Sustained investment has accelerated the expansion of the rail network, with the pace of track commissioning more than doubling in the post-2014 period compared to the previous decade, the Economic Survey for 2025–26, tabled in Parliament on Thursday, said. According to the survey, Indian Railways commissioned an average of 1,499 km of tracks annually between 2004 and 2014, news agency PTI reported. This figure rose sharply to 3,118 km per year during the 2014–2024 period. “Indian Railways continues to play a pivotal role in India’s infrastructure landscape by expanding network capacity, modernising assets and strengthening multimodal connectivity,” the survey stated. It noted that as of March 2025, the rail network had expanded to 69,439 route kilometres (Rkm). During financial year (FY) 2025-26, the network is targeted to grow further by 3,500 km. Electrification has reached 99.1 per cent of the network as of October 2025, PTI reported. The survey said that recent years have been marked by record capital expenditure on railway infrastructure, with a strong focus on new lines, doubling and multi-tracking, rolling stock augmentation, signalling upgrades, and safety-related works. Based on the Budget Estimates for FY 26, capital expenditure has been maintained at historically high levels to enable time-bound capacity creation. “Railways have also emerged as the backbone of India’s freight and energy logistics, supporting coal movement, industrial supply chains and containerised traffic through dedicated corridors, modern terminals and first-mile connectivity projects,” it said, adding that parallel investments in stations, signalling, telecom and digital systems are improving reliability, safety and user experience. Economic Survey 2026 highlights progress on bullet train, freight corridors and rail modernisation Highlighting key infrastructure initiatives such as Economic Railway Corridors under Pradhan Mantri (PM) GatiShakti, the Mumbai–Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail project, dedicated freight corridors (DFCs), station redevelopment, and technology- and safety-led track upgrades, the survey underscored the ongoing transformation of the national transporter. “Indian Railways is undergoing a transformation, driven by sustained capital investment, rapid network expansion, near-universal electrification and a corridor-based approach to capacity creation,” it said. On the bullet train project, the survey highlighted that more than 55 per cent physical progress had been achieved as of October 2025, PTI reported. Land acquisition has been completed and most civil packages awarded, marking a major milestone towards introducing high-speed rail in the country. The survey also noted that about 2,741 km, or 96.4 per cent, of the 2,843-km DFC network had been commissioned as of October 2025. While the eastern DFC, spanning 1,337 km, has been fully completed, 1,404 km of the 1,506-km western DFC is operational. Economic Survey 2026: Infrastructure push easing congestion, cutting freight time, and logistics costs “These corridors are easing congestion on the passenger network, significantly reducing freight transit times and contributing to lower logistics costs,” it said. Praising the station redevelopment programme, the survey stated that 1,337 stations have been identified for phased redevelopment under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme. Work has been completed at select stations, while progress is underway nationwide to improve capacity, accessibility and multimodal integration. It further highlighted that over 78 per cent of railway tracks have been upgraded to support sectional speeds of 110 kmph (kilometre per hour) and above, PTI reported. “Continued focus on dedicated freight corridors, economic rail corridors under PM GatiShakti, and modern signalling and station infrastructure is improving throughput, reliability and multimodal integration,” the survey said. In its outlook, the survey observed that these infrastructure-led initiatives will be crucial in reducing logistics costs and strengthening overall connectivity. (With PTI inputs)
29 January,2026 05:42 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentThe last rites of Vidip Jadhav, the personal security officer to Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar who lost his life alongside the leader in the Baramati plane crash, were performed at his native place in Maharashtra’s Satara district early on Thursday, news agency PTI reported. VIDEO | Maharashtra: Vidip Dilip Jadhav, the personal security officer (PSO) of Deputy CM Ajit Pawar, was laid to rest with full state honours in his native village in Satara last night.Jadhav was also on board the aircraft that crash-landed in Baramati yesterday, killing… pic.twitter.com/x17PFkF7ka — Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) January 29, 2026 Jadhav, a 2009-batch constable with the Mumbai Police, was travelling with Pawar when their aircraft crashed at Baramati in Pune district on Wednesday evening. Two pilots and a flight attendant also died in the accident. Phaltan, Maharashtra: A family member of Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar’s PSO, Vidip Jadhav, says, "After his passing, the entire family, young and