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51,979 Citizen Tip-Offs Help Punjab Make 25,339 Drug-Related Arrests

Punjab Police

Citizens’ participation in Punjab’s fight against drugs has emerged as a significant force, with 51,979 tip-offs received from citizens helping authorities make 25,339 arrests under the state’s anti-drug enforcement drive under the Punjab Bhagwant Mann Government’s ‘Yudh Nashean Virudh’.

The data covers the period from March 1, 2025, when the Yudh Nashean Virudh was launched, to September 3, 2026.

The tip-offs were received through the Safe Punjab Helpline (97791-00200), providing the enforcement agencies with information on suspected drug peddling and related activities.

What is significant is that out of the overall number of FIRs — 59,293 — under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act in Punjab, more than 25,000 arrests have resulted from tip-offs.

Apart from this, the crackdown has also focused on major players in the drug trade. According to the data, 696 ‘big fish’ were arrested with more than 2 kg of heroin each, pointing to action against suppliers handling large quantities rather than only street-level peddlers.

The scale of recoveries further highlights the extent of the operation. Enforcement agencies have recovered 3,757 kg of heroin, 964 kg of opium, 45 tonnes of poppy husk, 1,288 kg of ganja and 71 kg of methamphetamine, commonly known as ICE. In addition, 62 lakh tablets and capsules have been recovered under the NDPS Act.

The enforcement drive has also resulted in the seizure of ₹22 cr drug money or money recovered that was meant to illegal buying, selling, distribution, or trafficking of drugs. Also 2,675 cases involving commercial quantities of drugs have been registered.

Punjab DGP Gaurav Yadav said, “Tip-offs have provided extra teeth to the Anti-Narcotics Task Force and we firmly believe that in the days to come, there will be more citizen participation in giving tip-offs and subsequent arrests as a result of it.”

ADGP ANTF Punjab Nilabh Kishore added, “The figures suggest that the anti-drug campaign is increasingly combining enforcement action with citizen-generated intelligence. The over 51,979 tip-offs received through the helpline indicate that members of the public are actively feeding information into the enforcement mechanism.”

The state has also sought to encourage people struggling with addiction to enter the treatment system through police intervention. The data shows that 42,498 persons struggling with addiction were admitted to de-addiction centres by the police, while another 1,55,970 persons struggling with addiction were taken by the police to OOAT clinics.

Separately, 11,239 individuals have been granted immunity under Section 64A of the NDPS Act, a provision that offers protection in specified circumstances to drug-dependent persons who voluntarily undergo treatment. The latest figures therefore highlight the anti-drug campaign’s two-pronged approach — a large-scale crackdown on the supply chain and increased reliance on citizens and law-enforcement personnel to identify people and networks involved in the drug trade.

Jharkhand Government Urges Early TB Detection and Complete Treatment

H3N2 Virus

The Jharkhand government has urged people to remain alert about tuberculosis (TB) and stressed that early detection, proper testing and completion of treatment are crucial to defeating the infectious disease.

The Information and Public Relations Department (IPRD), Jharkhand, advised people to undergo TB testing at the nearest government health centre if they experience symptoms such as cough lasting two weeks or more, fever, night sweats, weight loss, chest pain, fatigue, coughing with sputum or blood in the sputum.

According to the government appeal, TB is a communicable disease, but it can be treated successfully when identified in time and when patients complete the prescribed treatment.

Jharkhand : Free TB Testing and Treatment

The state government said TB testing and treatment are available free of cost at government health facilities. It also stated that patients undergoing TB treatment are provided ₹1,000 per month as Nikshay Poshan Support during the treatment period through their bank accounts.

As part of efforts towards TB elimination, special screening campaigns are also being conducted in villages and wards identified as having higher-risk populations. The government said hand-held X-ray machines are being used during screening camps to help identify suspected TB cases, including among people who may not yet have noticeable symptoms.

