U.S. intelligence reports indicate interim Venezuelan President Delcy Rodríguez may not fully cooperate with the Trump administration’s goals, especially regarding severing ties with adversaries such as Iran, China and Russia. Rodríguez, who took office after the U.S. capture of Nicolás Maduro on Jan. 3, has not publicly expelled diplomats or advisers from those countries as Washington demands. The CIA assessed that Maduro loyalists were best placed to govern post‑ouster, but critics worry Rodríguez’s reliability could undermine U.S. influence and investment plans in Venezuela’s oil sector. Washington is also exploring contacts with military officials as alternatives. (PC: Reuters)

At least eight people have died in encounters with US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) so far in 2026, including deaths in custody and fatal shootings by federal agents. Two high‑profile cases in Minneapolis — Alex Pretti and Renée Nicole Good — have sparked protests and national debate over use of force. Others died from medical issues, alleged suicide, or under unclear circumstances in detention facilities. The toll follows 32 deaths in ICE custody in 2025, the highest in two decades, raising concerns about medical care, oversight and enforcement practices under the current administration. (PC: Bloomberg)

Before boarding the chartered flight carrying Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar to Baramati, flight attendant Pinky Mali made a final phone call to her father, Shivkumar Mali, saying: “Papa, I am flying to Baramati with Ajit Pawar… we’ll talk tomorrow” as she planned to continue to Nanded afterward — a call that tragically became her last. Pinky, a resident of Worli in Mumbai, had accompanied Pawar on several recent trips. After the Learjet 45 crashed near Baramati airport, killing all five on board including Pawar, her father expressed deep grief and said he only wishes to receive her body to perform her last rites with dignity. (PC: HT)

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister and Nationalist Congress Party leader Ajit Pawar died when his chartered plane crashed while landing at Baramati airport on Wednesday morning, killing him and four others. His unexpected death leaves a leadership vacuum in the Ajit Pawar‑led NCP faction, raising questions about who will take charge. Options include his wife Sunetra Pawar or senior leaders such as Praful Patel and Sunil Tatkare, though all face challenges. There is also speculation about possible reunification with Sharad Pawar’s NCP faction under cousin Supriya Sule amid political jockeying for control. (PC: NDTV)

West Bengal Chief Minister **Mamata Banerjee has sharply criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi, warning that if he tries to “hurt” her, she will “become dangerous,” amid growing tensions over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. Banerjee accused the BJP-led central government and the Election Commission of India (ECI) of harassing Bengali-speaking citizens, claiming people face discrimination and suffering in BJP-ruled states for speaking Bengali. She also condemned the SIR process as causing undue distress and stripping people of voter rights. Banerjee’s remarks reflect escalating political conflict ahead of upcoming elections. (PC: PTI)

U.S. President Donald Trump has escalated pressure on Iran, warning that Washington could launch a military attack if Tehran does not agree to negotiate a nuclear weapons deal. Trump said a “massive armada,” led by the USS Abraham Lincoln, is moving toward Iranian waters and insisted time is “running out” for diplomacy, referencing past U.S. strikes and stating a future attack could be “far worse.” Tehran has rejected talks under threat and says any assault would be met with fierce retaliation, while regional tensions rise amid protests and nuclear concerns. (PC: AP)

New CCTV footage reveals the Learjet 45 carrying Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar descending steeply and crashing near Baramati Airport, then erupting into a massive fireball on Wednesday morning. The aircraft, on a charter from Mumbai, was attempting a second emergency landing when it nosedived and burst into flames, killing all five on board including two pilots and Pawar’s security personnel. The video captures the final moments before impact, with thick black smoke and debris. Preliminary reports suggest poor visibility could be a factor; authorities are investigating the crash’s cause.

Maharashtra Deputy CM Ajit Pawar's Learjet 45 was cleared for landing at 8:43 AM but crashed a minute later at 8:44 AM, killing all five aboard. The civil aviation ministry revealed the pilot initially reported "runway not in sight" during the first approach, prompting a go-around. After reporting visibility moments later, the aircraft received landing clearance without readback confirmation before flames appeared at runway 11's threshold. Baramati operates as an "uncontrolled airfield" with flying school-managed ATC. Delhi-based operator VSR Ventures took down its website post-crash. The experienced pilots had 15,000 and 1,500 flying hours respectively. AAIB has assumed investigation responsibility. 

Pakistan Cricket Board chief Mohsin Naqvi's threat to withdraw from T20 World Cup 2026 over Bangladesh's venue dispute has drawn strong criticism from Pakistani cricket veterans. Former Test captain Muhammad Hafeez, ex-PCB Chairman Khalid Mahmood, and secretary Arif Ali Abbasi urged PCB to send the team, warning against damaging ICC and member board relations. Officials noted no other board supported Bangladesh's demand to move matches from India, and Bangladesh won't appeal ICC's decision. Former players including Inzamam ul Haq, Mohsin Khan, and Haroon Rasheed cautioned against sacrificing Pakistan's cricket interests, especially since all their matches are in Sri Lanka, not India. (PC: AFP)

Aviation Minister K Ram Mohan Naidu revealed poor visibility at Baramati airport when Ajit Pawar's plane crashed Wednesday morning. The pilot initially reported runway not in sight, prompting a go-around, but confirmed visibility during the second attempt before the tragic crash. The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau will analyze flight recorders, aircraft systems, crew records, and ATC data. Opposition leaders, led by Mamata Banerjee, demand Supreme Court-monitored probe, alleging compromised agencies. The VSR Ventures flight departed Mumbai at 8:10 AM, disappearing from radar at 8:45 AM. Witnesses described the aircraft appearing unstable before crash-landing with massive explosions. Maharashtra declared three days mourning; last rites scheduled Thursday with full state honors.