English-language national news, explainers and fact checks.
A Lancet Commission report launched in New Delhi outlines a roadmap for a rights-based, citizen-centred health system in India, recommending stronger public care, integrated services and better financing to achieve universal health coverage ambitions.
India wrapped up a series win over New Zealand in Guwahati after a strong bowling start set up the chase, with Abhishek Sharma providing the early surge and Suryakumar Yadav carrying the momentum to finish the job.
Ahead of Union Budget 2026, Nasscom has called for broader ESOP tax deferment and greater clarity on cloud regulation and taxation for foreign cloud providers operating through Indian data centres, aiming to strengthen startup confidence and investment.
India clinched a series win over New Zealand in Guwahati after restricting the visitors to 153/9 and then chasing the target in just 10 overs. Abhishek Sharma’s unbeaten 68 off 20 balls and captain Suryakumar Yadav’s unbeaten 57 off 26 powered the chase, with India also taking an unassailable lead in the five-match series.
Delhi Police put a large, multi-layer security plan in place for Republic Day 2026, deploying over 30,000 personnel citywide and concentrating forces around the ceremonial route and high-security zones in the New Delhi district. Officials said technology support, including AI-based surveillance, was used alongside physical checks to deter threats and manage crowds.
India’s benchmark equity indices fell more than 4% in January 2026, weighed down by foreign portfolio investor outflows, rupee weakness, subdued earnings and global uncertainty. Analysts said markets often turn volatile around the pre-Budget stretch, with investors watching for cues on growth support, fiscal discipline and macro stability in the Union Budget 2026–27.
Ahead of the India Artificial Intelligence (AI) Impact Summit 2026 in New Delhi (16–20 February), the Delhi government began fast-tracked upgrades at roundabouts and public spaces to improve lighting, aesthetics and safety. Work includes decorative fountains, colour-changing LED lights and repairs along likely delegate routes, with Bharat Mandapam set to host the main inauguration on 19 February.
India’s National Zero Measles–Rubella Elimination campaign (2025–26) was launched to accelerate the goal of eliminating measles and rubella by 2026. The programme stresses full two-dose vaccination under the Universal Immunisation Programme and calls for stronger surveillance and community outreach to prevent outbreaks and close last-mile gaps.
India marked its 77th Republic Day in New Delhi with a full ceremonial parade on Kartavya Path, timed with the 150th anniversary of the national song ‘Vande Mataram’. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President António Costa attended as chief guests ahead of the India–EU summit, adding strong diplomatic symbolism to the day.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said India’s success strengthens global stability, prosperity and security, a day before the India–EU summit. She and European Council President António Costa attended the Republic Day parade as chief guests, in a rare joint appearance by the EU’s two top leaders on India’s national stage.
India beat New Zealand in Guwahati with a rapid chase led by Abhishek Sharma and captain Suryakumar Yadav after a disciplined bowling effort restricted the visitors. The win helped India go 3–0 up in the five-match T20I series, sealing an unassailable lead. The match also featured record-setting hitting by Sharma as India finished the chase in just 10 overs.
ISRO planned to open its 2026 launch calendar with PSLV-C62, scheduled for liftoff on 12 January 2026 from Sriharikota to place the EOS-N1 Earth Observation Satellite into orbit along with several co-passenger satellites. The mission, involving NSIL’s commercial operations, also included additional in-orbit activities and technology demonstrations, underlining the expanding mix of domestic and international payloads on PSLV flights.