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Amit Shah says dark web, crypto, drones emerge as challenges in fight against drug trafficking

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) is pursuing a three-pronged strategy to attain a drug-free India by 2047, which includes bolstering institutional frameworks, improving coordination among narcotics agencies, and launching a public awareness campaign.

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Union Home Minister Amit Shah said on Saturday that challenges such as the dark web, cryptocurrency, online marketplaces, and drones persist in the country’s fight against drug trafficking, necessitating stringent measures to address them.

While chairing a regional conference on ‘Drug Trafficking and National Security,’ Shah emphasized that India will not permit the smuggling of even a single kilo of drugs across its borders.

He noted that the government has achieved significant success in dismantling numerous drug networks and has also tackled the terrorism associated with them. Instances of narco-terrorism have been disrupted in Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab, Gujarat, and Uttar Pradesh, marking considerable victories.

“The challenges presented by the dark web, cryptocurrency, online marketplaces, and drones remain with us today,” he remarked. Shah advocated for technical solutions to be developed through collaborative efforts among state governments, the central government, and technocrats to enhance national security and development.

He added that under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, the fight against drugs has gained new momentum. “In the past decade, drug seizures have increased seven-fold, which is a major accomplishment. The Modi government has sent a strong message by systematically targeting the entire drug ecosystem through strict actions,” he stated.

The Home Minister highlighted that in 2024, drug seizures amounting to ₹16,914 crore represented the most substantial anti-drug action taken by the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) and police throughout the country, which is a vital step toward achieving a drug-free society. “No nation can progress with a young generation afflicted by drug addiction. It is our collective responsibility to confront this challenge and strive to overcome it,” he asserted.

Shah presented a comparison indicating that during 2004-2014, authorities seized 3.63 lakh kg of drugs, while from 2014-2024, the figure rose to 24 lakh kg, demonstrating a seven-fold increase. Additionally, he reported that while ₹8,150 crore worth of drugs were disposed of between 2004-2014, this figure soared to ₹54,851 crore during 2014-2024, indicating an eight-fold increase in drug destruction.

The NCB organized the conference to tackle the rising issue of drug trafficking and its implications for national security, with a particular emphasis on eight states and Union Territories in northern India. Shah inaugurated a drug disposal fortnight that will run from Saturday to January 25, during which one lakh kg of narcotics valued at ₹8,600 crore is set to be destroyed.

Furthermore, he officially launched the new office complex for the NCB’s Bhopal zonal unit and extended the MANAS-2 helpline to all 36 states and UTs. The conference aims to facilitate real-time information sharing via the National Narcotics Helpline ‘MANAS’ portal with the Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF) of states and UTs, assess state progress in drug trafficking combat, and evaluate the efficiency of the Narcotics Coordination Mechanism (NCORD).

Other topics to be discussed include enhancing the capabilities of State Forensic Science Laboratories (SFSLs), utilizing the NIDAAN database to strengthen anti-drug trafficking efforts, implementing the provisions of the Prevention of Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (PIT-NDPS) Act, establishing special NDPS courts for the swift adjudication of drug-related cases, and promoting a Whole-of-Government approach to effectively combat drug trafficking and abuse.

The Government of India has embraced a zero-tolerance policy against drug trafficking under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, as stated in an official release. The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) is pursuing a three-pronged strategy to attain a drug-free India by 2047, which includes bolstering institutional frameworks, improving coordination among narcotics agencies, and launching a public awareness campaign.

The conference is being attended by governors, lieutenant governors, chief ministers, and senior officials from the eight participating states and UTs, as well as representatives from various central ministries, departments, and law enforcement agencies.

India News

Abhishek Banerjee says will not bow to BJP after nearly 11 hours of ED questioning

After spending nearly 11 hours before the Enforcement Directorate, TMC leader Abhishek Banerjee said he would not bow to the BJP and accused the ruling party of using investigative agencies for political purposes.

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Abhishek Banerjee

Trinamool Congress leader and Diamond Harbour MP Abhishek Banerjee on Tuesday said he would not bow to the BJP after spending nearly 11 hours being questioned by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in connection with an ongoing investigation.

Speaking after the questioning, Banerjee alleged that central agencies were being used to target opposition leaders and asserted that he would continue his political fight despite what he described as sustained pressure.

The TMC leader has repeatedly maintained that investigations involving him are politically motivated, a charge he has made on several previous occasions while appearing before central agencies.

