Youth are main drivers on India’s Viksit Bharat journey: Raksha Mantri

“Youth are the main drivers on the nation’s journey towards Viksit Bharat,” said Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh as he interacted with 78 young, ignited minds of Uttar Pradesh at an event in Delhi Cantt on January 10, 2026. This UP contingent is among the youth who are participating in the Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue 2026 organised by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports in New Delhi from January 10-12, 2026. Commending the Youth Leaders for their achievements in various fields, Raksha Mantri exuded confidence that their energy, aspirations, and innovative capabilities are guiding the nation to achieve the goal of Viksit Bharat.

Rajnath Singh called upon the youth to embrace multidisciplinary learning to stay abreast with the rapid technological advancements, especially in fields such as artificial intelligence, quantum computing, biotechnology, and space research. “The learning process never ends. You should learn from the latest practices, from your own mistakes, and most importantly, from the experiences of others. Dream big, but never let it become a burden,” he said.

Describing challenges as not an exception to life but its natural part, Raksha Mantri emphasised that testing times reveal a person’s true inner self and character. “It’s easy to remain composed when things are moving ahead as planned. But criticism and failure are what test a person’s mettle, ultimately determining the future direction. However, not being afraid doesn’t mean taking problems lightly; it means we should face them with courage, wisdom, and self-confidence,” he said.

Rajnath Singh urged the youth to not view a challenge as a burden, rather an opportunity, which recognises and enhances one’s capabilities while strengthening character. “Easy paths often make us weak, while difficult paths make us strong, resilient, and capable. Complaining doesn’t solve a problem, finding a solution does. Self-confidence is the key, which isn’t achieved from ego, but from hard work and integrity. One should also always remain humble as your achievements are not just yours alone but are a contribution of family, teachers, and friends. Humility keeps you grounded,” he told the youth present on the occasion.

Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan, Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi, Chief of the Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi, Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal AP Singh, Defence Secretary Shri Rajesh Kumar Singh, Secretary (Defence Production) Shri Sanjeev Kumar, Secretary (Ex-servicemen Welfare) Smt Sukriti Likhi and other senior officials were present during the interaction.

Three new laws guarantee protection of body, property and honor – Amit Shah

Jaipur, 10 January. Union Home and Cooperation Minister Shri Amit Shah has said that a state can progress only by recruiting public servants in a transparent manner and the government of Chief Minister Shri Bhajan Lal Sharma has freed Rajasthan from this problem by ending the paper leak issue of the previous government. He said that our state government is giving jobs to the youth of Rajasthan ‘without recommendation and without expense’ while maintaining transparency in the recruitment process, eradicating corruption and respecting merit.
Mr. Shah was addressing the constable new appointment ceremony in RPA on Saturday. He said that development of the state is possible only with good law and order. Keeping this in mind, the government of Chief Minister Shri Bhajan Lal Sharma, along with banning paper leaks, has strengthened the law and order system and under the leadership of the Prime Minister, has also worked to make Rajasthan the leading investment state in the entire country. The result of this is that today investors from all over the country are competing to come to Rajasthan.

Rajasthan Cyber ​​Crime Co-ordination Center will be established – Chief Minister

On this occasion, Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma announced the establishment of Rajasthan Cyber ​​Crime Coordination Center (R4C) in the state on the lines of Indian Cyber ​​Crime Coordination Center (I4C) to effectively deal with the challenge of cyber crime.

R4C will be developed as a center of excellence in the field of cyber crime control. Through R4C, a strong and centralized framework will be provided for coordination, information-sharing and research related to cyber crimes among all the districts of the state. Besides, capacity building of police officers will also be done.

Rajasthan Police is the leading police force of the country-
The Union Home Minister said that Rajasthan Police Force holds a place among the leading and capable police forces of the country. Congratulating the newly selected constables on receiving their appointment letters, he said that the youth who have received the uniform today should concentrate fully on their training with a steady mind and after this, through their work, they should fulfill the resolve of a safe Rajasthan by ensuring the service and safety of the public. He expressed happiness over the inclusion of more than 2,500 women among the selected constables.
Shri Shah said that in this state, which has more than a thousand kilometer long border with Pakistan, inaccessible ravines of Chambal, Thar Desert, tourist places like Dargah Sharif in Ajmer, Pushkar, Nathdwara, Chittor, Udaipur, Jodhpur, Jaipur and natural places like Ranthambore, Sariska, Keoladeo, the challenge of the police increases further. He said that the government of Chief Minister Shri Bhajan Lal Sharma has proved what a difference the coming of a government that runs the government with commitment and transparency and maintains law and order can make in the state. He said that after the formation of our government in Rajasthan, total crimes have decreased by more than 14 percent in two years. There has been a reduction of 19 percent in serious crimes, 25 percent in murder, 19 percent in attempt to murder, 10 percent in atrocities against women, 28 percent in crimes against Scheduled Castes and Tribes, 47 percent in robbery cases and about 51 percent in robbery cases.

