Prime Minister discusses education, AI, defence, maritime development, ports, manufacturing and exports during third high-level meeting with secretaries

Modi reviews key policy areas

Prime Minister Narendra Modi held the third high-level meeting with Central government secretaries in New Delhi on Thursday, reviewing a range of issues related to infrastructure, connectivity, security, foreign affairs, education, technology and manufacturing.

The meeting was held at the Prime Minister's residence at 7, Lok Kalyan Marg. According to the Prime Minister's Office, Modi called for stronger engagement between government departments, universities and young people to bring new ideas into policy-making.

The focus on youth comes amid the government's recent efforts to increase engagement with students following protests in Delhi over the alleged NEET paper leak and examination-related concerns.

Focus on youth and education

Modi stressed the need for government officials to establish greater dialogue with universities and young people.

The Prime Minister said such engagement could help policymakers receive fresh perspectives and develop new approaches to existing challenges.

The government has also increased its use of social media to communicate with young audiences. Modi recently interacted with students through Instagram reels and has encouraged ministers to maintain an active presence on social media platforms.

The emphasis on direct engagement reflects an attempt to connect policy discussions more closely with students, researchers and younger citizens.

Data and AI use discussed

Another major focus of the meeting was the use of data and artificial intelligence in governance.

Modi called for better utilisation of data and AI while stressing that human oversight and decision-making must remain an important part of AI-based systems.

The Prime Minister also highlighted the need to increase research and innovation across sectors, with particular attention to defence-related research.

Officials were asked to focus not only on immediate challenges but also on the country's long-term requirements.

Infrastructure and connectivity

Infrastructure and connectivity were also discussed during the meeting.

Modi called for infrastructure planning to be aligned with future requirements and stressed better coordination between different ministries.

He also discussed the need to improve connectivity for manufacturing and export-oriented industries.

The objective, according to the meeting's agenda, was to ensure that infrastructure development supports broader economic activity rather than being pursued in isolation.

Defence and maritime strategy

The meeting also covered security and foreign policy, with officials discussing future priorities for the ministries handling these areas.

In the defence sector, Modi emphasised research and innovation as important tools for making India more competitive globally.

The maritime sector was another key area of discussion. The Prime Minister called for a comprehensive strategy aimed at strengthening India's maritime capabilities.

The focus comes as India seeks to expand its role in shipping, shipbuilding, ports and related industries.

Shipbuilding gets attention

Modi also reviewed the government's shipbuilding priorities.

Shipbuilding has recently received infrastructure status, and the Prime Minister asked officials to monitor whether the targets set for the sector are being achieved.

The move is aimed at strengthening domestic shipbuilding capacity and improving India's competitiveness in the global maritime industry.

Officials were also asked to look beyond simply increasing the number of ports and instead focus on broader port-led development.

Manufacturing and exports

Manufacturing and exports formed another important part of the discussions.

Modi stressed the importance of providing better connectivity to manufacturing centres and export units. Improved infrastructure and logistics can help reduce transportation costs and improve the competitiveness of Indian products in international markets.

The discussions therefore linked infrastructure development with wider industrial and export objectives.

Focus on present and future

Sharing details of the meeting on X, Modi said the discussions covered the work of ministries dealing with infrastructure, connectivity, security and foreign affairs.

The Prime Minister asked secretaries to address current problems using available data while simultaneously keeping the country's future requirements in mind.

The meeting brought together several policy priorities — from youth engagement and education to AI, research, defence, maritime development, shipbuilding, ports and exports — with the broader objective of improving coordination and long-term planning across government departments.

Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat has urged greater engagement with India's younger generation, saying members of Gen Z and Gen Alpha should not be labelled "anti-national" for expressing their concerns. Addressing a youth interaction in Mumbai, Bhagwat said dialogue, trust and understanding were essential to bridge the gap between institutions and young people.

Speaking at the Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre (NMACC) on Thursday, the RSS chief described the country's youth as patriotic and honest, stressing that they represent India's future and deserve to be heard rather than alienated.

'They Are Our Own People'

Responding to a question on youth-led protests, Bhagwat rejected the notion that the younger generation should be viewed with suspicion.

"Anti-national to hai nahin, apne log hain. Apni next generation hai (They are not anti-national. They are our own people. They are our next generation)," he said.

He emphasised that disagreements should be resolved through communication instead of confrontation, arguing that sustained interaction helps both sides understand each other's concerns.

Dialogue Over Confrontation

Bhagwat said meaningful relationships between institutions and young citizens must precede constructive dialogue.

