India will host the 2nd India-Arab Foreign Ministers' Meeting (IAFMM) on Saturday (January 31). The meeting will be co-chaired by India and the UAE, according to a press release from the Ministry of External Affairs. Foreign Ministers of other Arab League Member States and the Arab League Secretary General will participate in the '2nd India-Arab Foreign Ministers' Meeting'. According to the release, the Foreign Ministers' meeting is taking place after a 10-year hiatus. The first meeting was held in 2016 in Bahrain. At the first FMM, the Ministers identified five priority verticals of cooperation: economy, energy, education, media, and culture, and proposed a set of activities across these verticals. The 2nd India-Arab FMM is expected to build on the existing cooperation, expanding and deepening the partnership. The India Arab Foreign Ministers' Meeting is the highest institutional mechanism driving this partnership, which was formalised in March 2002 when India and the League of Arab States (LAS) signed an MoU institutionalising the process of dialogue. A Memorandum of Cooperation was signed to establish the Arab-India Cooperation Forum during the visit of the then Arab League Secretary General Amre Moussa to India in December 2008, and was subsequently revised in 2013 to reflect a revised structural organisation. India is an Observer to the League of Arab States, a pan Arab body with 22 member States. As per the release, this is the first India-Arab FMM to be hosted by India in New Delhi and will see participation by all 22 Arab countries by Foreign Ministers, other Ministers, Ministers of State, and other Senior Officials, and the Arab League. The IAFMM will be preceded by the 4th India-Arab Senior Officials' Meeting on Friday. Meanwhile, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal welcomed the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the Republic of Sudan, and also the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates of the State of Palestine, on Thursday for the second India Arab Foreign Ministers' Meeting. In a post on X, he said, "Delighted to welcome H.E. Mohieldin Salim Ahmed Ibrahim, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Republic of Sudan, for the second India Arab Foreign Ministers' Meeting. The visit will further strengthen people-to-people ties between India and Sudan." In another post, Jaiswal said, "Warm welcome to the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates of the State of Palestine, H.E. @VarsenAghShahin, as she arrives in India to participate in the 2nd India Arab Foreign Ministers' Meeting. The visit reaffirms India's partnership with the people of Palestine and the Arab world." This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever.
29 January,2026 11:05 AM IST | New Delhi | ANIThe share market in the country opened flat on Tuesday as investors remained in a wait-and-watch mode ahead of the upcoming Union Budget this weekend, with market volatility showing signs of cooling. The benchmark Nifty 50 index opened at 25,345, registering a marginal gain of 2.25 points or 0.01 per cent. Meanwhile, the BSE Sensex opened at 82,368.96, up by 24.28 points or 0.03 per cent. Market participants appeared cautious as they positioned themselves ahead of the Budget announcement, while indicators suggested a stable but guarded sentiment. Ajay Bagga, Banking and Market Expert, told ANI, "Volatility is cooling as the India VIX settled near 13.5-14, and the Nifty PCR (Put-Call Ratio) stands at a balanced 0.70, indicating cautious but stable positioning ahead of the Union Budget 2026. Investors are eyeing the February 1st announcement with expectations for a 4.2 per cent fiscal deficit target, continued infrastructure CAPEX, and potential AI-focused incentives." He further added, "Currencies, Oil and Metals are the stories of the day. US Dollar moves are roiling policy makers' outlooks, Oil is surging due to the high probability of a joining Israeli-US attack on Iran and Metals are seeing a bumper year." In the broader market on the National Stock Exchange (NSE), indices showed mixed trends. The Nifty 100 slipped by 0.19 per cent, while the Nifty Midcap 100 edged up by 0.10 per cent. The Nifty Smallcap index outperformed, gaining 0.51 per cent. Sectoral indices on the NSE opened mostly in the red, except for the Nifty Metal and PSU Bank indices. The Nifty Auto index declined by 0.70 per cent, Nifty FMCG fell by 0.54 per cent, and Nifty IT was down by 0.95 per cent in early trade. Global markets reflected a mix of caution and resilience following the first US Federal Reserve meeting of the year. The Fed kept interest rates unchanged at 3.5 per cent to 3.75 per cent and signalled a data-dependent approach as inflation remains sticky. In the US, the S&P 500 briefly crossed the historic 7,000 mark but closed flat, while the Nasdaq gained 0.17 per cent, supported by strong buying in AI chip stocks. Commodities remained in focus, with gold hitting a record high and nearing USD 5,600 per ounce in some markets amid safe-haven demand and a weakening US Dollar. Oil prices also climbed to a four-month peak, with Brent settling near USD 68.40 due to rising geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and a surprise draw in US inventories. In other Asian markets, a mixed trend was visible. Japan's Nikkei 225 opened with a marginal gain of 0.03 per cent, Hong Kong's Hang Seng index rose by 0.6 per cent, South Korea's KOSPI gained 0.98 per cent, while Taiwan's weighted index declined by 0.48 per cent. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever.
