabha held a heartfelt tribute today, taking a moment of silence to reflect on the lives of Maharashtra's Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar and former Bangladesh PM Khaleda Zia. Additionally, five ex-members who have recently passed were remembered. Speaker Om Birla solemnly delivered the obituary references before the House was adjourned for the day.

28 Jan 2026 1:59 pm
PM Modi to attend NCC rally, address cadets

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will attend the National Cadet Corps' PM Rally today. This event marks the conclusion of the month-long annual NCC Republic Day Camp. The rally's theme is 'Rashtra Pratham - Kartavya Nishth Yuva'. NCC cadets and foreign participants will showcase their skills and dedication. Leaders from government and military have addressed the cadets during the camp.

28 Jan 2026 1:55 pm
Lost a good friend, void cannot be filled: Maha Fadnavis mourns Ajit Pawar

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar has died in a plane crash. The incident occurred in Pune district. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis expressed shock and grief. He announced a government holiday and three days of state mourning. Pawar was a respected leader known for his administrative skills and dedication to Maharashtra's progress.

28 Jan 2026 1:45 pm
Mother gifts mobile to teenage son for vlogging, youth dies trekking in snow for a reel, famished pitbull pup guards the body for 4 days

A mothers gift of a smartphone intended for vlogging ended in heartbreak when cousins Viksit (19) and Piyush (13) perished in a Chamba blizzard while aiming to filming reels. Their loyal pitbull, Jonu, remained gaunt and bone-chilled as he guarded their bodies for four days in sub-zero temperatures until an IAF rescue team reached the summit on Monday.

28 Jan 2026 1:42 pm
Contracts between nation states are being recrafted: KM Birla

In January 2025, Birla had said that the Trump Factor could disproportionately influence 2025 as it held the potential to reshape global dynamics. He had said that the year would be the one when an unorthodox, unpredictable and an uncertain world will be embraced.

28 Jan 2026 1:40 pm
Ajit Pawar's plane crash: Who was captain Shambhavi Pathak, young pilot who studied in Air Force Bal Bharati School Delhi?

Ajit Pawar death: Along with the Deputy CM of Maharashtra, Ajit Pawar, a young pilot Captain Shambhavi Pathak also lost her life in the tragic mishap. Shambhavi Pathak completed her schooling at Air Force Bal Bharati School and later enrolled herself at New Zealand International Commercial Pilot Academy. She earned her Bachelor's degree from the University of Mumbai.

28 Jan 2026 1:38 pm
Ajit Pawar death: Mamata seeks SC-monitored probe, says only court can be trusted

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee expressed sorrow over the death of Maharashtra Deputy CM Ajit Pawar. She called for a Supreme Court-monitored investigation into the accident. Banerjee stated her trust lies solely with the Supreme Court. The chartered aircraft carrying Pawar crashed during a landing attempt. Pawar was a prominent political figure in Maharashtra.

28 Jan 2026 1:09 pm
What Supriya Sule, who defeated Ajit Pawars wife in Baramati, said after her cousin's death

Supriya Sule on Ajit Pawar's death news: Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar died in a plane crash in Baramati, devastating his cousin and NCP-SP leader Supriya Sule. The aircraft crash-landed Tuesday morning, killing all six on board. Pawar was en route to election campaign meetings in Baramati, his Lok Sabha constituency.

28 Jan 2026 1:05 pm
ChatGPT Prism: What are the new features and capabilities of OpenAIs all-new GPT-5.2?

ChatGPT Prism has been officially launched by OpenAI . Prism is a free, AI-native workspace, powered by GPT-5.2, which allows researchers to convert whiteboard sketches into code and chat with an AI that understands the full context of their manuscripts. Prism aims to make 2026 a transformative year for science, mirroring the impact AI had on software engineering in 2025.

28 Jan 2026 1:05 pm
From Shark Tank to Style Icon: Namita Thapars Fashion Evolution

From boardroom-ready suits on Shark Tank to bold statement looks, Namita Thapars style mirrors her leadershipsharp, confident, and unapologetically feminineproving power and elegance coexist.

