On the occasion of the 100th birth anniversary of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised him as a remarkable statesman whose leadership continues to inspire countless individuals. Modi referred to Vajpayee as the “architect of India’s transition into the 21st century,” highlighting his pivotal role in setting the stage for the country’s economic growth.

In an article published across various newspapers to commemorate Vajpayee’s centenary, Modi reflected on the former prime minister’s contributions to the nation. He noted that he spent much of his lengthy parliamentary career in opposition but maintained a spirit devoid of animosity, even in the face of derogatory labels from the Congress party, which had gone as far as calling him a “traitor.”

Modi emphasised that Vajpayee remained a towering figure in Indian politics, inspiring many. He expressed gratitude for the opportunity to learn from and engage with a leader of Vajpayee’s caliber, stating that Vajpayee consistently prioritized ideology over the allure of power.

In his tribute, Modi cited a significant instance of Vajpayee’s leadership—the 1998 Pokhran nuclear tests, known as ‘Operation Shakti.’ He acknowledged that, while many leaders might have faltered under international scrutiny and pressure, Vajpayee’s resolute stance demonstrated true leadership. Modi praised the tests as a showcase of India’s scientific capabilities and a firm assertion of India’s sovereignty, reinforcing a commitment to peace despite facing global condemnation.

Further lauding Vajpayee, Modi remarked on his integrity and refusal to engage in opportunistic politics. He highlighted that Vajpayee chose to resign in 1996 rather than participate in unethical political maneuvering and that in 1999, after a narrow defeat, he opted against challenging the dubious political landscape, leading to a triumphant return with a strong mandate from the public.

Modi also noted Vajpayee’s deep commitment to the Constitution, mentioning his impactful experiences, such as being influenced by the martyrdom of Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee and playing a vital role in the anti-Emergency movement. The decision to merge his party, Jan Sangh, into the Janata Party ahead of the 1977 elections, though challenging, exemplified Vajpayee’s dedication to safeguarding constitutional values.

Vajpayee’s era was marked by considerable advancements in information technology, telecommunications, and connectivity. Modi credited the NDA government under Vajpayee for pioneering efforts to make technology accessible to citizens and implementing landmark infrastructure projects, including the Golden Quadrilateral, the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana, and significant developments related to Delhi Metro, which has become a model of world-class infrastructure.

Many people are feared dead after a plane carrying 60 people crashed while making an emergency landing near Kazakhstan’s Aktau city on Wednesday. The authorities said that twelve people survived the crash.

Russian news agencies reported that Azerbaijan Airlines flight J2-8243 was en route from Baku to Grozny in Russia, but was rerouted due to fog in Grozny.

Furthermore, Kazakh media had initially reported that 110 people – 105 passengers and five crew members were on board. Later, the authorities revised the number to 72 – 67 passengers and five crew members.

A visual showed the moment the plane loses altitude and makes a rapid descent before it crashes and bursts into flames. As the plane crashes, plumes of smoke are seen rising on the spot. The plane crashed into an open field and burst into flames.

Kazakhstan’s emergency ministry stated that emergency services extinguished the fire at the crash site, adding that survivors were rushed to a nearby hospital for medical assistance.

Azerbaijan Airlines in a statement said the flight had made an emergency landing approximately three kilometres near Aktau. It added that the Embraer 190 aircraft operated by Azerbaijan Airlines, flight numbered J2-8243 on the Baku-Grozny route, made an emergency landing approximately three kilometres near the city of Aktau. Additional information regarding the incident will be provided to the public, it mentioned. Reports stated that the authorities said they had begun looking into different possible versions of what had happened, including a technical problem.

Meanwhile, in another recent deadly plane crash, 10 people died on Sunday after a small aircraft crashed in a Brazilian town that’s popular with tourists. The 10 deceased were passengers and crew on board. Over a dozen people on the ground were injured in the incident, Brazil’s Civil Defence Agency said.

The Civil Defence Agency said that the plane hit the chimney of a home and then the second floor of a building before crashing into a mobile phone shop in a largely residential neighbourhood of Gramado.  It was not immediately clear what caused the crash.

Five soldiers lost their lives and several others were injured when an Army vehicle veered off the road and fell into a deep gorge in the Balnoi area of Mendhar, Poonch district, Jammu and Kashmir, on Tuesday, according to officials.

The incident occurred as the vehicle, part of the 11 Madras Light Infantry (11 MLI), was traveling from Nilam Headquarters to Balnoi Ghora Post. Reports indicate that the vehicle plunged approximately 350 feet into a steep gorge near its destination.

Upon learning of the accident, the Quick Reaction Team from 11 MLI rapidly mobilized to the scene to initiate rescue operations. The injured personnel received immediate medical attention, and efforts are currently underway to evacuate them for further treatment.

In a message on X, the White Knight Corps expressed their deep condolences for the tragic loss of five courageous soldiers, stating, “All ranks of #WhiteKnightCorps extend their deepest condolences on the tragic loss of five brave soldiers in a vehicle accident during operational duty in the #Poonch sector. Rescue operations are ongoing, and the injured personnel are receiving medical care.”

“Today at around 17:40 hrs (5.40 pm), an Army vehicle of 11 Maratha Light Infantry, which was on its way from from Nilam headquarters to Balnoi Ghora Post along the LoC, met with an accident near Ghora Post,” said officials.

This incident follows a similar accident last month, where one Army personnel died and another was injured when their vehicle skidded off the road and fell into a gorge in Rajouri district, Jammu and Kashmir. This crash, which occurred on November 4 near Badog village in Kalakote, resulted in Naik Badri Lal and Sepoy Jai Prakash suffering critical injuries; Lal ultimately succumbed to his injuries while in treatment.

On November 2, another tragedy struck when a vehicle skidded off a hilly road in Reasi district, claiming the lives of a woman and her 10-month-old son, while three others sustained serious injuries.