Digvijay Singh, Ajit Pawar and Mallikarjun Kharge (Images/Agencies)

NEW DELHI: Opposition leaders on Wednesday demanded a thorough investigation into the plane crash that killed Maharashtra deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar and four others. The calls are being ranged from a DGCA-led probe to a Supreme Court-monitored inquiry.Ajit Pawar (66) was among five people killed when a Learjet 46 aircraft crash-landed near Baramati airport in Pune district on Wednesday morning. The aircraft was operated by Delhi-based VSR Ventures and the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) said there were five people on board, including crew members.Senior Congress leader Digvijay Singh expressed his condolences over the death of NCP leader. Raising concerns over the circumstances of the crash, he said that several questions needed to be answered, including visibility conditions, landing protocol and aircraft maintenance. “The question is, why did this accident happen? From the preliminary information I have received, a similar accident involving the same company occurred in Mumbai three years ago. This incident took place in low visibility. Normally, landing should not be attempted unless visibility is at least five kilometres,” he said. Singh added that the aircraft reportedly attempted to land twice before missing the airstrip. “The DGCA should conduct a thorough investigation into the matter. It must also be examined who was responsible for the aircraft’s maintenance and whether DGCA clearance had been granted,” Singh said. Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha and Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge also called for a probe, describing Pawar’s death as untimely and deeply shocking.“We will demand an investigation into this accident. It is a very sad incident. Ajit Pawar died a premature death. The passing away of a hard-working man has shocked us all. We are with his family in this hour,” Kharge said.Speaking to reporters in the Parliament House complex, Kharge said Pawar had worked for the people and his death had hurt everyone. “This has hurt everyone, including his family members, and we share their grief and pray that they can bear this loss,” he said.Earlier, in a post on X, Kharge said Pawar’s death was “deeply shocking and profoundly distressing,” calling it an untimely loss of a leader with a long political career ahead. He said Pawar would be remembered as a seasoned politician who served Maharashtra in various constitutional roles.West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee demanded a Supreme Court-supervised inquiry and alleging that existing agencies could not be trusted.“We trust only the Supreme Court. All other agencies have been completely compromised,” Banerjee told reporters before leaving for Singur, asserting that only a court-monitored probe would bring out the truth.She also alleged a possible political conspiracy, claiming there were reports that Pawar was considering leaving the BJP days before the crash. “Two days ago, I came to know that someone from another party had given a statement that Pawar was willing to leave the BJP, and now this has happened today,” she said, while adding that Pawar was reportedly preparing to return to the NCP faction led by his uncle Sharad Pawar.“It is truly a great loss. My condolences to his family, the people of Maharashtra, and to Sharad Pawar,” Banerjee said.The Biju Janta Dal also joined other opposition parties in demanding a thorough investigation. BJD VP Debi Prasad Mishra said, “It is shocking news that Ajit Pawar, the Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra and a regional party leader, died in a plane crash at Baramati. He was a vibrant leader with a strong reputation as a doer, held important portfolios in Maharashtra, and worked extensively for the people. He was also the cousin of the legendary leader Sharad Pawar. This is very unfortunate, and the matter should be thoroughly investigated.”

NEW DELHI: European Council President Antonio Costa on Tuesday said he was “very proud” of his ancestral roots in Goa and described the connection between Europe and India as “something personal to me”, as New Delhi and the European Union announced the conclusion of an ambitious free trade agreement (FTA), described as the “mother of all deals.”“Today is a historic moment. We are opening a new chapter in our relations – on trade, on security, on people-to-people ties,” Costa said at a press conference at the Hyderabad House in the presence of PM Modi and EU chief Ursula von der Leyen following the India–EU summit talksDuring his remarks, Costa highlighted his personal connection with India, saying he was “also an overseas Indian citizen,” and pulled out his Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card from his suit pocket and showed it to the gathering.“Also because we conclude today our trade negotiations, we relaunched at the Leaders’ meeting that I had the pleasure to host, in May 2021, in my previous capacity. Our summit sends a clear message to the world: at a time when the global order is being fundamentally reshaped, the European Union and India stand together as strategic and reliable partners,” Costa said.“Today, we are taking our partnership to the next level,” he added.“I am the President of the European Council, but I am also an overseas Indian citizen. Then, as you can imagine, for me, it has a special meaning. I am very proud of my roots in Goa, where my father’s family came from. And, the connection between Europe and India is something personal to me,” he said.In line with their vision for a rules-based global order, India and the 27-nation EU bloc also rolled out a joint comprehensive strategic agenda for the next five years and finalised 13 agreements, including one related to the conclusion of FTA negotiations.The OCI scheme, meant for persons of Indian origin who are foreign nationals, was introduced through an amendment to the Citizenship Act, 1955, in August 2005. A registered OCI holder is granted a multiple-entry, multi-purpose, lifelong visa to visit India, though the status does not provide political rights, according to the Ministry of External Affairs.Goa was a Portuguese territory for several centuries before it was liberated from colonial rule on December 19, 1961. Costa was born in Lisbon, Portugal, on July 17, 1961, nearly five months before Goa’s liberation.Earlier, Prime Minister Modi hosted von der Leyen and Costa for the summit talks in New Delhi. The two EU leaders were also chief guests at the 77th Republic Day celebrations at Kartavya Path on Monday.“Thank you dear Prime Minister Modi, for welcoming us on this special occasion. We were privileged yesterday to be your Chief Guests for the Republic Day celebrations, such an impressive display of India’s capabilities and diversity,” Costa said.

