The Economic Survey 2026 presents a promising picture of India’s economic journey, describing it as a fast-moving "Reform Express" steadily progressing despite global challenges, Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi said on Thursday. Tabled in Parliament earlier in the day, the survey reflects the strength of India’s economic fundamentals and the government’s continuous efforts to drive growth, innovation, and inclusive development. "The Survey showcases how India’s Reform Express is moving forward with consistency and purpose," PM Modi wrote on X. The Economic Survey tabled today presents a comprehensive picture of India’s Reform Express, reflecting steady progress in a challenging global environment. It highlights strong macroeconomic fundamentals, sustained growth momentum and the expanding role of innovation,… https://t.co/ih9ArrtZcU — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 29, 2026 He highlighted that sustained reforms over the years have bolstered investor, business, and citizen confidence, while strengthening macroeconomic fundamentals. The survey underlines the expanding role of innovation, entrepreneurship, and infrastructure in nation-building. PM Modi noted that sectors such as digital services, startups, and large-scale infrastructure projects are emerging as key drivers of economic transformation, creating opportunities while strengthening India’s global economic position. Emphasising inclusive development, the PM highlighted initiatives supporting farmers, Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises of India (MSMEs), youth employment, and social welfare. He said the survey also outlines a roadmap for strengthening manufacturing, improving productivity, and accelerating India’s progress toward becoming a developed nation. "The insights shared in the Economic Survey will play an important role in shaping informed policies and boosting confidence in India’s economic future," PM Modi said, adding that the government will continue working to maintain growth momentum and build a resilient economy. Economic Survey 2026: Cities must be economically dynamic, socially inclusive, and sustainable The Economic Survey also focused on India’s urban future, stating that cities must be economically dynamic, socially inclusive, environmentally sustainable, and institutionally capable. Future urban policy should prioritise integrated system performance—covering housing, mobility, sanitation, climate resilience, and finance—over standalone projects, while designing liveable, climate-ready cities. Notably, India’s urbanisation is far higher in economic and functional terms than official statistics indicate. Satellite data from the Global Human Settlements Layer (GHSL) of the European Commission shows India was 63% urban in 2015, nearly double the rate reported in the 2011 Census. The Survey emphasises that cities are not merely residential spaces but critical economic infrastructure. Density and proximity create agglomeration economies, boosting productivity, deepening labour markets, and fostering innovation. (With IANS inputs)
29 January,2026 10:09 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentIndia must address challenges such as high capital costs, delays in land acquisition and grid availability issues to sustain its rapid renewable energy growth, the Economic Survey 2025-2026, tabled in the Parliament on Thursday said. The Economic Survey, tabled days before the Union Budget 2026, noted that the hurdles can be tackled through appropriate policy instruments, including innovative financing mechanisms and optimised project execution. According to the survey, India’s energy sector is undergoing a major structural transformation. The country has emerged as a global leader in renewable energy, ranking third worldwide in overall renewable energy capacity and installed solar capacity, and fourth in installed wind capacity. India has already surpassed its target of 50 per cent installed power capacity from non-fossil fuel sources, reaching 51.93 per cent by the end of December 2025. This achievement has been driven by record annual additions to renewable energy capacity. Strong capacity additions in 2025-26 During 2025-26 (up to 31 December 2025), India added a total of 38.61 GW of renewable energy capacity. This includes 30.16 GW of solar power, 4.47 GW of wind power, 3.24 GW of hydropower and 0.03 GW of bio-power. The survey stressed that large-scale integration of Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) and Pumped Storage Hydropower (PSP) is essential to address the variability of renewable energy. Such systems would help ensure grid stability, manage peak demand, and enable the reliable and large-scale adoption of renewables, supporting the transition to a clean, secure and resilient power system. Rising input costs a concern The Economic Survey also warned that renewable energy systems, particularly solar and wind, are highly material-intensive and require capital-intensive energy storage technologies for grid integration. It highlighted that solar panels with a capacity of 1 GW require around 18.5 tonnes of silver, 2,000-3,000 tonnes of polysilicon, and 10,252 tonnes of aluminium. The survey added that prices of silver and gold are likely to continue rising, driven by sustained demand as safe-haven investments amid ongoing global uncertainties. Rising silver prices, in particular, could impact the cost of solar panel manufacturing. Long-term renewable energy target India has set an ambitious target of achieving 500 GW of non-fossil fuel-based capacity, the survey noted, underlining the importance of addressing current bottlenecks to maintain momentum.