29 January,2026 11:00 AM IST | Mumbai | ANIKerala Finance Minister K N Balagopal on Thursday presented the budget for the financial year 2026-27, announcing allocation of Rs 14,500 crore for social security pensions and hiking honorariums for ASHA and Anganwadi workers. Presenting the second Pinarayi Vijayan-led government's sixth budget in the Legislative Assembly, Balagopal announced that the honorarium of Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHA) and Anganwadi workers has been hiked by Rs 1,000 per month and that of Anganwadi helpers by Rs 500. The pay of pre-primary teachers and literacy mission motivators has been increased by Rs 1,000 per month and the daily wages of school cooking staff have been raised by Rs 25 per day, he said. The budget also announced Rs 3,700 crore for the Chief Minister's Stree Suraksha Scheme. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever.
29 January,2026 10:53 AM IST | Thiruvananthapuram | PTIThe India-European Union Free Trade Agreement (FTA) represents one of the most forward-looking and wide-ranging concession packages India has negotiated so far, highlighted a report by EY (Ernst & Young). According to the report, the India-EU FTA truly represents an agreement between two economic giants. It stated "The India-EU FTA represents one of the most forward-looking and wide-ranging concession packages India has negotiated this far". The report noted that the agreement has the potential to significantly impact several key sectors, including automobiles, defence, aerospace, textiles and information technology. In the automobile sector, the FTA proposes a phased reduction of import duties on completely built units (CBUs) from around 110 per cent to approximately 10 per cent, with an annual quota of 250,000 vehicles. EY said this move may encourage greater competition and innovation in the Indian auto sector, benefiting consumers through more choices and potentially lower prices. Additionally, lower import duties on completely knocked down (CKD) units, at around 15 per cent, are expected to support continued investments by European, Japanese and Korean manufacturers in local assembly operations. This is likely to strengthen domestic manufacturing, generate employment and help maintain price stability for consumers. On strategic defence integration and industrial collaboration, the report highlighted the Security and Defence Partnership framework under the agreement. EY said the framework lays the foundation for deeper industrial collaboration between Indian and European aerospace and defence firms, enabling technology exchange and improving interoperability. Lower tariffs are also expected to improve the price competitiveness of EU aerospace exports to India, while supporting Indian original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) in building integrated supply chains with European partners. The report added that the broader economic opening, along with defence cooperation, could accelerate localisation of critical aerospace technologies, such as complex radar systems or structural assemblies, through foreign direct investment and joint ventures. In the textile sector, the agreement provides zero duty access to the EU market from Day 1. EY noted that this restores India's competitiveness, fully neutralising the impact of the earlier withdrawal of the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP). This will allow Indian textile products to enter the EU market at significantly more competitive prices. For the IT sector, the report said that seamless movement of professionals and workers across EU countries may provide faster and easier access to new markets, particularly in the era of new AI technologies. The agreement also creates a pathway for structured engagement on Social Security Agreements over the next five years, addressing a long-pending industry demand to reduce dual social security contributions. India already has Social Security Agreements with 12 EU countries, the report added. The India-EU FTA was concluded on January 27, and it marked a watershed moment in India's global trade strategy. Both sides described this FTA as the "mother of all deals." Prime Minister Narendra Modi, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Antonio Costa jointly announced the conclusion of the India-European Union FTA at the 16th India-EU Summit, held during the visit of the European leaders to India. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever.
