Residents across Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR) experienced strong earthquake tremors on Saturday evening, prompting many people to rush out of homes, offices and high-rise buildings as a precaution.

The tremors, felt in several parts of Delhi, Noida, Gurugram, Ghaziabad and adjoining areas, caused panic among residents, although there were no immediate reports of casualties or major damage. Witnesses said the shaking lasted for several seconds, leading many to evacuate buildings.

Tremors linked to powerful earthquake in Afghanistan

According to initial information, the tremors in northern India were triggered by a strong earthquake that struck the Hindu Kush region of Afghanistan. The quake measured around 6.2 on the Richter scale and occurred at a considerable depth, allowing the tremors to be felt across a wide geographical area, including parts of north India and Kashmir.

Authorities are closely monitoring the situation. No immediate reports of injuries or significant structural damage have emerged from Delhi-NCR so far. Officials have advised people to remain calm and follow safety protocols in the event of aftershocks.

Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) international president Alok Kumar has demanded stringent action against those responsible in the alleged Ram Temple donation irregularities case, saying anyone found guilty should face imprisonment.

Speaking on the controversy surrounding alleged financial irregularities linked to donations made to the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, Mr Kumar asserted that the matter should be investigated thoroughly and impartially.

“The guilty should be jailed,” he said, stressing that no one involved in wrongdoing should be spared, irrespective of their position or status.

Mr Kumar also supported the registration of an FIR and called for a comprehensive probe into the allegations. He said the investigation should be completed quickly so that the truth emerges at the earliest.

Emphasising the need for transparency, the VHP leader said a fast-track trial should be considered if evidence establishes wrongdoing. According to him, swift legal action would help maintain public confidence in institutions associated with the temple.

The remarks come amid an ongoing investigation into alleged irregularities in the handling of donations linked to the Ram Temple. Authorities have already initiated action in the matter, with several accused arrested as the probe continues.

Officials are examining the allegations, and further action is expected based on the findings of the investigation.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday said the Centre is preparing amendments to the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act to close loopholes allegedly exploited by drug trafficking networks and strengthen India’s anti-narcotics framework.

Addressing the 10th apex-level meeting of the Narco-Coordination Centre (NCORD) in New Delhi, Shah said the government is re-examining the existing law and invited states to submit suggestions for the proposed changes. The amendments are being worked on by the Ministry of Finance to make the legislation more effective in tackling organised drug syndicates.

Centre seeks stronger legal framework against narcotics

Shah stressed the need for a tougher approach towards drug traffickers and peddlers, while advocating a compassionate stance towards victims of addiction. He outlined a three-pronged strategy against drug trafficking — “detect, disrupt and destroy” — and urged all stakeholders to intensify efforts against the narcotics menace.

The Home Minister also asked state governments to share suggestions on strengthening the NDPS Act. Directors General of Police have been asked to forward recommendations to the Ministry of Home Affairs, while Chief Secretaries can submit their inputs to the Department of Revenue under the Ministry of Finance.

Seizures of synthetic drugs rise over past decade

Highlighting the government’s anti-drug campaign, Shah said that between 2004 and 2014, around 26 lakh kilograms of synthetic drugs were seized across the country. In comparison, agencies confiscated approximately 1.18 crore kilograms of synthetic drugs between 2014 and 2026.

He further said the estimated value of drugs seized during 2014-2026 stood at around Rs 1.84 lakh crore, significantly higher than the nearly Rs 40,000 crore worth of narcotics seized during the previous decade. According to Shah, these figures reflect the expanded scale and effectiveness of anti-drug enforcement efforts.

The minister also called for real-time information sharing among states through digital platforms developed by the Narcotics Control Bureau and urged authorities to ensure NCORD meetings deliver measurable outcomes. He unveiled the “Vision Document on Drug Control (2026-2029)”, which aims to provide a roadmap for reducing drug demand, curbing supply and minimising harm caused by substance abuse.