15% of the participants reported substance use at least once while 10% reported substance use in the past one year.
The Indian government has expanded its Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan by signing agreements with four spiritual organisations. These partnerships aim to enhance grassroots awareness, prevention, recovery, and social mobilisation efforts against substance abuse, leveraging the extensive reach of these groups.
Chinese President Xi Jinping concluded his three-day visit to the US, stating that his discussions with President Donald Trump had injected "new substance" into the China-US relationship. Both leaders expressed optimism for future cooperation, with agreements reached on certain trade goods and discussions held on AI capabilities.
Madhya Pradesh has achieved the top rank in India for drug destruction, eliminating over 2.74 lakh kilograms of narcotics in two years. The state is implementing a comprehensive strategy, including forming anti-drug committees in educational institutions, launching a three-year campaign to dismantle drug networks, strengthening intelligence, and expanding de-addiction centres. Authorities have also seized significant quantities of drugs, attached properties, and conducted extensive public awareness programmes.
Police in Jammu and Kashmir's Reasi district detained two alleged drug peddlers under the PITNDPS Act and lodged them in Central Jail Kot Bhalwal.
Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan announced plans to establish a unit of the Tata Memorial Hospital in Vidisha, Madhya Pradesh, to provide advanced cancer treatment locally. He also inaugurated a free cancer screening camp and urged public awareness about early detection and prevention, including a social movement against substance abuse.
A state-wide bandh was observed across Punjab on Thursday following the murder of anti-drug activist Parvinder Singh Jhota in Mansa. Markets and educational institutions remained shut, and roads were blocked by protesters, disrupting traffic. Jhota was shot on Tuesday for questioning the illegal sale of addictive drugs. His family, supported by various political parties and farmer unions, has refused to perform his last rites until justice is delivered, demanding resignations of top officials and a CBI probe. The incident has intensified the political debate on drug menace and law and order in Punjab.
A 'Punjab Bandh' was observed on Thursday, leading to widespread closures of shops and private schools and road blockades across several districts, following the murder of anti-drug activist Parvinder Singh Jhota in Mansa on Tuesday. Jhota was shot by a chemist owner for questioning the sale of addictive drugs. The incident has triggered significant political backlash against the Aam Aadmi Party government, with various organisations and opposition parties demanding accountability and a CBI probe.
An Air India Airbus A320 experienced a near-simultaneous loss of all three hydraulic systems at 36,000 feet on a Phuket-Delhi flight, injuring 24 people. The pilot-in-command was subsequently terminated after testing positive for banned psychoactive substances, though the AAIB has not linked this to the technical failure.
The Punjab government is collaborating with IIT Ropar to develop an AI-driven system for crime prevention, enhancing data analysis and real-time tracking capabilities for the police force.
An Air India Airbus A320 experienced a near-simultaneous loss of all three hydraulic systems mid-flight, causing an altitude upset and injuring 24 people. A preliminary investigation revealed the pilot-in-command tested positive for a psychoactive substance post-flight, leading to their termination, while the technical aspects of the incident are still under scrutiny.
Karnataka Home Minister Priyank Kharge affirmed that all individuals involved in the Bitcoin scam, including Youth Congress leader Mohammed Haris Nalapad, will face legal consequences, emphasising the state government's transparent approach. He also announced a new circular mandating age verification in pubs and bars to curb underage drinking and substance abuse.
Punjab Governor Gulab Chand Kataria has called upon schools to play a proactive role in safeguarding youth from drug abuse. He emphasised the role of educational institutions in the statewide anti-drug campaign and criticised the neighbouring country for allegedly pumping drugs into Punjab.
Haryana is strengthening its anti-narcotics framework with an integrated and technology-driven roadmap, focusing on increased enforcement, inter-state coordination, and financial disruption of drug networks.
Here's decoding the fine print so that you know exactly what your health insurance policy covers, what it doesn't and the policy conditions that deserve your attention before you need to make a claim.
Tamil Nadu Minister D Sarath Kumar is embroiled in controversy after an old viral video resurfaced, purportedly showing him crushing a pill. Opposition parties are demanding action, while the minister clarifies it was medicine for his sick daughter. The incident has led to protests and detentions, coinciding with an anti-drug campaign.
A research paper by the National Council of Applied Economic Research (NCAER) recommends that Bihar revoke its alcohol ban, citing its failure to reduce violence against women and a rise in illicit drug and alcohol consumption. The report suggests that reinstating the liquor excise tax would significantly increase state revenues and decrease enforcement costs.
