Protests seeking an immediate rollback of the University Grants Commission’s (UGC) Regulations 2026 entered their third consecutive day on Thursday, spreading across Uttar Pradesh and several other states, with student bodies, social organisations and even members of the ruling party joining the agitation. Protesters have also announced a Bharat bandh on February 1. Watch | Calls for UGC rollback intensify as protests spread beyond Uttar Pradesh In Lucknow, students under the banner of Chhatra Panchayat assembled at the Gandhi statue in Hazratganj, raising slogans such as “UGC Roll Back” and accusing the new regulations of being discriminatory. The protesters alleged that the rules, introduced in the name of equity, would deepen divisions on university campuses and unfairly impact general category students while overlooking economic hardship within the category. Chhatra Panchayat president Shivam Pandey described the regulations as a “black law”, claiming they would vitiate the academic environment. “Students eat and study together without knowing each other’s surnames. This regulation is politically motivated and aimed at dividing campuses,” he said. The agitation intensified across the state. In Prayagraj, students from multiple organisations gathered at the Chhatra Sangh Bhawan on the Allahabad University campus, alleging that the new UGC framework weakens the rights of general category students and lacks safeguards against false complaints. In Varanasi, students from Banaras Hindu University and Mahatma Gandhi Kashi Vidyapeeth warned of escalating protests if the regulations were not withdrawn. Police stopped demonstrators from entering the district headquarters, following which they staged a dharna. Protesters questioned why proposed grievance redressal and equity committees mandate representation from OBC, SC-ST communities, women and persons with disabilities, but exclude members from the upper caste community. “If equality is the objective, representation must be inclusive of all sections,” a student said. In Kanpur, students of Chandra Shekhar Azad University of Agriculture and Technology protested wearing black bands and carrying black flags, marching from Karpuri Hostel to Company Bagh crossing. Sit-ins were also reported from Deoria, where the protest was led by Bar Association president Pritam Mishra. In Rae Bareli, BJP Kisan Morcha’s Salon mandal president Shyam Sundar Tripathi resigned in protest, calling the regulations “harmful” and “divisive” in his resignation letter to the Prime Minister and party leadership. Meanwhile, a video from Kaushambi showing Savarna Army district head Abhishek Pandey writing a letter to the Prime Minister with his blood, terming the regulations a black law, went viral on social media, adding momentum to the growing agitation.
30 January,2026 02:34 PM IST | | mid-day online correspondentAs the Union Budget 2026-27 approaches, the healthcare industry is looking towards the central government to bridge the gap between ambitious national goals and the ground realities of medical affordability. Dr P Senthilnathan, Director of GEM Hospital, emphasised that the roadmap for the upcoming year must be anchored in a long-term strategy. He noted that the previous budget made strides in making essential medicines more affordable and in advancing digital health initiatives, particularly by enhancing cancer care capacity nationwide. However, he believes the next step is critical for the nation's broader developmental goals. Dr. Senthilnathan stated, "Union Budget 2026-27 should be drafted keeping in mind the long-term vision for building "Healthy India" to achieve 'Viksit Bharat' by 2047." There is also a strong call for the government to lower or rationalise GST on essential medical tools and services. Dr Senthilnathan remarked, "lower or rationalise GST on medical devices, diagnostic kits, and health insurance premiums to manage high out-of-pocket expenses." By reducing these tax barriers, the industry hopes to see a direct drop in treatment costs and higher uptake of health insurance, which is currently underutilised due to high premiums. The focus on rural areas also remains a top priority. Dr Senthilnathan highlighted the importance of "focusing rural health infrastructure through the National Health Mission (NHM)." Beyond infrastructure, the industry is seeking stronger public-private collaborations to address the rising prevalence of chronic illnesses. Dr Senthilnathan proposed a more integrated approach, noting the need for "Government tie-up with private organisations for screening programs, and reducing the burden of non-communicable diseases." He believes that such partnerships are essential for early detection and long-term management of lifestyle-related ailments that are increasingly affecting the workforce. Finally, the hospital director emphasised that the future of Indian healthcare lies in technology and smart taxation. He called for "AI/telemedicine adoption, and providing tax rationalisation for diagnostics and devices." This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever.
