chennai l friday l January 30, 2026 l `9.00 l PAGES 12 l vellore EDITION Maharashtra bids a tearful adieu to Ajit Pawar ‘dada’ a rich legacy turns into a memory As thousands gathered to pay their last respects, Pawar’s sons, Parth and Jay, lit the funeral pyre in the presence of Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Pawar’s extended family. Sharad Pawar, Ajit’s uncle, sat quietly watching a legacy he helped build become a memory. The former deputy CM and four others had perished in a plane crash in Baramati Wednesday The 66-year-old NCP chief was cremated with full state honours at the Vidya Pratishthan college ground in Baramati on Thursday | P8 thackerays, bjp top brass pay tribute ■ ■ Ajit Pawar’s cousin Supriya Sule, NCP (SP) Lok Sabha member, stood with his wife Sunetra Pawar, a Rajya Sabha member, to console her Shiv Sena (UBT) head Uddhav Thackeray and MNS chief Raj Thackeray offered floral tributes at Ajit Pawar’s home. The entire top brass of the BJP, led by Amit Shah, was in attendance at the funeral 16,500 hours was the combined flying experience of the pilots of the jet CHENNAI ■ MADURAI ■ VIJAYAWADA ■ BENGALURU ■ KOCHI ■ HYDERABAD ■ VISAKHAPATNAM ■ COIMBATORE ■ KOZHIKODE ■ THIRUVANANTHAPURAM ■ BELAGAVI ■ BHUBANESWAR ■ SHIVAMOgGA ■ MANGALURU ■ TIRUPATI ■ TIRUCHY ■ TIRUNELVELI ■ SAMBALPUR ■ HUBBALLI ■ DHARMAPURI ■ KOTTAYAM ■ KANNUR ■ VILLUPURAM ■ KOLLAM ■ TADEPALLIGUDEM ■ NAGAPATTINAM ■ THRISSUR ■ KALABURAGI Policy prescriptions Tariff impact Focus on building national capabilities and economic sovereignty in the face of shrinking space for rules-based trading, anti-immigrant stance, weaponisation of energy and export controls 2% Costly freebies Direct cash transfers to voters ahead of elections ­— a new strategy adopted by political parties — have long-term viability risks. Aggregate spending on such transfers would be `1.7 lakh crore in FY26, it warned Cool inflation Retail inflation is unlikely to cause any major worries for the economy, supported by favourable supply-side conditions and the gradual pass-through of GST rate cuts. Inflation is likely to average 2% this fiscal. The new CPI series, due to kick in on Feb 12, will have implications for inflation assessment, warranting careful interpretation of price dynamics G RAM G vs MGNREGS Learning outcome The VB-G RAM G Act, 2025 was brought in because there was a notable decline in work under MGNREGS, the Survey said. Since its enactment in 2005, MGNREGS provided wage employment, stabilised rural income, and created basic infrastructure, but the nature of rural employment requirements transformed overtime. VB-G RAM G is a comprehensive statutory overhaul of the earlier scheme, it said Elementary school enrolment is near universal, but learning outcomes remain weak. National assessments show many upper primary students struggle with basic reading and arithmetic. Although India accounts for 27% of the global population in the relevant age group, its expected years of schooling is only 13, compared to 15.5 in China and Germany, and 15.9 in the US 27% Economic Survey 2025-26 Despite trade risks and global volatility, India to retain the world’s fastest-growing major economy tag in FY27 GDP to grow 6.8-7.2% next year P U S H P I TA D E Y @ New Delhi INDIA’s economic engine is revving up and is expected to enter the next financial year at full throttle, the Economic Survey 2025-26 tabled in Parliament on Thursday signalled as it projected a real GDP growth rate 6.8%-7.2% for FY27. This outlook follows a strong performance in FY26 where the economy is estimated to grow at 7.4%, reinforcing India’s position as the world’s fastestgrowing major economy for the fourth consecutive year. The Survey upgraded India’s medium-term potential growth rate to 7% from the previous estimate of 6.5%. However, it flagged global uncertainties and warned of a 2008-like crisis in 2026. Given the potential risks, having a strong and sustained manufacturing growth would be the need of the hour, the finance ministry said. “First Advance Estimates place real GDP growth at 7.4% with growth largely driven by domestic demand. Private consumption and capital formation continue to support expansion, while services remain the key contributor on the supply side,” the Survey said. Higher tax collection, better export market, lower inflation and better employment will contribute to the growth momentum. The Survey tabled by , Finance Minister Nir mala Sitharaman in both Houses on Thursday, highlighted how internal resilience has helped create a buffer for the economy against external headwinds. The Survey highlighted the tax reforms – both in direct and indirect taxes – during the previous year, and noted that these helped India make a calibrated fiscal strategy, anchored in credible deficit reduction leading to resilient revenue mobilisation, and better spending toward capital formation. The Survey listed strong fiscal indicators – revenue receipts rising from 8.5 % of GDP in the pre-pandemic period (FY16-FY20) to 9.1% in FY22FY25, moderation of revenue expenditure from 13.6% of GDP in FY22 to 10.9 % in FY25, and halving of fiscal deficit from India is indeed an oasis of macro stability in an otherwise turbulent world. Numbers speak for themselves — Chief Economic Advisor V Anantha Nageswaran 9.2% in FY21 to 4.4% in FY26. The Survey advocated for more de-regulation to create a self-reliant (Swedeshi) Indian economy. At turbulent times when the “trade is no longer reciprocal” and “markets are no longer neutral”, Swadeshi-oriented policies will be empirical to Indian economic growth. Chief Economic Advisor V Anantha Nageswaran said Swadeshi Ecosystem could be achieved through deregulation, wh o l e - o f - g ove r n m e n t ap proach, and cluster-led growth, input costs reduction including removal of inversion and crosssubsidisation. And thus, having an entrepreneurial mindset is much needed to have a risktaking attitude. Vague, capable of misuse SC stays UGC fiat on campus equity S U C H I T R A K A LYA N MO H A N T Y @ New Delhi THE Supreme Court on Thursday stayed till March 19 the University Grants Commission (Promotion of Equity in Higher Education Institutions) Regulations, notified on January 23 after hearing a batch of pleas challenging the Commission’s controversial order. The new Promotion of Equity in Higher Education Regulations, 2026 had revised measures to tackle castebased discrimination in campuses by restricting grievance mechanisms only for SC, ST and OBC categories. “The 2026 UGC regulations on what amounts to castebased discrimination shall be kept in abeyance. The 2012 Regulations will continue. The provisions are prima facie vague and capable of misuse,” the court said. A two-judge bench of Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi passed the order noting that the court was prepared to examine the constitutionality of the new regulations. The petitions before the court alleged that the UGC adopted a non-inclusive definition of caste-based discrimination and excluded certain categories from institutional protection. Several pleas challenged the regulations for excluding ‘general category’ students from the g rievance redressal mechanism. The court orally observed that if it does not intervene in the matter, it “will lead to a dangerous impact” and “divide the society”. In strong remarks during the hearing, the Chief Justice questioned Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, asking whether the country was becoming regressive. It also questioned why ragging had been left out of the scope of the new regulations, though it is a common form of harassment within educational institutions. Referring to provisions in the new regulations that contemplate separate hostels for different castes, the court said, “For God’s sake, don’t do this. We all used to stay together.” The Centre, UGC and others have been asked to file their detailed responses by March 19. SC directs ECI to display Tharoor gets his space, Rahul smokes peace pipe details of TN voters in logical discrepancies list Food to carry less weightage in inflation basket S U C H I T R A K A LYA N MO H A N T Y D ipa k m o nda l @ New Delhi P r eetha N ai r @ New Delhi @ New Delhi The Supreme Court on Thursday directed the Election Commission of India (ECI) to ensure transparency in the verification of the ‘logical discrepancies’ list published during the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Tamil Nadu and display the names of the persons figuring on the list with reasons at public places in every ward. A bench, comprising Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi, passed the order after hearing an application filed by DMK secretary RS Bharathi, on behalf of the state’s ruling party . The court also ordered the Tamil Nadu government to provide adequate manpower to the ECI and the State Election Commission to properly handle documents/objections and hear the persons likely to be affected. “The district collector has to meticulously follow the instructions issued by the ECI for deploying adequate staff for smooth functioning of the SIR process,” the court said. The bench further directed that the superintendents of police of all districts should ensure that there is no law and order problems, and clarified SIR exercise in Tamil Nadu | Express TN government should provide adequate manpower to ECI and the state EC to properly handle documents/objections Amid reports of unease with the party leadership, Congress MP Shashi Tharoor on Thursday held a detailed meeting with party president Mallikarjun Kharge and Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi, signalling a possible thaw in relations. According to sources, Tharoor was assured by Rahul that he would receive due recognition within the party going forward as both sides emphasised unity and coordination as the party gears up for the crucial Kerala assembly elections scheduled for April–May . The nearly two-hour meeting at Kharge’s Parliament office Chennai: Chief Minister MK Stalin on Thursday laid the foundation stone for the proposed 872-acre TN Knowledge City at the India Global Education Summit | P4 3 arrested for assaulting woman at govt college Chennai: Three men were arrested for allegedly sexually assaulting a woman employed at the canteen of Govt Arts and Science College, Nandanam, on Thursday | P2 addressed concerns over Tharoor’s perceived sidelining within the organisation and his role in the party’s future strategy ahead of the assembly elections. Sources said Rahul conveyed to Tharoor that his services were crucial for the Congress and assured him that he would be included in impor- tant decision-making processes going forward. His close associate said Tharoor’s main grievance stemmed from a sense that his stature and contributions were