NEW DELHI: India accounts for more than 43% of Asia’s chronic respiratory disease–related disability, the highest share in the region, according to a new analysis published in The Lancet Respiratory Medicine on Wednesday. The study identifies air pollution as a major factor behind India’s persistently high lung disease burden.The study, based on estimates from the Global Burden of Disease 2023, found that Asia as a whole contributed nearly 67% of global disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) due to chronic respiratory diseases in 2023. India alone accounted for 43.3% of Asia’s DALYs, while China contributed 27.8%, together making up over 70% of the regional burden, largely driven by population size and sustained exposure to risk factors.In 2023, India’s age-standardised DALY rate from chronic respiratory diseases remained above 2,040 per 100,000 population, among the highest in Asia, reflecting a substantial burden of disability and premature mortality linked to respiratory conditions, despite a gradual decline since 1990.Explaining what this translates to on the ground, Dr G.C. Khilnani, pulmonologist and Chairman, PSRI Institute of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, said respiratory illnesses such as pneumonia, asthma and COPD are now among the most common conditions seen in clinical practice, with children and the elderly particularly vulnerable. He said delayed diagnosis worsens outcomes, while air pollution has emerged as a major driver—accounting for nearly half of COPD cases and a growing share of lung cancers, including among non-smokers.South Asia, driven largely by India, recorded the highest age-standardised prevalence of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in Asia at 3,044 cases per 100,000 population. While prevalence across Asian regions was broadly similar, the analysis found that disability and deaths were significantly higher in lower-income regions, pointing to poorer outcomes rather than higher disease occurrence.Dr Ujjwal Parakh, Senior Consultant in Chest Medicine at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, said chronic respiratory diseases—particularly COPD—are steadily increasing in India and are often diagnosed late due to low awareness and limited access to spirometry. With air pollution damaging lungs much like tobacco smoke, he said controlling pollution and improving early detection are critical.The study identified ambient particulate matter pollution and household air pollution from solid fuels as major contributors to India’s respiratory disease burden. Household air pollution in South Asia was associated with an age-standardised DALY rate of 658 per 100,000 population, among the highest globally.Researchers cautioned that although age-standardised DALY rates for most chronic respiratory diseases have declined across Asia over the past three decades, uneven progress, persistent pollution exposure and gaps in access to care threaten to slow or reverse gains. Without sustained improvements in air quality, cleaner household energy use and equitable respiratory care, the study warned, India’s lung disease burden is likely to remain high.

Shakeel Ahmad (ANI image)