Citizens Urged to Support TB-Free Jharkhand Campaign

The government has also called upon panchayat representatives, NGOs, community members, political party workers, self-help group members and the general public to participate in the Nikshay Mitra initiative.

Under the initiative, volunteers can support TB patients through additional nutritional assistance, livelihood training and diagnostic support, while contributing to the broader goal of making villages, wards, panchayats, blocks and districts TB-free.

AAP Leader Anurag Dhanda Accuses BJP of Spreading Fake Videos About Punjab

Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Anurag Dhanda has accused BJP leaders of attempting to defame Punjab by sharing misleading or fake videos on social media.

AAP Leader Anurag Dhanda Accuses BJP of Spreading Fake Videos

Reacting to a report published by The Tribune, Dhanda claimed that BJP leaders had posted three separate videos concerning Punjab and alleged that all three were later found to be fake.

The comments came after Punjab Police reportedly said that a video showing a youth allegedly addicted to drugs, which was shared by BJP leader Ravneet Singh Bittu, was fake. The Tribune reported on September 4 that police described the video as another instance of Punjab being “defamed.”

Dhanda questioned

Dhanda questioned whether the alleged incidents were enough to suggest a coordinated attempt to portray Punjab negatively. He also criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi while making his allegations against the BJP.

The controversy has once again brought attention to the use of social media videos in political discourse, particularly when claims about drug abuse and law-and-order conditions in Punjab are involved.

AAP has maintained that misleading social media content is being used to damage Punjab’s image, while the political controversy continues to draw reactions from both sides.

Bhagwant Mann Highlights Mann Government’s ‘Rangla Punjab’ Initiatives

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The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Punjab has highlighted a series of initiatives undertaken by the Bhagwant Mann-led state government, describing them as steps towards building a “Rangla Punjab” (Vibrant Punjab).

Bhagwant Mann Highlights Mann Government’s

According to the party, the state government has established 1,090 Aam Aadmi Clinics to provide accessible healthcare services to people across Punjab.

‘Rangla Punjab’ Initiatives

The government has also expanded the Schools of Eminence initiative, with 118 schools listed under the programme. The scheme aims to provide improved educational infrastructure and learning opportunities for students.

AAP Punjab further highlighted the Chief Minister’s Pilgrimage Scheme, under which more than 70 lakh devotees have reportedly been provided opportunities to visit religious destinations. The party also mentioned the Mavan-Dhian Satikar Yojana, an initiative focused on women.

Employment was another key point highlighted by the party. AAP Punjab claimed that more than 70,000 young people have secured government jobs during the Mann government’s tenure.

The party said these initiatives reflect its efforts to improve healthcare, education, employment opportunities and social welfare while working towards its vision of a “Rangla Punjab.”

Harpal Cheema Says Bhagwant Mann Government Initiatives Reflect Respect for Faith and Dignity

Punjab Finance Minister and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Harpal Singh Cheema said welfare initiatives introduced by the Bhagwant Mann-led government demonstrate its commitment to respecting people’s faith, dignity and social needs.


In a social media statement, Cheema highlighted initiatives such as the Mukhya Mantri Tirath Yatra Scheme and the Mawan-Dhiyan Satikar Scheme, saying these programmes reflect the government’s efforts to go beyond electoral promises and deliver initiatives focused on people’s sentiments and well-being.


Cheema said the Mukhya Mantri Tirath Yatra Scheme is aimed at enabling people to undertake pilgrimages, while the Mawan-Dhiyan Satikar Scheme focuses on recognising and respecting the bond between mothers and daughters.


According to Cheema, such initiatives demonstrate that the Mann government is not merely focused on making promises but also seeks to address matters connected with people’s faith and social dignity.


Cheema Hits Out at Opposition: Bhagwant Mann


Cheema also criticised what he described as misinformation and propaganda against the Punjab government. He claimed that despite such campaigns, people in Punjab continue to place their trust in the Aam Aadmi Party.


The AAP leader maintained that the government’s welfare-oriented initiatives and public-focused programmes have helped strengthen its connection with people across the state.