old- has been deeply saddened. One of his greatest qualities was keeping our whole family united, not just our immediate… pic.twitter.com/mSIhLEv0S9 — IANS (@ians_india) January 29, 2026 Jadhav’s mortal remains were taken to his village Taradgaon in Phaltan taluka of Satara district around 8.30 pm on Wednesday. His cremation was carried out there around midnight in the presence of family members, local residents, and police, and government officials, PTI reported. Mumbai Police Constable Vidip Dilip Jadhav, a resident of Kalwa near Thane, died on Wednesday morning in the air crash that also claimed the life of Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, with whom he was deployed as part of the security detail. Jadhav had been working with Pawar… pic.twitter.com/cUGH6dD4TE — Mid Day (@mid_day) January 29, 2026 Personnel from the Lonand Police Station accorded a guard of honour to the constable, an official said. “I am deeply saddened by the untimely demise of Mumbai Police Constable Vidip Jadhav, who lost his life in a tragic aircraft accident while on duty. With his passing, the Mumbai Police Force has lost a dedicated and dutiful soldier. I extend my heartfelt condolences to his family members,” Mumbai Police Commissioner Deven Bharti said in a post on X. कर्तव्यावर असताना झालेल्या भीषण विमान अपघातात मुंबई पोलीस दलाचे पोलीस शिपाई विदिप जाधव यांचे अकाली निधन झाल्याने मन अत्यंत दुःखी झाले आहे.मुंबई पोलीस दलातील एक कर्तव्यनिष्ठ जवान आपण गमावला आहे.त्यांच्या कुटुंबीयांप्रती माझ्या मनापासून शोकभावना व्यक्त करतो.#RestInPeace pic.twitter.com/CkhRbdozdz — Commissioner of Police, Greater Mumbai (@CPMumbaiPolice) January 28, 2026 A resident of Vitawa in Thane city, Jadhav was posted with the special protection unit of Mumbai Police. Ajit Pawar death: Security officer is survived by wife and two children Following the aircraft accident, his family members, including his wife and two children, rushed to Baramati. After the post-mortem, the family identified the body, which was subsequently handed over to them. Ajit Pawar death: Pune Police file ADR, probe underway The Pune Rural Police have registered an accidental death report (ADR) at the Baramati Taluka Police Station in connection with the plane crash that claimed the life of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, officers told news agency IANS on Thursday. Police said an investigation into the circumstances that led to the crash is currently underway. Teams from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) are at the crash site to probe the incident and determine the cause of the tragedy. According to the police, all aspects related to the accident are being examined. As per procedure, the ADR will be transferred to the Maharashtra Criminal Investigation Department (CID), which will carry out the investigation based on the findings of the AAIB team, IANS reported. (With PTI and IANS inputs)
29 January,2026 05:20 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe Supreme Court on Thursday stayed the recent UGC Equity Regulations on preventing caste-based discrimination on campuses, observing they are prima facie "vague" and "capable of misuse". The apex court orally observed that if it does not intervene in the matter, that would have a dangerous impact and divide the society. The Supreme Court order came after various pleas were filed contending that the University Grants Commission (UGC) adopted a "non-inclusionary" definition of caste-based discrimination and excluded certain categories from institutional protection. The regulations had triggered protests at various places, with student groups and organisations demanding its immediate rollback. While issuing notice to the Centre and the UGC, a bench of Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi suggested that the regulations must be revisited by a committee comprising eminent jurists. "Issue notice, returnable on March 19. Solicitor General accepts notice.... Meanwhile, let UGC Regulations 2026 shall remain in abeyance and 2012 regulations shall continue," the bench said. During the hearing, the bench observed,"Prima facie, we say that the language of the regulation is vague. Experts need to look into for the language be modulated so that it is not exploited." The new regulations mandating all higher education institutions to form "equity committees" to look into discrimination complaints and promote equity were notified on January 13. The University Grants Commission (Promotion of Equity in Higher Education Institutions) Regulations, 2026, mandated that these committees must include members of the Other Backward Classes (OBC), the Scheduled Castes (SC), the Scheduled Tribes (ST), persons with disabilities, and women. The new regulations replaces the UGC (Promotion of Equity in Higher Educational Institutions) Regulations, 2012, which was largely advisory in nature. The pleas assailed the regulation on the grounds that caste-based discrimination is defined strictly as discrimination against members of the SCs, STs and OBCs. It said that by limiting the scope of "caste-based discrimination" only to SC, ST and OBC categories, the UGC has effectively denied institutional protection and grievance redressal to individuals belonging to the "general" or non-reserved categories who may also face harassment or bias based on their caste identity. The top court was hearing pleas challenging the constitutional validity of UGC Equity Regulations 2026 filed by Mritunjay Tiwari, advocate Vineet Jindal and Rahul Dewan. 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
