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India Pulse | January 28, 2026: Your Daily Digest of India's Governance, Progress, and Vision
The India Pulse Newsletter for January 28, 2026 covers the commencement of the Budget Session of the Parliament with President Murmu’s address, FM Sitharaman scheduled to table Economic Survey 2025-26 in Parliament, Maharashtra Deputy CM Ajit Pawar dying in plane crash, government notifying Solid Waste Management Rules 2026, MoS Jitendra Singh stating climate change issue cannot be solved without collective efforts, government rationalising regulatory framework governing Common Effluent Treatment Plants, EU leaders wrapping up India visit with major agreements, BRO rescuing 40 army jawans and 20 civilians trapped in snowstorm & undertaking snow clearance on Bani-Bhaderwah Road, and Republic Day Parade 2026 best marching contingents and tableaux winners announced.
NEWS IN DETAIL
President Murmu Outlines Government’s Push To Strengthen Country’s Public Healthcare System
The Budget Session of Parliament began on Wednesday with the ceremonial address of President Droupadi Murmu to the joint sitting of both Houses.
Speaking on the occasion, President Murmu highlighted the Central government’s sustained focus on strengthening the country’s public healthcare system, describing health and well-being as a central pillar of inclusive national development.
The President outlined the government’s vision of “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas”, placing accessible, affordable and quality healthcare at the heart of human capital development, with special emphasis on the poor, vulnerable and underserved sections of society.
Highlighting the impact of flagship initiatives of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, the President noted that over 11 crore people have received free medical treatment under the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY) since the launch of the scheme.
In the past year alone, nearly 2.5 crore poor and vulnerable citizens benefited from free treatment under government health schemes, significantly reducing out-of-pocket healthcare expenses.
Special initiatives for senior citizens were also highlighted. According to the President, nearly one crore Ayushman Vay Vandana Cards have been issued over the past one and a half years, enabling about eight lakh elderly citizens to access free healthcare services.
Emphasising the strengthening of primary healthcare, President Murmu said that 1.80 lakh Ayushman Arogya Mandirs are now operational across the country. These centres are playing a critical role in delivering comprehensive primary healthcare services, particularly in rural, remote and underserved areas.
The address also drew attention to the government’s mission-mode approach to disease prevention and public health management. Under the National Sickle Cell Anaemia Elimination Mission, more than 6.5 crore people – especially in tribal, rural and remote regions – have been screened, enabling early diagnosis and prevention. Sustained public health interventions have also led to effective control of Japanese Encephalitis and related diseases, particularly in endemic districts of Uttar Pradesh.
Highlighting regional development, the President said the past decade has been transformative for healthcare infrastructure in the Northeast. The establishment of a State Cancer Institute in Itanagar, a medical college in Shivsagar in Assam, another medical college in Sichey in Sikkim, and a women and children’s hospital in Agartala are expected to significantly improve healthcare access for millions of families in the region.
President Murmu said the government is fully committed to social justice in its true sense and as a result, 25 crore citizens have overcome poverty during the last decade. She said during the third term of the government, the campaign to empower the poor has moved forward with greater momentum.
The President said, at the beginning of 2014, social security schemes could reach only 25 crore citizens. She said that with continuous efforts of the government, about 95 crore Indians have social security cover today. The President said the vision of Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas is bringing positive change in the lives of all citizens of the country.
Lauding the valour and prowess of the Indian Defence Forces during Operation Sindoor, the President said that, using its own resources, the country destroyed the base camps of terrorists. She said the government has sent a strong message that any terrorist attack on India will receive a firm and decisive response. She said, after Operation Sindoor, confidence in Made-in-India defence platforms has grown stronger.
The President said, in line with the policy of the government, security forces have also acted decisively against Maoist terror. The President said that, to provide employment and development in rural areas, a law named Viksit Bharat G Ram G has been enacted. President Murmu said, this scheme will provide new momentum to rural development and create new facilities for the farmers, livestock farmers and fishermen.
President Murmu said, in the last 10-11 years, India has strengthened its foundation in every sector, and this year, 2026, is a major base for the journey towards Viksit Bharat.