28 Jan 2026 1:04 pm
INDIA Bloc to push MGNREGA, SIR issues in Parliament after leaders meet

INDIA bloc leaders met in Parliament. They resolved to strongly raise MGNREGA repeal and SIR issues. This will happen during the Budget session. The decision follows a Congress parliamentary strategy group meeting. Top Congress leaders also decided to raise these issues. The government had refused to debate them again. This indicates a determined opposition stance.

28 Jan 2026 1:02 pm
Dynamics of Maharashtra politics will change: Union Minister CR Paatil on Ajit Pawar's demise

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar died in a plane crash. The chartered plane crashed while flying from Mumbai to Baramati. Five people, including the crew, were on board. Ajit Pawar was headed to Baramati for a public rally. Political leaders expressed grief over his sudden demise. His death is expected to change Maharashtra's political landscape.

28 Jan 2026 12:44 pm
Ajit Pawar dies in Baramati plane crash: How a small Pune town shaped the rise and fall of Maharashtras Deputy CM

Ajit Pawar death: Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister and NCP chief Ajit Pawar died in a tragic plane crash in Pune's Baramati district. Pawar won his first election from Baramati in 1991 and has held the seat since then. Unfortunately, Ajit Pawar's plane crashed in his hometurf Baramati this morning, marking the end of his journey.

28 Jan 2026 12:43 pm
How Novak Djokovic survived Lorenzo Musetti scare to enter Australian Open semis; Fifth-seed Italian concedes despite having two-set lead

Novak Djokovic advanced to the Australian Open semifinals after Lorenzo Musetti retired injured while leading by two sets. Djokovic, trailing in the third set, benefited from Musetti's withdrawal due to a thigh injury, securing his 103rd tournament win and surpassing Roger Federer's record. With the win, Djokovic kept his hopes alive to match Margaret Courts tally of 25 major titles.

28 Jan 2026 12:40 pm
Nakul Mehtas Effortlessly Cool Tuxedo Game, Decoded

Actor Nakul Mehta brings effortless charm to tuxedo dressing, redefining modern masculinity through tailoring that feels powerful, polished, and never overdressed.

28 Jan 2026 12:40 pm
AAIB to investigate Ajit Pawar plane crash

The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau will investigate a plane crash at Baramati airport. The incident tragically claimed the lives of five individuals. A Learjet 46 operated by VSR Ventures crash-landed at the airport. The AAIB is responsible for investigating such occurrences and recommending safety improvements. The bureau will visit the crash site to conduct its probe.

28 Jan 2026 12:39 pm
Maharashtra lowers flags, raises silence: A state pauses to mourn Ajit Pawar

Maharashtra observes a three-day state mourning for Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Ashtai Anantrao Pawar. He passed away on January 28 after his charter plane crash-landed near Baramati. The national flag flies at half mast across the state. All official entertainment is cancelled. State government offices were closed on Wednesday, January 28. Tributes are pouring in for the prominent political figure.

28 Jan 2026 12:38 pm
Novak Djokovic vs Lorenzo Musetti video: Djokovic's record Grand Slam title dream still alive, Serbian star enters Australian Open semi-finals after Musetti injury

Novak Djokovic advanced to the Australian Open 2026 semi-finals after fifth seed Lorenzo Musetti retired due to injury. Musetti had been leading two sets to love before withdrawing. His retirement allowed the Serbian to continue his pursuit of a record 25th Grand Slam title at his most successful venue.

28 Jan 2026 12:37 pm
Ajit Pawar's death: Plane crash that killed Maha Deputy CM to be probed, says Eknath Shinde

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde expressed his sorrow over the untimely demise of Ajit Pawar, who tragically passed away in an aircraft accident in Pune district. Shinde described this incident as a heartbreaking moment for the state and pledged to ensure a comprehensive investigation into the tragedy.