29 January,2026 05:19 PM IST | New Delhi | PTIRajya Sabha Chairman C P Radhakrishnan on Thursday set the tone for the 270th session of the Upper House, calling upon members to maintain the highest standards of parliamentary decorum while deliberating on the Union Budget 2026-27 and other key legislative proposals. The Vice President of India, in his opening remarks, highlighted India's position as the world's fastest-growing major economy, poised to become the third-largest soon. He further said, "India's growing influence and stature in the global economy make our role as parliamentarians crucial in shaping the nation's economic direction," as cited by news agency PTI. Radhakrishnan also noted that the session, spanning 30 sittings, will focus on examining the Union Budget and legislative proposals, while department-related parliamentary standing committees will scrutinise demands for grants during the recess. He further added, "I call upon members to make impactful contributions to deliberations in the House as well as in the committees." RS Chairman urges members to utilise every minute Emphasising the magnitude of legislative work in the upcoming budget session, CP Radhakrishnan urged members to utilise every minute of scheduled business to realise the aspirations of the people they represent. The Chairman, while stressing the importance of maintaining parliamentary discipline, also said that “the magnitude of our legislative work underscores our solemn responsibility,” as reported by PTI. Hinting that the session should be conducted smoothly by maintaining the decorum of the house, the Chairman also added, "Our democracy flourishes through diversity of views and spirited debate. Respectful exchange of opinions and constructive discussions should be the norm of parliamentary discourse.” He also added that the house should be conducted, “defined by decorum, discipline and dignified conduct." Invoking Mahatma Gandhi's vision, Radhakrishnan said the members should uphold the values of democracy and discipline in their conduct. The Chairman expressed hope for full cooperation from leaders of parliamentary parties and members in making the session productive and "a solid stepping stone in our journey towards a prosperous, self-reliant Viksit Bharat." He concluded by saying “Together, let us make the Budget session a success reflecting the highest standards of parliamentary democracy,” as per PTI. (With inputs from PTI)
29 January,2026 05:02 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentIndian gold bar and coin demand, along with local exchange-traded funds (ETFs) should remain strong in 2026 as investors pivot toward pure investment products amid record-high prices. A World Gold Council report indicates that a gradual shift from jewellery to investment demand is expected to continue supporting the physical bullion market. The report suggests that equities may remain subdued and less attractive due to high valuations, potential tariffs, and foreign outflows. The report highlights that rampant investment interest in India recently produced two consecutive quarters of demand exceeding 90 tonnes for the first time since 2013. Annual demand also reached its highest level since that year, resulting in a record investment value of USD 32 billion. "The depreciating rupee throughout much of 2024 amplified the rise in the gold price, further fuelling momentum buying. Demand was strengthened by an apparent shift among some investment-motivated jewellery consumers towards lower-margin bars and coins," the report noted. The rise in gold ETF buying remained a notable feature of the year, supported by new product listings designed to capture nascent demand. Digital gold purchases also grew steadily, with transaction values increasing almost three-fold. The report notes that market feedback indicates an expanding investor base served by a broad range of providers, which accounts for this growth. It also mentions that the move by India's pension regulator to permit National Pension System funds to invest in gold and silver ETFs may further underpin interest. While festival and wedding buying boosted jewellery demand on a quarterly basis, a sharp year-on-year drop followed record gold prices. In value terms, however, a record USD 19 billion was spent on gold jewellery in the final quarter, bringing the annual total to an unprecedented USD 49 billion. Consumers in India typically operate on fixed budgets, which acts as a brake on the quantity of gold they can purchase during price rallies. The report also observes that 14k jewellery gained some traction among younger demographics. "While 14k jewellery gained some traction - particularly among the younger demographic in in northern urban centres - swathes of the country remained reluctant to accept lower carat jewellery as it dilutes a key reason for holding it: long-term capital preservation," the report noted. 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.
