The Day of Ajit Pawar’s State Funeral

The morning was dominated by the state funeral of Maharashtra Deputy CM Ajit Pawar in Baramati, following his fatal plane crash. Editors focused on the massive turnout of national leaders and supporters, while technical reporting transitioned from the crash itself to the formal investigation into landing failures. By midday, editorial priority shifted toward the release of the 2025-26 Economic Survey. Financial headlines highlighted a 6.8–7.2% growth projection but were quickly disrupted by the survey’s controversial proposal to scrap the MGNREGS rural employment scheme. In the afternoon, the Supreme Court’s stay on the UGC’s new equity regulations became the primary focus. Editors highlighted the Chief Justice’s warning against "social regression" and potential misuse of caste-based dormitory rules. Simultaneously, the "Mood of the Nation" poll results gained traction, projecting a continued parliamentary majority for the NDA, while international desks tracked the Kremlin's invitation to President Zelenskyy for peace talks.