Police in Doda district, Jammu and Kashmir, have busted an online drug supply network, seizing 2,000 pregabalin capsules. A suspect, Sarmad Ali Khan, was apprehended, and further investigation is underway to dismantle the syndicate.
The Punjab Prisons and Correctional Services Bill, 2026, aims to transform prisons into centres of reform, rehabilitation, and social reintegration, focusing on inmates' human rights, transparency, and security.
Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu reports 66 drug overdose deaths in Himachal Pradesh over three years, with 6,246 cases registered under the NDPS Act. The state government is implementing measures to combat drug abuse, including confiscating assets, launching awareness campaigns, and establishing rehabilitation centres.
Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu reports 66 drug overdose deaths in the state over three years, along with details of NDPS Act cases, government prevention efforts, and rehabilitation initiatives.
Police in Rajasthan's Jhalawar have frozen assets worth more than Rs 2.5 crore belonging to an alleged drug trafficker under provisions of the NDPS Act.
The National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) achieved a significant success with a tip-off leading to the confiscation of prohibited substances, including anabolic steroids, in Najafgarh, following a joint operation with local police and food safety officials.
The Himachal Pradesh government is set to implement stringent measures, including mandatory drug testing for government jobs and 'bulldozer action' against drug smugglers, to combat the growing menace of 'chitta' (adulterated heroin) in the state.
Haryana's Director General of Police, Ajay Singhal, chaired a review meeting to assess law and order, NEET exam security, and the progress of the drug-free campaign in the state.
Authorities in Jammu and Kashmir's Samba district demolished 33 illegal structures used for drug-related activities, as part of the 'Nasha Mukt Jammu Kashmir Abhiyan'.
The Income Tax Department has clarified that income from the transfer of investments made before April 1, 2017, is excluded from the scope of the General Anti-Avoidance Rules (GAAR), addressing industry concerns about retrospective application.
Two MBA students died due to suspected drug overdose after attending a concert in Mumbai, leading to arrests and political backlash.
The Supreme Court of India expressed deep concern over the rising drug abuse problem in the country, highlighting the impact on youth and the need for urgent intervention. The court emphasized the need for rehabilitation rather than demonization of drug users and called for open discussions to address the issue. The judgment came while granting bail to a man accused in a heroin smuggling case. The court cited a 2019 report that indicated a significant number of people in India use opioids, cannabis, and other substances, with alarming trends in opioid dependence.
Do not argue, debate or dispute on any topic with someone who may be contemplating suicide or self harm, warns psychologist Dr Sahir Jamati.
A court in Kannur dismissed the anticipatory bail plea of a doctor accused in connection with a student's death at Kannur Dental College, while granting bail to another faculty member. The student was found dead after allegedly being harassed by faculty members.
A 25-year-old drug addict, upset over a family dispute, climbed onto the roof of Sanjay Gandhi Hospital in Delhi and threatened to commit suicide. He was safely rescued by authorities.
The bureau had on June 25 registered an FIR and arrested Majithia in the case allegedly involving laundering of Rs 540 crore of "drug money".
In 2025 alone, at least 50 suicides linked to online gambling losses have been reported across India. According to FIRs, the victims were addicted to betting, largely driven by cricket, rummy and poker.
'She didn't think she'd die. It was just a trend -- a video. But it took her away in seconds.'
Treatment for arthritis is mainly focused on symptom management and slowing the progression of the disease, says Dr Vishal Shinde.
It is important for India to pay close attention to both the tone and substance of authoritative remarks coming out of Pakistan, explains former foreign secretary Shyam Saran.
Foreign portfolio investors (FPIs) from Mauritius may face higher scrutiny after the amendment in the India-Mauritius tax treaty introduced a principle purpose test (PPT) to prevent treaty abuse by taxpayers. The Mauritius government had in February decided to amend the double taxation avoidance agreement (DTAA) with India to align with the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development's proposal on base erosion and profit shifting. Although the agreement between India and Mauritius was signed on March 7, the protocol of the amendment was made public for the first time on Wednesday, said legal experts.
Protein, calcium, vitamin D and other micronutrients play crucial roles in maintaining the health of bones and joints and should be incorporated into your diet, says Dr Sagar Hingrajiya, consultant orthopaedics, Bhailal Amin General Hospital.
Proper exercise, good routine, optimal nutrition and supplementation can help maintain healthy muscle and bone mass, explains Maitri Trivedi.