29 January,2026 04:48 PM IST | New Delhi | ANISenior Congress leader Shashi Tharoor on Thursday met party president Mallikarjun Kharge and Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi to address his grievances, signalling a rapprochement with the party ahead of the crucial Kerala Assembly polls. The meeting, held in Kharge's chamber at the Parliament House complex, lasted over an hour and 45 minutes, news agency PTI reported. “We had a discussion with my two party leaders, the LoP and the Congress president. We had a very good, constructive, positive discussion,” Tharoor told reporters, adding, “All is good and we are moving together on the same page. What more can I say.” Asked if the chief ministerial face for Kerala polls was discussed, Tharoor said, “That was never the issue. I am not interested in being the candidate for anything. At the moment I am already an MP, I have the trust of my voters from Thiruvananthapuram. I have their interest to look after in Parliament, that is my job.” The Lok Sabha Member of Parliament (MP) further stated that he was satisfied with the meeting. “Thanks to @INCIndia President @kharge ji and LS LoP @RahulGandhi ji for a warm and constructive discussion today on a wide range of subjects. We are all on the same page as we move forward in the service of the people of India,” he posted on X with a photo showing the three leaders smiling in Kharge’s chamber. Thanks to @INCIndia President @kharge ji and LS LoP @RahulGandhi ji for a warm and constructive discussion today on a wide range of subjects. We are all on the same page as we move forward in the service of the people of India. pic.twitter.com/T5l8jqkhUT — Shashi Tharoor (@ShashiTharoor) January 29, 2026 Kerala Assembly polls: Kharge holds meeting with state leaders to finalise Congress strategy PTI sources described the meeting as “comprehensive”, covering a wide array of subjects. Kharge and Gandhi reportedly made the necessary time for a thorough discussion, with all agreeing to move forward together. Tharoor had been upset over perceived sidelining by party leaders in Kerala, including an incident at a Kochi event on January 19, where Gandhi did not acknowledge his presence on stage. Earlier disagreements over his comments on India-Pakistan relations and diplomatic outreach had also caused tension, though Tharoor maintained there is no variance in foreign policy stance and advocated bipartisanship. Kharge on Friday chaired a key meeting with Kerala leaders to finalise the party’s poll strategy as Congress seeks to wrest power from the Left after 10 years in opposition. (With PTI inputs)
29 January,2026 04:41 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentThe Supreme Court on Thursday reserved its verdict on a batch of pleas seeking modification of earlier orders in the stray dogs case. A bench of justices Vikram Nath, Sandeep Mehta and NV Anjaria reserved its decision after hearing amicus curiae Gaurav Agarwal, who summarised the steps taken by states like Punjab, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan. The bench also heard the counsel appearing for NHAI regarding compliance of the November 7, 2025 direction where the authority was directed to remove stray animals from National Highways and fencing of roads. The top court asked the Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI) to process the applications of NGOs seeking permission to animal shelters or animal birth control facilities. "Either you accept it or reject the applications but do it expeditiously," the bench told the counsel appearing for AWBI, who pointed out that after the November 7 order of the court, there was a surge in such applications from different organisations. The top court asked the parties to file their written submissions as early as possible in the matter. On Wednesday, the top court flagged its concern over state governments not complying with its directions to enhance their stray dogs sterilisation capacity, saying, "They are all building castles in the air." The top court was hearing several petitions seeking modification of its November 7, 2025, order directing authorities to remove stray animals from the institutional areas and roads. On January 13, the top court said it would ask states to pay a "heavy compensation" for dog bite incidents and hold dog feeders accountable for such cases.The court also flagged concerns over the non-implementation of norms on stray animals for the last five years. Taking note of the "alarming rise" in dog-bite incidents within institutional areas such as educational institutions, hospitals and railway stations, the apex court on November 7 directed relocation of stray canines forthwith to designated shelters after due sterilisation and vaccination. It had also said stray dogs picked up shall not be released back to their original place. The court had directed authorities to ensure the removal of all cattle and other stray animals from the state highways, national highways and expressways.The top court is hearing a suo motu case, initiated on July 28 last year, over a media report on stray dog bites leading to rabies, particularly among children, in the national capital. 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.