not being adequately acknowledged by the central or state leadership. This was the first time Rahul had spent such an extended pe- pakistan SC Bench that it expected the ECI to follow the same procedure in other states as well, where SIR is under way . During the hearing, the court noted that approximately 1.16 crore people, who were included in the draft electoral rolls, have been served with notices by ECI officials, citing logical discrepancies and seeking verification. It allowed the affected persons to submit their documents or objections through their authorised representative, such as booth level agents to raise complaints. The bench said documents and objections may be submitted at panchayat bhawans or taluk offices. and bangladesh resume direct flights masks in mumbai too As many as three players were seen wearing masks due to dust pollution during the Ranji Trophy match between Mumbai and Delhi at Bandra Kurla Complex in Mumbai on Thursday | twitter/TV grab Express Read Stalin lays foundation for TN Knowledge City Shashi Tharoor with Rahul Gandhi and Congress president Mallikarjuin Kharge | PTI riod with Tharoor, noting that previous interactions were limited to brief meetings of five to ten minutes. Tharoor assured the leadership of his active participation in campaigning for the party in the state. “Tharoor discussed all his concerns with the leadership. He wanted to be taken into confidence, and the leadership assured him that this would be done,” said a close associate. Tharoor was happy and confident after the meeting, as the leadership addressed his concerns. The extended engagement, sources said, is also expected to send a clear signal to the Kerala state leadership, sections of which have been at odds with Tharoor. The airline, Biman Bangladesh, will operate flights between Dhaka and Karachi twice a week and has been given license until March 30 to test the waters before a long-term permission is given; this is be the first direct flight between Dhaka and Karachi since 2012 | P9 the changemakers Celebrating women, Chennai to host 37th Devi Awards today E x p r ess N e w s S e r v ice @ Chennai Chennai is all set to celebrate the power of women at the 37th edition of The New Indian Express Devi Awards on Friday evening at ITC Grand Chola in the city The event will honour . inspiring women who lead with purpose, break barriers and shape a better world for all of us. During this much-anticipat- ed Chennai edition, Mallika Srinivasan, chairman and managing director of TAFE Limited, will present awards to 12 outstanding women from Tamil Nadu. This year’s awardees include environmentalist Jayshree Vencatesan, theatre practitioner Aysha Rau, museologist Deborah Thiagarajan, paediatrician Dr Soumya Swaminathan, psychiatrist Dr Thara Srinivasan, educator Mary Susanna Turcotte, badminton paralympian Thulasimathi Murugesan, government staff nurse G Santhi, auto driver Mohana Sundari, mountaineer Muthamilselvi Narayanan, actor-director Suhasini, and designer Vino Supraja. Launched in December 2014, the Devi Awards have honoured over 350 women in the last decade. The partners for the event are Adani (presenting partner), Radico (celebration partner), NSE (exchange partner), Sundari Silks and India Circus (associate partners), Lalithaa Jewellery Mart Ltd (jewellery partner) and Indulge (content partner). Summit to deliberate on rising tourism trends Chennai: The New Indian Express is organising the Travel Summit 2026 in Chennai on Friday, where stakeholders from across India will converge to deliberate on the country’s tourism trends, growth in tourism infrastructure, untapped potential and to celebrate diversity. Director General of Tourism Suman Billa will inaugurate the event FOOD items, often blamed for sharp volatility in inflation, will carry significantly lesser weightage in determining consumer price index (CPI) levels under the new series to be launched in February 2026. The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) has revealed that the weight of food and beverages in the inflation basket has been reduced to 36.75% from 54.18% in the current series. In the new basket, food will have a weight of 34.77%, while beverages will account for 1.77%. At present, food makes up 44.6% of the combined CPI, which tracks retail inflation. The revised CPI basket is based on the latest Household Consumption Expenditure Survey (HCES) 2023–24. According to the survey the share of food , expenditure has declined from 52.90% in 2011–12 to 47% in rural areas, and from 46.62% to 40% in urban areas. Other components of the basket have also been reweighted to reflect changing consumption patterns. Transportation and communication will now have a higher representation of 12.4%, up from 7.6% earlier. The weight of health has been reduced marginally from 6.83% to 6.1%, while clothing and footwear have been lowered from 7.36% to 6.38%. MoSPI Secretary Saurabh Garg told TNIE that the CPI 2024 series has been comprehensively updated to mirror current household spending behaviour. “The objective has been to make the inflation measure more representative of how households actually consume today he said. ,” The CPI basket is set for a major overhaul with the launch of the CPI 2024 series in February, marking one of the most comprehensive updates to the inflation framework in over a decade. The base year for the new CPI series will be 2023–24.