29 January,2026 10:07 AM IST | New Delhi | ANIWest Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee expressed condolences over the death of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar in a plane crash and also mourned the people who allegedly lost their lives due to the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process in the state. Addressing a public meeting in Hooghly on Wednesday, the Chief Minister extended her sympathies to the bereaved families. "Firstly, I express my condolences to the family members of those who lost their lives due to the SIR. I also express my condolences to the family members of Maharashtra Deputy CM Ajit Pawar who died in a plane crash this morning," Mamata Banerjee said. The soil of Singur has always inspired me. My journey of struggle is deeply intertwined with this land, and I am truly moved by the warmth and affection with which the people of Singur embraced me today. First and foremost, I extend my heartfelt condolences to the families of… pic.twitter.com/3VL1qBrRFZ — Mamata Banerjee (@MamataOfficial) January 28, 2026 During the address, the Chief Minister also spoke about development initiatives in Singur, highlighting the inauguration of multiple projects and alleging a lack of cooperation from the Central government. "Singur is a very significant place for me. I thank the people of Singur who always stand with me. 1694 projects are inaugurated today, whose cost value is approximately Rs 33,591 crores. The central government has not supported. Infact it has even stopped all funds...," she said. Earlier, on Wednesday, Mamata Banerjee alleged that Bengali-speaking people were facing harassment and were being targeted in several states, including Bihar and Uttar Pradesh. She strongly criticised the Centre government and the Election Commission of India (ECI) over the issue, linking it to the ongoing SIR exercise and said, "If you hurt me, I will be very dangerous." Strongly objecting to the Prime Minister's recent remarks, Mamata Banerjee said, "One person (PM Modi) came and said that the government approves the Bangla language, but it's not true. Even Bengali people are getting hurt because they are speaking the Bangla language in other states like Bihar and Uttar Pradesh. If you hurt me, I will be very dangerous. In the name of SIR, you are making people suffer. Shame on you. Election Commission, it's not your work..." Additionally, Trinamool Congress (TMC) chief also earlier hinted at possible foul play in the Baramati plane crash and demanded a Supreme Court probe into the incident. In a post on X, Mamata Banerjee said, "Deeply shocked and stunned by the sudden demise of Ajit Pawar! The Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra and his co-passengers have died in a disastrous plane crash at Baramati this morning, and I am feeling a deep sense of loss. My condolences to his family, including his uncle Sharad Pawar, and late Ajit's all friends and followers. The incident needs a proper investigation." Ajit Pawar, 66, was among five people who lost their lives in the crash. Investigations into the incident are currently underway. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
29 January,2026 09:39 AM IST | Hooghly (West Bengal) | ANIOne of the accused in the 2020 murder of a cousin of gangster Goldy Brar was shot dead by two unidentified assailants near the senior superintendent of police's office in Punjab's Mohali on Wednesday, police said. The Mohali police booked foreign-based gangster Goldy Brar in connection with the murder of Gurwinder Singh alias Lambbad, who had come to a court along with his wife for a hearing in an opium recovery case when the assailants fired several rounds at him, killing him on the spot, they said Gurwinder's wife said in her complaint that he had been receiving threats from Goldy Brar. Gurwinder was a resident of Rurki Pukhta village in Mohali's Sadar Kharar area. After attending the court hearing, when Gurwinder reached near his car along with his wife, an assailant, who was already present near the vehicle, fired multiple shots at him and fled from the spot. The police said the incident occurred at around 3 pm when Guwinder was opening the boot of his car parked on the road. Meanwhile, in an unverified post on social media, gangsters Goldy Brar, Rohit Godara and Vicky Pehlwan claimed responsibility for the killing of Gurwinder while citing his alleged involvement in the murder of Gurlal Singh Brar. Gurlal Singh Brar, the cousin of foreign-based gangster Goldy Brar, was shot dead in Chandigarh in 2020. An unverified audio clip doing the rounds on social media purportedly features Goldy Brar claiming responsibility for Gurwinder's murder and issuing threats in the wake of his parents' arrest. Addressing the state government, the speaker said, "If you have the courage, be fair and face things head-on. You and your agencies used your might but