29 January,2026 04:27 PM IST | New Delhi | PTISenior Congress leader and Kerala MLA Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan has filed a police complaint after cyber fraudsters attempted to trap him through a so-called ‘digital arrest’ scam, reported the PTI. Radhakrishnan, who represents the Kottayam Assembly constituency and is a former home minister in the Oommen Chandy government, said he received a call from an unidentified person warning him that he would be placed under ‘digital arrest’. Speaking to PTI on Thursday, Radhakrishnan said he suspected fraud from the start. “They made a WhatsApp call and spoke about a ‘digital arrest’. I realised it was a scam immediately and did not engage further,” he said, according to the PTI. According to people close to him, the call was received on Wednesday afternoon from a person claiming to be an official of the Mumbai Police. The caller alleged that financial fraud had been committed using Radhakrishnan’s Aadhaar number and that a case had been registered. Radhakrishnan reportedly asked the caller to contact the police for further details and then disconnected the call. Complaint submitted to state police chief The MLA said he has submitted a complaint to the Kerala state police chief and expects a formal probe to be launched once a case is registered. Rise in digital arrest scams in Kerala Kerala has witnessed a rise in ‘digital arrest’ scams in recent months, with fraudsters mainly targeting elderly people. In such scams, criminals impersonate law enforcement officials, falsely accuse individuals of illegal activities and intimidate them into transferring money under the threat of arrest. Senior citizen placed under digital arrest in Mumbai, loses Rs 16.5 lakh A 75-year-old retired civic official has allegedly been duped of Rs 16.5 lakh by cyber fraudsters who posed as ATS and NIA personnel and placed him under "digital arrest" for interrogation, claiming his name surfaced in the Delhi bomb blast case, police said, reported news agency PTI. The victim, a resident of Andheri (East) in Mumbai, approached the West Region Cyber Police Station on Monday, an official said on Wednesday, reported PTI. Scam linked to fake probe into Delhi blast case An explosive-laden vehicle detonated outside the historic Red Fort in Delhi on November 10 last year, killing over 12 persons. According to the police, the victim, a retired official of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation, received a call on December 11 from unidentified persons claiming to be officers from the Delhi anti-terrorism department. The caller threatened him, saying his name had surfaced in the Delhi bomb blast case and that he needed to be interrogated secretly, reported PTI. The caller then asked the victim to download the Signal application, where he received a video call. During the call, one of the fraudsters posed as National Investigation Agency (NIA) officer Sadanand Date, reported PTI. Victim warned of money laundering case The caller told the victim that a bank account linked to his mobile number had allegedly received Rs 7 crore through money laundering activities and warned that he would be arrested in the case, the police said. Citing the seriousness of the matter and its alleged connection to national security, the caller instructed the victim not to discuss the issue with anyone, reported PTI. Money transferred for ‘verification’, caller vanishes The fraudsters claimed that the agency needed to verify whether his investments and deposits were from legal sources, and asked the victim to transfer his money to certain bank accounts for verification, a police official said. Accordingly, the victim deposited Rs 16.5 lakh, following which the caller blocked his number. Case registered against unidentified accused The victim later approached the cyber police and lodged a complaint, based on which a case has been registered against unidentified persons, the official said. Digital arrest is a growing form of cybercrime in which fraudsters pose as law enforcement, court officials or personnel from government agencies to intimidate victims through audio and video calls. They hold the victims hostage and put pressure on them to pay money. (With inputs from PTI)
29 January,2026 04:05 PM IST | Kottayam (Kerala) | mid-day online correspondentThe Kerala government on Thursday announced setting up specialised menopause clinics in district hospitals. In the budget presented in the Assembly, Finance Minister K N Balagopal said that Rs 3 crore will be allocated to set up the clinics. Menopause, a natural phase in a woman's life, is often overlooked despite its profound physical and emotional impact. Women can experience hormonal imbalances, sleep disorders, mental stress, and bone-related problems, leaving many in need of dedicated support. The new clinics aim to provide medical consultations, mental health counselling, screenings for heart, bone, and hormonal health, along with medicines and guidance--all at a single location, official sources said. Kerala follows in the footsteps of Maharashtra, which became the first state in India to launch dedicated menopause clinics in government hospitals and urban health facilities. Maharashtra launched the initiative on Makar Sankranti (January 14) this 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.
