Maharashtra is in deep mourning as Ajit Pawar (1959–2026), the veteran Deputy Chief Minister and NCP stalwart, tragically lost his life in a plane crash in Baramati. The Learjet 45, operated by VSR Aviation, attempted an emergency landing after departing from Mumbai but veered off the runway, exploding into a fireball. Eyewitnesses reported a sudden jolt before the aircraft hit the perimeter field, leaving no survivors. The devastating crash claimed the lives of Ajit Pawar, his personal security officer, an attendant, the pilot-in-command, and the first officer. Emergency responders arrived promptly, but the intensity of the blaze prevented any rescue efforts. Known affectionately as “Ajit Dada”, Pawar’s political career spanned over four decades, serving as Deputy Chief Minister six times and representing Baramati as a seven-time MLA. WATCH 

A deadly maritime tragedy unfolded in the southern Philippines after a passenger ferry carrying more than 350 people sank shortly after midnight near Basilan Island. The inter-island ferry, identified as M/V Trisha Kerstin 3, was en route from Zamboanga City to Jolo in Sulu province when it reportedly suffered a technical failure and went down in stable weather conditions near Baluk-Baluk Island. According to the Philippine Coast Guard, at least 13 people have been confirmed dead, while more than 240 passengers were rescued in a large-scale overnight operation involving the navy, coast guard vessels, air surveillance units, and local fishing boats. WATCH