30 January,2026 02:12 PM IST | New Delhi | ANIAs global trade undergoes a fresh reordering amid renewed tariff tensions, India will need much more than trade deals to secure long-term gains, according to a report by Emkay Research. The report noted that tariffs have had a limited impact on correcting global trade imbalances in the current cycle, highlighting the growing agility of global corporations in adapting to trade disruptions. The report observed that "Trade War 2.0" has unfolded with China deploying a familiar strategy seen during Trade War 1.0, though this time with greater refinement and preparedness. Despite higher tariffs, global trade flows have adjusted rather than collapsed, as companies rerouted supply chains and diversified markets to cushion the impact. It stated, "Global trade reorder and India - trade deal is not enough. Tariffs have had limited impact on global trade imbalances this cycle, underscoring corporate agility". The report also mentioned that India, however, has faced a disproportionate tariff hit in this phase of global trade tensions. While there are early signs of market diversification by Indian exporters, these gains have largely come at the cost of lower margins. It pointed out that meaningful diversification in products and supply chains remains limited, indicating structural challenges in India's trade ecosystem. The report explained that despite the weakness in the Indian rupee (INR), India's ability to sustain export-led gains follows a "J-curve" dynamic. The J-curve refers to a phenomenon where a country's trade balance initially worsens before improving to a level higher than before a policy change or economic shock. However, the report cautioned that such gains will be durable only if several conditions are met. According to the report, trade diversion must become embedded in "sticky" supply chains through scale in key sectoral verticals. Improvements in logistics, customs procedures and port efficiencies are also crucial to support sustained export growth. Additionally, restrained tariffs on capital goods and intermediate inputs will be essential to enhance competitiveness and avoid further margin pressure. The report further highlighted the importance of long-term foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows to build capacity and strengthen supply chains. Managing two-way foreign exchange volatility was also highlighted as a key factor in supporting exporters over the medium term. The report concluded that these structural and operational factors will matter far more than tariffs alone in determining India's trade performance in the coming years. While trade deals may offer short-term relief, the report stressed that long-term gains will depend on deeper reforms and supply-chain integration rather than tariff-led strategies alone. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever.
30 January,2026 01:32 PM IST | New Delhi | ANIAhead of the Union Budget 2026 that will be announced by the Finance Minister on Sunday, February 1, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has prepared a comprehensive nationwide strategy to publicize it. As reported by news agency ANI, all Union Ministers, Chief Ministers of BJP-ruled states, and senior party leaders will address the media through press conferences across the country about the budget. BJP also plans to organize press conferences at nearly 150 locations nationwide. The Union Budget Outreach Campaign 2026 will be organized from 1 February to 15 February, during which a series of programs and interactions will be held. The aim of the programs will be to highlight the vision, priorities, and benefits of the budget. Extensive outreach program by BJP In addition to on-ground activities, the BJP will also run an extensive digital outreach campaign. The key highlights of the budget will be promoted across social media platforms, with active engagement of social media influencers. Special emphasis will be placed on reaching the youth and wider audiences through short video reels and digital content. To ensure effective coordination and implementation of the campaign, the BJP has also constituted a dedicated team under the leadership of National General Secretary Tarun Chugh for promoting the Union Budget 2026. The team includes Saroj Pandey, Shrikant Sharma, Narendra Raina, GVL Narasimha Rao, Gopal Krishna Agrawal, Anil Antony, Sanjay Tandon, and Guru Prakash Paswan, as reported by news agency ANI. BJP further aims to take the budget's message to every section of society and underline its commitment to inclusive growth and national development. MDMK alleges the Union Budget will be against BJP Meanwhile, Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (MDMK) General Secretary Vaiko alleged that the upcoming Union Budget will be biased against Tamil Nadu, accusing the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of indulging in language politics and attempting to mislead the people of the state. Speaking to the media on Thursday, Vaiko further said that the Centre would continue its alleged biased approach towards Tamil Nadu while attempting to appease the state rhetorically. Vaiko further said, "The Union government would once again discriminate against Tamil Nadu in the upcoming Union Budget. The BJP would try to deceive the people by praising Tamil Nadu, Bharathiar, and Sangam literature in Hindi. Prime Minister Modi's daydream of fooling Tamil Nadu will never succeed," as per ANI. (With inputs from ANI)