NEW DELHI: Days after calling Rahul Gandhi “darpok” (coward) and “insecure”, former Congress leader Shakeel Ahmad on Tuesday claimed that his residence faces a threat of attack. He shared a screenshot of a WhatsApp message which he alleged was circulated by party members, calling on district and assembly-level leaders to burn his effigy in protest over his “inappropriate statements” about Rahul Gandhi.Sharing the chats on X, Ahmad wrote: “Now my information has turned out to be absolutely spot on. Many thanks to the old mates from Congress. There’s a saying in our Bihar that old friends are the ones who come in handy. Is this happening without Rahul ji’s orders?”The message he posted read: “Former Congress leader Shakeel Ahmad has been continuously making inappropriate statements about our respected leader Shri Rahul Gandhi. The top leadership has directed that all District Presidents and Assembly Presidents should, in their respective areas, burn an effigy of Shakeel Ahmad on 27/12/2026 to register strong protest.”Escalating the spat further, in a post late Monday, Ahmad further alleged that the Congress leadership in Bihar has “ordered” party workers to attack his residence.“Just now, some colleagues from the Congress have secretly informed me that the Congress national leadership has ordered the Bihar Congress/Youth Congress to attack my residences in Patna and Madhubani tomorrow, January 27, under the pretext of burning an effigy,” he wrote on X.The controversy follows Ahmad’s scathing remarks about Gandhi. “Rahul Gandhi is a coward and an insecure person. He does not get that ‘boss feeling’ before anyone who is senior to him or has a big public support. He is uncomfortable with any such person and is thus dictatorial and not democratic,” he told PTI.Congress leader Manickam Tagore hit back, calling Ahmad a “betrayer” and “Jaichand”. “I am not shocked. Just saddened, yet again,? by how betrayal becomes loud when courage walks the longest road,” Tagore wrote on X, adding that such attacks were about “TV time, relevance and pleasing new masters”.Ahmad, a former Union minister and ex-Congress general secretary who quit the party after the 2025 Bihar elections, has also accused Gandhi of sidelining senior leaders and influencing the 2022 party presidential poll in favour of Mallikarjun Kharge.

Representative image (Photo credit: PTI)

NEW DELHI: Prominent agriculture scientist Ashok Kumar Singh, who developed over 25 rice varieties, especially Basmati, and co-developed India’s first genome-edited rice, and former Vice-Chancellor of the Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University, Pusa in Bihar, Gopal Ji Trivedi, were among nine persons associated with the farm and allied sector selected for this year’s Padma Shri award.Besides Singh, former director of the ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI), there were four other scientists and four farmers in the list of awardees from the sector who helped farm growth through their research and innovative farm practices and contributed towards improving the livelihood of farmers in different parts of the country.Rice varieties, including different Pusa Basmati and non-Basmati varieties, developed by Singh and other ICAR-IARI scientists, significantly increased rice output over the years and helped India earn roughly around Rs 50,000 crore annually from Basmati rice export.The country’s first genome-edited rice varieties, ‘DRR Dhan 100 (Kamala)’ and ‘Pusa DST Rice 1’, which Singh co-developed with other scientists of the ICAR’s institutes, were expected to enhance output, save water and reduce greenhouse gas emission during cultivation. It was estimated that cultivation of these varieties, released last year, in about 5 million hectares of the recommended area would produce 4.5 million tons of additional paddy, save a total of 7,500 million cubic metres of irrigation water, particularly by using the shorter duration maturity variety of ‘DRR Dhan 100 Kamala’, and reduce methane emissions by 20%.Trivedi helped farmers cultivate Makhana (fox nuts) in a big way and popularise the nutrient-dense, low-calorie and gluten-free snack among health conscious Indians. Besides helping farmers cultivate Makhana, Trivedi also popularised adoption of canopy management in Litchi orchards to improve yield and promoted winter maize cultivation in Bihar.Other agriculture scientists selected for Padma Shri were Prem Lal Gautam, former chairperson of the National Biodiversity Authority (NBA) and the Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers’ Rights Authority (PPVFRA); K Ramasamy, former Vice Chancellor of the Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU); and N Punniamoorthy, former dean at Tamil Nadu Veterinary and Animal Sciences University (TANVASU).Ramasamy championed natural farming and significantly contributed in National Policy Planning of Agriculture Biotechnology, Ferti-irrigation and Biogas Development. Gautam established India’s first plant germplasm registration system and helped in operationalising India’s National Gene Bank.Punniamurthy, a veterinarian, pioneered antibiotic-free herbal and traditional protocols and developed herbal formulations for Mastitis, FMD and parasitic infection. He helped reduce antibiotic residues in milk and treated over 8 lakh cows.Four farmers selected for the Padma Shri for contributions to agriculture and animal husbandry included Raghupat Singh (Posthumous), a progressive farmer from Bilari in Moradabad district, who conserved more than 55 rare and nearly extinct vegetable varieties and developed around 100 new varieties; Jogesh Deuri of Assam, who promoted Muga silk and helped it gain wider national and international recognition; Shrirang Devaba Lad of Maharashtra, who developed the “Dada Lad technique” for cotton cultivation to increase yield; and Rama Reddy Mamidi of Telangana (Posthumous), who strengthened cooperative models in animal husbandry and dairy development.

NEW DELHI: European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen said on Monday, a successful India makes the world “more stable, prosperous and secure,” after attending India’s 77th Republic Day celebrations at Kartavya Path, a day ahead of the India–EU summit.Von der Leyen and European Council president Antonio Costa attended the Republic Day parade as chief guests, marking the first time that two top European Union leaders jointly graced India’s Republic Day celebrations.