failed to catch me, and now you have arrested my elderly parents from Harmandar Sahib (Golden Temple). Do you think you can scare us? We are not afraid." He warned that governments are temporary and officials in Punjab are confined to the state, but his network is global. "Governments come and go. The children of all leaders and police officers are settled abroad. You are limited to Punjab, but we are in the entire world. If you do anything unfair, then we will do the same," the speaker said. The parents of Goldy Brar were arrested recently in a 2024 extortion case. Earlier, Deputy Inspector General (DIG), Rupnagar Range, Nanak Singh, said Gurwinder had come for a hearing in a 4 kg opium recovery case and was on bail in this matter. Singh said Gurwinder had a criminal background and had been named in the Gurlal Brar murder case. "This angle is also being examined," he said. An eyewitness to the fatal shooting said he initially thought a car tyre had burst. But then he saw a man, "wearing a cap and having a fair complexion", firing multiple rounds at a point-blank range. The assailant's other accomplice was waiting for him at some distance on a bike, said the eyewitness, who is an advocate by profession. "We are investigating the matter. We assure you that soon the assailants will be caught. We have leads, and we have information on who got it done. We are working on it," the DIG told reporters. "Multiple teams have been constituted for technical analysis, scientific investigation, and human intelligence to trace and arrest the accused at the earliest," DIG Singh said. The DIG informed that based on the statement of the deceased's wife, a case under Sections 103(1) (murder), 61(2) (criminal conspiracy) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Arms Act has been registered at Police Station Sohana against Goldy Brar. The complainant said that Gurwinder had been receiving threats from Goldy Brar, as he was named as an accused in the murder case of Gurlal Brar. Satinderjeet Singh alias Goldy Brar was designated as a "terrorist" by India in 2024 under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). He is at present believed to be in the US. Earlier, he was an active member of the Lawrence Bishnoi gang. But he parted ways with the Bishnoi gang last year. He is now part of the Brar-Rohit Godara-Kala Jatheri gang. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
29 January,2026 09:35 AM IST | Chandigarh | PTIMaharashtra emerged as the big winner at the Republic Day Parade 2026, clinching the Best Tableau award for its presentation titled ‘Ganeshotsav: A Symbol of Aatmanirbharta’. The results for the Best Marching Contingents and Best Tableaux were announced by the Press Information Bureau (PIB) on Tuesday. Maharashtra's tableau presented a blend of modernity and tradition, portraying the Ganesh festival as a symbol of self-reliance. Dressed in traditional attire, a troupe of women dancers performed Lezim, a folk dance, on either side of the tableau during the parade on the ceremonial boulevard. Indian Navy, Delhi Police win best marching contingent awards According to the official announcement, three separate panels of judges evaluated the performances of marching contingents and tableaux displayed at the parade held on Kartavya Path. Among the three armed services, the Indian Navy was adjudged the Best Marching Contingent, while the Delhi Police topped the category for Central Armed Police Forces and other auxiliary forces. J&K, Kerala follow Maharashtra in states’ tableaux category In the states and Union Territories category for tableaux, Maharashtra secured the top position, followed by Jammu and Kashmir for its tableau on handicrafts and folk dances of the region, and Kerala for its presentation highlighting the Water Metro project and 100 per cent digital literacy under the theme of Aatmanirbhar Bharat. Ministry of Culture wins among central ministries; special prizes announced Among central ministries and departments, the Ministry of Culture won the Best Tableau award for its depiction titled ‘Vande Mataram – The Soul Cry of a Nation’. Special prizes were also announced, with the Central Public Works Department being recognised for ‘Vande Mataram – Commemoration of 150 Years’, while the dance group ‘Vande Mataram: The Eternal Resonance of India’ was also honoured. Gujarat tops Popular Choice tableaux; Assam Regiment leads contingents The government additionally released the results of the Popular Choice category, based on an online poll conducted on the MyGov portal. In this category, the Assam Regiment was voted the best marching contingent among the three services, while the CRPF won among the CAPFs and auxiliary forces. For Popular Choice tableaux from states and Union Territories, Gujarat topped the list with its theme on Swadeshi, self-reliance and freedom, followed by Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan.
