News18 Afternoon Digest: Supreme Court Stays New UGC Caste Equity Regulations & More

Last Updated:January 29, 2026, 14:02 IST

We Are Also Covering: Delhi Police Officer Dies After Husband Attacks Her With Dumbbell, Family Alleges Dowry Harassment.

Supreme Court Of India (PTI)

In today’s afternoon digest, News18 brings you the latest updates on the recent UGC equity regulations as the Supreme Court on Thursday stayed the new rules; Congress MP Shashi Tharoor met Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi, and other top news of the day.

‘Are We Going In A Regressive Direction?’: Supreme Court Stays UGC Equity Rules Amid Row

In a significant development, the Supreme Court on Thursday stayed the recent UGC equity regulations, calling them “vague", and stressed that the unity of India must be reflected in all educational institutions. The top court heard a petition challenging the recent UGC regulations, which have sparked nationwide controversy.

‘Good Discussion, Not Looking For A New Job’: Shashi Tharoor Meets Rahul Gandhi, Says All Is Well

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor met Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi at Parliament on Thursday, describing their discussion as “very constructive and positive" following recent public remarks about having concerns within the party.

House Panel Flagged Safety Gaps In Charter Planes Months Before Ajit Pawar’s Crash: Report

Months before the plane crash that killed Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar on Wednesday in Baramati, a Parliamentary Standing Committee warned of serious gaps in India’s civil aviation safety framework, specifically highlighting risks linked to the fast-growing private and charter aircraft segment.

‘India-EU Trade Deal To Fulfil Aspirations Of Atmanirbhar Bharat’: PM Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday highlighted the India-European Union free trade agreement as a key step toward fulfilling the country’s aspirations, saying it marked the rise of an “aspirational Bharat" and would open major opportunities for industry, farmers and youth, as he addressed the start of Day 2 of the Budget Session of Parliament.

Delhi Police Officer Dies After Husband Attacks Her With Dumbbell, Family Alleges Dowry Harassment

Kajal Chaudhary, a 27-year-old SWAT commando of Delhi Police’s special cell, died at a hospital in Ghaziabad on Tuesday, five days after her husband allegedly assaulted her with a dumbbell and slammed her head against a door frame. The incident took place after an argument broke out between Kajal and her husband, Ankur Chaudhary, over domestic issues.

‘Ready To Join AIADMK Under EPS’: OPS Signals Willingness To Return To Party

Former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister O. Panneerselvam (OPS) said that a united AIADMK is the need of the hour, signalling his willingness to return to the party led by Edappadi K. Palaniswami (EPS). OPS said he was ready to join the AIADMK in the interest of party unity and the welfare of Tamil Nadu but added that the decision ultimately rests with the party leadership.

Sameer Wankhede’s Defamation Plea Against The Ba***ds Of Bollywood REJECTED By Delhi HC

In a big setback for Sameer Wankhede, the Delhi High Court on Thursday rejected the Indian Revenue Service (IRS) officer’s plea accusing against Bollywood actor Shah Rukh Khan’s production house Red Chillies Entertainment Pvt Ltd and OTT platform Netflix over his alleged defamatory portrayal in the web series ‘The Ba**ds of Bollywood’.

Mohsin Naqvi’s Tantrums: From ‘Stealing’ Asia Cup Trophy To T20 World Cup Boycott Threat

Mohsin Naqvi cannot stay away from the spotlight. The controversial chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has consistently made headlines for his antics targeting the Indian cricket team, dating back to last year’s Asia Cup. That tournament saw him threaten to pull out of a match over alleged unsportsmanlike conduct, only to leave with the trophy in barely believable scenes, denying India, the champions, a chance to celebrate their historic triumph.

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