FM Sitharaman To Table Economic Survey 2025-26 In Parliament
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will table the Economic Survey 2025-26 in Parliament on January 29, 2026. The document is prepared by the Finance Ministry’s Department of Economic Affairs under the guidance of the Chief Economic Advisor.
The Economic Survey is a comprehensive review of the country’s current economic state and future outlook.
Union Budget 2026-27 will be presented on February 1, 2026. The first phase of the budget session will be held until February 13, 2026. The second phase will take place from March 9, 2026 to April 2, 2026. There will be 30 sittings during the Budget Session.
Maharashtra Deputy CM Ajit Pawar Dies In Plane Crash
Maharashtra’s Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar died in a plane crash at Maharashtra’s Baramati on Wednesday.
The Civil Aviation Ministry informed that a Learjet 45 (VT-SSK) aircraft, operated by VSR, crash-landed at Baramati airport on Wednesday morning. The Ministry added that there were five personnel on board, including the Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister, two more personnel and two crew members. Officials said that no one on board survived the crash.
Ajit Pawar, popularly known in Maharashtra as ‘Dada’, was a dominant force in Maharashtra politics. Ajit Pawar represented the Baramati Assembly constituency seven times since 1991, winning by massive margins on every occasion. Ajit Pawar held various ministerial posts during his career spanning more than three decades.
In November 2019, he rebelled against his uncle Sharad Pawar and took oath as Deputy Chief Minister with the BJP’s Devendra Fadnavis in an early-morning ceremony. In less than four days, he returned. Around three and a half years later, Ajit Pawar led a major vertical split in the Nationalist Congress Party, joined the Eknath Shinde-led government and served as Deputy Chief Minister till death.
Leaders across the political spectrum, including the Governor of Maharashtra and Gujarat, Acharya Devvrat, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, Maharashtra Congress President Harshwardhan Sapkal, and Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi, have expressed deep shock and sadness over the untimely demise of Ajit Pawar. A government holiday has been declared across the state today, and three days of state mourning will be observed.
Government Notifies Solid Waste Management Rules 2026
The Union Government has notified the Solid Waste Management (SWM) Rules, 2026, which will come into effect from 1st April this year. The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change said that the revised rules will integrate the principles of circular economy and extended producer responsibility, with a specific focus on efficient waste segregation and management.
It added that under the SWM rules 2026, four-stream segregation of solid waste at source has been made mandatory.
The new rules will also provide for the levy of environmental compensation based on the Polluter Pays principle for non-compliance, including cases of operating without registration, false reporting, and improper solid waste management practices. The Ministry further said that the rules will introduce graded criteria for development around solid waste processing and disposal facilities to facilitate faster land allocation.
MoS Jitendra Singh Says Issue Of Climate Change Cannot Be Solved Without Collective Efforts
Minister of State for Science and Technology Dr Jitendra Singh on Wednesday said that the issue of climate change cannot be solved until the world collectively works in combating it.
The Minister said this while inaugurating the Technology and Innovation Conclave 2.0 in New Delhi. He noted that through the event, new solutions to Climate Change issues using Artificial intelligence are being worked upon. He expressed happiness as countries like Sri Lanka and the Philippines are participating in the conclave.
Dr Singh also hailed the use of Artificial Intelligence in sectors like life sciences and reaffirmed the country’s commitment to achieving the target of net zero by 2070.
The three-day Conclave is jointly being organised by the Ministry of Science and Technology and the Asian and Pacific Centre for Transfer of Technology of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific. The event primarily aims to promote cross-border talks on using Artificial Intelligence in combating Climate Change.
Govt Rationalises Regulatory Framework Governing Common Effluent Treatment Plants
The Union Government has rationalised the regulatory framework governing Common Effluent Treatment Plants- CETPs.
The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change said that the decision has been taken to strengthen pollution control infrastructure and promote sustainable industrial growth. It added that the reform is aimed at expediting the establishment of CETPs across industrial clusters, while ensuring that environmental safeguards and regulatory oversight remain uncompromised.
The Ministry said that the facilities aim to mitigate pollution by enabling centralised treatment, scientific management, and effective monitoring of industrial effluents.
The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has classified CETPs as Essential Environmental Services under the Blue Category of Industries, which need to be promoted for environmental protection.