28 Jan 2026 12:34 pm
India, Russia to hold joint naval drills next month, TASS reports

Russia and India are set to conduct joint naval exercises in the Bay of Bengal this February. A Russian Navy frigate will sail from Muscat, Oman, to participate. Following the exercises, the vessel will make an unofficial visit to Visakhapatnam, India, from February 18 to 25. This collaboration highlights ongoing defense cooperation between the two nations.

28 Jan 2026 12:30 pm
KM Birla explores hopes, habits and hard choices as a new, deals-based world order takes root

Birla: In his reflections, KM Birla readily acknowledges that he has not always been prescient, but adds that the discipline of reflection enforces intellectual honesty about what has endured and what has changed.

28 Jan 2026 12:15 pm
An extremely dangerous time calls for a strategic Budget, warns ex-RBI chief Raghuram Rajan

Budget 2026: Former RBI chief Raghuram Rajan has a vital message for the upcoming Union Budget: prioritise long-term economic stability and self-reliance. He urges for a robust growth trajectory that enhances India's international relationships. Rajan warns of the looming global threats while also recognizing the merits of artificial intelligence.

28 Jan 2026 12:15 pm
Ajit Pawar death: How Maha deputy CM's body was identified after plane crash

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar tragically died in a plane crash in Baramati. The Learjet 45 burst into flames upon impact. All five people on board, including Pawar, perished. His identity was confirmed by his wristwatch. Authorities are investigating the cause of the fatal accident. The incident has sent shockwaves across the state.

28 Jan 2026 12:14 pm
Ajit Pawar death: Who will lead NCP, what about merger, who is Rohit Pawar, and what's Ajit's family tree? Here are all answers

Ajit Pawar death: The sudden death of Maharashtra Deputy CM Ajit Pawar in a Baramati plane crash has triggered a political crisis. Amidst mourning, the focus shifts to the Pawar family tree, potential succession by sons Parth and Jay, and a possible reunion of the divided NCP factions under patriarch Sharad Pawars leadership.

28 Jan 2026 12:13 pm
Court grants bail to expelled Congress MLA Mamkootathil in sexual assault case

Expelled Congress MLA Rahul Mamkootathil has been granted bail in a third sexual assault case. The Pathanamthitta District Sessions Court approved his bail plea. This follows an earlier denial by a judicial magistrate. The case involved allegations of rape and criminal intimidation. Mamkootathil was arrested earlier this month. Previous cases had seen him protected from arrest by higher courts.

28 Jan 2026 12:02 pm
Who is Elena Rybakina? Kazakhstani tennis player stuns Iga Swiatek, storms into Australian Open semi-finals; all about her

Elena Rybakina, the fifth seed, secured a dominant victory over six-time Grand Slam champion Iga Swiatek at the Australian Open. This win propelled the Kazakhstani player into the semi-finals, where she will compete for a spot in the final. Rybakina expressed her satisfaction with her aggressive play and improved serving in the second set.

28 Jan 2026 11:59 am
Union Budget 2026: India may widen gates for foreign goods as world hunts for destinations beyond the US

India's 2026 Union Budget will strategically adjust trade policies. It aims to open doors for foreign goods that strengthen local supply chains and reduce costs. This move is part of a larger plan to reduce reliance on single suppliers and vulnerable trade routes.

28 Jan 2026 11:52 am
Who is Rohit Pawar, why is he trending, and how is he related to Ajit Pawar who died in a plane crash

Relation between Rohit Pawar and Ajit Pawar: Reports of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar's death in a plane crash near Baramati led to widespread social media attention on his nephew, Rohit Pawar. The incident has sparked discussions about the impact on the influential Pawar family's future leadership.

28 Jan 2026 11:50 am
Australia to boost Karnataka partnership in education, tech, says BCIC

Australia is significantly increasing its collaboration with Karnataka. The state will become a key hub for education, technology, and business ties. This partnership focuses on key sectors. A leading Australian university plans to open a campus in Bengaluru. This move reflects confidence in Karnataka's innovation potential. The India-Australia Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement will boost trade and create new opportunities.

