Amaravati, June 26 (IANS) As part of its intensified crackdown on drug abuse, the Andhra Pradesh government on Thursday announced that it will confiscate properties of individuals involved in the cultivation, transportation, or sale of drugs.Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has launched a full-scale campaign against ganja and narcotics, vowing to make Andhra Pradesh a drug-free state.Marking the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, the state rallied behind the slogan “No Drugs Bro”, symbolising a united front in the fight against substance abuse.CM Naidu joined citizens and students on a walkathon in Guntur. Holding banners and chanting slogans, participants pledged support for a drug-free society. After the rally, the Chief Minister addressed a conference, underlining the government’s firm stance. “We will not tolerate drugs in any form. Those who sell ganja or narcotics will face strict action — including property confiscation,” he warned.To encourage public participation, dedicated citizen reporting channels have been introduced, including a WhatsApp helpline (8977781972) and a toll-free number (1972), allowing people to report drug-related activities confidentially.The state is also expanding its rehabilitation infrastructure with the establishment of 56 new de-addiction centres, including three with world-class standards. In addition, fast-track courts for NDPS cases are being set up in key cities such as Visakhapatnam, Rajahmundry, Guntur, and Tirupati.To foster long-term awareness and prevention, schools will launch ‘Eagle Clubs’, while celebrities and influencers are being urged to actively participate in anti-drug campaigns. The government will also leverage technology, deploying drones and CCTV networks to monitor and curb drug-related activities more effectively.CM Naidu criticised the previous government for its inaction, stating that under the YSRCP regime, Visakhapatnam had turned into a hub for ganja smuggling. “Not a single day was spent on reviewing drug prevention. We are now dealing with the consequences of that neglect,” he said.Expressing concern over the rising cases of drug abuse among the youth, he noted: “Drugs are destroying lives and turning people into criminals. Our goal is to eliminate this threat from its roots. By 2047, we aim to make the Telugu nation number one — and that means building a drug-free society today.”Calling for community support, CM Naidu urged citizens to take an active role in reporting drug use and supporting those seeking rehabilitation. “This is not just a government mission, it’s a movement. Together, we will reclaim our future,” he added.–IANSms/vd

Patna, June 26 (IANS) Leader of Opposition in Bihar Assembly Tejashwi Yadav launched a scathing attack on the Nitish Kumar-led NDA government during the ‘Chhatra Yuva Sansad’ (Student Youth Parliament) held at Bapu Sabhagar in Patna on Thursday.Addressing a packed auditorium of students and youth, Tejashwi Yadav spoke on issues ranging from education, unemployment, lack of industrial development, and governance failures.Tejashwi Yadav began his speech by slamming the state government, saying: “Bihar’s youth want jobs, not drama. We want to create an education and industry-driven government, not one run on theatrics.”He emphasised the need for industrial parks, educational hubs, and local job creation, adding: “Instead of being servants in other states, Bihari youth should become masters in their own state.”Accusing Nitish Kumar of being disconnected from reality, Tejashwi Yadav said: “Nitish Kumar has gone into a coma. This government is a copycat government with no roadmap. When 8 crore youth raise their voice, Bihar will change.”He further said that a united youth front could defeat all caste-based politics in the 2025 Assembly elections.Taking an aim at Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Tejashwi Yadav said: “The PM visits Bihar but doesn’t talk about closed sugar mills. The youth of Bihar have thrown the NDA’s slogans into the dustbin. Now the youth will lead and make policies.”He called the BJP a party of “hatred politics”, contrasting it with the RJD’s promise of “love and development”.He also criticised the two deputy CMs of Bihar, calling one “loud-mouthed” and the other “foul-mouthed”.“The BJP doesn’t even have a CM face. Mangal Pandey is the health minister but hasn’t raided even one hospital. A Dalit girl died over lack of a hospital bed,” he said.In a passionate appeal, Tejashwi Yadav asked for a chance to prove himself as CM, pledging to deliver in 20 months what the NDA could not do in 20 years.His major promises included the formation of a youth commission, 100 per cent domicile policy for Bihar government jobs, fee waiver for all government examination forms, guarantee of 275 academic days per year in schools, mandatory 80 per cent attendance for students, state-sponsored exam preparation for all graduates, world-class educational city on 2,000 acres of land, milk and egg for every child from BPL families, focus on core subjects like English, Math, and Science from Class 5, English fluency training for class 8 students, digital and physical libraries in every school, with mandatory reading hours.Tejashwi Yadav also distributed pens to students, symbolically saying: “Pencil marks can be erased, but pen marks cannot. This pen is for changing Bihar’s destiny.”He accused Minister Ashok Chaudhary of backing nepotism, alleging that his son-in-law got into a commission via RSS quota and now works as a lecturer without ever sitting for an exam.“Tell me when and where did the interview happen? What will such a person teach?” Tejashwi Yadav questioned.He also questioned the government’s motive behind issuing arms licenses to Panchayat representatives, calling it an admission of failure.“We are distributing pens, they are distributing guns. This is jungle raj,” Tejashwi said.Tejashwi warned of a conspiracy to remove voters from electoral rolls, particularly those receiving ration benefits, and announced a state-wide campaign starting next month to ensure that every eligible voter’s name remains on the list.“We will fight even the Election Commission if needed. Check if your name is on the voter list,” Tejashwi said.The event, however, ended in a chaos as the crowd surged to meet Tejashwi Yadav. The glass door of the main entrance broke, causing minor injury to one individual. The injured person was later given first-aid.–IANSajk/pgh