29 January,2026 09:17 AM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentA Kerala court on Wednesday granted bail to expelled Congress MLA Rahul Mamkootathil in the third sexual assault case against him, in which he was arrested earlier this month. The bail was granted by the Pathanamthitta District Sessions Court, which was considering an appeal filed by him against a judicial magistrate’s court that had denied him relief, stating that the allegations against him were serious. The third sexual assault case was registered against the Palakkad MLA following a complaint lodged by a woman from Kottayam district on 8 January. He was arrested in the case on January 11 in Palakkad. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
29 January,2026 06:49 AM IST | Pathanamthitta | AgenciesPolice late on Tuesday arrested the owner of the momo manufacturing unit and godown gutted in a devastating fire in South 24 Parganas district in which eight people were killed, a senior officer said. The owner, Gangadhar Das, was arrested from the Garia area of Kolkata and will be produced before a Baruipur court, police said. Earlier, an FIR was lodged against Das in connection with the fire that broke out late Sunday night at the factory and warehouse in Anandapur's Nazirabad area. The West Bengal government will give an ex gratia of Rs 10 lakh each for the families of those killed in the blaze, said Urban Development Minister Firhad Hakim. The compensation will be handed over once the bodies or body parts are identified, Hakim said. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
29 January,2026 06:46 AM IST | Kolkata | AgenciesThe mortal remains of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister and NCP chief Ajit Pawar were brought to an educational institute in Baramati, Pune district, on Wednesday evening, as emotional scenes unfolded with party workers and local residents raising slogans in his memory. Slogans such as “Ajit dada amar rahe” and “Ajit dada parat ya” (long live Ajit dada, Ajit dada come back) echoed through the premises of Vidya Pratishthan, Pawar’s home turf, where people gathered in large numbers to pay their last respects, reported the PTI. Ajit Pawar, 66, and four others on board a chartered aircraft were killed after the plane crashed barely 200 metres from the edge of a tabletop runway at Baramati airport. The sudden death of the veteran leader, fondly known as Dada, has left a major void in the BJP-led coalition government in Maharashtra and raised questions over the future of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), which he headed. After post-mortem formalities at a medical college in Baramati, Pawar’s mortal remains were brought to Vidya Pratishthan in a vehicle decked with flowers. People lining both sides of the road broke down as the procession passed, with many visibly overwhelmed by grief, according to the PTI. A large number of NCP workers and residents from Baramati and other parts of the state converged on the town, long associated with the politically influential Pawar family, to pay tribute to the late leader. VIDEO | Baramati: The mortal remains of Maharashtra Deputy CM Ajit Pawar brought to Vidya Pratishthan; people gather to pay their last respects.(Full video available on PTI Videos - https://t.co/n147TvrpG7) pic.twitter.com/CJx5zXNS1c — Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) January 28, 2026 Last rites with full state honours The last rites of the NCP president will be performed at the Vidya Pratishthan grounds at 11 am on Thursday, with full state honours. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, leaders from across the political spectrum, and people from various walks of life are expected to attend the funeral. VIDEO | Baramati: Ajit Pawar's son Jay Pawar at Vidya Pratishthan. #AjitPawarPlaneCrash (Full video available on PTI Videos - https://t.co/n147TvrpG7) pic.twitter.com/0R4Yb4ozFH — Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) January 28, 2026 ‘Every development bears his imprint’ Manoj Wagh, a local teacher, said the people of Baramati were still struggling to come to terms with Pawar’s sudden death. “Almost every development work in Baramati carries the imprint of Ajit dada,” he said. Ajit Pawar dies in plane crash: Follow LIVE Updates here Top leaders reach Pune Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde along Governor Acharya Devvrat on Wednesday reached Baramati as Pune began to prepare for NCP chief Ajit Pawar's last rites. The leaders reached the site to offer their condolences to the family and party members, as well as to participate in the funeral rituals, officials said. They also met the family members of Ajit Pawar. In a post on X, the CMO wrote, "Maharashtra Governor Acharya Devvrat and Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis met with Sunetra Pawar, the wife of late Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, to offer their condolences. Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde was also present along with them. The leaders expressed their sympathy to the family following the tragic plane crash near Baramati that claimed Ajit Pawar’s life." राज्यपाल आचार्य देवव्रत यांच्यासह मुख्यमंत्री देवेंद्र फडणवीस यांनी स्वर्गीय अजित पवार यांच्या पत्नी खासदार सुनेत्रा पवार यांची भेट घेऊन त्यांचे सांत्वन केले. यावेळी उपमुख्यमंत्री एकनाथ शिंदे हे देखील उपस्थित होते. pic.twitter.com/TWPf5bBaLs — CMO Maharashtra (@CMOMaharashtra) January 28, 2026 Ajit Pawar’s sudden death in the Baramati plane crash has led to widespread grief across the state and the nation. Political leaders from the across the country, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, paid tributes to Ajit Pawar. The state government has declared three days of state mourning, and flags are being flown at half-mast across Maharashtra. CM Fadnavis had earlier stated that during these three days, the national flag will be flown at half-mast at all the buildings in Maharashtra where the national flag is regularly hoisted. Funeral arrangements and public condolences The local administration has made arrangements for people to offer their condolences and participate in the final rites. Several leaders and party workers have also been seen offering prayers and paying their respects. Ajit Pawar to be cremated with state honours The last rites of Ajit Pawar, who was killed in the plane crash, will be held with full state honours on Thursday in Baramati, in Pune district, reported the PTI. The funeral will take place at the Vidya Pratishthan ground at 11 a.m. The Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) said that leaders from across the political spectrum will attend, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah are expected to be present, the news agency reported. The crash occurred on Wednesday morning, shortly after Ajit Pawar and four others took off from Mumbai. In addition to Ajit Pawar, the victims included his personal security officer, an attendant, and two crew members, the aircraft pilot-in-command and the first officer. (with PTI inputs)
28 January,2026 10:10 PM IST | Pune | mid-day online correspondentUnion Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu on Wednesday said a transparent and accountable probe would be carried out into the plane crash that claimed the life of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister (CM) Ajit Pawar. Addressing the media, the minister said preliminary inputs indicated poor visibility during landing and outlined the sequence of events that led to the accident. "We will conduct an investigation in a transparent and accountable manner. Preliminary information indicates that visibility was poor at the site at the time of landing around 8:48 am," he said, reported news agency ANI. #WATCH | Pune | On Maha Dy CM Ajit Pawar's demise in a plane crash, Union Minister of Civil Aviation, Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu says," We will conduct an investigation in a transparent and accountable manner. Preliminary information indicates that visibility was poor at the site… pic.twitter.com/qPs0k6hQH7 — ANI (@ANI) January 28, 2026 Ajit Pawar death: Pilot initially reported runway was not visible, says Civil Aviation Minister The minister further stated, "Before landing, ATC (Air Traffic Control) asked the pilot whether the runway was in sight, and he confirmed it was not. After a go-around, the aircraft returned to land, and the pilot was again asked if the runway was visible for landing. Then, the pilot confirmed visibility of the runway. After ATC cleared landing, it was seen that the accident had occurred." Expressing grief over the loss, the Civil Aviation Minister said the incident was deeply saddening. "My heart is very heavy with sorrow. It is difficult to digest that Ajit Dada is not with us. I offer my condolences to the families of the other four persons who have died in this incident. Ajit Dada used to guide us a lot due to his experience in public service. This is an irreplaceable loss for Maharashtra. It is very difficult to find leaders like him," he said. Ajit Pawar died in a plane crash on Wednesday morning in Maharashtra's Baramati. According to DGCA, five people, including the crew, on board the chartered plane flying from Mumbai, Maharashtra, to Baramati died after a crash-landing at 8.45 am. The crash landing of the Mumbai-Baramati charter plane occurred at the runway threshold in Baramati. Pawar was onboard along with two more personnel (a personal security officer and an attendant) as well as two crew members. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced a state holiday on Wednesday and three days of mourning following Pawar's death. Addressing a press conference in Mumbai, CM Fadnavis said that the decision on Pawar's last rites will be made after consulting his family. The last rites will be performed with full state honours, the Maharashtra General Administration Department (Protocol) informed on Wednesday. (With ANI inputs)
28 January,2026 09:30 PM IST | Pune | mid-day online correspondentADVERTISEMENT
-1769664091857_d.png?tr=w-436,h-271 "Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal welcomed foreign ministers for the 2 IAFMM in New Delhi. File Picnd")
-1769662472354_d.png "Stocks open flat as investors get cautious ahead of the Union Budget, 2026. Representational image")
-1769659913926_d.png "India-EU FTA marks watershed moment in India’s global trade strategy. Representational Image")
