LIVE: Baramati plane crash: AAIB team begins probe; Pawar says no conspiracy

President Droupadi Murmu on Wednesday (January 28) said the country's economic foundation has grown significantly stronger over the past 11 years, and government policies have resulted in higher incomes for citizens.

In her address to both Houses of Parliament, the President said that the conclusion of negotiations for a free trade agreement with the European Union will give impetus to India's manufacturing and service sectors and create new employment opportunities for the country's youth.

She said India has further improved its record in keeping inflation under control. "It is directly benefiting the poor and middle-class families of the country. As a result of the policies of my government, the income of citizens has increased, their savings have grown, and their purchasing power has also improved," the President said.

Murmu also said her government is moving forward on the 'Reforms Express' path. Old rules and provisions are continually updated to meet future needs.

Everyone has witnessed how the historic next-generation reform in GST has filled citizens with enthusiasm, she said, adding that the reform has ensured savings of Rs 1 lakh crore for citizens.

The Income Tax law has also been revamped. A historic decision has been taken to exempt income of up to 12 lakh rupees from taxation. These reforms are providing unprecedented benefits to poor and middle-class families. It has also given the country's economy a new impetus.

India captain Suryakumar Yadav on Wednesday (January 28) climbed five places to seventh in the ICC men's T20I rankings following a prolific run in the ongoing five-match home series against New Zealand, which India currently lead 3-0.

The former No.1 batter struck scores of 32, 82 not out and 57 not out to climb the table, as India dominate the upper reaches of the rankings with Abhishek Sharma at the summit and Tilak Varma in third position, just 10 days out from the T20 World Cup.

Ishan Kishan, who hit 76 off 32 balls in the second match in Raipur has re-entered the rankings in the 64th position while Shivam Dubey (up nine places to 58th) and Rinku Singh (up 13 places to 68th) are among other batters to gain from the top-ranked T20I side.

In the T20I bowling rankings, Afghanistan spinner Mujeeb ur Rahman's haul of four for 21 in the second match against the West Indies sees him gain five places and reach ninth position, while India's Jasprit Bumrah (up four places to 13th) and Ravi Bishnoi (up 13 places to 19th) have progressed along with South Africa's Corbin Bosch (up eight places to a career-best 32nd).

India's Hardik Pandya has surged 18 places to 59th position in the bowling rankings after taking four wickets in three matches. He is also up two places to 53rd among batters and inched up one slot to third among all-rounders.

A man sprayed an unknown substance on Democratic US Rep. Ilhan Omar and was tackled to the ground on Tuesday during a town hall in Minneapolis, where tensions over federal immigration enforcement have come to a head after agents fatally shot an intensive care nurse and a mother of three this month.

The audience cheered as the man was pinned down and his arms were tied behind his back. In the video of the incident, someone in the crowd can be heard saying, “Oh my god, he sprayed something on her.” Just before that, Omar had called for the abolishment of US Immigration and Customs Enforcement and for Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem to resign or face impeachment. Calls are mounting on Capitol Hill for Noem to step down after the shooting deaths in Minneapolis of two people who protested deportations. Few Republicans have risen to her defence.

“ICE cannot be reformed,” Omar said, seconds before the attack.

Minneapolis police said officers saw the man use a syringe to spray an unknown liquid at Omar. They immediately arrested him and booked him at the county jail for third-degree assault, spokesperson Trevor Folke said. Forensic scientists responded to the scene.

Police identified the man as 55-year-old Anthony Kazmierczak.

Silver prices extended their record-breaking run on Wednesday (January 28), soaring more than 7 per cent, to hit a lifetime high of Rs 3.83 lakh per kg in the futures trade, while gold jumped to a new peak of Rs 1.62 lakh per 10 grams, buoyed by a sharp fall in US dollar and strong safe-haven demand.

Rallying for the fourth consecutive day, silver futures for March delivery climbed Rs 26,821, or 7.53 per cent, to hit another record of Rs 3,83,100 per kilogram on the Multi Commodity Exchange (MCX).

In the last three sessions, the white metal has surged Rs 55,811, or 17.05 per cent, from Rs 3,27,289 per kilogram (closing price) recorded on January 22.

Gold futures for February contract also witnessed robust buying by the investors, rising Rs 4,730, or 3 per cent, to touch a fresh peak of Rs 1,62,429 per 10 grams on the MCX.

Analysts said bullion prices extended their upward march amid a weakening US dollar, renewed geopolitical tensions and firm investor appetite for the safe-haven assets.

The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) will probe the plane crash at Baramati airport that killed Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar and four others on Wednesday (January 28).

The Learjet 46, operated by Delhi-based VSR Ventures, crash-landed at the airport. There were five people onboard, including the crew members, according to the aviation regulator DGCA.

A senior official told PTI that the AAIB will be visiting the crash site to investigate the accident.

AAIB is responsible for classifying safety occurrences involving aircraft operating in Indian airspace as accidents, serious incidents, or incidents. It carries out detailed investigations into accidents and also suggests measures to improve safety.