29 January,2026 10:05 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentThe 77th Republic Day celebrations drew to a formal close on Thursday with the traditional Beating Retreat ceremony at Vijay Chowk, presided over by President Droupadi Murmu. In a post on X, the President said the ceremony provided a befitting conclusion to the Republic Day festivities. She noted that the performances by bands of the Armed Forces and the Central Armed Police Forces reflected the spirit of national unity and the enduring valour of India’s armed forces. “The melodious tunes epitomised the nation’s rich cultural heritage and military traditions,” the post said. The 77th Republic Day celebrations concluded with the Beating Retreat ceremony at Vijay Chowk, presided over by President Droupadi Murmu. The ceremony offered a befitting conclusion to the national festivities. Bands from the Armed Forces and the Central Armed Police Forces… pic.twitter.com/GmMUY8K2M8 — President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) January 29, 2026 The iconic Vijay Chowk reverberated with Indian tunes during the ceremony, which marked the culmination of the 77th Republic Day celebrations on January 29. LIVE: Beating Retreat Ceremony - 2026 https://t.co/1dLk72ajHA — President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) January 29, 2026 According to a release issued by the Ministry of Defence, bands from the Indian Army, Indian Navy, Indian Air Force and Central Armed Police Forces presented a series of foot-tapping performances before a distinguished gathering that included President Murmu, Vice-President CP Radhakrishnan, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, other Union Ministers, senior officials and members of the public. The ceremony commenced with the Massed Bands performing ‘Kadam Kadam Badhaye Ja’, followed by melodious renditions by the Pipes and Drums band, including ‘Atulya Bharat’, ‘Veer Sainik’, ‘Mili Jhuli’, ‘Nritya Sarita’, ‘Marooni’ and ‘Jhelum’. The Central Armed Police Forces bands played tunes such as ‘Vijay Bharat’, ‘Hathrohi’, ‘Jai Ho’ and ‘Veer Sipahi’. Beating Retreat 2026: Vijay Chowk seating named after Indian musical instruments The Indian Air Force band presented compositions including ‘Brave Warrior’, ‘Twilight’, ‘Alert’ and ‘Flying Star’, while the Indian Navy band performed ‘Namaste’, ‘Sagar Pawan’, ‘Matribhumi’, ‘Tejasvi’ and ‘Jai Bharati’. This was followed by the Indian Army band’s renditions of ‘Vijayee Bharat’, ‘Aarambh Hai, Prachand Hai’, ‘Aye Watan, Aye Watan’, ‘Anand Math’, ‘Sugamya Bharat’ and ‘Sitare Hind’. The Massed Bands later played ‘Bharat Ke Shaan’, ‘Vande Mataram’ and ‘Drummers Call’. The ceremony concluded with the buglers performing the patriotic tune ‘Sare Jahan Se Acha’, the release said. The principal conductor of the ceremony was Squadron Leader Leimapokpam Rupachandra Singh. The Indian Army band was conducted by Subedar Major Prakash Joshi, while M Antony, MCPO MUS II, and Warrant Officer Ashok Kumar conducted the Indian Navy and Indian Air Force bands, respectively. The Central Armed Police Forces band was conducted by Inspector Chetram. The Pipes and Drums band performed under Subedar SP Chourasia, while the buglers were led by Subedar Manoj Kumar. This year, the seating enclosures at Vijay Chowk were named after Indian musical instruments, including Bansuri, Damaru, Ektara, Esraj, Mridangam, Nagada, Pakhawaj, Santoor, Sarangi, Sarinda, Sarod, Shehnai, Sitar, Surbahar, Tabla and Veena. (With ANI inputs)
29 January,2026 09:50 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentThe Economic Survey 2025-26, tabled in Parliament on Thursday, ahead of the Union Budget 2026, described US-imposed tariffs on imports from its trade partners as the most disruptive development affecting the global economy in recent times, reported the PTI. The survey said India must focus on building enduring national capabilities and strengthening economic sovereignty as the space for rules-based global trade continues to shrink amid growing geopolitical and economic tensions. According to the survey, the global economy has been subjected to multiple upheavals, driven by trade wars, strategic competition and protectionist policies. It noted that economic relationships are increasingly strategic and contested, making the ability to learn and adapt a crucial element of modern statecraft. “The most disruptive amongst these disturbances was the imposition of tariffs by the USA on imports from its trade partners,” the survey stated, according to the PTI. Rising protectionism and strategic competition The assessment comes amid concerns over the trade, tariff and immigration policies of the Trump administration, China’s export controls on critical minerals, and growing unease in Western countries over India’s energy ties with Russia. The survey observed that strategic competition is fuelling trade wars, while countries are competing for access to critical minerals and advanced technologies in a manner described as “reminiscent of a new colonial scramble”, as per the PTI. Decline of rule-based trading system The Economic Survey noted that economic interdependence, once seen as a stabilising force, is now increasingly