Rajasthan Police became modern in two years-
The Union Home Minister said that in two years, many important initiatives have been taken like formation of Anti Gangster Task Force in Rajasthan Police, 112 from Abhay Command Center for modernization of police, integration of CCTNS and Inter-Operable Criminal Justice System (ICJS), introduction of Kalika Patrolling Unit, formation of Anti Narcotics Task Force etc. In this sequence, an important step has been taken to establish Rajasthan Cyber ​​Crime Co-ordination Center to prevent cyber crimes.

All five pillars of criminal justice system connected online-

Shri Shah said that under the leadership of the country’s successful Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, the British laws made 150 years ago have been abolished and three new laws including the Indian Justice Code have been brought. These codes are designed to ensure the guarantees of protection of person, property and dignity provided by the Constitution. Giving an important place to technology in the new laws, the five pillars of the criminal justice system – police, prosecution, jail, FSL and court – have been added online. Many new provisions have been made through these laws to protect the rights of citizens. A new chapter of women safety and child safety has also been added. Along with defining terrorism and organized crime, FSL investigation has been made mandatory in cases punishable with imprisonment of seven years and more.

The Union Home Minister said that after the full implementation of these laws, whatever FIRs are registered, arrangements will be made to get justice in the Supreme Court within three years. He said that due to these laws, the conviction rate by Rajasthan Police has increased from 41 percent to 60 percent and this rate is expected to reach 85 percent in the coming time.

This unprecedented period of the country under the leadership of Prime MinisterNarendra Modi:Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma

Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma said that the present period is an unprecedented period after the independence of the country, in which the country is getting the strong and efficient leadership of the successful Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Shri Amit Shah. By removing Article 370, work was done to strengthen the unity and integrity of the country by connecting Jammu and Kashmir with the mainstream of the country. Shri Sharma said that the reorganization of Jammu and Kashmir is a true tribute to Iron Man Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and Dr. Shyama Prasad Mukherjee who made extraordinary contribution in the integration of the country.

Union Home Minister strengthened internal security by eliminating Naxalism-

Sharma said that the Union Home Minister worked to strengthen the internal security of the country by eliminating Naxalism. The justice system of the country has been made more democratic by three new laws which have abolished colonial-minded laws in the country. Through the CAA law, the way has been opened for granting Indian citizenship to minorities facing religious persecution in Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan. Also, due to important peace agreements in the North-East, a large number of youth have given up arms and returned to the mainstream due to which the North-Eastern part of the country is rapidly moving forward on the path of peace and development.

Newly selected constables should work alert, capable and ready.

Congratulating the soldiers who received the appointment letters, the Chief Minister said that getting the appointment letters from the Union Home Minister is icing on the cake for the youth. This moment will always inspire him to perform his duties with full devotion and dedication. He said that all the newly selected constables have to understand the provisions of the three new laws thoroughly and work in accordance with their spirit, being alert, capable and ready for every challenge, from cyber crime to organized crime. He said that the state government has modernized the police training by changing its old methods, which has also included technologies like AI and advanced forensics.

Important works done to strengthen law and order-

Sharma said that to strengthen law and order, our government has done many important works for women safety in the last two years including installation of 65 Anti Romeo Squads, 500 Kalika Patrolling Units, 9,400 CCTV cameras. SIT has been formed and around 400 accused have been arrested in cases of irregularities in examinations. Along with running Operation Cyber ​​Shield to stop cyber crimes, cyber help desks have been established in all the police stations. Due to these efforts, there has been a big improvement in law and order.

Director General of Police Rajeev Kumar Sharma said that constables are the backbone of the criminal justice system. He said that the appointment of more than 8 thousand constables will strengthen the law and order of the state. He said that with the implementation of new laws, there has been unprecedented improvement in the quality of research in the state.
Shah symbolically presented appointment letters to 10 constables in the program. Appointment letters were provided to more than 8 thousand constables in the program. Earlier, he virtually inaugurated the multi-purpose indoor hall built at Rajasthan Police Academy, Jaipur under the Khelo India scheme of the Government of India.

