Prime 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 | ANIBharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLA Pankaj Singh welcomed the Supreme Court's decision to stay the implementation of the University Grants Commission's (UGC) Promotion of Equity in Higher Education Institutions Regulations, 2026, calling it a "welcoming decision." "This was a burning issue, and the Supreme Court has stayed UGC's Equity Regulations, keeping in view the sentiments of millions of people. This is a welcoming decision...," the BJP MLA said. Earlier in the day, Union Minister Giriraj Singh also thanked the Supreme Court for staying the new UGC regulations and asserted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has never discriminated against any section of society. Speaking with ANI, Giriraj Singh said, "I thank everyone, including the country's Prime Minister Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah. I thank the court for the decision it has passed. Prime Minister Modi has never discriminated against anyone in the country. It was Prime Minister Modi who gave reservations to EWS. People like us live only for the people of our country." Amid an uproar around 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 SC on Thursday stayed the regulations. The Top Court said that, for now, the 2012 UGC regulations will continue to apply. The Court opined that there is complete vagueness in Regulation 3 (C) (which defines caste-based discrimination), and it can be misused. "The language needs to be re-modified," the Court said. The Court noted that this raises an unexamined concern: if a Group A Scheduled Caste individual makes discriminatory or derogatory remarks against a Group B Scheduled Caste individual, has this aspect been adequately addressed under the 2026 framework? After 75 years of trying to make a caste-less society, whether the direction of policy-making is progressive or tending towards a regressive approach, it asked. The new regulations, introduced to curb caste-based discrimination in colleges and universities, require institutions to establish special committees and helplines to address complaints from students in the Scheduled Caste (SC), Scheduled Tribe (ST), and Other Backwards Classes (OBC) categories. 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 10:27 AM IST | Noida (Uttar Pradesh) | ANIMaharashtra 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 10:14 AM IST | Baramati | mid-day online correspondentA pregnant Delhi Police SWAT commando allegedly died after a brutal assault by her husband and her brother on Thursday recalled a chilling last phone call. The call was about her husband allegedly announcing the killing and her brother listened helplessly to his sister’s screams, marking the final moments of 27-year-old commando who later died, reported the PTI. She was allegedly brutally assaulted at her home in west Delhi, officials said. Kajal Chaudhary, the deceased, was posted with the Special Cell of Delhi Police and was four months pregnant, was attacked at her rented residence in Mohan Garden on January 22. Her husband, Ankur, a clerk with the Ministry of Defence posted at Delhi Cantonment, was arrested hours later, according to the PTI. Kajal succumbed to her injuries after five days of treatment at a hospital in Ghaziabad, dying on the morning of January 27. ‘He told me to record the call’ Recounting the incident, Kajal’s brother Nikhil, a constable posted at Parliament Street Police Station, said the sequence began with a call from Ankur. “He called me and said, ‘Make your sister understand.’ I asked him to calm down and immediately called my sister,” Nikhil told PTI. While Kajal was speaking to her brother and sharing her ordeal, Ankur allegedly snatched the phone from her. “He told me to put the call on recording, saying it could be used as police evidence, and then said he was killing her. After that, I heard my sister screaming,” Nikhil said. The call disconnected abruptly. ‘She is dead, come to the hospital’ According to the PTI, around five minutes later, Nikhil received another call. “He said, ‘She is dead. Come to the hospital,’” Nikhil recalled. The family rushed to the hospital with police personnel, where Ankur and his family were already present. “When I saw my sister… not even an enemy kills someone like this,” he said, the news agency reported. According to the family, Kajal had severe head injuries and multiple injuries across her body. She was reportedly refused admission at several hospitals before being admitted in Ghaziabad, where she later died. Allegations of dowry harassment and abuse The family has accused Ankur and his relatives of prolonged domestic abuse and dowry harassment, including during Kajal’s pregnancy. Nikhil recalled an earlier incident from about five months ago when Kajal was allegedly slapped by her husband. “I asked her to come home, but he apologised and promised not to repeat it. I told my sister she could return whenever she wanted,” he said. He also alleged that Kajal was made to perform household chores despite her pregnancy and demanding police duties. Family seeks custody of child The couple has a one-and-a-half-year-old son, who is currently staying with his maternal grandparents. “He doesn’t know anything about what happened. We will raise him and tell him the truth when he is old enough to understand,” Nikhil said. Parents allege persistent dowry demands Kajal’s father, Rakesh, alleged that despite giving a motorcycle, gold jewellery and cash at the wedding, the harassment continued. “They said our son would have got a car if he had married someone else. Later, my daughter even arranged a car, but the harassment did not stop,” he said. Her mother said the family spent nearly Rs 20 lakh on the wedding and took loans. She also alleged that Ankur had taken Rs 5 lakh from Kajal. “She suffered a lot. I want justice. He is a monster,” her mother said. Police investigation underway The couple, who knew each other since college in Panipat, were married on 23 November 2023. Due to frequent disputes at their native place in Ganaur, Haryana, they shifted to Mohan Garden in December 2024, though tensions continued. Police said financial stress and domestic disputes were part of the conflict. “On January 22, the accused allegedly first banged her head against a door frame and then attacked her with a dumbbell,” a Delhi Police officer said. A case was registered at Mohan Garden police station based on Nikhil’s complaint. The accused was initially booked for attempt to murder, and the charge will now be converted to murder, police said. (with PTI inputs)
29 January,2026 10:44 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentThe 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 correspondentADVERTISEMENT
-1769749986822_d.png?tr=w-436,h-271 "Prime Minister Modi visits Rajghat to pay floral tribute to Mahatma Gandhi every year. Representational Image")
