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Ahead of the Union Budget 2026–27, India’s gems and jewellery industry is urging the government to cut GST, rationalise customs duties and pursue policy reforms aimed at boosting exports and competitiveness. The sector argues that global headwinds and shifting trade dynamics make cost and tax restructuring urgent.
India and the European Union are preparing for a major summit on January 27, 2026, expected to adopt a comprehensive strategic agenda across prosperity, technology, security and connectivity. Leaders are also likely to announce the conclusion of negotiations on a long-awaited free trade agreement first launched in 2007 and relaunched in 2022.
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WHO India has highlighted field monitoring of vaccination booths in Meghalaya linked to National Immunization Day activities held on December 15, 2025. WHO-supported teams visited booths across Primary Health Centres in South West Khasi Hills and West Jaintia Hills to strengthen protocol adherence, cold-chain practices and community engagement.
West Bengal has reported two confirmed Nipah virus infections in healthcare workers linked to a private hospital in North 24 Parganas, prompting isolation, contact tracing and support from national outbreak-response teams as officials work to prevent further spread.
Delhi Capitals beat Royal Challengers Bengaluru by seven wickets to hand RCB their first loss of the WPL season. DC bowled RCB out for 109, then chased 111/3 in 15.4 overs, with key contributions from Laura Wolvaardt, Jemimah Rodrigues and Marizanne Kapp.
A KPMG note around the World Economic Forum 2026 highlights India’s semiconductor and AI push, pointing to approvals for multiple semiconductor fabrication plants and increased deep-tech R&D allocations. The message: India is shifting from policy intent to execution, aiming to strengthen chip-making, packaging and ecosystem capabilities.
Indian cricket captains Rohit Sharma and Harmanpreet Kaur are set to receive the Padma Shri, recognising their impact across formats and their roles as leading figures in the men’s and women’s games.
A growing focus on semiconductors and AI is being framed as a major economic lever for India, with approvals for multiple fabrication plants, higher deep-tech R&D allocations, and an ecosystem push spanning inputs, packaging, partnerships and skills.
In the 130th episode of Mann Ki Baat on January 25, 2026—National Voters’ Day—Prime Minister Narendra Modi called on young Indians to register as voters when they turn 18 and to strengthen democracy through active participation. He linked the message to Republic Day and reflected on the Constitution and the role of election workers.
India announced its Republic Day 2026 gallantry and service honours, led by the Ashoka Chakra for Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla for a landmark space achievement. The list also includes multiple Kirti and Shaurya Chakras and a large set of military decorations, with some conferred posthumously.
India will welcome two senior European Union leaders as chief guests for the Republic Day parade on 26 January 2026 in New Delhi, underlining a push to deepen India–EU ties alongside the ceremony’s traditional display of military and cultural pageantry.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee criticised the Election Commission on National Voters’ Day, alleging voter disenfranchisement risks amid a disputed electoral-roll revision exercise, as the political row over scrutiny and ‘logical discrepancies’ intensifies.