The Indian Army has contracted Shield AI for its V-BAT unmanned aircraft and Hivemind autonomy software, bolstering India's advanced military platforms. This emergency procurement includes licenses for software development, enabling local creation of tailored autonomous solutions.

Ajit Pawar, a formidable Maharashtra politician and six-time Deputy Chief Minister, tragically died in a plane crash. Known for his sharp instincts and administrative prowess, Pawar consistently pursued the top job but never attained it.

Tragedy struck Baramati as a plane carrying Maharashtra's deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar crashed moments after clearance for landing. All five on board perished. The uncontrolled airfield's traffic information was relayed by flying instructors. The aircraft initially reported the runway out of sight before a fatal final approach.

A chartered Learjet 45 crashed at Baramati airport on Wednesday morning. Maharashtra deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar was among the five people on board who died. The flight had departed Mumbai earlier. It lost control during landing and caught fire. Investigations into the cause are underway. The victims included Pawar's security officer, an aircraft attendant, and the pilots.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen declared Europe-India political ties are stronger than ever, highlighted by a new Free Trade Agreement and Security and Defence Partnership. This collaboration signals a commitment to dialogue and cooperation amidst global uncertainty, aiming to bolster economic growth and strategic stability for both regions. The agreements mark a significant advancement in bilateral relations.

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor missed another crucial party meeting, citing a late invitation and pre-planned Dubai travel. Returning from his trip, he stated he would convey his concerns directly to the leadership. Tharoor's recent praise for Prime Minister Modi has reportedly led to him being sidelined from party activities.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen gained social media attention for twinning in traditional Eri silk scarves during her India visit. The visit also saw the announcement of a landmark India-EU Free Trade Agreement, hailed as the 'mother of all deals,' aiming to deepen economic ties and create a vast free trade zone.

Karnataka chief minister Siddaramaiah lost his temper at a rally when Youth Congress workers chanted slogans for deputy CM DK Shivakumar. Despite his requests for quiet, the disruptions continued, overshadowing the protest against a new rural employment scheme. This incident highlights the ongoing power struggle between the two leaders within the state Congress.

The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) on Tuesday rescued 60 people, including 40 soldiers of a Rashtriya Rifles unit, after they were stranded in a snowbound area of Jammu and Kashmir’s Doda district following heavy snowfall. It also restored road connectivity in the Kandi-Kotranka area of Rajouri district after heavy snowfall disrupted movement in the Pir Panjal region.

An Indian national from Gujarat, Dharmesh Chunara, who escaped from Nepal's Bhadra Jail during last year's «Gen Z» protests, has been apprehended by Ahmedabad Police. He was caught with 13 kilograms of hybrid ganja valued at approximately Rs 13 crore. Chunara had entered India via the Sonauli border after the jailbreak.

Both parties trained guns at one another after the BJP alleged that Rahul Gandhi refused to wear the traditional Assamese scarf given to all the guests at a reception hosted by President Droupadi Murmu. BJP called it an insult to the northeast, with Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma snubbing what he called the attitude of the «de facto supremo».

Alankar Agnihotri, a 2019-batch Provincial Civil Service officer, sent his resignation by e-mail to Uttar Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel and Bareilly District Magistrate Avinash Singh, the officials told news agency PTI. The new rules notified by the UGC on January 13 -- the Promotion of Equity in Higher Education Institutions Regulations, 2026 -- have sparked widespread criticism from general category students who argue that the framework could lead to discrimination against them.

The Indian Air Force released a video showcasing its fighter jets armed with advanced missiles like Meteor and BrahMos, silencing critics who doubted India's possession of the beyond-visual-range Meteor missile. The footage featured Rafale, Sukhoi, and Tejas jets, confirming the missile's presence and capabilities for air-to-air combat.

Women military personnel shone at the 77th Republic Day parade, leading contingents, showcasing skills, and participating in key ceremonial events. From Flight Lieutenant Akshita Dhankar unfurling the flag to Captain Harshita Yadav leading an animal contingent and Captain Samira Z Buttar commanding a tableau, women made significant contributions.

Congress leaders Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi's seating at the Republic Day parade sparked a row, with the BJP accusing the Congress of entitlement. The Congress countered, calling it «petty politicking» and an insult to the Constitution. This controversy echoes past seating disputes and a recent incident at the Red Fort.