Nation

New Delhi: The Budget Session of Parliament began on Wednesday with President Droupadi Murmu’s customary address to the joint sitting of both Houses. However, the proceedings were briefly disrupted when opposition members raised slogans and created an uproar following the President’s reference to the “Developed India – G RAM G Act.” In her address, President Murmu highlighted India’s progress across sectors ranging from defence to trade. She noted that with the year 2026, India has entered the second phase of the 21st century, describing the first 25 years as a period marked by achievements, national pride, and transformative experiences. She emphasized that the past decade has strengthened the country’s foundations across all sectors and that the current year would serve as a crucial b...

Baramati, Maharashtra: Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister and NCP leader Ajit Pawar tragically lost his life in a plane crash on Wednesday. The aircraft went out of control while attempting to land at an airport in Baramati and caught fire after the crash. All six people on board, including Ajit Pawar and two crew members, were killed. The news has elicited an outpouring of grief from leaders across the country. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, and Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta expressed their condolences. In a social media post, Prime Minister Modi described Ajit Pawar as a leader deeply connected to the people and grounded in grassroots politics. He stated, “Ajit Pawar was a true public servant, dedicated to the service of Mahar...

New Delhi: Maharashtra’s Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar tragically lost his life in a plane crash in Baramati earlier today. The aircraft crashed during landing, marking yet another somber chapter in India’s history of aviation accidents claiming prominent leaders. Over the years, several top politicians and officials have perished in plane or helicopter crashes. Here’s a look at some of the notable figures India has lost in such tragedies: Vijay Rupani (Gujarat) – The former Chief Minister of Gujarat died on 12 June 2025 in an Air India crash near Ahmedabad. The plane was carrying 242 passengers, of whom only one survived. G.M.C. Balayogi (Telugu Desam Party) – The Lok Sabha Speaker passed away on 3 March 2002 when his helicopter crashed into a pond near Kaikalur, Andhra Prade...

New Delhi: The Supreme Court has taken a stringent stance on acid attack cases, directing all states and Union Territories to submit detailed reports on such incidents. The court’s move comes as part of its ongoing efforts to ensure stricter monitoring and better rehabilitation of victims. The apex court has asked governments to provide annual data on the number of acid attack cases, the status of trials in courts, and the measures taken for the victims’ rehabilitation. Court Demands Detailed Case InformationA bench led by the Chief Justice asked for specifics including how many cases have reached the trial court stage, how many have been resolved, and how many remain pending. The court has set a four-week deadline for submitting this information. Each report must include a brief ...

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar’s plane tragically crashed near Baramati on Wednesday morning, killing all passengers on board. While the exact cause is yet to be determined, preliminary reports suggest technical failure or adverse weather conditions may have played a role. Possible Causes of the CrashAjit Pawar was en route to an election rally in Baramati, Pune, when his aircraft went down during landing. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has confirmed the deaths of all on board. Early investigations indicate a potential technical fault. According to the European Transport Safety Council, globally, 90% of plane crashes are caused by technical failures. Bad weather also remains a significant contributing factor. Takeoff and Landing: High-Risk PhasesAviati...

Amid ongoing trade tensions, a new diplomatic issue may emerge between the United States and India following a controversial remark by US President Donald Trump. Criticizing the UK’s decision to return the Chagos Archipelago to Mauritius, Trump called the move “a huge folly.” The statement could potentially create friction with India, which has historically supported Mauritius’ sovereignty over the islands. Background: Chagos Archipelago DisputeThe Chagos Archipelago, home to the strategic US-UK military base at Diego Garcia, was part of a May 2025 agreement between the UK and Mauritius. Under this deal, the UK can continue leasing Diego Garcia to the US for over $100 million annually for 99 years. Trump suggested that Britain’s decision was influenced by its ambitions in Greenland, alt...

The Supreme Court is set to hear a petition questioning whether Brahmins, traditionally considered socially and educationally advanced, can be classified as politically backward and thus entitled to reservation in local panchayat elections. The issue arises from their limited representation among elected representatives at the grassroots level, despite their overall socio-economic advantages. Petition Filed by NGOThe petition was filed by the non-governmental organization Youth for Equality Foundation through senior advocate Gopal Shankar Narayanan. The plea references the 5-judge verdict in the K. Krishna Murthy case, which held that social and economic backwardness does not automatically equate to political backwardness. The matter will be heard by a bench comprising Chief Justice Sur...

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued weather alerts for eight states, warning of rainfall and storms. Snowfall is expected in mountainous regions, further intensifying the cold wave. Citizens have been advised to wear warm clothing and take necessary precautions. Cold Wave Intensifies After RainRain across several states, including Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Himachal Pradesh, has led to a sharp drop in temperatures. The IMD has forecast gusty winds of 40–50 km/h during this period. Heavy snowfall and rain are expected in the higher reaches of Himachal Pradesh, prompting an ‘Orange’ alert for Kullu, Chamba, Kinnaur, and Lahaul & Spiti districts. Delhi-NCR WeatherFrom 28 to 30 January, moderate fog is expected to persist in the National C...