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Ahead of Union Budget 2026-27, analysts and health experts are highlighting that India’s public health spending remains under 2% of GDP, arguing that rising disease burdens and out-of-pocket costs make a stronger, multi-year funding push economically necessary.
Security agencies stepped up vigilance in Delhi and other sensitive locations ahead of Republic Day after intelligence inputs warned of a coordinated terror plan, with possible targets including major temples and transit hubs, according to an NDTV report dated 21 January 2026.
An academic study released ahead of the Union Budget 2026-27 argues India should increase public healthcare expenditure, warning that economic and social change is pushing medical costs up and widening inequality in access. Using data from 1991 to 2023, it examines factors shaping overall and out-of-pocket health spending and calls for stronger public investment.
Delhi security agencies were placed on heightened alert following intelligence inputs warning of a possible coordinated attack ahead of Republic Day 2026. The advisory flagged possible threats to religious sites and public locations, with agencies increasing monitoring and security measures across the capital and adjoining areas.
Ahead of Union Budget 2026-27, Nasscom has urged the government to expand ESOP tax-deferment benefits for startups, allow ESOP costs as a deductible expense, and clarify tax treatment for foreign cloud providers using Indian data centres.
India observed its 77th Republic Day on 26 January 2026 with the main national parade on Kartavya Path in New Delhi, drawing crowds and showcasing domestically produced defence hardware, cultural performances and an air force flypast. Visiting European leaders attended as chief guests amid heightened security across major cities.
India’s Republic Day celebrations in New Delhi drew international attention after European Council President Antonio Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen attended the Kartavya Path parade as chief guests. The programme mixed military contingents, domestically made defence platforms and cultural performances, while parades took place nationwide under heightened security.
Goldman Sachs strategist Timothy Moe said India could stage a comeback in 2026 driven by stronger earnings rather than valuation expansion. He pointed to expected MSCI India earnings growth of about 15%, while noting valuations remain expensive but defensible and foreign investor interest could revive later in the year if earnings deliver and policy stays supportive.
Vedanta Kalinga Lancers won the Men’s Hero Hockey India League title on 26 January 2026, defeating Ranchi Royals 3-2 in the final at the Kalinga Hockey Stadium, with Alexander Hendrickx scoring twice and Dilpreet Singh adding the third goal.
Google released a Republic Day 2026 Doodle in India centred on space exploration, highlighting ISRO’s contributions and India’s growing presence in space. The artwork features a rocket launch with satellites and orbital motifs, linking national pride to scientific progress on the day the Constitution is commemorated.
India secured a series win against New Zealand in Guwahati after restricting the visitors to 153/9 and then racing to the target in 10 overs. Abhishek Sharma struck a 20-ball unbeaten 68 and captain Suryakumar Yadav added an unbeaten 57 off 26, turning the chase into a rapid finish at Barsapara Stadium.
India has launched the 10th edition of its drug standards compendium, the Indian Pharmacopoeia 2026, with the health minister citing progress in pharmacovigilance and improved global standing in contributions to WHO systems.