India celebrated its 77th Republic Day on 26 January 2026 with a grand parade in New Delhi. President Droupadi Murmu unfurled the Tricolour as the ceremony spotlighted defence capabilities, cultural tableaux and themes around Vande Mataram and self-reliance. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Antonio Costa attended as chief guests, adding major diplomatic weight ahead of the India–EU summit.
Security agencies in Delhi intensified checks and monitoring after intelligence inputs warned of a possible coordinated terrorist attack on or before 26 January 2026. NDTV reported that the alert referred to a ‘26-26’ code and suggested potential threats to multiple locations, alongside heightened vigilance at transit hubs and entry points. Authorities also circulated posters of wanted individuals as part of wider security measures before Republic Day.
Indian equities saw a rough start to 2026, with Sensex and Nifty down more than 4% so far in January. A mix of persistent foreign portfolio investor selling, a weakening rupee, muted earnings and global uncertainty kept risk appetite low. Market participants are now watching the Union Budget 2026–27 for signals on growth support and macro stability.
Tension rose again in Indore’s Bhagirathpura area after the death of a 75-year-old retired teacher, with family members and residents alleging a connection to contaminated water. Health authorities disputed the claim, pointing to underlying medical conditions and stating available documents did not confirm typical diarrhoea symptoms. The episode has intensified public anger and political sparring as some residents remain hospitalised.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said a successful India makes the world more stable, prosperous and secure after attending India’s Republic Day celebrations in New Delhi. She and European Council President Antonio Costa were chief guests at the parade. Their remarks and visit come just before the India–EU summit scheduled for 27 January 2026, where trade and strategic cooperation are set to dominate discussions.
A report citing WHO provisional data says India was among the top countries reporting measles outbreaks in 2025, while India’s health ministry has pushed a Zero Measles-Rubella Elimination Campaign with emphasis on surveillance and last-mile coverage.
Ahead of Republic Day, the Centre announced gallantry and service honours, including an Ashoka Chakra for Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla and a wider set of decorations for personnel across services, with several awards posthumous.
In the 130th Mann Ki Baat episode on Jan 25, 2026, PM Narendra Modi urged eligible youth to register as voters, linking National Voters’ Day and Republic Day to the Constitution and civic responsibility.
India chased down 301 in the 1st ODI at Vadodara on Jan 11, 2026, winning by four wickets; Virat Kohli top-scored and was named Player of the Match as India reached 306/6 in 49 overs.
IMD forecast says a new western disturbance from January 26 will trigger widespread rain/snow in the western Himalayas and storms in adjoining plains, with peak intensity expected around January 27–28 and continued fog and cold-wave pockets till January 26.
Ahead of the Union Budget 2026–27, industry bodies say high input costs and global headwinds are hitting competitiveness; they want GST rationalisation, import duty reforms and faster, tech-enabled customs clearances to boost exports.
A KPMG note tied to WEF 2026 says India is moving from policy intent to execution on semiconductors via fab approvals, deep-tech R&D funding and broader ecosystem work spanning inputs, packaging and talent.