viewed as a source of vulnerability. It highlighted a resurgence of ultra-nationalism, often rooted in claims of cultural superiority and anti-immigrant sentiment, which is shaping political and policy decisions across regions. “This shift is narrowing the space for multilateral cooperation and rule-based trading, hardening domestic borders and constraining labour mobility,” the survey said, adding that economic strategies are becoming increasingly inward-looking, the PTI reported. Growing scepticism towards free trade The survey said many countries are becoming sceptical of free trade and multilateral institutions, which are perceived to have contributed to large and uneven global trade imbalances. It also flagged concerns over China’s Belt and Road Initiative, suggesting that Beijing is using its fiscal strength to build infrastructure abroad in order to enhance its trade and economic dominance, as per the PTI. India’s resilience and the way forward Against this backdrop, the survey said India’s reforms and economic performance over the past decade have helped it remain relevant, resilient and adaptable to external shocks. However, it stressed that India must now go further by deliberately cultivating strategic indispensability. In a fragmented global economy, the capacity to learn without dependence has become a critical strategic skill, the survey said, adding that “Swadeshi is inevitable and necessary,” reported the PTI. End of ‘Naive Globalisation’ The survey observed that the strategic context has shifted significantly, with export controls, technology denial regimes, carbon border mechanisms and aggressive industrial policies signalling the end of what it termed “naive globalisation.” “In such circumstances, Swadeshi becomes both a defensive and offensive policy tool,” it said, enabling continuity of production amid external shocks, the news agency reported. The survey concluded that the key policy challenge lies in encouraging Swadeshi in a manner that strengthens economic sovereignty without undermining efficiency, innovation or global integration. (with PTI inputs)
29 January,2026 09:45 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentRajya Sabha Chairman CP 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, news agency PTI reported. The Vice President of India, in his opening remarks, highlighted India’s position as the world’s fastest-growing major economy, poised to soon become the third-largest. "India's growing influence and stature in the global economy make our role as parliamentarians crucial in shaping the nation's economic direction," he further said. 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, PTI reported. "I call upon members to make impactful contributions to deliberations in the House as well as in the committees," added the Rajya Sabha Chairman. Union Budget 2026: RS Chairman urges members to 'utilise every minute' of session Emphasising the magnitude of legislative work in the upcoming Budget Session, the Vice-President urged the members of the Upper House to utilise every minute of scheduled business to realise the aspirations of the people they represent, PTI reported. The Chairman, while stressing the importance of maintaining parliamentary discipline, also said that “the magnitude of our legislative work underscores our solemn responsibility". Hinting that the session should be conducted smoothly by maintaining the decorum of the house, the Chairman 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 said that the Upper House should be “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". “Together, let us make the Budget session a success reflecting the highest standards of parliamentary democracy,” he concluded. (With inputs from PTI)
29 January,2026 07:44 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 07:34 PM IST | New Delhi | PTIShiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) lawmaker Priyanka Chaturvedi on Thursday welcomed the Supreme Court’s stay on the new University Grants Commission (UGC) regulations on equity in higher education, criticising the Central government for “abdicating its responsibility” amid widespread backlash over the guidelines. In a post on X, Chaturvedi said she was “trolled and abused” for her surname when she raised her voice against the new regulations, highlighting the vagueness of the guidelines, which she said were an attempt to “create further discrimination on campuses”. मुझे खुशी है कि माननीय सर्वोच्च न्यायालय ने हस्तक्षेप करते हुए UGC के उन दिशानिर्देशों पर रोक लगाई, जो अस्पष्ट, मनमाने थे और campuses में और अधिक भेदभाव पैदा करने का प्रयास थे।