“It is the honor of a lifetime to be Chief Guests at the Republic Day celebrations. A successful India makes the world more stable, prosperous and secure. And we all benefit,” von der Leyen said in a X post after the ceremony.President Droupadi Murmu unfurled the national flag as the parade unfolded along Kartavya Path, showcasing India’s military strength, indigenous defence capabilities and cultural heritage. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, defence minister Rajnath Singh, senior cabinet ministers, the country’s top military leadership, foreign diplomats and senior officials were among those present.From military prowess to cultural richness: India’s 77th Republic Day parade in picsA European Union military contingent, led by Colonel Frederik Simon Spruijt, also took part in the parade.Von der Leyen and Costa, on a state visit accompanied by a high-level delegation, are scheduled to hold summit level talks with PM Modi on Tuesday, with discussions expected to focus on trade, security and strategic cooperation.India traditionally invites foreign leaders as chief guests for its Republic Day celebrations. Indonesian president Prabowo Subianto was the chief guest last year, while French president Emmanuel Macron attended in 2024 and Egyptian president Abdel Fattah El-Sisi in 2023. There were no chief guests in 2021 and 2022 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.In recent years, the parade has also been attended by leaders including former US President Barack Obama, former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, and leaders of all 10 ASEAN countries.

NEW DELHI: After India’s major counterterror action under Operation Sindoor in 2025, this year’s Republic Day parade put the spotlight firmly on the country’s military strength. Along Kartavya Path — formerly Rajpath — weapons platforms and defence systems rolled past in a grand display of the armed forces’ combat readiness and technological prowess.The spectacle extended to the skies over the Raisina Hills, where the Air Force formations flew past in the presence of chief guests from Europe, foreign delegations and thousands of spectators. The aerial display, featuring the Operation Sindoor flag unfurled midair, served as a powerful visual statement, highlighting the message of deterrence and preparedness that defined the parade.

(PTI photo)

The ‘Battle Array’ formation, unveiled for the first time on Kartavya Path, signalled a shift from traditional ceremonial displays to a combat-ready battlefield setup, reflecting the Army’s move toward modern, multi-domain warfare.

A glass-cased Integrated Operational Centre (IOC) depicting Operation Sindoor rolled down Kartavya Path during the 77th Republic Day parade on Monday. The display highlighted how the operation was carried out and showcased the close coordination between India’s armed forces.In a clear message to Pakistan, the tri-services tableaux showcased the striking power of the BrahMos missile alongside the robust S-400 air defence system, a key element of India’s overall defence strategy, the “Sudarshan Chakra,” which was proven effective during high military tensions with the nuclear-armed neighbour in May.Operation Sindoor led to the neutralisation of over 100 terrorists and enemy soldiers. Several key enemy assets were destroyed, and the operation brought the adversary to a standstill within 88 hours.The military action was launched after the April 2025 terrorist attack in Pahalgam, in which 26 people were killed. In response, Indian forces carried out strikes on terrorist bases in Pakistan, targeting key infrastructure and eliminating multiple terrorists.

The IOC display showed that the operation was guided by national and military leadership, with strong coordination between the Army, Navy and Air Force. Support from the civilian population and seamless inter-service cooperation were shown as major reasons for the operation’s success.The theme of “Virasat, Vividhta aur Vikas” was highlighted during the display. While the BrahMos missile delivered decisive strikes on enemy targets, air defence systems such as Akash and S-400 provided protection to civilian areas under the concept of the “Sudarshan Chakra”.As part of the Combat Support Elements segment, Divyastra and Shaktibaan systems were showcased. Mounted on High Mobility Vehicles (HMV 6×6), these platforms reflect the Indian Army’s push towards indigenisation and modernisation.

India’s new-generation unmanned warfare capability was also on display through Shaktibaan and Divyastra. These systems are designed around surveillance and targeting and represent a major step towards technology-driven and precision warfare.Shaktibaan and Divyastra are equipped with swarm drones, tethered drone systems and the indigenously developed hybrid UAV ZOLT, which is used for directing artillery fire.Their targeting capabilities are supported by loitering munitions such as Harop, Mini Harpy, Peacekeeper, ATS (Extended Range), ATS (Medium Range) and Sky Striker.According to the defence ministry, these systems allow the armed forces to deploy swarm drones, long-range strike drones and loitering munitions for effective battlefield operations.