28 Jan 2026 11:46 am
Ajit Pawar, Maharashtra's Deputy CM, dies in Baramati in a plane crash

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar died in a plane crash in Baramati on Wednesday morning. His Learjet 45 aircraft crashed while landing, with five people on board, including the crew. Eyewitnesses reported a loud sound and the aircraft bursting into flames, hindering rescue efforts. The cause of the crash will be investigated.

28 Jan 2026 11:46 am
Casual Style Lessons from Vijay Deverakondas Wardrobe

Vijay Deverakondas casual style is rooted in ease, texture, and confidenceshowing how relaxed silhouettes, earthy tones, and minimal accessories can create statement-worthy everyday looks.

28 Jan 2026 11:46 am
Ajit Pawar dead: Who is NCP chief's wife Sunetra Pawar? A look at Maharashtra Deputy CM's personal life, family and more

Ajit Pawar dead in plane crash: Ajit Pawar, NCP chief and Maharashtra's Deputy Chief Minister, died in a tragic plane crash, today when he was travelling from Mumbai to Baramati. Ajit Pawar is survived by his wife Sunetra Pawar and his two sons- Jay and Parth. Sunetra Pawar is the daughter of former Maharashtra minister Padamsinh Bajirao Patil and a member of Rajya Sabha.

28 Jan 2026 11:44 am
President Murmu addresses Parliament as Budget Session begins, sets tone for Viksit Bharat

India has entered a new growth phase. President Droupadi Murmu highlighted successes and achievements from the past decade. Infrastructure development, especially in the Northeast, has improved connectivity. The nation also commemorated significant historical and cultural figures. The government's commitment to social justice has lifted 25 crore citizens out of poverty. This marks the start of the Budget Session.

28 Jan 2026 11:40 am
Who was Ajit Pawar? His party, family, political journey, BJP ties, and the story of Dada who died in a Baramati plane crash

Ajit Pawar, a dominant force in Maharashtra politics and six-time Deputy Chief Minister, led a faction of the NCP recognized by the Election Commission. Known for his administrative prowess and bold decisions, he represented Baramati for decades and wielded significant influence in the state's cooperative sector. His career, marked by political realignments and legal challenges, concluded with his passing.

28 Jan 2026 11:20 am
Word of the day: Bombast

Word of the day for today is 'Bombast' which describes speech or writing that sounds grand and impressive but lacks true meaning. This Word of the Day explores its surprising origin as fabric stuffing and how it now captures the idea of inflated, empty language in modern life.

28 Jan 2026 11:17 am
Black, Bold & Dangerous: Shruti Haasans Gothic Style Decoded

Shruti Haasan doesnt follow trends; she creates moods. Her gothic fashion blends mystery, confidence, and rebellion, making every look feel like a powerful visual statement.

28 Jan 2026 11:16 am
Bomb threat emails trigger evacuation at schools in Chandigarh, Gurugram

Several schools in Chandigarh and Gurugram were evacuated on Wednesday following bomb threat emails. Police and bomb squads conducted thorough searches at the educational institutes. Students and staff were safely evacuated. Security measures were heightened across the affected areas. No suspicious objects were found, but investigations are ongoing.

28 Jan 2026 11:15 am
'We rushed to help, but the fire was too big': Eyewitness on Ajit Pawar plane crash

Ajit Pawar died Wednesday morning in a chartered Learjet crash in Baramati, Maharashtra. The aircraft lost control during landing and exploded, killing all five people on board. Pawar, a prominent Maharashtra politician, was among the passengers. Emergency services responded quickly to the scene. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation is investigating the incident. Pawar's political career spanned over three decades.

28 Jan 2026 11:12 am
PM Modi mourns Ajit Pawars death, calls him a leader of the people

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar died in a plane crash near Baramati. Prime Minister Narendra Modi conveyed his deep sorrow. Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Prime Minister Modi spoke with Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. The chartered aircraft crashed while attempting to land. All individuals on board perished.

28 Jan 2026 11:02 am