Pune: The black box of the Learjet that crashed in Baramati has been recovered, and the investigation is proceeding expeditiously, the ministry of civil aviation said on Thursday, a day after the tragedy in which deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar and four others were killed.The black box, comprising the cockpit voice recorder (CVR) and flight data recorder (FDR), records technical flight parameters and cockpit audio providing critical information to the investigators. A source said, “It is being checked if the equipment and data were damaged in any way because of the fire. Data extraction generally takes some more time in such a situation.” A team of three officers from the Aircraft Accident Bureau, Delhi, and another team of three officers from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) Mumbai regional office reached the crash site on Wednesday, the ministry added. On Wednesday, the Learjet operated by Delhi-based VSR Ventures took off from Mumbai and crashed at 8.44 am just short of runway 11 of Baramati airport. The accident has drawn focus to the lack of ground-based navigation aids at the Baramati airport. The airport was transferred to the MADC (Maharashtra Airport Development Company Ltd) last year on instructions of the late deputy chief minister.While multiple calls and text messages sent to MADC vice-chairman-cum-managing director Swati Pandey went unanswered, sources told TOI that the govt resolution on the transfer of the facility to MADC came only in December. Before the facility went to the MADC, it was with the MIDC (Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation). The Baramati airport does not have any commercial flight movements, but records movement of non-scheduled flight operations due to its proximity to the Pawar family. Baramati is an uncontrolled airfield, which means air traffic navigation services are provided by the instructors and pilots of a local flying training organisation and not the Airports Authority of India.Aviation sources said that flying on chartered rotor or fixed wing aircraft has increased by more than 100% compared to seven to eight years ago. “Heavy flying definitely puts pressure on the pilots, considering that they have to fly many times across less known terrains and runways. On average, jets are flying more than 100 hours a month against three hours to 40 hours a month some years back,” said Ishwarchandra Gulgule, MD, Kaigu Aviation, Pune.

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent criticised European countries over the trade deal with India on Wednesday.Asked in an interview with CNBC whether the India-EU trade deal threatened US interests, Bessent said countries should do what is best for themselves. But he said he was “very disappointed” with Europe’s actions, especially given the war in Ukraine.

“We have put 25% tariffs on India for buying Russian oil. Guess what happened last week? The Europeans signed a trade deal with India,” he said.“The Europeans are on the front line of the Ukraine-Russia war,” Bessent further said. He pointed out that while India began buying sanctioned Russian oil, European countries later bought the refined products. “So, the Europeans have been funding the war against themselves,” he said.Bessent added that the US had imposed a 25 per cent tariff on India for buying Russian oil, but said European countries did not join Washington’s efforts. “The Europeans were unwilling to join us and it turns out because they wanted to do this trade deal,” he said.He said Europe had placed trade interests above the war in Ukraine. “Every time you hear a European talk about the importance of the Ukrainian people remember that they put trade ahead of the Ukrainian people,” Bessent said. “European trade, more important than ending the war in Ukraine.”His comments came a day after India and the European Union announced they had concluded negotiations on a free trade agreement, ending talks that began nearly 20 years ago. The deal, described by Indian officials as the “mother of all deals”, is India’s 19th trade agreement.The agreement is expected to boost India’s exports to the 27-nation EU bloc and change competition for several domestic industries. It comes at a time when global trade is under strain due to high US tariffs, fragile supply chains and ongoing geopolitical tensions, including the Russia-Ukraine war.India is currently facing high tariffs from the United States, while the European Union is also at risk of higher American duties.

As the cricketing world turns its gaze toward the co-hosted spectacle in India and Sri Lanka, the buzz surrounding the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 has reached a fever pitch. With India entering the tournament as the defending champions, the question isn’t just whether they can reach the final on home soil, but who will be standing across from them at the Narendra Modi Stadium. Recently, a panel of legendary Indian cricketers and analysts on Star Sports weighed in, and the consensus was unanimous, India is the team to beat.

Indian experts shortlist the most likely finalists against India

In a high-profile discussion on Star Sports, a Who’s who of Indian cricket history shared their visions for the 2026 final. While every single expert confidently placed India in the summit clash, their predictions for the other finalist revealed a fascinating divide in how they perceive the current global T20 hierarchy.

The predictions from the panel are summarized below:

The data suggests a heavyweight tilt toward Australia, with Irfan Pathan, Aakash Chopra, and Sanjay Bangar all anticipating a high-stakes rematch of the 2023 ODI World Cup final. Meanwhile, veteran spinners like Anil Kumble and batting stalwarts like Cheteshwar Pujara are wary of England’s Bazball-influenced T20 aggression. Interestingly, Suresh Raina stood out as the lone voice backing New Zealand, perhaps acknowledging the Black Caps’ uncanny ability to over-perform in ICC events.

