FOLLOW US: @TheStatesmanLtd @thestatesmanltd thestatesman1875 www.thestatesman.com People’s Parliament, Always in Session India’s National Newspaper since 1818 | Pages 12 | ` 5.00 | KOLKATA | NEW DELHI | SILIGURI | BHUBANESWAR | LUCKNOW | MUMBAI After the Deal Page 8 Page 9 EDITORIAL Leaders across parties attend Ajit Pawar’s final rites in Baramati Wanted to challenge ourselves: Surya on six-bowler strategy Page 5 Page 12 NATION Economic Survey pegs Indian economy to grow between 6.8 and 7.2 pc in FY27 STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE New Delhi, 29 January T he Economic Survey on Thursday pegged India’s economy to grow between 6.8 to 7.2 per cent in the financial year 2026-27. Notably, this is lower than the 7.4 per cent growth projected for the current financial year. While global economic conditions remain uncertain and fragile, India's overall outlook continues to be positive, it said. On the demand side, the survey said domestic demand continues to anchor growth, supported by a strengthening momentum in capital formation while on the supply side, manufacturing activity has gained traction, and services continue to drive overall expansion, led by steady performance in trade, transport, and financial and professional services, it said. The Economic Survey further noted that along with consumption, investment has continued to anchor growth in FY26, with the share of gross fixed capital formation (GFCF) estimated at 30 per cent. Investment activity strengthened in the first half of the year, with, GFCF expanding by 7.6 per cent, exceeding the pace recorded in the corresponding period last year and remaining above the pre-pandemic average of 7.1 per cent, it said. • Related reports: Page 10 Friday, 30 January 2026 SPORTS WORLD Starmer, Xi call for deeper UK-China ties as Trump shakes up global relations | ‘India moving away from long-term pending problems towards long-term solutions’ New Delhi: Asserting that the present time is not for disruptions but for solutions, not for obstacles but for resolutions, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday called upon all MPs to join in accelerating the era of solutions, empowering decisions, and advancing last-mile delivery successfully. Addressing the media on the second day of the Budget Session of Parliament, he said that India’s democracy and demography are today a great hope for the world, and in this temple of democracy, the country has the opportunity to send a message of strength, commitment to democracy, and respect for decisions taken through democratic processes, messages welcomed and accepted globally, he said. Observing that the country is moving away from long-term pending problems towards long-term solutions, which create predictability and build global trust, PM Modi emphasised that every decision aimed at national progress remains human-centric. (Photo: Subrata Dutta) SC stays UGC Equity Regulations, flags vagueness, misuse risk UNITED NEWS OF INDIA New Delhi, 29 January The Supreme Court on Thursday directed that the University Grants Commission (Promotion of Equity in Higher Education Institutions) Regulations, 2026, be kept in abeyance. The Court expressed serious concerns over the Regulations, observing that several provisions appear vague, unclear, and capable of misuse. It also observed that the Regulations may have a divisive impact on society. A Bench comprising Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi was hearing three writ petitions challenging the constitutional validity of the 2026 Regulations. The Bench issued notice to the Union government and the University Grants Commission (UGC), returnable on 19 March. Until then, the Court directed that the 2026 Regulations will remain suspended. During the hearing, the Bench orally flagged several concerns, saying that the provisions of the Regulations are vague and open to misuse. The need for a separate definition of “caste-based discrimination” was questioned, when a general definition of “discrimination” already exists. The complete absence of provisions on ragging was strongly criticised. The Court expressed concern that the Regulations may divide students on caste lines, rather than promote unity. The Bench also suggested that the Regulations should be revisited by a committee of eminent jurists who understand social realities and values.