On this occasion, Deputy Chief Minister Dr. Premchand Bairwa, Minister of State for Home Jawahar Singh Bedham, MP Madan Rathore, Chief Secretary V Srinivas, public representatives, police officers, a large number of newly appointed constables and their families were present.

BMC Elections 2026: Decisive Battle for Mumbai’s Power, Development and Identity at the Core

Mumbai | Special Report

The political atmosphere in India’s financial capital has intensified ahead of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) Elections 2026. More than just a civic poll, this election is being viewed as a battle for control over Mumbai’s administration, development agenda, and political future.

With an annual budget of nearly ₹74,000 crore, the BMC is India’s richest municipal body—larger than the budgets of several Indian states. This makes control over the civic body a matter of prestige and strategic importance for all major political parties.

🗳️ Election Schedule

• Polling Date: January 15, 2026
• Counting & Results: January 16, 2026
• Total Seats: 227
• Candidates: Over 1,700

After a delay of nearly four years, the elections are being held with extensive administrative preparations. Authorities have assured voters of transparent, fair, and secure polling across thousands of voting centres in the city.

🧩 Political Players and Contest

The BMC election is witnessing an intense multi-cornered contest:

• The Mahayuti alliance (BJP, Shiv Sena–Shinde faction, and a section of NCP) is campaigning on development, infrastructure growth, urban redevelopment, and administrative stability.
• The opposition bloc, including the Uddhav Thackeray faction, Congress, and other parties, is focusing on civic issues, rising costs of living, public services, and the protection of Marathi identity.

Adding to the complexity, a large number of independent and rebel candidates are in the fray, with the potential to significantly alter outcomes in several wards.

📌 Key Election Issues

• Poor road conditions, traffic congestion, and waterlogging
• Slum rehabilitation and affordable housing
• Water supply, sanitation, and public healthcare
• BEST bus services and public transport reforms
• Debate over Marathi identity versus rapid urban development

⚖️ Administrative and Legal Developments

The nomination process witnessed controversy, with legal challenges over rejected nominations. However, the Bombay High Court declined to interfere, emphasising the need to avoid disruption of the democratic process. Election authorities have reiterated their commitment to free and fair polls.

🔍 Why the BMC Election Matters

Control of the BMC goes far beyond civic administration. It directly influences Mumbai’s financial planning, urban infrastructure projects, and political clout. Political observers are also viewing the BMC polls as a key indicator for future Maharashtra and national-level elections.

The words Hindu and Hindutva are missing from the manifestos of the Uddhav Thackeray faction and MNS: Rahul Shewale

Regarding the municipal elections, Uddhav Thackeray and Raj Thackeray held a joint press conference and released the promissory note for Mumbai. Many promises were made in this promissory note. On this, Shiv Sena general secretary and former MP Rahul Shewale revealed through the press that the entire promissory note is a copy paste of the previous promissory note, there is nothing new but Hindutva and Hindus are completely missing in this promissory note. Hindu Hriday Samrat ‘Hindu Hriday Samrat’ has been removed from the name of Bala Saheb because he has to please a particular community so that he can get their votes. To get these votes, Bala Saheb’s ideas have been killed. 

Rahul Shewale cornered Ubatha and MNS and asked what was the reason why the word Hindu has been disappeared from the entire promise. The same promise that was there in the elections of 2017 has once again been put in front of everyone, it is completely copy paste. A day earlier, just as the children gave incomplete information to the people in the name of the workshop, in the same way their parents also gave incomplete information. More English words have been used in the entire undertaking than Marathi words. What is the role of Raj Thackeray in this, it should be clarified. 

Target on Uddhav Thackeray and Raj Thackeray

Rahul Shewale made a sharp criticism and said that even though Balasaheb Thackeray’s photo is included in the promissory note, his soul is not there in it. This promise of the wretched MNS and Sharad Pawar’s Nationalist Congress, which does not honor and respect Balasaheb Thackeray, is going to cause deep pain to Shiv Sainiks and Marathi people. He said that by deliberately avoiding mention of the word “Hindu Hridaya Samrat” in the entire pledge, Ubathane has insulted Hindu Hridaya Samrat Balasaheb Thackeray in his birth centenary year itself. Shewale raised the question why despite being the Chief Minister for two and a half years, no decision was taken to regularize the unauthorized constructions of medical colleges and Koliwads in Mumbai.