The brother of Delhi SWAT commando Kajal Chaudhary has described the last phone call he had with her before her death. Nikhil, a Delhi Police constable, said Kajal’s husband, Ankur Chaudhary, first called him and asked him to “make his sister understand.” Nikhil then called Kajal. During the call, Ankur allegedly took the phone and said, “Put the call on recording. I am killing your sister.” Nikhil said he heard Kajal screaming before the call ended. Minutes later, Ankur called again and said she was dead. Kajal was four months pregnant. Ankur was arrested and booked for murder by Delhi Police. (PC: News18)

The Indian Air Force (IAF) deployed Mi-17V5 helicopters to fight intense forest fires in Arunachal Pradesh’s Lohit Valley, dropping over 12,000 litres of water at around 9,500 feet altitude in challenging Himalayan terrain to contain raging flames that threatened forests and nearby areas. High-altitude conditions made aerial firefighting difficult, showcasing the IAF’s precision and commitment to protecting fragile ecosystems. Ground teams and local agencies were also engaged in firefighting efforts. The operation reflects coordinated efforts to manage seasonal forest fires in remote regions of India. (PC: ANI)

New CCTV footage of the Baramati Learjet crash that killed Maharashtra Deputy CM Ajit Pawar shows the aircraft’s left wing dropping suddenly moments before impact, prompting three main theories on the cause. Experts suggest an aerodynamic stall during low-speed approach, an engine failure causing asymmetrical thrust, or a late visual of the runway leading to a sharp bank too close to the ground. The Learjet 45 had earlier attempted a go-around before crashing about 200 m from the tabletop runway. Definitive causes await black box analysis. 

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar died when the chartered Learjet 45 he was aboard crashed near Baramati during its second landing attempt amid poor visibility, killing all five people onboard. The victims included Pawar, two pilots — Captain Sumit Kapoor and Shambhavi Pathak — a flight attendant and Pawar’s security guard. Friends say Captain Kapoor had filled in at short notice, as another pilot was delayed by traffic. Preliminary probes suggest possible pilot misjudgement and challenging weather conditions, with technical issues also under investigation. The tragedy shocks Maharashtra’s political landscape ahead of local elections and prompts detailed aviation inquiries. (PC: NDTV)

The Economic Survey argues that while climate change matters, cutting carbon emissions should not overshadow India’s broader development goals. It highlights that India’s per-capita emissions remain low and stresses prioritising economic growth, energy access, and human welfare, especially for vulnerable populations. The report suggests a balanced approach where adaptation and resilience-building are central to climate strategy, given development needs and capacity constraints. It also cautions against over-emphasising emission reductions without adequate global financial and technological support, and calls for climate action tailored to India’s national context rather than external pressure. (PC: The Hindu)

A 27-year-old Delhi Police constable and SWAT commando, Kajal, died on January 27 in a Ghaziabad hospital days after a brutal domestic assault by her husband, Ankur Chaudhary. On January 22, after a dispute at their Dwarka Mor home, Ankur allegedly struck her head repeatedly with a metal dumbbell and smashed it against a door frame. During the attack, he called Kajal’s brother, forcing him to listen to her screams and telling him to record the call and that he was going to kill her. Kajal was declared brain dead and later succumbed to her injuries; Ankur was arrested and charged with murder. (PC: HT)

Captain Sumit Kapoor, among five victims in the plane crash that killed Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, wasn't originally scheduled to fly that day. Friends revealed he filled in for another pilot stuck in traffic, receiving orders just hours before the tragic incident. The experienced pilot had recently returned from Hong Kong. The Learjet 45, operated by VSR Ventures, crashed around 8:45 AM during a second landing approach at Baramati Airport amid poor visibility. Preliminary investigations suggest possible pilot misjudgment, though friends dismiss this, citing his extensive experience. All aboard including co-pilot Shambhavi Pathak, flight attendant Pinky Mali, and security guard Vidip Jadhav perished. (PC: NDTV)

The black box from the Learjet 45 that crashed near Baramati airstrip has been recovered, the Civil Aviation Ministry confirmed Thursday. The crash killed Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar and four others. Union Civil Aviation Minister Rammohan Naidu wrote to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis requesting state government cooperation to expedite the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) probe, including crash site access and local administrative support. The ministry emphasized the investigation is being conducted transparently and in a time-bound manner, with AAIB and DGCA teams examining collected evidence. Officials stated key probe findings will be shared with the Maharashtra government. (PC: X)

The Beating Retreat Ceremony 2026 was held at Vijay Chowk, New Delhi, on January 29, marking the formal conclusion of India's Republic Day celebrations. The annual event showcased musical traditions of the Indian Armed Forces, featuring 30 presentations by massed bands from the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Central Armed Police Forces. Dating back to the 17th century, Beating Retreat originated as a battlefield practice where drums signaled troops to retreat at sunset. President of India, the Supreme Commander of Armed Forces, attended the ceremony. PM Modi emphasized India's rich military legacy, while Defence Minister Rajnath Singh described it as a solemn tradition embodying discipline, unity, and national pride.

A massive wildfire has been raging in Nagaland's Dzukou Valley for three days, threatening the trekkers' paradise known for its seasonal wildflowers and alpine grasses. Over 30 stranded trekkers have been evacuated as the blaze spreads toward Manipur's Mount Iso. The NDRF has been deployed, and IAF helicopters with Bambi buckets have been requisitioned for firefighting operations. Locals suspect arson, noting the fire started on a remote slope rather than the usual base camp area. The valley's dry winter conditions facilitate rapid fire spread. Dzukou Valley has experienced recurring fires, including major incidents in 2006, 2018, 2020-21, and December 2025, often attributed to trekker carelessness.