English-language national news, explainers and fact checks.
European Council President António Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen joined India’s Republic Day parade as chief guests and prepared for a high-level India–EU summit in New Delhi on 27 January 2026. EU statements framed the visit as part of a broader effort to deepen ties across prosperity, sustainability, technology, innovation, and security.
India and the European Union have concluded official-level negotiations for a long-pending free trade agreement, Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal said on 26 January 2026. The deal is undergoing legal scrubbing, with signing expected after procedural clearances, and is projected to deepen trade and investment ties between India and the EU.
India sealed a T20I series against New Zealand in Guwahati after restricting the visitors to 153/9 and chasing the target quickly. Abhishek Sharma’s unbeaten 68 off 20 balls and captain Suryakumar Yadav’s unbeaten 57 off 26 powered India to an unassailable 3-0 lead in the five-match series.
An academic study flagged rising medical costs and unequal access to treatment, urging India to increase public healthcare expenditure as the Union Budget 2026-27 approaches. The research analysed long-run drivers of healthcare spending and out-of-pocket payments and argued that higher public investment is needed to make care more equitable and affordable.
Google released a special Republic Day Doodle on 26 January 2026 celebrating India’s space achievements. The artwork spotlights motifs of rockets, satellites and orbits and nods to ISRO’s role in advancing science and technology, tying national pride to innovation and exploration.
India celebrated its 77th Republic Day on 26 January 2026 with a major parade on Kartavya Path in New Delhi, showcasing military hardware, cultural tableaux and flypasts. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President António Costa attended as chief guests, underlining deepening India–EU ties ahead of the 27 January summit.
Security agencies in Delhi stepped up measures after an intelligence warning of a coordinated terrorist attack on or before Republic Day, reportedly code-named ‘26-26’. The report said targets could include prominent religious sites and that agencies intensified monitoring, including putting up posters of wanted suspects at major transit points.
Republic Day 2026 prompted political leaders across parties to foreground constitutional ideals, equality and democratic norms. In Uttar Pradesh, leaders used the occasion to pay tributes to freedom fighters, emphasise unity and urge citizens to safeguard democracy and the Constitution.
India’s Republic Day celebrations on 26 January 2026 carried a diplomatic signal as top European Union leaders attended the parade in New Delhi. Global partners, including the United States, also publicly marked the occasion, reflecting how the national event doubles as a showcase of India’s international relationships.
An academic study released ahead of the Union Budget 2026-27 calls for a major increase in public healthcare expenditure, warning that medical costs and unequal access are widening gaps. The push adds to a growing chorus that wants stronger public systems, preventive care and better funding to reduce out-of-pocket burden.
Google marked India’s 77th Republic Day with a Doodle themed around space exploration, highlighting the country’s scientific ambition and ISRO’s achievements. The artwork taps into a broader national narrative that technology-led progress is central to India’s identity and global standing.
India’s men’s team wrapped up a T20I series win over New Zealand, with a strong performance highlighted by aggressive batting and disciplined bowling. Sunil Gavaskar said India’s approach suggests the side is already operating with the T20 World Cup mindset, treating every match as preparation for bigger stakes.