"I have spoken about dialogue before. There has to be a relationship first. When that relationship exists, there is dialogue. We understand their concerns and they understand ours. That is what should happen," he said.

According to him, engaging with young people is more productive than branding them or dismissing their views, particularly at a time when the country is witnessing increased participation by youth in public debates.

Gen Z More Honest, Patriotic: Bhagwat

The RSS chief also challenged the perception that younger generations are less responsible than their predecessors.

He said Gen Z and Gen Alpha possess a stronger sense of honesty, patriotism and public service.

"I believe this new generation — Gen Z and Gen Alpha — is more honest than our existing generation. It has a stronger feeling of patriotism and service," Bhagwat said.

His remarks highlighted the need to recognise the aspirations of young Indians instead of questioning their commitment to the nation.

Cautions Against Social Media Misinformation

Bhagwat also spoke about the growing influence of social media, saying regulation alone cannot solve the challenges posed by digital platforms.

He said laws become effective only when society voluntarily accepts and follows them, adding that users should exercise self-discipline while consuming and sharing online content.

Warning about the spread of misinformation, Bhagwat noted that artificial intelligence and modern technology now make it possible to create convincing fake videos and attribute false statements to public figures.

He advised people not to trust content without verification from authentic sources and said self-regulation was essential to prevent misinformation from spreading.

According to Bhagwat, outright bans often push content into illegal channels rather than resolving the underlying problem.

Remarks Come Amid Student Protests

Bhagwat's comments come against the backdrop of nationwide protests over the alleged NEET-UG 2026 paper leak, which later expanded into a broader movement demanding reforms in India's examination system and greater accountability in education governance.

The protests eventually intensified political pressure, leading to the resignation of the then Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.

While Bhagwat did not directly comment on the ongoing controversy, his appeal for dialogue with young protesters was seen as a call for greater engagement between policymakers and the country's youth.

Mumbai: Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat is scheduled to interact with more than 2,000 students aged between 15 and 19 years in Mumbai on Thursday evening. The event will be held at the Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre (NMACC) as part of the 15th anniversary celebrations of the International Movement to Unite Nations (IIMUN).

The programme is expected to focus on dialogue with young people, leadership, education and the role of youth in shaping the country's future.

Students to Engage Directly with Bhagwat

The session has been designed as an interactive conversation, allowing students from the Gen Z and Gen Alpha age groups to engage with the RSS chief on issues concerning society, education and national development.

Organisers describe the event as a platform aimed at encouraging discussion rather than one-way communication between public figures and young participants.

Several Prominent Personalities Expected

Apart from Mohan Bhagwat, the event is expected to feature several distinguished personalities from public life, including:

• Congress MP Shashi Tharoor

• Veteran actor Shabana Azmi

• Actor Boman Irani

• Former Chief Justice of India D.Y. Chandrachud

The gathering is expected to bring together voices from politics, law, cinema and civil society.

Debate Over Shashi Tharoor's Participation

Shashi Tharoor's participation in the programme sparked political discussion after questions were raised over his presence at an event where the RSS chief is the principal speaker.

Responding to the criticism, Tharoor clarified that the programme is not organised by the RSS, but by IIMUN, an independent student-led platform that regularly invites speakers from diverse backgrounds to interact with students.

Bhagwat Earlier Advocated Dialogue with Youth

The upcoming interaction comes weeks after Bhagwat stressed the importance of engaging with younger generations through conversation rather than authority.

During a public address in Delhi in July, he said today's youth ask questions and expect meaningful discussions. He suggested that elders should communicate with them through dialogue instead of merely issuing instructions.

His remarks drew attention as they came during a period when student protests over examination-related issues were taking place in different parts of the country.

Focus on Youth Engagement

The programme is being viewed as an important outreach initiative aimed at understanding the aspirations, concerns and expectations of India's younger generation.

With students expected to interact directly with speakers from different fields, the event seeks to promote discussion on leadership, education, public life and civic participation.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday launched the nationwide 'Nasha Mukt Yuva for Viksit Bharat Sankalp Abhiyan', calling upon young people to lead the fight against drug abuse and describing the supply of narcotics into India as part of a conspiracy by hostile forces to weaken the country.

Addressing the launch event through video conferencing, the Prime Minister said drug addiction poses a serious challenge not only to public health but also to national security.

"Enemy countries want to push Indian youth into the trap of drugs. This conspiracy must be defeated together," he said, adding that the vision of a developed India can only be achieved if the country's youth remain physically and mentally healthy.

100-Week Nationwide Campaign Announced

The Prime Minister announced that the anti-drug campaign will continue for 100 consecutive weeks, with programmes to be organised every Sunday across the country.