NEW DELHI: India celebrates its 77th Republic Day on Monday, with nationwide events marking the adoption of the Constitution and highlighting the country’s cultural and military heritage.Celebrations of the 77th Republic Day at the Kartvya Path are based on the theme of the 150th Anniversary of the national song, Vande Mataram, a timeless mantra that awakened the spirit of Swadeshi, self-reliance, and freedom in India’s national consciousness.

President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi presided over the main ceremony at Kartavya Path in the national capital. The President of the European Council, Antonio Costa, and the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, attended the celebrations as chief guests.PM Modi extended greetings on the 77th Republic Day, urging citizens to renew their commitment to a ‘Viksit Bharat’. In a post X, PM Modi said, “Greetings to all countrymen on Republic Day. This national festival, symbolising India’s pride and honour, should infuse new energy and enthusiasm, strengthening the resolve for Viksit Bharat.”Kartavya Path, which runs from Rashtrapati Bhavan to the National War Memorial, has been extensively decorated to reflect India’s journey over the years.

Here are the top developments:

PM Modi lays wreath at National War Memorial War: As the Republic Day celebrations began in the national capital, PM Modi laid a wreath at the National War Memorial at the historical India Gate. The Prime Minister Narendra Modi also signed the visitors’ book as he paid tributes to the fallen heroes.

In honour of the fallen soldiers, PM Modi observed a two-minute silence alongside other military and government dignitaries at the National War Memorial. Consistent with recent tradition, the Prime Minister also signed the digital visitor’s book at the memorial, leaving a message of gratitude and respect for the bravehearts who made the supreme sacrifice.

Present alongside the PM was the defence minister Rajnath Singh, the Chief of Defence Services General Anil Chauhan, the Chief of Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi, the Chief of Air Staf Air Chief Marshal APS Singh and Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Dinesh Tripathi.President Murmu arrived in a ceremonial buggy: President Droupadi Murmu arrived at at the Kartavya Path in a ceremonial buggy, escorted by the President’s Bodyguard (Rashtrapati ke Angrakshak).

President Murmu in ceremonical buggy

She was accompanied by President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen and President of the European Council, Antonio Luis Santos da Costa, who are the chief guests at this year’s Republic Day celebrations.PM Modi receives the President & chief guests: PM Modi received President Droupadi Murmu, President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen and President of the European Council Antonio Luis Santos da Costa before the unfurling of the national flag.

PM Modi receiving the President and the chief guests

Shubhanshu Shukla awarded Ashok Chakra: Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, who created history by becoming the first Indian to visit the International Space Station (ISS), was on Monday awarded the Ashoka Chakra, India’s highest peacetime gallantry award. In June last year, Shukla became the second Indian to have gone to space and the first one to set foot on the ISS as part of the Axiom-4 mission. Shukla’s 18-day space odyssey came 41 years after cosmonaut Rakesh Sharma flew aboard a Russian Soyuz in 1984.

President Murmu awarded gallantry award to Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, who made history by becoming the first Indian to visit the International Space Station, has been honoured with the Ashoka Chakra, the country’s highest peacetime gallantry award.

As a fighter pilot, Shukla has an impressive record of 2,000 hours of flight experience across various aircraft, including the Su-30 MKI, MiG-21, MiG-29, Jaguar, Hawk, Dornier and An-32.The mega parade at Kartavya Path

Indian Air Force wishes Republic Day: The Indian Air Force (IAF) has extended warm wishes on the auspicious occasion of the 77th Republic Day, celebrated on January 26, 2026. The Indian Air Force restated its commitment towards safeguarding the nation’s skies with honour and courage through a post on X.Army chief greets citizens: Indian Army chief General Upendra Dwivedi extended heartfelt greetings to the countrymen on the 77th Republic Day, stating that the occasion provides people with the opportunity to express gratitude to the immortal heroes who made the supreme sacrifice and displayed unparalleled bravery on the line of duty.Kartavya Path set to unveil unique mix of ‘Vande Mataram’: The celebrations will feature an extraordinary blend of the 150-year legacy of the national song Vande Mataram, the country’s unprecedented developmental progress, robust military strength, vibrant cultural diversity, and active participation from citizens across all walks of life.High security in Delhi-NCR & LoC: The national capital has been placed on high alert on the occasion of the 77th Republic Day, with intensified security checks underway across the Delhi-NCR region. Police personnel conducted thorough vehicle checks at Gurugram, Chilla, Tikri, Singhu, Kapashera, Badarpur, and Dhaula Kuan borders amid heightened security arrangements for the Republic Day celebrations.