Focus on Faith and Social Respect


Cheema’s remarks placed emphasis on the government’s stated commitment to combining welfare measures with initiatives that recognise cultural values, religious sentiments and social relationships.


He further asserted that the public’s support for the Aam Aadmi Party remains strong despite criticism from political opponents.

CM Yogi Adityanath: New Mathura Emerges as UP Government Highlights Development Alongside Heritage

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The Uttar Pradesh government highlighted the ongoing transformation of Mathura, presenting the city as a destination where faith, culture and heritage are being complemented by accelerated development.

In a social media post, the UP government described the vision as the “New Uttar Pradesh’s New Mathura,” emphasising the changing landscape of the historic city.

The government said Mathura’s development is progressing while preserving its deep-rooted religious and cultural identity. The city, known for its association with Lord Krishna, holds an important place in India’s spiritual and cultural heritage.

The post underlined the government’s focus on balancing modern development with the preservation of Mathura’s traditional character. The emphasis on faith, culture and heritage reflects the importance of maintaining the city’s historical significance while improving infrastructure and facilities.

The government’s message also pointed towards the broader development narrative of Uttar Pradesh, where heritage and tourism destinations are being positioned alongside modern infrastructure and urban growth.

CM Yogi Adityanath: Development and Heritage in Focus

Mathura remains one of the major religious and cultural centres of Uttar Pradesh and attracts pilgrims and visitors from across India. The government’s latest message seeks to showcase the city’s development while retaining its identity as an important centre of faith and heritage.

The initiative is part of the broader vision of presenting a modern Uttar Pradesh in which infrastructure development goes hand in hand with the conservation and promotion of cultural heritage.

Teachers Are the True Nation Builders, Says Bhagwant Mann

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Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann extended his heartfelt greetings and respect to teachers and educators, describing them as the true builders of an educated and aware society.


In a message highlighting the importance of teachers, Mann said educators play a crucial role in shaping the future of society and guiding young minds towards a brighter tomorrow.

He said teachers can serve as a guiding light in the lives of children, particularly by helping them recognise their potential and encouraging them to contribute positively to society.


The Chief Minister’s message also highlighted the broader social significance of education. By empowering children with knowledge and awareness, teachers contribute to creating a more informed and responsible generation.


Mann extended his greetings and respect to all teachers and gurus and expressed his wishes for them to continue playing a transformative role in the lives of children across Punjab.


Teachers’ Role in Building Punjab’s Future


The message comes as a recognition of the important role played by educators in strengthening Punjab’s education system and shaping its future generations. Teachers remain central to the process of imparting knowledge, developing skills and instilling values among students.


He paid tribute to teachers and gurus for their dedication to building the foundation of a progressive society. Mann also expressed hope that educators would continue to serve as a guiding light in the lives of children across Punjab.


The Chief Minister emphasised that the contribution of teachers goes beyond classroom education, as they help shape the values, knowledge and aspirations of future generations.


Bhagwant Mann’s Message for Teachers


Mann called upon teachers to continue inspiring and empowering students so that every child in Punjab can move towards a better future. His message underscored the vital role of educators in strengthening society through knowledge, awareness and values.

CM Yogi Adityanath: UP to Honour 81 Teachers on Teachers’ Day 2026 for Excellence in Education and Innovation

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CM Yogi Adityanath: The Uttar Pradesh government will honour 81 teachers from the Basic Education Department and Secondary Education Department on the occasion of Teachers’ Day 2026, recognising their outstanding contribution to teaching, innovation and educational development.

The programme is being organised under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the leadership of Yogi Adityanath, with the state government highlighting the importance of improving education quality, encouraging innovation and strengthening respect for teachers.

81 Teachers to Receive Recognition: CM Yogi Adityanath

According to the Uttar Pradesh government, a total of 81 teachers who have made notable contributions in the areas of dedication, innovation and teaching excellence will be honoured during the Teachers’ Day programme.