Also READ: Suresh Raina, Irfan Pathan and other experts predict Team India’s leading run-scorer at T20 World Cup 2026

India to begin their title defence at home

India’s journey to defend the title they clinched in 2024 is structured as a marathon, not a sprint. As co-hosts, the Suryakumar Yadav-led side enjoys the luxury of familiar conditions and a partisan home crowd, but the pressure of being the hunted rather than the hunter is immense.

India’s schedule begins in Group A, where they are slated to face the USA (Feb 7), Namibia (Feb 12), Pakistan (Feb 15), and the Netherlands (Feb 18). While the clash against arch-rivals Pakistan in Colombo is the undeniable headliner of the group stage, India’s path to the trophy requires navigating the treacherous Super 8 stage, where they are expected to encounter the world’s top-seeded teams.

The Indian management has already signaled a shift toward a “strike-rate first” philosophy, prioritizing explosive hitters like Abhishek Sharma and Tilak Varma alongside the clinical finishing of Hardik Pandya and Rinku Singh. With the final scheduled for March 8, 2026, in Ahmedabad, the roadmap is clear: dominate the powerplays, rely on the mastery of Jasprit Bumrah in the death overs, and turn the home advantage into a historic third T20 World Cup title.

Also READ: ‘When your leader…’: Rahul Dravid makes big comment on Rohit Sharma’s influence as Indian captain

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Elon Musk is reportedly planning to take his space company, SpaceX, public during a rare celestial alignment, purportedly seeking an ‘auspicious’ start for what is rumoured to be the largest Initial Public Offering (IPO) in financial history. Citing five people familiar with the matter, the Financial Times reported that the billionaire is targeting mid-June 2026 for the listing, specifically eyeing a conjunction of Jupiter and Venus, which is known in Vedic astrology as a Guru-Shukra Yuti.The proposed IPO reportedly seeks to raise as much as $50 billion at a staggering valuation of $1.5 trillion. In comparison, if successful, it will dwarf the $29 billion record set by Saudi Aramco in 2019.

SpaceX IPO: Personal and ‘Celestial’ timeline

The timing of the blockbuster deal appears to be driven by a mix of astronomical events and personal significance. The mid-June target is close to Musk’s 55th birth anniversary (June 28). Moreover, on June 8 and 9, Jupiter and Venus will appear within a degree of each other in the sky – appearing to ‘kiss’ each other. In astronomy – a field of science that deals with celestial objects, planets and stars – it is called ‘a conjunction’ and create a spectacle in the skyWhen it comes to Astrological significance, Jupiter (Guru representing expansion, wisdom, abundance) and Venus (Shukra representing love, beauty, money) bring optimism, joy and new opportunities with prosperity and major beginnings in various cultural traditions.

SpaceX eyes Starship and AI data centers

Beyond the symbolism, the IPO is fueled by fresh funds which are needed to accelerate the development of the Starship rocket system, which Musk views as the primary vehicle for his goal of reaching Mars. Furthermore, SpaceX has informed investors of a plan to deploy data centres in space – something that Google has already announced in Sunchaser project.Reportes claim that SpaceX CFO Bret Johnsen has been in talks with private investors since mid-December 2025.

Former Australia captain Ricky Ponting has backed Glenn Maxwell to rediscover his spark at the upcoming T20 World Cup, insisting that a difficult Big Bash League season should not define what the all-rounder can deliver on the biggest stage. Maxwell endured a tough BBL campaign with Melbourne Stars, scoring just 76 runs at an average of 15.20, claiming two wickets and struggling in the field with several dropped catches. He has been rested for Australia’s three-match T20I series against Pakistan but is set to rejoin the squad in Sri Lanka ahead of their tournament opener against Ireland on February 11.

Ponting, speaking to The West Australian, highlighted Maxwell’s unpredictability as both a challenge and a strength. “He can because he always has. I’ve coached him a lot and he’s a really hard player to read what’s going to happen because he can have a week of the best training you’ve ever seen and then come out and it does not happen. And he could have the world’s worst week leading into a game and come out and do something crazy,” Ponting said. While acknowledging that age can play a role, Ponting believes the World Cup environment could bring the best out of Maxwell once again. “If the edge starts to come off, it’s hard to find it and replace it. But if anything’s going to bring it out of him, a World Cup will. He’s had some pretty amazing moments in World Cups in the past and hopefully for Australia’s sake he can have a few more over the next few weeks.” Ponting expects Maxwell to be named in Australia’s XI for the opener, with the defending champions drawn in Group B alongside Zimbabwe, Sri Lanka and Oman. He admitted recent form alone would not justify selection but pointed to experience and conditions as key factors. “You couldn’t pick him on form at the moment because of what everyone else in that squad has done through the BBL. But they’ll pick him because of his experience and probably because of the conditions as well,” Ponting said. He added that the presence of spin-friendly conditions and a relatively gentle start to the tournament could help Maxwell find rhythm. “He’s probably going to be facing a lot of spin bowling and he’ll give the option to be able to bowl some as well. They’ve got some pretty easy games and that might be just exactly what he needs to get himself into some touch. A bit of soft opposition early on and some runs and wickets under his belt, that might hold him in good stead for the back half.” Ponting also named Steve Smith as the leading candidate for a call-up should Australia suffer any injury setbacks. Smith enjoyed an outstanding BBL, scoring 299 runs at an average of 59.80 in six matches, including a century, after producing two fifties and a hundred during Australia’s home Ashes series. “His numbers stack up better than anybody else’s. But when you’ve been out and the side’s had some success, and Travis Head and Mitch Marsh are the incumbents, it’s hard to push one of those two guys out of an opening slot,” Ponting said. He noted that Smith’s role in the shortest format may have limited his recent opportunities. “And poor Steve has probably been pigeonholed as an opening batsman only in the T20 game, which probably has held him back a little bit in the last few years as far as selection is concerned. But he’s only one little injury away. He’s the next cab off the rank and he’s ready to go.”

NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said the ‘Beating Retreat’ ceremony, scheduled for this evening, marks the formal conclusion of Republic Day celebrations and highlights the strength of India’s military heritage.He added that the event showcases the discipline, traditions and valour of the armed forces, who remain committed to safeguarding the nation.“This evening, the Beating Retreat ceremony will be held. It symbolises the conclusion of the Republic Day celebrations. In it, the strength of India’s rich military heritage will be displayed. We are extremely proud of our armed forces who are dedicated to the defence of the country. Eko bahunamsi manya edita visham visham yuddhaya san shishaadhi,” PM Modi said through a post on X. The ‘Beating Retreat’ ceremony, held annually at Vijay Chowk in New Delhi, signals the conclusion of Republic Day celebrations. Drawing on military tradition, it features performances by the Army, Navy and Air Force bands, blending patriotic and classical music to create a solemn and stirring spectacle.

‘Beating Retreat ceremony’ at Vijay Chowk today to formally conclude Republic Day celebrations.

Defence minister Rajnath Singh confirmed that the event will commence at 5.00 pm, officially closing the Republic Day festivities.“At 5.00 pm today, the ‘Beating Retreat’ ceremony will be held at Vijay Chowk in New Delhi. This ceremony is a solemn and dignified tradition that brings the Republic Day celebrations to a close,” the defence minister said through a post on X. The Delhi Traffic Police has issued a traffic advisory ahead of the Full Dress Rehearsal of the event. Traffic restrictions will be in place from 4 pm to 6 pm to ensure the smooth conduct of the event and facilitate the movement of participating contingents and officials.Vijay Chowk and several connecting roads, including Raisina Road, Krishna Menon Marg, Sunehri Masjid roundabout, and Kartavya Path between Vijay Chowk and the Rafi Marg-Kartavya Path crossing, will remain closed to general traffic during this period.Commuters have been advised to plan their journeys in advance and use alternate routes such as Ring Road, Ridge Road, Aurobindo Marg, Safdarjung Road–Kamal Ataturk Marg, Rani Jhansi Road, and Minto Road.

Benchmark equity indices Sensex and Nifty ended higher on Thursday after recovering from sharp early losses, supported by buying in heavyweight Larsen & Toubro and optimism following the Economic Survey’s growth outlook for the next financial year.The 30-share BSE Sensex rose 221.69 points, or 0.27 per cent, to close at 82,566.37. The index had slipped as much as 636.74 points, or 0.77 per cent, to 81,707.94 in morning trade before staging a rebound.The NSE Nifty also pared losses to settle higher, gaining 76.15 points, or 0.30 per cent, to end at 25,418.90. Earlier in the session, the benchmark had fallen 182.95 points, or 0.72 per cent, to an intraday low of 25,159.80.Sentiment was also aided by the Economic Survey 2025–26, which projected GDP growth of 6.8–7.2 per cent for the next fiscal year, citing the cumulative impact of structural reforms and a stable macroeconomic environment. The survey also noted that ongoing negotiations for a trade agreement with the United States are expected to be concluded during the year, a development that could help ease uncertainty on the external front and support investor confidence.Here is the list of the top 10 gainers and losers on the Nifty50 and BSE Sensex for the session.

Top Nifty50 gainers

Top Nifty50 losers

Sensex top gainers

Sensex top loser

“Domestic markets ended higher after staging a strong rebound, supported by an upbeat economic survey that reaffirmed a robust FY27 growth outlook and a well-anchored inflation environment amidst persistent global uncertainties,” Vinod Nair, Head of Research, Geojit Investments Limited, said, quoted PTI.Foreign institutional investors turned buyers on Wednesday after days of offloading stocks, according to exchange data. They bought stocks worth Rs 480.26 crore. Domestic Institutional Investors (DIIs) also bought equities worth Rs 3,360.59 crore.In Asian markets, South Korea’s Kospi, Japan’s Nikkei 225 index, Shanghai’s SSE Composite index and Hong Kong’s Hang Seng index ended higher. Markets in Europe were trading higher. US markets ended flat on Wednesday. Brent crude, the global oil benchmark, jumped 2.50 per cent to USD 70.11 per barrel.