Editorial attention on January 31 focused on the swift political succession in Maharashtra following the death of Ajit Pawar. Morning headlines tracked Sunetra Pawar’s arrival in Mumbai and her unanimous election as the NCP legislature party leader. By early afternoon, media coverage shifted to the formal 12-minute swearing-in ceremony at Lok Bhavan, where she became the state's first female Deputy Chief Minister. Editors highlighted the absence of Sharad Pawar and the allocation of portfolios, noting she was denied the finance ministry. Simultaneously, a diplomatic row emerged as the Ministry of External Affairs dismissed mentions of Prime Minister Modi in newly released Epstein files as "trashy rumination." Financial desks prioritized a massive crash in gold and silver prices ahead of the February 1 budget, which editors noted will break a 75-year tradition by focusing on structural reforms. The day concluded with heavy coverage of India’s 4-1 T20 series victory over New Zealand, driven by Ishan Kishan’s century.