Rajnath Singh, born on July 10, 1951, is an Indian politician and a senior BJP leader. He is the Defence Minister of India. He has previously served as the Home Minister (from 2014-2019), Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh (from 2000-2002) and was twice appointed as the President of the Bharatiya Janata Party (from 2005 to 2009 and 2013 to 2014).
He was born in the Chittor district of Uttar Pradesh to Ram Badan Singh and Gujarati Devi. He received his Master's Degree in Physics from Gorakhpur University. At the age of 13, he got associated with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS).
Singh started his political career in 1975 as the Bhartiya Jan Sangh district president of Mirzapur, UP. He soon rose through the ranks and was appointed as the state education minister in 1991. In 1994, he was elected as a Rajya Sabha MP, which was followed by him becoming the UP state president for the BJP. He has also held the post of Union Minister for Agriculture in 2003 under the Vajpayee government and was appointed as the national general secretary of BJP in 2004.
He has also authored a book 'Unemployment: Its Reasons and Remedies'. Rajnath Singh is married to Savitri Singh and has two sons and a daughter.
His official Twitter handle is @rajnathsingh and the name of his official Facebook page is Rajnath Singh. He is also active on Instagram under the username rajnathsinghbjp.
A massive showdown erupted in parliament on Monday after Rahul Gandhi tried to quote from former army chief Naravane's unpublished memoir claiming the government showed no political will against Chinese incursions in 2020.
A showdown between BJP and Congress escalated over Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi’s attempt to quote from an unpublished memoir by former Army Chief General M.M. Naravane in Lok Sabha.
A massive political war erupted in Lok Sabha as Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi sought to quote an unpublished "memoir" of former Army chief M M Naravane on the 2020 India-China conflict in the Lok Sabha on Monday.
In this edition of 'To The Point', the big talking point is the political confrontation in Lok Sabha following Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi’s references to an unpublished memoir by former Army Chief General MM Naravane.
In this edition of Super 6, the focus is on the intense political showdown in Parliament as Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi cites an unpublished memoir by former Army Chief General Manoj Mukund Naravane.
Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi slammed PM Modi and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh for not letting him speak on ex-Army chief MM Naravane's memoir in Lok Sabha.
On this special report, the focus is on the 78th death anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, commemorated at Delhi's Rajghat. Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid floral tributes to the Father of the Nation, stating that Bapu's emphasis on 'Swadeshi' is a 'fundamental pillar of our resolve for a developed and self-reliant India.' The Prime Minister was joined by President Droupadi Murmu, the Defence Minister, and other senior cabinet members in honoring the Mahatma's legacy. During the event, the Prime Minister highlighted the importance of non-violence for the protection of humanity and noted that Gandhi's personality and deeds continue to inspire the nation to walk the path of duty. The programme captures live images from Rajghat as the country observes Martyrs' Day, reflecting on the principles of 'Make in India' and self-reliance as envisioned by Mahatma Gandhi.
On this Special Report, the focus is on the Calcutta High Court's significant directive to the West Bengal government regarding national security. Tapas Sengupta reports that the court has ordered the state to 'hand over all the lands that is required to build up fencing in the border areas to the BSF' by March 31. The order pertains to already acquired land across nine border districts to facilitate barbed wire fencing along the Indo-Bangladesh border. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has hailed the decision, accusing the Trinamool Congress (TMC) of prioritizing vote bank interests over national security. The report highlights that approximately 235 kilometres of the border remain porous, leading to a long-standing flashpoint between the Centre and the state government. The High Court's intervention follows a PIL, emphasizing the urgency of sealing vulnerable stretches in districts like Nadia and North 24 Parganas. The programme explores the political implications of this legal mandate as elections approach.
In this special edition of 5 Live, the focus is on the Beating Retreat ceremony 2026 at Vijay Chowk, which marked the culmination of India's 77th Republic Day celebrations.
On this special edition of Five Live, Sonal and Gaurav Sawant provide live commentary on the Beating Retreat ceremony 2026 at Vijay Chowk, marking the culmination of India's 77th Republic Day celebrations. Gaurav Sawant highlights the 'major change' in the musical repertoire, noting, 'There’s a lot of decolonization as the government puts it. More Hindi music, instrumental music, Saare Jahan Se Achha of course remains.' The programme captures the arrival of President Draupadi Murmu, escorted by the elite President's Bodyguard, alongside Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan. The report details the shift from British-era hymns to Indian instruments like the Mridangam and Tabla, and the historic renaming of Darbar Hall to Ganatantra Mandap. The ceremony concluded with a spectacular lighting display of the North Block, South Block, and Rashtrapati Bhavan, symbolising a modern, self-reliant India proud of its indigenous cultural heritage and military discipline.