30 January,2026 01:27 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentMaharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar was eager to merge the two factions of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), and the process was reportedly nearing completion, according to a close aide. Kiran Gujar, a longtime associate of Pawar since his political beginnings in the mid-1980s, told PTI on Thursday that the leader had shared his plans with him just five days before his fatal plane crash on Wednesday. "He was one hundred per cent keen on merging both factions. He had told me five days ago that the entire process was complete and the merger was imminent in the next few days," Gujar said, reported PTI. During the recent civic polls, which the two factions contested in alliance, Ajit Pawar had also told select journalists that he intended to merge his party with the NCP (SP) while his uncle Sharad Pawar (85) was in good health. After contesting the January 15 civic elections in Pune and Pimpri Chinchwad together, the two factions decided to continue the tie-up for the next month's Zilla Parishad elections as well. According to PTI, Gujar said that Ajit had a roadmap ready for the merger and the future course of the united NCP. Asked whether he had discussed the issue with Sharad Pawar, Gujar said, "Positive talks were underway with Pawar saheb, Supriya Tai (Supriya Sule), and other leaders," and there were indications that the senior Pawar would endorse the move. "Many positive things were on the cards, but this tragedy struck and took Ajit 'Dada' (elder brother, as he was popularly known) away from us. Now, after his death, it has become even more imperative that both factions come together and work for the betterment of Baramati and the state," he said, reported PTI. Gujar, who has been associated with the Pawar family for over 40 years, remained with Ajit Pawar through his various political phases and was considered his close confidant. Recalling his early years, Gujar said that after Ajit won the election to the Chhatrapati Cooperative Sugar Mill in 1981, he was persuaded to enter politics. "Initially, he was reluctant and wanted to focus on the family and farming. However, after Pawar saheb (Sharad Pawar) became chief minister in the late 1980s, there was a need for young leadership in Baramati, and Dada fulfilled that role," he said. "The development of the area will continue, but a leader like Ajit Dada will not emerge again," Gujar added. (With PTI inputs)
30 January,2026 01:12 PM IST | Baramati | mid-day online correspondentPrime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday paid tribute to Mahatma Gandhi on his 78th death anniversary, saying that his emphasis on 'Swadeshi' is the "fundamental pillar of self-reliant India." "My hundredfold salutations to the Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi, on his death anniversary. Revered Bapu always laid strong emphasis on Swadeshi, which is also a fundamental pillar of our resolve for a developed and self-reliant India. His personality and deeds will forever continue to inspire the people of the country to walk the path of duty," PM Modi wrote on X. In another X post, the Prime Minister hailed Mahatma Gandhi's principle of non-violence. "Revered Bapu always emphasised non-violence for the protection of humanity. There is such power in it that can change the world without weapons. Ahimsa param dharmast-thahimsa parantpah, ahimsa paramam satyam yato dharmah pravartate (Nonviolence is the ultimate duty, nonviolence is the ultimate austerity. Nonviolence is the ultimate truth, and it advances the cause of righteousness)," he wrote. Senior Minister JP Nadda also paid tribute to the Mahatma, "On the sacred death anniversary of the worshipper of humanity, the embodiment of sacrifice and penance, the pioneer of Swadeshi and self-reliance, the Father of the Nation Mahatma Gandhi Ji, I offer him millions of salutations. Revered Bapu, through his ideal and exemplary personality and deeds, spread the message of lifelong truth, non-violence, peace and goodwill across the world. His great thoughts continue to illuminate the path for the countrymen in building a self-reliant and developed India even today. His life philosophy, dedicated to the service of the nation, will forever inspire us to walk on the path of morality, tolerance and service to the people." Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, a leading figure in India's freedom movement, succumbed to bullets on January 30, 2026. He was assassinated by Nathuram Godse while he was on his way to daily prayers. January 30 is marked as Martyr's Day. On the occasion of his 78th death anniversary, the Centre will hold an all-religious prayer (Sarva-Dharma-Prarthana) and Martyr's Day Ceremony, in the presence of Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Union Minister and Rajghat Samadhi Committee Chairman Manohar Lal, at the Rajghat in the national capital. Every year, Prime Minister Modi visits Rajghat to pay floral tribute to Mahatma Gandhi. Meanwhile, the Delhi Traffic Police also issued a traffic advisory in view of an official function scheduled at Mahatma Gandhi Smriti Sthal, Rajghat, on January 30 to mark Martyrs' Day. The event is expected to be attended by several dignitaries, prompting heightened security arrangements and traffic regulation in parts of central Delhi. According to the advisory, traffic diversions may be implemented on a need basis at key intersections, including ITO Chowk, Delhi Gate, Guru Nanak Chowk, Shantivan Chowk, Rajghat DTC Depot, and the IP Flyover. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever.
