As India steps into the new year of 2026, the central government has initiated a crucial public consultation process for the draft rules underpinning the four landmark Labour Codes. This move sets the stage for a significant overhaul of the country's labour laws, with the final rules expected to be notified by March and implemented from April 1, 2026.
Public Input Sought on Labour Code Draft Rules
The government is seeking feedback on the draft rules for the four codes: the Code on Wages, the Code on Social Security, the Industrial Relations Code, and the Occupational Safety, Health, and Working Conditions (OSH) Code. Stakeholders and citizens have been given a window of 30 to 45 days to submit their comments and suggestions.
Key changes proposed in the draft rules include a cap on the weekly working hours at not more than 48 hours. In a notable shift, the rules introduce provisions for women to work night shifts between 7 pm and 6 am, mandating that employers provide safe transportation with pick-up and drop-off facilities, along with a secure and well-lit work environment.
Judiciary and Key Issues on the 2026 Horizon
The year 2026 is poised to be significant for the Indian judiciary, with the Supreme Court expected to hear major constitutional matters. These include challenges to the Waqf Law and Special Intensive Revision. The conduct of judges, which was under intense public scrutiny in 2025 following a cash row involving Judge Yashwant Varma and a failed impeachment motion against Justice Shekhar Yadav, is likely to remain in focus, amplified by the era of live-streamed court proceedings.
In a heartening development from the previous year, the Supreme Court's intervention in August 2025 led to a policy change for disabled officer cadets. Taking suo motu cognisance of their plight, the court's actions prompted the Ministry of Defence to extend Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS) benefits to cadets disabled during training, granting them access to free medical treatment. The court-appointed amicus curiae has further recommended disability pensions and rehabilitation support for them.
Gig Economy Strikes and Other Key Developments
As the new year celebrations unfolded, gig workers called for a strike on New Year's Eve, highlighting their demands which include a ban on exploitative 10-minute delivery models. In response, major quick-commerce platforms like Swiggy and Zomato announced higher incentives for delivery personnel during peak hours, aiming to ensure uninterrupted service.
In other significant news, the government has imposed a ban on the manufacture, sale, and distribution of the common pain and fever drug nimesulide in all oral "immediate release" formulations above a 100 mg dosage, citing health risks. Concurrently, a draft notification has been released to move cough syrups from the over-the-counter list to prescription-only medicines.
On the energy front, NTPC Ltd, India's largest power utility, is partnering with Chicago-based Clean Core Thorium Energy (CCTE) to develop thorium-based nuclear fuel. This initiative is a strategic step towards leveraging India's abundant thorium reserves to reduce dependence on imported uranium.
In a historic moment for global politics, Zohran Mamdani was sworn in as the Mayor of New York City shortly after midnight EST on January 1, 2026. Mamdani, who ran a social media-first campaign, becomes the city's first South Asian and Muslim mayor.