Teachers selected for the State Teacher Award-2025 and Chief Minister Teacher Award-2025 will also be felicitated on the occasion.

Teachers Described as Nation Builders

The state government said teachers play a crucial role in nation-building, not only by imparting knowledge but also by shaping the character, values and future of the younger generation.

The government emphasised that the dedication, knowledge and values imparted by teachers form an important foundation for building a strong society and nation.

Focus on Quality and Innovation in Education

The Uttar Pradesh government is also encouraging teachers to introduce innovation in education and contribute towards improving the overall quality of the state’s education system.

Bhagwant Mann Arrest 67 Drug Smugglers in 552-Day Anti-Drug Drive

Bhagwant Mann continued its sustained crackdown on drug networks under the #YudhNashianVirudh campaign, arresting 67 alleged drug smugglers during the latest phase of the drive.

The latest action marks the 552nd day of the anti-drug campaign, as Punjab Police continues its efforts to target drug-related networks and curb the illegal supply of narcotics across the state.

Bhagwant Mann: Heroin, Opium and Intoxicant Pills Recovered

According to Punjab Police, the operation resulted in the recovery of 235 grams of heroin, 470 grams of opium and 5,294 intoxicant pills.

Police also recovered ₹2,250 in suspected drug money from the arrested individuals. The recoveries include different forms of narcotics and intoxicant substances involved in the ongoing crackdown.

Action Against Drug Networks Continues

The latest arrests are part of the sustained enforcement action being undertaken by Punjab Police against drug networks. The Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF) Punjab has also been associated with the campaign.

The police continue to focus on identifying and taking action against individuals allegedly involved in the illegal drug trade, while maintaining the broader campaign against narcotics in the state.

Focus on De-Addiction and Rehabilitation

Alongside enforcement action against alleged drug smugglers, Punjab Police said that 10 individuals were counselled and persuaded to undergo de-addiction and rehabilitation treatment.

The counselling initiative adds a rehabilitation component to the anti-drug campaign, encouraging individuals affected by substance dependence to seek treatment and move towards recovery.

Bengaluru News: Woman Held Captive for 4 Days, Filmed Naked for ₹11 Lakh Extortion; Where is Humanity?

Bengaluru- News
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Bengaluru News: How the Ordeal Began: According to the woman’s FIR filed on August 31, she had borrowed Rs 50,000 from one accused on a weekly repayment basis and Rs 1 lakh from another around two years ago, and had recently fallen behind on payments due to financial distress. She alleged that on August 27, she was called to a house in Metro Layout under the pretext of being offered work, where several accused persons barged in, locked the door and assaulted her, demanding Rs 11 lakh including interest.

Days of Confinement in Kumbalagodu

The complainant said she and her minor son were then forced into an autorickshaw and taken to a house in Kumbalagodu, where she was allegedly beaten, verbally abused and confined to a room for four days. She further alleged that on August 29, the accused coerced her into partial undress and recorded a video on a mobile phone, threatening to circulate it publicly if she failed to pay. One of the accused also allegedly threatened to force her into prostitution to recover the money.

Police Response and Charges

The Chandra Layout police registered the case under sections covering kidnapping, assault, criminal intimidation and extortion, along with provisions of the Information Technology Act relating to the video recording. Investigators are working to establish the full sequence of events and trace all those involved.

A Reminder of Predatory Lending Risks

Bengaluru News: The case has drawn renewed attention to how informal lending arrangements can spiral into coercion and abuse, particularly for borrowers facing financial hardship. Authorities have urged victims of such intimidation to approach the police promptly rather than comply with escalating demands.

Power of Uniform Under Scrutiny: Justice Ujjal Bhuyan Raises Fresh Concerns Over Jantar Mantar Police Assault, Check Details

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Ujjal Bhuyan: The ongoing debate regarding the violence against students and protesters at Jantar Mantar recently received new attention following Supreme Court Justice Ujjal Bhuyan’s comments on the same. 