30 January,2026 10:55 AM IST | New Delhi | ANIThe Economic Survey on Thursday projected the GDP growth in the range of 6.8-7.2 per cent for the next fiscal (2026-27) year on the back of the cumulative impact of reforms, and said the economy remains on a stable footing. The projection is a tad lower than the estimates of 7.4 per cent in the current fiscal. The Economic Survey 2025-26 said the rupee’s valuation does not accurately reflect India’s stellar economic fundamentals. The survey also said inflation is unlikely to be a concern in the next fiscal year. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
30 January,2026 10:41 AM IST | New Delhi | AgenciesThe toll in the fire near Kolkata on January 26 has risen to 21 with more 13 bodies found from gutted buildings, while 28 people are still missing, raising fears that the number of fatalities is likely to increase, the police said on Thursday. The devastating fire reduced to ashes two godowns and a manufacturing unit of a momo company at Anandapur in South 24 Parganas district, close to the city. “Given the nature of the incident and the extent of damage, the possibility of the toll going up cannot be ruled out,” a senior police officer said. “A prohibitory order has been imposed to maintain law and order and to facilitate rescue and identification work,” the police officer said. The Sunday night blaze reduced warehouses and a manufacturing unit to rubble, leaving behind charred buildings and bodies of workers. Officials said DNA mapping of the 21 recovered bodies or body parts is likely to begin on Thursday to establish their identities. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
30 January,2026 10:39 AM IST | Kolkata | AgenciesThe United States government reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening energy cooperation with India during India Energy Week 2026, held from January 27 to 30 in Goa. Acting US Consul General Mike Schreuder led an American delegation at the event, focusing on expanding bilateral energy trade, strengthening infrastructure, and enhancing technology collaboration, highlighting the growing strategic importance of US-India energy ties. “The United States and India are building an energy partnership that delivers real benefits for our people,” Schreuder said, adding that cooperation is aimed at expanding reliable American energy exports, promoting transparent market-driven growth, and ensuring affordable and dependable energy supplies. During the event, the delegation met Indian national oil companies and industry leaders to discuss increasing imports of US hydrocarbons and civil nuclear energy technologies. Currently, the US supplies around 10 per cent of India’s LPG demand. Talks also explored expanding long-term contracts for US crude oil and liquefied natural gas. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
30 January,2026 10:35 AM IST | Goa | AgenciesIn a shocking incident of alleged animal cruelty, around 100 stray dogs were brutally killed in Thummaipally village of Nagarkurnool district, Telangana earlier this week. The mass killing of stray dogs has triggered significant outrage among animal welfare activists and locals. Consequently, a formal complaint has been lodged at the Charapaka Police Station by Mudavath Preethi, a Cruelty Prevention Assistant with the Stray Animal Foundation of India (NGO). The incident reportedly took place in the village under the Sarpanch's jurisdiction. According to the FIR, the police received the complaint from Mudavath Preethi, a resident of Nagarkurnool, on January 27. In her petition, the complaintant stated that in her capacity as an Animal Cruelty Prevention Assistant, she received information that approximately 100 stray dogs were killed by administering poisonous injections over the last 10 days. These actions were allegedly carried out by the Sarpanch and the Panchayat Secretary of Thimmaipally village. During a recorded purported conversation between animal welfare activist Adukapuram Goutham and the village Sarpanch, the Sarpanch reportedly admitted that the dogs were killed using these injections, and they also hired "dog killers" for Rs18,000 to carry out the act. Further inquiry revealed that Gram Panchayat (GP) worker Ravi allegedly removed the carcasses. In a separate conversation between Adukapuram Goutham and Gopi (the hired individual), Gopi said that the dogs had been poisoned over the previous 10 days. Additionally, the Sarpanch stated that the bodies were disposed of approximately 2 km away from the village. Based on these findings, the petitioner has requested that immediate legal action be taken against the accused individuals in accordance with the law. Animal rights activist Goutham has condemned the incident and demanded strict action against those involved, calling for stronger enforcement of animal protection laws to prevent such acts of cruelty in the future. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