On this Special Report, Gaurav Sawant provides live commentary on the Beating Retreat ceremony held at Vijay Chowk, marking the formal end of Republic Day celebrations. Gaurav Sawant notes, 'Post 2014 and especially with Prime Minister Narendra Modi very keen on decolonization, now you have the Mridangam, you have the Dhol, you have the Tashe, you have the Nagade.' The report highlights the arrival of President Droupadi Murmu, escorted by the President's Bodyguard from the Ganatantra Mandap, formerly known as Darbar Hall. Sawant explains the military significance of the tradition where troops withdraw at sunset and weapons are symbolically sheathed. The ceremony features Indian classical compositions and military bands, including a special performance of Vande Mataram to mark its 150th year. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh, and the three Service Chiefs were present to receive the President at the majestic Raisina Hill setting.
On this Special Report, the focus is on the escalating political row between the Congress and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) following the Republic Day celebrations. The BJP has accused Rahul Gandhi of 'disrespecting the culture and people of the North-East' by allegedly refusing to wear a traditional 'patka' or scarf during the 'At Home' reception at Rashtrapati Bhavan. The party further claimed that the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha declined to wear the headgear despite requests from President Droupadi Murmu. In response, the Congress party has rejected these allegations, pointing out that Defence Minister Rajnath Singh also did not wear the traditional scarf. The Congress further alleged that the BJP is 'staging a drama to divert attention from real issues' and urged the party to stop involving the President in political disputes. The programme examines the friction over protocol and cultural symbolism between the two major political parties.
On this edition of News Track, Maria Shakil examines two major political and social controversies. The programme first addresses the BJP's criticism of Rahul Gandhi for allegedly refusing to wear a traditional 'patka' during an 'At-Home' reception at Rashtrapati Bhavan. Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma termed the act 'deeply insensitive and insulting to the people of entire Northeast'. The second segment focuses on the new University Grants Commission (UGC) guidelines aimed at curbing caste discrimination on campuses. Maria Shakil interviews Dr. Suraj Yengde, Professor Chandra Bhushan Sharma, and student Alokit Tripathi on whether these rules ensure equity or deepen divisions. Dr. Yengde notes, 'This new directive, I think we should welcome it simply because it really covers, it backs its policy with data.' The discussion highlights concerns over potential false complaints and the lack of general category representation in equity committees, following the resignation of Bareilly City Magistrate Alankar Agnihotri in protest against the regulations.
This news report focuses on a fresh political controversy following the 'At-Home' reception at Rashtrapati Bhavan. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has criticised Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi for allegedly refusing to wear a traditional 'patka' from the Northeast, despite other dignitaries doing so. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma described the move as an 'act that was deeply insensitive and insulting to the people of entire Northeast'. The BJP claims that Rahul Gandhi did not oblige even after President Droupadi Murmu reminded him twice. In response, the Congress Party pointed out that Defence Minister Rajnath Singh was also not wearing the same patka during the event. The discussion highlights that the theme of the reception was focused on Northeastern culture and food. Critics argue that as a constitutional office holder, Rahul Gandhi should have embraced the cultural symbol, while the opposition labels the BJP's reaction as a political diversion.
This special report covers the Republic Day celebrations marking 150 years of Vande Mataram and the first parade following 'Operation Sindhu'. The broadcast highlights the display of India's military might, featuring a seven-jet flypast including Rafales and Su-30s, alongside the S-400 systems credited with shooting down Pakistani aircraft. A significant highlight is the public debut of the indigenous Long Range Anti-Ship Missile (LRASHM). An unidentified speaker noted, 'This is an Indian ace that has been long in the making and it's been displayed publicly for the first time.' The missile, capable of traveling from Delhi to Mumbai in 15 minutes, places India among a select group of five nations with such hypersonic technology. The parade also features the first-ever Army Animal Contingent including Zanskar ponies and camels, the Bhairav Battalion showcasing electronic warfare, and AI-enabled security for Delhi Police, underscoring the theme of Atmanirbhar Bharat.
