Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar Cremated with Full State Honors in Baramati
The mortal remains of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar were cremated with full state honors at the Vidya Pratishthan ground in Baramati on Thursday. Supporters gathered outside Ahilyabai Holkar Government Medical College to pay their final respects as the last rites were performed with solemnity and dignity.
The Ministry of Civil Aviation has assured a time-bound investigation into the Learjet 45 plane crash that claimed the life of Ajit Pawar along with four others at Baramati airport on Wednesday. In an official statement, the ministry confirmed that the probe into the aircraft crash is progressing expeditiously to determine the exact cause of the tragic incident.
Supreme Court Halts Implementation of New UGC Regulations
In a significant development, the Supreme Court on Thursday stayed the University Grants Commission's new set of rules aimed at promoting equality in higher education institutions. The decision came amid nationwide protests over the legislation's controversial definition of discrimination.
A bench comprising Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi issued notices to the Centre and the UGC on petitions challenging the regulations. The court's interim order puts on hold the implementation of these rules until further hearings are conducted.
Economic Survey 2025-26 Projects Robust 7.4% GDP Growth for FY26
The Economic Survey 2025-26, tabled in Parliament by Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, has projected India's real GDP growth at 7.4% for the financial year 2025-26. This would maintain India's position as the world's fastest-growing major economy despite global economic uncertainties.
The survey highlighted that India's macroeconomic fundamentals have strengthened considerably, supported by resilient domestic demand, disciplined fiscal consolidation, and improving financial sector health. It also noted that inflation remains at historic lows despite geopolitical tensions and trade fragmentation affecting the global economic landscape.
Congress Leader Shashi Tharoor Meets Party Leadership, Dismisses Rift Speculation
Congress leader Shashi Tharoor on Thursday met with party president Mallikarjun Kharge and Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi, putting to rest speculation about differences within the party leadership. After the meetings, Tharoor asserted that "all is good" and emphasized that he remains on the "same page" with the Congress leadership regarding party matters and political strategy.
Six-Year-Old Girl Sexually Assaulted in Northeast Delhi; Two Minors Apprehended
A six-year-old girl was allegedly sexually assaulted by three boys aged between nine and sixteen years in northeast Delhi's Bhajanpura area. The incident, which occurred on January 18, has sparked outrage among local residents who staged a protest demanding justice for the victim.
Police have registered a case under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act and apprehended two of the accused minors. The eldest suspect reportedly fled to Bihar, and authorities are actively searching for him to ensure all perpetrators face appropriate legal consequences.