Justice Ujjal Bhuyan Questions Police Conduct

Justice Bhuyan commented on the growing trend of Indian Police Service officers getting personally involved in beating up the protesters and the apparent loss of their detachment in handling protests by citizens. These comments have been made amid continuing discussions regarding the violence faced by the protesting students and citizens at Jantar Mantar.

Questioning the Use of Police Force

The Supreme Court justice noted that policing does not involve the abuse of power or violations of people’s rights. Bhuyan stated that the police represent the authority of the state to the general public. Therefore, maintaining public credibility is a key aspect of policing. Thus, police departments should work in accordance with the Constitution and laws.

Protests at Jantar Mantar

The statements have been made against the backdrop of continuing controversy about the police handling of student protests at Jantar Mantar. The protests have seen complaints of excessive force and injuries inflicted upon the protesters. On the other hand, there have been calls for accountability for how the protests have been dealt with by the administration. Furthermore, the ongoing discussions have touched on how to strike a balance between the need for enforcing law and order and protecting the rights of people exercising their rights to protest peacefully.

Justice Bhuyan’s Earlier Statements About Dissent

The current statements have come soon after Justice Bhuyan made some earlier statements defending the right of students to question and raise dissenting views. Justice Bhuyan had argued that students cannot be penalized for merely expressing different views and asking questions. He said that this was a misuse of authority and pointed out that dissent is a part of democracy.

Mirzapur The Movie Box Office Collection Day 1: Fourth-Highest Hindi Opener of 2026, Makes History as First Web Series Turn Feature Film

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Mirzapur The Movie Box Office Collection Day 1: Directed by Gurmeet Singh, Mirzapur: The Movie collected Rs 24.75 crore net across India on its opening day, with gross collections touching around Rs 29.70 crore across more than 11,000 shows. The film’s opening is particularly notable because it was not driven by a conventional Bollywood lead star, but by an ensemble cast built entirely on the popularity of the streaming franchise.

Fourth-Highest Hindi Opener of 2026

The film’s Day 1 numbers place it fourth among the year’s biggest Hindi openers, behind Dhurandhar 2: The Revenge and Border 2, and ahead of Emraan Hashmi’s Awarapan 2, which had opened at around Rs 22 crore. The achievement is significant given the film had to prove that a series-based property could draw theatre-going crowds despite being freely available on streaming for years.

From Streaming Cult Hit to Box Office Contender

Since its 2018 debut, Mirzapur has built one of Indian streaming’s most loyal fan bases, and its big-screen version is being seen as an early test case for whether OTT properties can successfully make the jump to cinemas. Early word-of-mouth and the film’s cast, including Ravi Kishan, Abhishek Banerjee and Shweta Tripathi, appear to have helped convert years of streaming loyalty into opening-day ticket sales.

What’s Next at the Box Office

With Yash’s Toxic seeing a steep decline in collections after its own record-breaking opening, and Hanuman Ansh surprising with a fourth-week resurgence, Mirzapur: The Movie enters a competitive festive box office landscape. Its ability to sustain momentum through the first weekend will determine whether it can climb further up 2026’s opening charts.

Keralam Accident: Eight Promising Tamil Nadu Engineering Students Killed in Horrific Midnight Crash, Road Safety in Question

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Keralam Accident: Eight engineering students from Tamil Nadu’s Dindigul were killed. The accident occurred around 11:40 pm at Panambikkunnu in Kaipamangalam, when a Tamil Nadu-registered car travelling from Guruvayur to Kodungallur crashed into the rear of a Maharashtra-registered goods lorry. The impact was severe enough to mangle the car completely, trapping its occupants inside. Seven of the eight died at the scene, while the eighth succumbed on the way to hospital. Rescue teams had to cut open the wreckage to extricate the victims.

Illegal Parking Near Construction Zone Under Scrutiny

According to the FIR, the lorry had been parked illegally on the right side of the highway near a barricaded stretch where traffic was being diverted for ongoing road-widening work. Kaipamangalam police have booked the lorry driver under Section 105 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita for culpable homicide. The driver reportedly went into hiding immediately after the crash, and a search is underway to trace him.