The initiative will feature activities related to sports, culture, arts, community engagement and public awareness, aimed at educating young people about the harmful effects of substance abuse.

According to the government, the launch programme witnessed participation from more than one crore people across over 28,000 locations through video conferencing.

Before the Prime Minister's address, participants across the country took a pledge to support the goal of a drug-free India.

Drug Addiction Destroys Dreams, Says PM

During his address, the Prime Minister said drug addiction derails the aspirations of young people and affects entire families.

He noted that while Indian youth are making significant contributions in sectors such as start-ups, artificial intelligence and space technology, addiction can destroy both individual careers and family aspirations.

He urged young people to stay focused on their ambitions and avoid substance abuse.

Links Drug Trafficking to National Security

The Prime Minister asserted that drug trafficking is not merely a law-and-order issue but also a threat to national security.

He said hostile nations attempt to target India's youth through narcotics and stressed that the government is intensifying action against drug traffickers and smugglers under its zero-tolerance policy.

He added that enforcement agencies have significantly increased seizures of illegal narcotics and strengthened operations against trafficking networks in recent years.

Calls for Second Chance for Recovering Addicts

PM Modi also appealed for a compassionate approach towards individuals who overcome addiction.

He said those who recover from substance abuse demonstrate courage and determination and deserve an opportunity to rebuild their lives.

"A person's past does not define them. Their courage to overcome challenges does," he said.

Campaign to Involve Educational and Social Institutions

The Prime Minister said the campaign aims to become a nationwide movement through the participation of schools, colleges, universities, youth organisations, industries, social groups and more than 125 spiritual organisations.

The government hopes coordinated efforts by educational institutions, civil society and religious organisations will help create greater awareness about the dangers of drug abuse and encourage healthier lifestyles among young people.

Understanding Narco-Terrorism

The campaign also highlighted concerns over narco-terrorism, referring to the use of money generated through illegal drug trafficking to finance terrorist activities, purchase weapons and sustain extremist networks.

Officials have repeatedly stated that India's geographical location between the Golden Crescent (Afghanistan, Pakistan and Iran) and the Golden Triangle (Myanmar, Laos and Thailand) makes it vulnerable to international drug trafficking networks, which use the country both as a transit route and a target market.

Friendship Day, a celebration dedicated to the special bond between friends, will be observed across India on Sunday, August 2, 2026. The occasion is marked by people expressing gratitude, affection and appreciation for their closest companions through heartfelt messages, gifts, friendship bands and quality time together.

Celebrated on the first Sunday of August in India, Friendship Day has evolved into one of the most popular social occasions among young people while also becoming an opportunity for people of all ages to cherish meaningful relationships built on trust, support and companionship.

When is Friendship Day 2026?

This year, Friendship Day falls on Sunday, August 2, 2026. Schools, colleges, offices and social groups are expected to celebrate the day with informal gatherings, exchange of friendship bands, social media posts and community events.

A Brief History

The idea of dedicating a day to friendship originated in the early 20th century and gradually gained international recognition. Over the years, different countries adopted different dates to celebrate the occasion.

In India, Friendship Day is traditionally observed on the first Sunday of August, making it a widely anticipated annual celebration, especially among students and young adults.

Why Friendship Day is Celebrated

Friendship Day highlights the importance of genuine relationships that provide emotional support, encouragement and companionship throughout life's journey.

Unlike relationships based on family or profession, friendships are built on mutual trust, understanding and shared experiences. The day serves as a reminder to value those who stand by us during both joyful moments and challenging times.

How People Celebrate

Across the country, Friendship Day is celebrated in several ways:

• Exchanging friendship bands and greeting cards.

• Sharing heartfelt wishes and photographs on social media.

• Meeting friends for lunch, dinner or short trips.

• Giving personalised gifts and handwritten notes.

• Organising reunions with school and college friends.

• Spending quality time with loved ones and reconnecting with old friends.

Digital celebrations have also become increasingly popular, with video calls, online greetings and virtual meet-ups helping friends stay connected across cities and countries.

Friendship Beyond Celebrations

Experts believe that strong friendships contribute positively to mental and emotional well-being. Meaningful social connections help reduce stress, improve confidence and create a sense of belonging.

In today's fast-paced lifestyle, Friendship Day also encourages people to reconnect with friends they may have lost touch with and appreciate relationships that continue to provide strength and support over the years.

As Friendship Day 2026 approaches, the occasion serves as a reminder that while gifts and celebrations add joy, the true essence of friendship lies in trust, kindness, loyalty and standing by one another through every phase of life.

 Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy has said his government will soon move a resolution in the State Assembly seeking to reduce the minimum age for contesting elections to 21 years. The resolution will be forwarded to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for consideration by the Centre.

Making the case for the proposed reform, Reddy questioned why young Indians who are eligible to become Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officers at the age of 21 cannot also be allowed to contest elections for legislative bodies.

"If a 21-year-old can become an IAS officer, why should the same person not be eligible to become an MLA, MP or even a minister?" he said.

Greater Political Participation for Youth

Reddy argued that India's younger generation deserves greater representation in the country's democratic institutions.

Highlighting the demographic profile of the country, he said that Generation Z constitutes nearly 30 per cent of India's population, yet their representation in the Lok Sabha remains below one per cent. According to him, lowering the eligibility age would provide more opportunities for young people to participate directly in governance and policymaking.

Resolution to Be Sent to Centre

The Chief Minister said the Telangana Assembly would soon adopt a formal resolution supporting the proposal. Since the minimum age for contesting parliamentary and Assembly elections is governed by the Constitution and the Representation of the People Act, any change would require action by Parliament.

The proposed resolution will therefore be sent to the Union Government for consideration.

Congress Cites Earlier Electoral Reform

Reddy also noted that the Congress has previously supported expanding youth participation in the democratic process.

He referred to the decision taken during the tenure of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi, when the voting age in India was reduced from 21 years to 18 years through the 61st Constitutional Amendment in 1988, enabling millions of young citizens to exercise their franchise.

Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat on Saturday emphasized the need for greater dialogue with the younger generation, saying today's youth are inquisitive and expect explanations rather than instructions. He urged families and society to move away from a dictatorial approach and instead build relationships based on communication and understanding.

Speaking at an event in Delhi, Bhagwat said that changing times demand a different way of engaging with young people.

"Today's new generation asks a lot of questions. Instead of being dictatorial with them, we should engage in dialogue," he said.

He added that people should explain the reasoning behind decisions rather than simply issuing instructions.

'Dialogue, Not Dictation'

Bhagwat stressed that young people respond better when they are treated with respect and involved in meaningful conversations.

He said the role of elders is to guide the younger generation by helping them understand the logic behind decisions instead of expecting unquestioned obedience.

"The right direction can be shown through dialogue. We cannot act arbitrarily and become the masters of everyone through force," Bhagwat said.

According to him, communication is a more effective way of building trust and encouraging responsible decision-making among young people.

'Times Have Changed'

Reflecting on earlier generations, Bhagwat said there was a time when parents' decisions were rarely questioned.

"When we were young, whatever our parents said was considered final. There was no debate. There was faith, and there was no reaction. But times have changed," he said.

He observed that today's youth naturally ask questions and expect clear explanations before accepting any decision.

Bhagwat said this shift should not be viewed negatively but as a reality that families and society must acknowledge.

Youth Need Time, Affection and Understanding

The RSS chief said that along with affection, young people need time and genuine conversations.

He remarked that discussion should replace dictation and awareness should replace unquestioned authority.

"The new generation needs a lot of affection, time, and most importantly, dialogue. Today, we need discussion, not dictation. We need consciousness, not orders," he said.

According to Bhagwat, listening to young people is just as important as advising them.

Concern Over Declining Family Communication

Bhagwat also expressed concern that communication within families has reduced significantly over the years.

He said parents and guardians should spend more time interacting with children instead of relying solely on instructions.

Regular conversations, he said, can help young people make better decisions and strengthen family relationships.

"Communication within families has declined considerably compared to the past. Families and society will have to spend time with young people and listen to what they have to say," he added.

Remarks Come Amid Student Protests

Bhagwat's comments come at a time when students in Delhi have been protesting over alleged examination paper leaks and demanding reforms in the country's recruitment and examination systems.

While he did not directly refer to the protests, his remarks on dialogue, listening, and avoiding authoritarian attitudes were made against the backdrop of growing public discussions involving youth participation and governance.

Social Media Mental Health Warnings Are Too Little, Too Late

For years, technology companies insisted that social media was simply a tool—one that connected people, encouraged creativity and gave everyone a voice. Today, that narrative is becoming increasingly difficult to defend without qualification. Governments, health experts and even some of the platforms themselves now acknowledge that prolonged and uncontrolled social media use can have serious consequences for mental health, especially among children and teenagers.

The latest push to introduce mental health warning labels on social media is a welcome admission that the problem exists. But it is also an uncomfortable reminder of how long meaningful action has been delayed.