मुझे ट्रोल किया गया, गालियाँ दी गईं और मेरे surname को लेकर अपमानजनक शब्दों का इस्तेमाल किया गया - वो… pic.twitter.com/brUGiU6DcU — Priyanka Chaturvedi🇮🇳 (@priyankac19) January 29, 2026 “I am glad that Hon SC stepped in and stayed the UGC guidelines, which were vague, arbitrary and an attempt to create further discrimination on campuses. I was trolled, abused, and slurs were thrown my way using my surname, so be it. What goes against the natural course of justice, I will continue to raise it and use my voice for it,” the Rajya Sabha Member of Parliament (MP) said. She further criticised the Central government’s inaction and stated, “That the GoI absolutely abdicated its responsibility to intervene & withdraw the UGC guidelines shows that they give no respect or consideration to people's protests is now clear as daylight. And those who stayed silent, time will judge you.” The Supreme Court’s stay comes amid an uproar across the country over the alleged discrimination against the General Category in the University Grants Commission (Promotion of Equity in Higher Education Institutions) Regulations, 2026. The top court said that, for the time being, the 2012 UGC regulations will continue to apply. The court observed that Regulation 3(C), which defines caste-based discrimination, suffers from complete vagueness and can be misused, news agency ANI reported. UGC Regulations 2026 stayed over vague wording “The language needs to be re-modified,” the apex court said. The new UGC regulations, notified on January 23, had been challenged by multiple petitioners as arbitrary, exclusionary, discriminatory, and in violation of the Constitution as well as the University Grants Commission Act, 1956. The regulations, aimed at curbing caste-based discrimination in colleges and universities, require institutions to establish special committees and helplines to address complaints from Scheduled Caste (SC), Scheduled Tribe (ST), and Other Backward Classes (OBC) students. Students, mostly from the General Category, protested against the regulations, arguing that they promote discrimination rather than equality on campuses. They also pointed out that the regulations lack provisions to deal with fraudulent complaints filed against General Category students. (With ANI inputs)
29 January,2026 07:01 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentSenior 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. 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 06:38 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentIn a swift response to an urgent request from civic authorities following the tragic aircraft crash at Baramati airport, the Indian Air Force (IAF) has deployed a dedicated team of 'air warriors' to assist in emergency operations at the site. Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister (CM) Ajit Pawar, along with four others, lost their lives in the Baramati crash. In a post on social media platform X, IAF said that its team is providing essential basic air traffic control (ATC) and meteorological services to ensure the safety and coordination of air operations in and around the affected area. “In response to civic authorities' urgent request after the tragic aircraft crash at Baramati Airport, the Indian Air Force has swiftly deployed a dedicated team of Air Warriors,” the post read. In response to civic authorities' urgent request after the tragic aircraft crash at Baramati Airport, the Indian Air Force has swiftly deployed a dedicated team of Air Warriors. They are providing essential basic Air Traffic Control (ATC) and Meteorological services to support… — Indian Air Force (@IAF_MCC) January 28, 2026 IAF further stated that these critical services are supporting emergency response efforts, facilitating the movement of aircraft, and enabling smooth coordination between civil and security agencies involved in rescue, relief, and investigation. Hailing their contribution following Wednesday's tragedy, IAF added, “This rapid assistance underscores IAF's commitment to national service in times of need.” Tragic plane crash at Baramati killed 5 including Ajit Pawar This comes after Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar along with four others lost their lives in Baraamtai. Ajit Pawar along with two pilots, one guard and a flight attendant took off from Mumbai at around 8:00 am in the morning before their chartered plane crashed. The aircraft, a Learjet operated by Delhi-based VSR Ventures, was carrying five people on board, including Pawar, two accompanying staff members and two crew members. All five occupants died in the crash, according to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). Ajit Pawar death: DGCA confirms names of all five victims Pawar along with two pilots, one guard, and a flight attendant took off from Mumbai around 8 am on Wednesday before their chartered plane crashed near Baramati. Hours after the incident, those on board the ill-fated flight were confirmed to be Pawar, his security officer Vidip Jadhav, flight attendant Pinki Mali, and pilots Sumit Kapoor and Shambhavi Pathak. The DGCA confirmed that there were no survivors in the crash. “A Learjet aircraft carrying the Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister and four others crash-landed at Baramati airport. There were no survivors,” a senior DGCA official said, adding that a team has been rushed to the crash site to investigate the incident.
29 January,2026 06:09 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentSustained 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 correspondentADVERTISEMENT
-1769683765361_d.png "SC asked the Animal Welfare Board of India to process the applications of NGOs seeking permission to animal shelters or animal birth control facilities. Representational Image")