On this Special Report, anchors Preeti Choudhry and Sandeep Unnithan cover the 77th Republic Day celebrations at Kartavya Path. The bulletin highlights the presence of chief guests Antonio Costa, President of the European Council, and Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission. A significant focus is placed on India's military resilience following 'Operation Sindoor' and the push for 'Atmanirbharta' in defence. Sandeep Unnithan notes, '2025 is a watershed moment in India's defense evolution,' emphasizing the use of indigenous weaponry like the 105mm Indian Field Gun for the 21-gun salute. The programme details Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s tribute at the National War Memorial and the theme of the 150th anniversary of Vande Mataram. The discussion also touches upon the geopolitical significance of China's Republic Day message amidst its proxy support for Pakistan, framing the parade as a display of India's strategic resolve and civilizational continuity.
Anchor Preeti Choudhry leads the coverage of India’s 77th Republic Day celebrations from Kartavya Path, marking the first parade since the execution of Operation Sindoor. The event showcases India’s military strength and technological sovereignty, featuring a phased battle display, the S-400 air defence system, and the debut of indigenous hypersonic missiles. The aerial flypast includes the Operation Sindoor formation with Rafale and Sukhoi-30 jets. European Commission Chief Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Antonio Costa attend as chief guests, highlighting geopolitical ties and ongoing India-EU trade negotiations. The broadcast includes analysis from Sandeep Unnithan and military veterans on defense self-reliance and the Gaganyaan mission, specifically recognizing astronaut Group Captain Subhanshu Shukla. Reports from Srinagar’s Lal Chowk and Chandigarh document nationwide celebrations, while Bill Gates acknowledges India's digital infrastructure and AI innovations. This bulletin captures the transition of India into a global geo-economic power, emphasizing the spirit of Vixit Bharat and the nation's commitment to its constitutional values.
On this Special Report, Preeti Choudhry and Sandeep Unnithan cover the 77th Republic Day celebrations at Kartavya Path. Preeti Choudhry highlights the significance of the event, stating it is 'especially significant given the fact that it is the first Republic Day parade commemorating India's, not just our cultural strength and resilience, but also our military might.' The bulletin focuses on the theme of 150 years of the national song, Vande Mataram, and the display of indigenous weaponry following 'Operation Sindoor'. The anchors discuss India's evolution toward 'Atmanirbharta' in defense, noting that 2025 was designated as the year of reforms by Defense Minister Rajnath Singh. The ceremony features President Droupadi Murmu and chief guests Antonio Costa, President of the European Council, and Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission. The program reflects on India's civilizational history as the mother of democracy and its modern military prowess in the face of regional challenges.
On this Special Report, India Today covers the solemn commencement of India's 77th Republic Day celebrations. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, accompanied by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and the tri-service chiefs, visited the National War Memorial to pay homage to the 25,942 soldiers who sacrificed their lives for the nation since 1947. Lieutenant General Sanjay Kulkarni (Retd) highlighted the significance of the memorial, stating, 'It took 10 years for India Gate to come up, 1921 to 1931. And it has about 30,000 names... and after that, there was a desire to have a war memorial. And it is actually fortified in 2019.' The programme details the architectural symbolism of the memorial, including the Amar Chakra and Tyag Chakra, where names are inscribed in golden letters on granite. The ceremony included a wreath-laying, an inter-service guard salute, and a two-minute silence before the Prime Minister signed the visitor's book, marking a poignant start to the national celebrations at Kartavya Path.
On this special broadcast, Preeti Choudhry reports on the commencement of India's 77th Republic Day celebrations. The coverage begins at the National War Memorial, where Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh arrived to pay a solemn tribute to the country's fallen heroes. Preeti Choudhry noted, 'The laying of the wreath by the Prime Minister, a solemn tribute to those who for our today give up their tomorrow.' The transcript details the significance of the eternal flame and the 25,942 names inscribed at the memorial, which was dedicated to the nation in 2019. Following the wreath-laying ceremony led by Squadron Leader Hemant Singh Kanya and the inter-services guard, the proceedings move toward Kartavya Path for the unfurling of the tricolour by President Murmu. The report also highlights the Prime Minister's traditional headgear and the clear weather in Delhi as the nation prepares for the historic parade.