New Delhi/Thiruvananthapuram, June 26 (IANS) The UPSC team, which met in New Delhi on Thursday to screen the list of top IPS officials to be considered for the post of the Kerala state police chief, has zeroed down on three candidates from the list given by the Pinarayi Vijayan government.Apart from the Central government officials, the selection team also included Kerala Chief Secretary A.Jayatilak and outgoing DGP Sheikh Darvesh Saheb.The list from Kerala included Nithin Agarwal, Ravadha Chandrasekhar, Yogesh Gupta, and Manoj Abraham (all of them holding the rank of the Director General of Police) and the Vijayan government purportedly tried its best to include two Additional Directors General of Police – Suresh Raj Purohit and Vijayan’s favoured M.R.Ajith Kumar, but this did not happen.At the meeting, the name of Abraham was not considered, as the other three officers had a clean track record and were all senior to him.So the first three in the list, according to their seniority, have been cleared, and now the ball is in Vijayan’s court to select one from Agarwal, Chandrasekhar and Gupta to be the next state police chief.Among these three, Gupta by now has said to have become persona non grata to Vijayan, after being in his good books for long, and hence it could be either Agarwal or Chandrasekhar. In all likelihood, the coveted post could go to the latter.Agarwal recently returned to Kerala after a long stint on central deputation, while Chandrasekhar, now posted with the Intelligence Bureau, was in the state capital city, and when he had a meeting with Vijayan last week, the word went around that he had expressed his desire to return to the state.Now that the list is ready, Vijayan will have to hold a special cabinet meeting to decide on the next SPC as Saheb superannuates after his two-year extension ends on June 30.–IANSsg/vd

Shimla, June 26 (IANS) Search operations involving National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) rescuers intensified on Thursday to trace the missing since flashfloods triggered cloudbursts in Himachal Pradesh’s Kangra district, with the recovery of three more bodies and rescue of one, officials said.

At least 10 workers deployed in the Indira Priyadarshini Hydroelectric Project were swept away in the strong current in Manuni Khad a day earlier. The NDRF team started a search and rescue operation on Thursday under the leadership of 14 NDRF Commandant Baljinder Singh. The affected area was divided into two zones, and the team recovered three bodies and one who had fled upstream in the forests to escape the flood was rescued. A day earlier, four bodies were recovered, and nearly 170 workers were safely evacuated by the local administration.“We are conducting the operation in coordination with the local administration and making every possible effort to search for the missing people,” the NDRF said. Meanwhile, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Sukhu directed all the Deputy Commissioners to stay alert and ensure round-the-clock availability for the public to deal with the unfolding situation efficiently, keeping in view the adverse weather conditions, while reviewing the situation with district administrations virtually from Shimla. The Chief Minister asked all Deputy Commissioners to conduct relief and rehabilitation operations for affected individuals on war-footing. He also instructed them to identify the individuals or families, particularly migrant labourers, living close to the banks of the rivers, rivulets and to relocate them to safer places, besides ensuring their safety. He further directed to issuance of advisories warning tourists and locals against venturing near rivers and rivulets during the monsoon. He also asked them to report all kinds of losses to the government at the earliest. He said that power projects are suffering repeated losses during every monsoon season and called for formulating a comprehensive strategy to safeguard their vital infrastructure. Over the past 24 hours, Himachal Pradesh has reported three cloudbursts, nine flash floods and three landslides, resulting in five fatalities and one injury. Three people in Kullu district and five-six in Kangra district are still missing, while 21 stranded people have been evacuated, said the government. Two National Highways — 505 and 03 — are still blocked at multiple locations due to landslides. Following the cloudburst at Majhan nullaha in Sainj Valley, the downstream hydro-electric projects Sainj, Parvati and Larji have been shut down and opened their gates as precautionary measures. The government said intensive search and rescue operations are underway with teams from the SDRF, Home Guards and NDRF across the affected areas. –IANS vg/dan