His appearance before the ED comes amid a period of heightened political activity and multiple investigations involving leaders in West Bengal. Recent days have also seen Banerjee face summons and questioning in separate matters by state investigative agencies.

After leaving the ED office, Banerjee reiterated that he would not be intimidated and said he remained committed to his political responsibilities. He also accused the BJP of attempting to weaken opposition parties through investigative action, an allegation that the BJP has rejected in the past.

The Enforcement Directorate has not publicly commented on Banerjee’s remarks. The investigation related to the questioning remains ongoing.

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India News

DMK attacks Rahul Gandhi, accuses him of weakening opposition unity

DMK has intensified its criticism of Rahul Gandhi, alleging that the Congress leader’s actions have weakened opposition unity and strained relations within the INDIA bloc.

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Rahul-Gandhi

The war of words between the DMK and Congress has intensified, with the DMK launching a strong attack on Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi and accusing him of contributing to divisions within the opposition alliance. The criticism comes amid strained ties between the two parties following their political split in Tamil Nadu.

According to the DMK, Rahul Gandhi’s political approach has weakened unity among opposition parties. The party’s IT wing mocked the Congress leader on social media, while an editorial published in the DMK’s official mouthpiece Murasoli questioned his recent remarks on opposition solidarity.

DMK questions Rahul Gandhi’s remarks on opposition unity

In its editorial, Murasoli argued that Rahul Gandhi was speaking about opposition unity despite, according to the DMK, contributing to disagreements among alliance partners in several states. The publication cited criticism directed at Congress by various opposition parties and suggested that the party’s actions had often created tensions within the INDIA bloc.

The editorial also referred to past political disputes involving Congress and Left parties, particularly in Kerala, claiming such episodes had raised concerns among opposition allies about Congress’s approach toward its partners.

Tamil Nadu political fallout adds to tensions

The attack comes after a major political realignment in Tamil Nadu. Following the 2026 Assembly elections, Congress ended its alliance with the DMK and joined the government led by Vijay’s Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK). The move left the DMK in the opposition and significantly altered the political equation between the two former allies.

The DMK has alleged that Congress benefited from the alliance during the election and later abandoned its partner. The party’s editorial questioned whether assurances from Congress leadership would be trusted by alliance partners after the developments in Tamil Nadu.

Congress rejects allegations

Congress has not issued a detailed official response to the editorial, but party sources have rejected the allegations. According to the party, its decisions in Tamil Nadu were made in line with the mandate delivered by voters and were not intended to undermine either the DMK or the broader opposition alliance.

The latest exchange highlights growing strains between two key opposition parties even as leaders continue to stress cooperation on national issues. Just days earlier, Rahul Gandhi had said that the DMK remained aligned with the opposition on defending the “idea of India” despite political differences.

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Entertainment

Kumkum Bhagya actor Sanchita Ugale dies by suicide near Mumbai at 22

Television actor Sanchita Ugale, known for Kumkum Bhagya and Wagle Ki Duniya, died by suicide at her residence near Mumbai. Police have launched an investigation.

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Sanchita Ugale

Television actor Sanchita Ugale, known for her appearances in Kumkum Bhagya, Wagle Ki Duniya and Dilwali Dulha Le Jayegi, died by suicide at her residence in Nalasopara East near Mumbai on June 14. She was 22.

According to police officials, the incident took place at her home in Achole village, Nalasopara East. Authorities said Ugale had locked herself inside her bedroom and was later found hanging from a ceiling fan. Family members and local residents rushed her to a hospital, where doctors declared her dead.

Police have registered an Accidental Death Report (ADR) and launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding her death. Officials said inquiries are underway and the exact reason behind the incident has not yet been established.

Career across television, OTT and films

Ugale had built a growing presence in the entertainment industry through television, streaming projects and films. Apart from Kumkum Bhagya and Wagle Ki Duniya, she played a lead role in Dilwali Dulha Le Jayegi. She also appeared in OTT projects such as Crime Aaj Kal and Silence 2.

The actor was also associated with the film Chhaava, which contributed to her growing recognition among audiences.

Last social media post draws attention

Following news of her death, social media users shared and commented on Ugale’s final Instagram post, which had been uploaded hours before the incident. The post showed the actor in traditional attire lip-syncing to a classic Bollywood song. Fans expressed shock and grief after learning of her death.

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