29 January,2026 03:39 PM IST | Thiruvananthapuram | PTIPrime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said the free trade pact with the European Union is for an ambitious India and urged manufacturers to benefit from new markets opening for them. Modi also said that the nation is coming out of long term pending problems and working towards long term solutions. Time has come to find solutions and not create hurdles, he said, adding his government is not confined to just files but ensuring last mile delivery of welfare schemes to the people. "Our priority is always human-centric while taking steps for all-round development of the country," he told reporters in Parliament House complex in his customary briefing at the beginning of the Budget session. An India full of confidence has emerged as ray of hope for world, he added. "A new market has opened up. It offers quality products to 27 EU member nations," he said in an appeal to manufacturers. India and the European Union on Tuesday announced the conclusion of negotiations for the FTA, described as 'mother of all deals', under which 93 per cent of Indian shipments will enjoy duty-free access to the 27-nation bloc, while import of luxury cars and wines from the EU will become less expensive. The deal, concluded after negotiations spanning about two decades, will create a market of about 2 billion people across the world's fourth-largest economy, India, and the second-largest economic bloc, the EU. Referring to President Droupadi Murmu's address to the joint sitting of both Houses of Parliament on Wednesday, he said it was an expression of confidence of 140 crore citizens and outlined aspirations of the youth. He also noted that Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is going to table her ninth consecutive budget on Sunday and that she is the only woman finance minister in the country to achieve such a significant feat. "This is a very glorious chapter of Indian democracy," he added. 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.
29 January,2026 03:35 PM IST | New Delhi | PTIMaharashtra Deputy Chief Minister (CM) Ajit Pawar’s body will be cremated with state honors on Thursday at 11 am. Pawar, along with five others, died in a tragic plane crash at Baramati on Wednesday morning. As a mark of respect to Deputy CM Ajit Pawar, the Maharashtra government announced a three-day mourning period from Wednesday. The mourning and closure orders were issued by the general administration department, Mantralaya. Senior officials across the state, including commissioners, district collectors, and police authorities, have been directed to take necessary action on its implementations across the state. Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis said that during these three days, the national flag will be flown at half-mast on all the buildings in the state where the national flag is regularly hoisted. Also, no government programmes will be held during the mourning period. Further, a holiday has been declared for all the state government offices in Maharashtra on Wednesday. Ajit Pawar death: PM Modi and Amit Shah likely to attend cremation ceremony Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah are likely to attend Pawar's last rites, news agency IANS reported. Meanwhile, leaders across political parties have expressed grief over Pawar's sudden demise. The Maharashtra government has also declared a holiday across all schools on Wednesday. Ajit Pawar death: Ashish Shelar expresses grief over deputy CM's demise Maharashtra Cultural Affairs Minister Ashish Shelar said, “The news of the untimely demise of Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Ajitdada Pawar, in an airplane crash is extremely painful and shocking.” “Through this heart-numbing, tragic incident, the state has lost an experienced, dutiful, and steadfast leader. His strong grip on the administration, decisiveness, and zeal for the all-round progress of Maharashtra have left a distinct mark on the state's politics. Steadfastness, discipline, punctuality, and unwavering diligence were the prominent facets of his personality,” he added. Ajit Pawar death: University exams rescheduled Meanwhile, the Examination Section announced that all afternoon examinations scheduled for January 28, 2026, have been rescheduled. The decision applies to affiliated colleges in Commerce and Management, Arts and Education, as well as the Centre for Distance and Online Education (CDOE) after the death of Ajit Pawar in Pune. The revised examination dates will be announced later. College principals have been asked to inform students accordingly. (With inputs from IANS)
29 January,2026 03:31 PM IST | Baramati | mid-day online correspondentADVERTISEMENT
-1769685146301_d.png "World Gold Council sees strong gold investment demand in India despite high prices. Representational Image")
-1769683765361_d.png "Supreme Court proceeds in the case related to stray dogs and rising dog-bite incidents. Representational Image")
-1769675818520_d.png "Specialised menopause clinics to be set up in Kerala district hospitals. Representational image")
-1769677651765_d.png "PM Modi highlights human-centric development, India-EU FTA as Budget session kicks off. File Pic")