A warning on a screen may encourage a handful of users to think twice before endlessly scrolling. For millions of young people, however, it is unlikely to compete with algorithms that are specifically designed to keep their attention for as long as possible.

That is why the conversation should move beyond warning labels. If policymakers genuinely believe that social media poses measurable risks to young users, then stronger safeguards—including age-based restrictions and stricter platform accountability—deserve serious consideration.

A Business Model Built Around Attention

The modern social media economy runs on one resource above everything else: attention.

Every extra minute spent online generates more advertising revenue, more user data and greater engagement. Recommendation systems continuously learn what keeps users watching, clicking and sharing. The more emotionally stimulating the content, the more likely it is to be promoted.

For adults, this design raises concerns about privacy, misinformation and productivity. For teenagers, whose emotional regulation and decision-making abilities are still developing, the consequences can be far more significant.

Research from universities and public health agencies has repeatedly linked excessive social media use with increased anxiety, depression, loneliness, cyberbullying, poor sleep quality and body image concerns. While researchers continue to debate how much of this relationship is directly causal, there is growing agreement that the risks are substantial enough to justify preventive action.

When uncertainty exists in public health, waiting for perfect evidence has rarely been the wisest strategy.

Lessons from Tobacco Regulation—With Important Differences

Comparisons between social media and tobacco often generate strong reactions. The two are clearly not identical.

Unlike cigarettes, social media provides undeniable benefits. Families stay connected across continents. Students access educational content instantly. Small businesses find customers. Emergency information reaches millions within seconds. Activists and communities can organise in ways that were once impossible.

Yet one similarity deserves attention.

Both industries have built enormously successful business models around products that can become habit-forming. Both initially resisted regulation while scientific evidence accumulated. Both argued that personal responsibility should be the primary safeguard.

History shows that warning labels alone did not reduce smoking rates. Real progress came only after governments introduced comprehensive measures that included advertising restrictions, age limits, public awareness campaigns, taxation and strong enforcement.

Social media requires its own version of that balanced regulatory framework—not because it is identical to tobacco, but because today's digital environment presents a different kind of public health challenge.

Children Need More Than a Pop-Up Reminder

Expecting children to regulate their own screen habits inside platforms specifically engineered to maximise engagement is unrealistic.

A brief mental health warning cannot compete with endless autoplay videos, personalised feeds, constant notifications and reward systems designed around behavioural psychology.

Instead of relying almost entirely on individual willpower, governments should encourage platforms to build environments that are safer by default for younger users.

That could include reliable age verification that respects user privacy, stronger parental control tools, limits on algorithmic recommendations for minors, restrictions on late-night notifications, reduced data collection and age-appropriate default privacy settings.

None of these measures would eliminate social media. They would simply recognise that children require greater protection in digital spaces, just as they do in the physical world.

Responsibility Cannot Rest Only with Parents

Parents unquestionably play a vital role in teaching healthy technology habits. Schools also have an important responsibility to promote digital literacy.

However, asking families alone to manage billion-dollar technology platforms is neither practical nor fair.

Parents cannot realistically monitor every algorithm, every recommendation or every emerging online trend. Technology companies possess far greater knowledge about how their products influence behaviour and have the technical ability to redesign features that encourage excessive use.

With that capability comes responsibility.

Greater transparency should also become a regulatory priority. Independent researchers need access to anonymised platform data to better understand how recommendation systems affect children's wellbeing, misinformation, online addiction and emotional development. Public policy should be informed by evidence rather than corporate assurances.

Finding the Right Balance

Calls for stronger regulation inevitably raise concerns about censorship, privacy and freedom of expression.

Those concerns deserve serious attention.

Any future rules should be proportionate, transparent and evidence-based. They should focus on protecting minors without unnecessarily restricting adults or limiting legitimate online expression.

The goal should not be to eliminate social media from young people's lives. Digital platforms have become deeply integrated into education, communication and modern society.

The goal should be to ensure that technology serves young people—not the other way around.

The Time for Stronger Action

Mental health warning labels acknowledge an uncomfortable truth: excessive social media use can cause harm.

But acknowledging a problem is not the same as solving it.

If governments truly believe digital platforms pose meaningful risks to children's mental wellbeing, warning messages should mark the beginning of reform—not its conclusion.

History has repeatedly shown that industries rarely regulate themselves when profits depend on keeping people engaged.

Protecting the next generation will require policymakers to move beyond symbolic measures and embrace thoughtful, balanced regulation that puts children's wellbeing at the centre of the digital age.

The real question is no longer whether social media influences mental health. It is whether society is prepared to act before another generation grows up believing that endless scrolling is simply the price of being connected.