The year 2026 is shaping up to be a landmark period packed with pivotal political events, technological milestones, major sporting spectacles, and significant geopolitical developments. From a crucial summer of assembly elections in India to the United States celebrating its 250th birthday and the long-awaited release of Grand Theft Auto VI, the calendar is brimming with moments that will capture global attention.
Political Battlegrounds and Global Milestones
A major electoral season awaits India in 2026, with assembly polls scheduled in West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Assam, and Puducherry, most likely by April. This follows the Bharatiya Janata Party-led National Democratic Alliance's (NDA) victories in Delhi and Bihar in 2025. A Mint analysis indicates that around 70% of Indians now reside in states governed by the NDA, marking a significant political footprint for the alliance.
Globally, July 2026 will witness the United States commemorating 250 years of independence. The world's largest economy, born from 13 colonies in 1776, has evolved into a 50-state union and a dominant force in innovation, technology, and culture, despite facing increasing competition on the world stage.
In the neighbourhood, Bangladesh is set for crucial general elections on 12 February 2026. This vote follows the political upheaval of August 2024, which saw the ouster of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. India will be watching closely, as the instability has impacted bilateral ties, reflected in a decline in Bangladesh's share of foreign tourist arrivals to India to 17.6% in 2024 from 22.3% the previous year.
Science, Tech, and Cultural Phenomena
The global space race is intensifying in 2026. India will take a giant leap with the first uncrewed mission of its Gaganyaan programme, featuring the humanoid robot Vyommitra. Simultaneously, NASA plans to fly its crewed Artemis mission to the Moon, and China aims for the first launch of its Long March-10 rocket and lunar crew spacecraft, targeting a crewed landing by 2030.
In the tech world, Apple Inc. celebrates its 50th anniversary in April 2026. From the Apple I computer in 1976 to the iPhone, iPad, and Apple Watch, the company has transcended its role as a gadget maker to become a profound cultural symbol.
The entertainment sphere will see one of its biggest releases with Grand Theft Auto VI finally hitting the market in November 2026. The franchise, with over 460 million units sold, is one of the best-selling in video game history, and its latest trailer garnered a staggering 475 million views in 24 hours.
Geopolitics and Global Sports
India is scheduled to assume the BRICS chairship and host the 18th BRICS Summit in 2026. This comes amid turbulent BRICS-US relations, with former US President Donald Trump having criticized the bloc. BRICS+, which now represents about 48% of the global population and 30% of global GDP, continues to position itself as a key coordinating body for the Global South.
Sports fans have a treat in store, as 2026 will be dominated by the FIFA World Cup and the ICC Men's T20 World Cup, promising a year of high-octane international competition and unifying global audiences.
From state elections to space launches and from historic anniversaries to blockbuster game releases, 2026 is poised to be a year of consequential events that will shape politics, technology, and culture across the globe.
