Indian startups, products, funding, policy and research.
The Maharashtra government has directed Ola, Uber and Rapido to register and comply with new state aggregator rules by September 1, 2026, including requirements for commercial permits and driver training.
Parliament begins its Budget Session on January 28 and will sit till April 2 in two phases, with a recess in between. The session opens with the President’s address to a joint sitting, followed by the tabling of the Economic Survey and the presentation of the Union Budget 2026-27 on February 1 — a Sunday this year.
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman joined officials at North Block for the traditional Halwa ceremony on January 27, signalling the last stretch of work before the Union Budget is presented on February 1, 2026.
Public-sector bank unions staged a nationwide strike on 27 January 2026 seeking a five-day work week, causing likely disruption to branch-dependent services such as cash transactions and cheque clearing. Private banks were expected to function normally, while UPI, internet banking and mobile apps were expected to keep running.
Indian startups raised $218.69 million through 24 deals this week, with Third Wave Coffee and MATTER among the largest disclosed fundraisers.
Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar died on 28 January 2026 after a Learjet 45 chartered from Mumbai crashed while attempting to land at Baramati airport. Authorities confirmed there were no survivors, and an investigation has been launched into the cause of the accident.
Public sector bank staff across India went on a nationwide strike on 27 January 2026, seeking a uniform five-day work week and notification of all Saturdays as holidays. Unions say talks with authorities failed, while customers are advised to expect disruption at branches even as digital payments continue.
A fresh western disturbance is expected to bring widespread rain and snowfall to the western Himalayas from January 27, while parts of the plains brace for thunderstorms, gusty winds, dense fog and renewed cold-wave conditions, according to the IMD.
India’s Budget Session begins on January 28 and will run till April 2, with a break between phases. The government is preparing to table the Economic Survey and present the Union Budget 2026-27 on February 1, which falls on a Sunday this year.
Bank employee unions across India are on strike on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, demanding a five-day work week. Customers of public sector banks may face slower in-branch services, while digital channels are expected to continue.
The India Meteorological Department says a fresh western disturbance will drive widespread rain and snowfall over the western Himalayas from 27 January, with thunderstorms, gusty winds and dense fog affecting several plains states. Cold wave and cold-day conditions are also likely in pockets, and another system may approach around 30 January.
India marked its 77th Republic Day on 26 January 2026 with the main parade on Kartavya Path in New Delhi, where the 150th anniversary of ‘Vande Mataram’ featured prominently in the day’s symbolism. The ceremony blended military display, cultural tableaux and a renewed emphasis on indigenous capability and national unity.