30 January,2026 10:31 AM IST | Nagarkurnool (Telangana) | ANIThe Delhi High Court on Thursday granted protection from arrest to a man accused of diverting funds of Rs 2-3 crore of the Iskcon temple in Dwarka during Kumbh Mela 2025 and misappropriation of Rs. 21.45 Lakh. An FIR was lodged in October 2025 at the Dwarka North police station. His anticipatory bail plea was rejected by the trial court on January 12th. The High Court granted relief to the accused after noting a long delay in lodging the FIR, and that he was removed from his job in June 2025, despite being given Rs 21.45 lakh to deposit in the account of the Department of the temple. Justice Prateek Jalan granted relief to Ram Prakash Dubey as protection from arrest by the police till the next date of hearing. While granting protection from arrest, the High Court noted that, even as per the allegations recorded in the FIR, the temple authorities became aware of the applicant's alleged misappropriation of funds and destruction of records during the Kumbh Mela 2025, but the complaint was only made in September 2025. The bench further noted that, "According to the applicant, he was removed from service on 11.06.2025, but even in the FIR, it is stated that, despite the allegations against him related to the Kumbh Mela, a sum of Rs. 21. 45 lakh was handed over to him on 28.07.2025 for deposit in the Accounts Department. "In these circumstances, on a prima facie consideration of the material, I am of the view that the applicant is entitled to ad-interim protection," Justice Jalan ordered on January 29th. The High Court has directed Dubey to join the investigation as and when directed by the Investigation Officer (IO) and to cooperate with the investigation, and has ordered, "it is directed that the applicant will not be arrested in connection with the subject FIR until the next date of hearing." The court has directed the police to file a status report three days before the next hearing date. The complainant, Sunit Goyal, has been granted liberty to file a reply. Matter is Listed on March 24th, 2026. Advocate Amit Kumar alongwith with Khushboo Sharma, appeared for Ram Prakash Dubey. They argued that the allegations against the applicant are a counterblast to a complaint and legal notice issued by him on August 21st, 2025. He further submitted that Dubey was, in fact, removed from service on June 11th, 2025, by an oral order of removal. The filing of the complaint and the registration of the FIR are unduly delayed. On the other hand, the Additional Public Prosecutor (APP) submitted that the complaint was, in fact, made to the police authorities on Septmeber 5th, 2025, and the FIR was registered on October 10th, 2025, after a preliminary inquiry. As per the FIR, the applicant and his wife were allegedly involved in serious financial mismanagement, criminal breach of trust, destruction of records, physical assault, extortion, and theft of temple money and property. It is stated that during the Kumbh Mela held at Prayagraj in early 2025, Ram Prakash Dubey was placed under close observation by the temple's management, in light of prior complaints regarding his conduct. According to the FIR, it came to the notice of the management that the applicant was involved in the unauthorised diversion and misuse of temple funds, estimated to be in the range of Rs. 2-3 Crores. It was also discovered that the applicant had destroyed the labour attendance register of the temple in order to conceal the financial irregularities, and when he was confronted in this regard, he manhandled and physically assaulted two of the temple employees. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
30 January,2026 10:29 AM IST | New Delhi | ANIADVERTISEMENT
-1769760739438_d.png "Healthcare sector seeks affordable care and a digital upgrade ahead of Union Budget 2026. Representational Image")
-1769752202190_d.png "Trade deals alone won’t safeguard India amid global tariff volatility according to reports. File Pic")
-1769749986822_d.png "Prime Minister Modi visits Rajghat to pay floral tribute to Mahatma Gandhi every year. Representational Image")