Bhopal, June 26 (IANS) In a tragic incident in Lolki village of Agar Malwa district, lightning struck four young farmers working in the fields. Two cousins, Kamal Singh aged 33 and Lakhan a.k.a Laxman Singh aged 30, lost their lives on the spot. The other two, Man Singh and Vishal Patidar, both 25, suffered serious burn injuries and are under treatment. Agar Malwa, district hospital Speaking to IANS, Susner police station incharge, Kesar Rajput said, “all the four were in their fields for tilling. Laxman and Kamal – who were close relatives died on spot. Man Singh and Vishal received injuries and have been admitted to district hospital Agar Malwa”.Heavy rains continued to lash Madhya Pradesh on Thursday, bringing significant disruptions across at least 25 districts and triggering a series of weather-related incidents. Indore experienced a dramatic weather shift in the afternoon, when skies turned dark and heavy rainfall reduced visibility.Vidisha witnessed waterlogging in several low-lying areas, while parts of Jabalpur saw rainwater entering homes.In Begamganj, located in Raisen district, a kutcha house collapsed under the impact of heavy rains, trapping a family of five. Local residents quickly came to their aid, rescuing all members, including a couple and their three children.All are currently hospitalised, the police officials said. Due to the shutdown of Sultanganj Road in Begamganj, nearly 50 villages have become cut off from the town.Other districts such as Sagar, Ratlam, Chhindwara, Bhopal, Khandwa, Dhar, Mandsaur, Betul, Guna, Gwalior, and Narmadapuram also received widespread showers.Jabalpur recorded 1.7 inches of rain, while Sagar and Ratlam saw 1.25 inches each. The rainfall brought a noticeable dip in daytime temperatures across the state.The state Meteorological Department has issued a continued rainfall alert for 25 districts, including Neemuch, Mandsaur, Jhabua, Alirajpur, Ashoknagar, Agar-Malwa, Dewas, Sehore, and Damoh.The alert suggests the potential for heavy downpours in these areas in the coming hours. Fifteen additional districts, including Anuppur, Barwani, Khargone, Morena, and Tikamgarh, are expected to receive light to moderate thundershowers.Rainfall has also been forecast for Rewa, Sidhi, Singrauli, and parts of Seoni and Maihar. Authorities have urged citizens to remain cautious, particularly in flood-prone and lightning-sensitive regions, as weather systems remain active over central India. Emergency services have been put on alert to respond swiftly to any untoward situations.–IANSsktr/pgh

Srinagar, June 26 (IANS) J&K Lt Governor (L-G) Manoj Sinha on Thursday held a meeting with political leaders at Raj Bhawan here and discussed the preparations for Amarnath Yatra, which is scheduled to begin from July 3.

The meeting was attended by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah; Sat Sharma, Nirmal Singh and Kavinder Gupta (BJP); Tara Chand and Ghulam Ahmad Mir (Indian National Congress); Showkat Ahmad Mir and Jagdish Singh Azad (National Conference); Mohamad Yousuf Tarigami (CPIM); Sajad Gani Lone (J&K Peoples Conference); Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari (J&K Apni Party); Iltija Mufti (PDP) and Hakeem Mohammad Yaseen Shah (J&K People’s Democratic Front).The L-G shared the dedicated efforts made by the Amarnath Ji Shrine Board, Administration, J&K Police, security forces and all the stakeholders for the safe and successful conduct of the holy yatra.“With the blessings of Baba Amaranth and the significant enhancements to essential facilities and services, this year’s pilgrimage promises to be memorable and spiritually enriching for devotees. It will also mark the beginning of a new chapter for Jammu and Kashmir,” he claimed.He also welcomed the suggestions and inputs received from the senior political leaders and sought their cooperation to make the yatra more convenient and hassle-free for the devotees of Shri Amarnath Ji.“The leaders of all political parties are members of the J&K family, and I believe pilgrimage to Shri Amarnath Ji is the socio-cultural responsibility of this family. We must walk shoulder to shoulder with a resolve to welcome all devotees and make Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra a huge success,” he said.Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and all the senior leaders reiterated their commitment and assured every support to the holy pilgrimage.The politicians claimed that the Amarnath Ji Yatra is woven into Jammu and Kashmir’s composite culture and is also crucial for the region’s economy.“The smooth and successful conduct of this sacred pilgrimage is our shared responsibility,” they said.The senior leaders also urged the people of Jammu & Kashmir to warmly welcome the devotees and play their vital role as key stakeholders in the Yatra.Condemning the Pahalgam Terror Attack, the politicians said the way the people of Kashmir valley, irrespective of their political ideologies, came out on the streets against terrorism sent a strong message to the adversary that violence has no place in our society.–IANSsq/dan