Grief-Stricken Families Learn of the Tragedy

Police used student identity cards recovered from the wreckage, including one linked to PSNA College of Engineering and Technology, to trace and inform the victims’ families. Several families were reportedly unaware their children had even travelled to Kerala. Postmortem examinations are set to begin once relatives reach Thrissur Medical College to identify the bodies.

Renewed Scrutiny of Highway Safety

Keralam Accident: The crash has reignited concerns over safety along stretches of NH-66 undergoing construction, where temporary diversions and inconsistent lighting have previously been linked to accidents. With Kerala’s highways witnessing several similar tragedies in past years, road safety advocates are once again calling for stricter enforcement against illegal parking and better signage near active work zones.

From Tariff Reversals to Trade Partnerships, Belgium PM Bart De Wever’s Message for a Changing Global Economy, Is Donald Trump Listening

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Global business finds itself in a phase of uncertainty due to new considerations around tariffs, logistics, and international economic relationships. 

Belgian PM Criticizes Unpredictable Tariffs

Belgium’s Bart De Wever criticized unpredictable tariffs, saying governments sometimes impose, cancel, and reimpose trade barriers, a concern shared by many trading nations. 

India-EU Trade Deal in Spotlight

Instead of only concentrating on criticism, De Wever pointed out that trade partnerships may serve as one of the ways of dealing with global uncertainty.De Wever viewed the India-EU Free Trade Agreement as a means of ensuring economic resilience. According to De Wever, the establishment of trade relations helps in increasing the country’s resilience in case of disruption and vulnerability to unilateral trade restrictions.

Importance of Stable Tariff Rules

Tariffs affect the price of imported goods, production costs, and competitiveness of companies. If tariff rules change frequently, then companies face the additional risk of uncertainty. According to De Wever, isolation and weaponization of trade relations are the wrong way to go; markets should remain open, and economies should cooperate. 

Is Donald Trump Listening?

The most interesting part of De Wever’s remarks was that Trump was never directly named. Yet the reference was difficult to miss. De Wever’s comments about governments deciding on tariffs, withdrawing them and later reinstating them closely matched criticism surrounding Trump’s approach to international trade. 

India and Belgium Look Beyond Tariffs

De Wever’s visit also highlighted the expanding relationship between India and Belgium. He praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi and stressed the importance of cooperation during a period of global uncertainty.

Behind Iran’s Mountain Defence Lies a New Flashpoint, US-Iran War Faces Nuke Escalation?

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The ongoing US-Iran war is once again heading towards a new flashpoint, especially in regards to the nuclear issue, after the US President Donald Trump indicated that Washington would attack the heavily fortified Pickaxe Mountain facility of Iran “very soon.”

Importance of Pickaxe Mountain in the US-Iran War

As a result of its location and underground structure, Pickaxe Mountain has become strategically significant. It is said to offer protection against any conventional attacks on any vital nuclear infrastructure housed within. While the facility has earlier been known to be buried deep under the mountain, thus rendering it highly difficult to attack, there has been little information about its contents.

Trump Gives a New Strike Warning

While talking to the press at the White House, Trump stated that the United States could strike at Pickaxe Mountain “very soon”. This was said during the period when the US was conducting its military operations against Iran. The United States President had continuously been describing their military operations against Iran as actions taken to prevent the latter from acquiring a nuclear weapon. This means that the Iranian underground nuclear installations are still posing a serious threat to Washington.

Could This Confrontation Lead to a Nuclear Escalation?

This warning does not mean that the United States would use a nuclear weapon. The main issue is the possibility of an attack on a facility which is related to Iran’s nuclear program.An attack on an underground nuclear installation could become another phase in the war with Iran. Besides, it would also force the Iranians to retaliate at US or allied interests in the region thus extending the conflict. Besides, there are doubts as to whether the depth of such installations could make it impossible for the attackers to destroy the