EU Leaders Wrap Up India Visit With Major Agreements
European Council President Antonio Costa and President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen have concluded their landmark three-day state visit to India.
The visit resulted in 13 significant outcomes, including the India–EU Free Trade Agreement and a defence pact under the Security and Defence Partnership.
The Ministry of External Affairs, in a post on X said these outcomes will enhance the depth and breadth of the India–EU strategic partnership.
It added that the decisions will enhance market access for goods and services, create more jobs and opportunities, and support the progress of the people of both sides.
The FTA, in particular, is expected to substantially scale up trade, boost exports, and integrate Indian businesses more deeply into European and global value chains.
BRO Rescues 40 Army Jawans, 20 Civilians Trapped In Snowstorm At Chattergala Pass
Personnel of the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) successfully rescued 40 Army jawans and 20 civilians stranded in a severe snowstorm at Chattergala Pass, the highest point on the Bhaderwah–Pathankot interstate highway, at an altitude of about 10,500 feet.
The rescue followed a sudden snowstorm that led to 5–6 feet of snow accumulation, trapping troops of 4 Rashtriya Rifles, SOG personnel, and civilians amid strong winds and sub-zero temperatures. Despite harsh weather and night conditions, BRO teams carried out a nearly 40-hour continuous road clearance operation.
Leading the operation, Raj Kumar Mandal of 118 RCC, BRO, said the rescue was launched immediately after receiving information from the District Magistrate Doda. BRO cleared around 38 km of snow-covered road under extremely adverse conditions, ensuring the safe evacuation of all stranded persons.
The operation highlights BRO’s critical role in maintaining connectivity and emergency response in high-altitude and vulnerable regions.
BRO Undertakes Snow Clearance On Bani–Bhaderwah Road After Fresh Snowfall
The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) has carried out snow clearance and salt sprinkling operations on the Bani–Bhaderwah road, particularly along the stretch between Lowang and Sarthal, following repeated snowfall in the region.
Officials said the area experienced two spells of snowfall over the past week, rendering the road slippery and hazardous for commuters. To ensure safe passage and uninterrupted connectivity, BRO teams promptly cleared the accumulated snow and spread salt on the road surface to prevent ice formation.
The timely intervention helped restore safer driving conditions and ensured the movement of essential traffic in the area. BRO officials said such operations will continue as required, depending on weather conditions, to keep vital routes open during the winter season.
Republic Day Parade 2026: Best Marching Contingents And Best Tableaux Winners Announced
The results of the Best Marching Contingents from the three Services & the Central Armed Police Forces/Other Auxiliary Forces and Best Tableaux from States/Union Territories & Ministries/Departments for Republic Day Parade 2026 have been announced.
Best Marching Contingent
Best Marching Contingent among three Services – Indian Navy
Best Marching Contingent among CAPFs/other auxiliary Forces – Delhi Police
Top Three Tableaux (States/UTs):
Maharashtra (Ganeshotsav: A Symbol of Aatmanirbharta)
Jammu & Kashmir (Handicrafts and Folk Dances of Jammu & Kashmir)
Kerala (Water Metro & 100% Digital Literacy: Aatmanirbhar Kerala for Aatmanirbhar Bharat)
Best Tableau From Central Ministries/Departments
Ministry of Culture (Vande Mataram – The Soul Cry of a Nation)
Special Prize:
Central Public Works Department (Vande Mataram – Commemoration of 150 Years)
‘Vande Mataram: The Eternal Resonance of India’ Dance Group
POPULAR CHOICE
The results of the ‘Popular Choice’ category based on the online poll conducted on the MyGov portal for the citizens to vote for their favorite Tableau and Marching Contingents are as follows:
Best Marching Contingent among three Services - Assam Regiment
Best Marching Contingent among CAPFs/other auxiliary Forces – CRPF
Top Three Tableau (States/UTs):
Gujarat (Mantra of Swadeshi – Self-Reliance – Freedom: Vande Mataram)
Uttar Pradesh (Culture of Bundelkhand)
Rajasthan (Golden Touch of the Desert: Bikaner Gold Art (Usta Art))
Best Tableau From Central Ministries/Departments
Deptt. of School Education & Literacy (National Education Policy 2020: Rocketing Indian School Education on the Path to Viksit Bharat)