Born between the late 1990s and the 2000s, Gen Z or Generation Z is rapidly reshaping global politics, workplace norms and cultural trends as the first true digital-native generation. In 2026, their influence is becoming increasingly visible across sectors.
In politics, Gen Z has evolved into a formidable force. The year 2025 saw youth-led, digitally driven movements push for major policy changes in countries such as Nepal, Madagascar, Bulgaria and Peru. In India, their impact has been evident in recent elections, including in Tamil Nadu and West Bengal, where young voters demanded accountability and issue-based politics over traditional loyalties. Much of this mobilisation is happening online, with platforms like Discord and Reddit emerging as hubs for organising campaigns and spreading awareness.
In the workplace, Gen Z is redefining success. Rather than chasing traditional leadership roles, many prioritise a balance between income, purpose, and well-being. Flexible careers, continuous learning, and side hustles are becoming the norm, while attitudes towards artificial intelligence remain mixed, viewed both as a threat and an opportunity.
Culturally, Gen Z is marked by pragmatic idealism and strong advocacy for inclusivity and mental health. Trends like “underconsumption core” and “loud budgeting” reflect a shift towards financial caution and sustainability, while a revival of 1990s and Y2K aesthetics highlights their search for comfort in uncertain times.
The UK and European nations are quietly easing sanctions on Russian oil due to soaring fuel prices following the Strait of Hormuz closure amid the US-Iran war.
Just days after it was formed, the Cockroach Janata Party has gained traction on social media following a remark by the Chief Justice of India and has amassed over fourteen million followers on Instagram, surpassing the follower counts of Congress and BJP.
In this edition of Democratic Newsroom, India Today's editors discuss the rapid rise of the Cockroach Janata Party, which was formed in response to Chief Justice of India Surya Kant's remarks on youth.
In an exclusive interview with India Today, Abhijeet Dipke, the founder of the Cockroach Janta Party, discusses the growth of his political movement following remarks made by the Chief Justice of India on unemployed youth.
In an exclusive interview with India Today, DMK spokesperson Salem Dharanidharan discussed the political landscape in Tamil Nadu following actor Vijay's stunning electoral victory with his party, TVK and if this means the end of the road for Dravida parties.
Today's Chanakya exit poll has predicted a victory for the Bharatiya Janata Party with 192 seats and a 48 percent vote share, leaving the Trinamool Congress with 100 seats.
Finding love has always been mankind’s greatest challenge, but not for Netflix fame Indian Matchmaking’s Sima Taparia from Mumbai.
In Kerala, women and first-time voters have come out in large numbers, particularly in urban areas, despite the peak heat.
Just 15 days into politics, 27-year-old Kunki Chowdhury has emerged as one of the youngest faces in Assam’s election battle — taking on an established BJP stronghold from Central Guwahati.
Nepal’s new cabinet is making headlines — not just for policies, but for who is in power.
A space usually ruled by young creators is seeing a shift… senior citizens are now showing up online, making reels, creating communities, and dominating social media.
She started signing off emails like she had nothing to lose. Her boss matched her energy.
Congress MP Karti Chidambaram said Prime Minister Narendra Modi is not a factor in the upcoming Tamil Nadu assembly election.
On this Special Report, India Today’s Pranjali Sethi speaks with singer-songwriter Anuv Jain about his latest 10-city tour, 'Dastakat'. Reflecting on his journey, Jain states, 'My music connects with people. I don't like to define them in these age brackets.' He explains that 'Dastakat' marks the conclusion of a musical trilogy that began with his previous tours, 'Dastake' and 'Guldasta'. Jain discusses the highs and lows of fame, the surreal experience of audiences singing his lyrics back to him, and his refusal to categorize his listeners by age, noting that his songs resonate with everyone from five-year-olds to seventy-year-olds. The artist also shares his inspirations, citing A.R. Rahman and Billie Eilish as major influences, and reveals a personal side by discussing his passion for anime. He concludes with advice for budding musicians, urging them to block out the noise and focus on the positive while moving forward in their creative journeys.
In the first Mann Ki Baat of 2026, Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the nation, emphasizing India's transition into a global startup powerhouse and the critical need for manufacturing excellence. Highlighting the 10th anniversary of the Startup India initiative, the Prime Minister stated, 'The meaning of Indian product should be top quality,' urging citizens to move past the 'it works' attitude and adopt a 'Zero Defect, Zero Effect' approach. He lauded the youth for driving innovation in sectors like AI, Space, and Green Hydrogen. The Prime Minister also celebrated National Voters' Day, encouraging new voters to recognize their role in the democracy. The address covered diverse grassroots success stories, including river rejuvenation in Uttar Pradesh, water conservation in Andhra Pradesh, and the global popularity of Indian millets. Additionally, he praised the Indian diaspora in Malaysia for preserving cultural heritage and looked forward to the upcoming India AI Impact Summit.
In this Special Report, political analyst Ashok Malik discusses the significant leadership transition within the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) as Nitin Nabin takes over as the party president. Malik highlights the strategic importance of this move, noting, 'This is the first president of the BJP who was born after the founding of the BJP in April 1980.' He explains that the appointment represents a deliberate effort at succession planning, aimed at preparing a new generation of leaders to helm the party by the mid to late 2030s. The discussion touches upon the challenges of re-energising a ruling party after over a decade in power and the necessity of overcoming institutional inertia. Malik commends the BJP for initiating this generational shift to align with a Gen Z dominated electorate while maintaining its focus on governance. The programme also captures the atmosphere at the BJP headquarters as supporters await Prime Minister Narendra Modi's address following the official announcement.
In this Special Report, the focus is on the significant leadership transition within the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) as Nitin Nabin takes charge as the new party president. His elevation at the age of 45 marks a strategic generational shift, aiming to resonate with India's evolving demographic, particularly Gen Z and first-time voters. During his first address to Karyakartas, Nitin Naveen stated, 'He is confident of the victory of the party in the upcoming elections.' The programme highlights the party's intent to stay relevant in a fast-changing political landscape while preparing for crucial state elections in West Bengal and Tamil Nadu. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also addressed the gathering, criticizing the Congress for its lack of connection with modern India and raising concerns regarding urban Naxals and infiltration. The report traces the BJP's journey from its 1951 roots to its current position as the central pillar of Indian politics, emphasizing a long-term organizational overhaul for the next two decades.
In a significant generational shift, Nitin Nabin has formally taken charge as the National President of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
On this Special Report, the focus is on the leadership transition within the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) as Nitin Nabin formally takes charge as the national president. At 45, Nabin becomes the youngest president in the party's history, succeeding JP Nadda. The transcript highlights that this shift marks the 'beginning of a new era in the BJP', with a renewed emphasis on youth mobilisation and digital aspiration. Nabin, a five-time MLA from Bihar and former National General Secretary of the Bharatiya Yuva Morcha, is expected to lead the party's expansion into new territories. The ceremony at the BJP headquarters, attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, signifies a generational shift aimed at reaching out to Gen Z and the next generation of voters. The programme explores the significance of Nabin's elevation and the party's strategic focus on adaptability and service in a democratic system.
In this episode of To The Point, the focus is on the leadership transition within the Bharatiya Janata Party as Nitin Nabin is named its 13th and youngest-ever National President.
