Budget Session Begins
The Budget Session of Parliament commenced with President Droupadi Murmu’s address to the Joint Sitting of both Houses. In her speech, the President underscored the government’s third-term momentum in empowering the poor and expressed satisfaction at the expanding role of youth, farmers, workers, and entrepreneurs in building a self-reliant and developed India.

PM Hails Prez’s Address
Prime Minister Narendra Modi lauded President Murmu’s speech, calling it comprehensive and insightful. He said the address reflected India’s remarkable development journey while offering a clear roadmap for the future, strengthening confidence in the nation’s progress during the Amrit Kaal.

Ajit Pawar Dies in Crash
Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar tragically died in a plane crash at Baramati. The Civil Aviation Ministry said that a Learjet 45 aircraft crash-landed, killing all five on board, including Pawar, two officials, and two crew members.

Leaders Express Grief
President Droupadi Murmu, PM Narendra Modi, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, Home Minister Amit Shah, Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, LoP Rahul Gandhi, and leaders across parties expressed deep grief over Ajit Pawar’s death, calling it a huge loss for Maharashtra’s politics and governance.

AAIB Probe Begins
The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has launched an inquiry into the Baramati crash that killed Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar and four others today. Meanwhile, the AAIB team reached Baramati and began the investigation into the incident.

UGC Guidelines Assured
The Government has assured that the new University Grants Commission (UGC) guidelines are to address caste-based discrimination on campuses and it will not be misused. Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan said the Centre, states, and UGC share responsibility, with actions supervised by the Supreme Court under constitutional provisions.

NIA Probes Bhubaneswar Blast
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) began a probe into Tuesday’s powerful explosion in Bhubaneswar’s Sundarpada area. Five people, including three women, were critically injured when a bomb exploded on the roof of a house, prompting nationwide concern.

Odisha Bandh Held
The Naba Nirman Krushak Sangathan (NNKS) staged a state-wide bandh in Odisha, protesting alleged irregularities in paddy procurement. The bandh, supported by Congress, CPI, and BJD, ran from 6 AM to 2 PM, while the BJP strongly criticised the move.

India-US Drug Policy Talks
India and the United States held their inaugural Drug Policy Executive Working Group meeting in Washington. Both nations reaffirmed their shared commitment to tackling global narcotics trafficking while facilitating legitimate trade, aiming for a safer and healthier future.

ICC Rankings Update
Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav re-entered the ICC T20I top ten, climbing five places to seventh after a prolific run against New Zealand. Abhishek Sharma retained his No.1 spot with record 929 points.