Hyderabad, June 26 (IANS) The Telangana government on Thursday launched the Elite Action Group for Drug Law Enforcement (EAGLE) Task Force to curb the drug menace in the state.Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy launched the specialised task force dedicated to combating the menace of drugs and illegal ganja cultivation on the occasion of International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.The elite unit commenced operations across the state with the mission to identify, prevent, and eliminate all forms of drug-related activities.With the motto of “Zero Tolerance – Total Surveillance”, EAGLE has been equipped with highly trained personnel, advanced surveillance technologies, and coordinated support from law enforcement and intelligence agencies.The CM announced that from urban neighbourhoods to remote forest areas, EAGLE teams will keep a relentless vigil to ensure that not even a single ganja plant is cultivated, nor a trace of drugs enters Telangana’s borders.At a programme held in Hyderabad, he declared that the Telangana Anti-Narcotic Bureau (TGNAB) will henceforth be called EAGLE.The Chief Minister emphasised the need to make Telangana a model state in eliminating the menace of drugs. “Telangana is an IT and pharma hub. If it becomes a ganja and drugs hub, this would mean we all have failed,” he said.Stating that Telangana is the land of struggles and movements, Revanth Reddy said it would be insulting if it becomes the land of drugs.The Chief Minister voiced concern that students from schools to universities have been affected by drugs. He appealed to the educational institutions to take all measures to keep the students away from drug abuse.He warned that if youth become addicted to ganja and drugs, this would endanger the very survival of the country.Revanth Reddy stated that India’s enemies may be using drugs to harm the country. He pointed out that Punjab, which was known as the land of soldiers, is engulfed by the drug menace.Reiterating that his government would be firm in dealing with those indulging in trafficking, the Chief Minister said he had already asked his ministerial colleagues and top police officials to take stringent action so that traffickers think 100 times before entering Telangana.Stating that ganja and drugs are being sold by mixing them with chocolate and ice cream, he urged people to join hands with the state government in the fight against drug abuse by providing information about those selling drugs.The Chief Minister praised actors Ram Charan and Vijaya Devarakonda for participating in the programme to give a good message to people.Eminent filmmaker Dil Raju, BJP MP Konda Vishweshwar Reddy, badminton coach Pullela Gopichand, DGP Jitender, and senior officials attended the programme.–IANSms/vd

New Delhi, June 26 (IANS) The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Thursday conducted searches at…

New Delhi, June 26 (IANS) The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has seized 39 containers carrying 1,115 metric tonnes of Pakistani-origin goods, valued at nearly Rs 9 crore, that were being illegally imported into India by sea via Dubai, officials said on Thursday.

In two separate cases, these consignments were seized at Nhava Sheva port.The consignments were falsely declared as UAE-origin, masking their Pakistani origin.However, investigations revealed that these goods actually originated from Pakistan and were merely transshipped via Dubai for import into India.The DRI launched an operation codenamed “Operation Deep Manifest”, targeting the illegal import of Pakistani-origin goods routed through third countries, primarily via Dubai in UAE.One of the partners of an importing firm was arrested on Thursday, according to an official statement.Following the Pahalgam terror attacks, the Indian government had imposed a comprehensive ban, effective from May 2, 2025, on the direct or indirect import or transit of goods originating in or exported from Pakistan.However, despite the stringent ban on Pakistan imports into India, some importers attempt to bypass the government policy by misdeclaring the origin of goods and by manipulating the related shipping documents.Investigations revealed that the goods were initially transported from Pakistan to Dubai on one set of containers and vessels, and subsequently transferred to another set of containers and vessels bound for India.Further examination of the goods and analysis of documents gathered during investigations conducted so far uncovered cargo movement trails from Karachi port in Pakistan, and transshipments at Jabel Ali port in Dubai — en route to Indian ports.Money transfers with Pakistani entities were also traced, raising serious concerns about illicit financial flows.The entire modus operandi was orchestrated through a complex web of transactions involving Pakistani and UAE nationals, aimed at obscuring the true origin of the goods, namely Pakistan.In the context of “Operation Sindoor” and the prevailing heightened security environment, the DRI intensified its vigil, through augmented intelligence gathering and data analytics, for targeting of consignments emanating from Pakistan.This proactive surveillance has resulted in high-value seizures, according to the official statement.–IANSsps/khz

Jaipur, June 26 (IANS) Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma on Thursday addressed the 11th convocation ceremony of the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Jodhpur, calling the occasion a milestone for graduating students.Emphasising the role of youth in building a developed Rajasthan and India, the Chief Minister urged students to keep learning, keep dreaming, and always follow the mantra of ‘India First’.“A convocation is not just a memory but a defining moment in life. The graduating youth are the driving force behind the dream of a developed nation,” Sharma said.Highlighting the state government’s commitment to youth empowerment, Sharma said Rajasthan is making significant investments in technology, startups, and education to ensure abundant employment opportunities across sectors.“Our government recognises the energy of youth and the power of innovation. We are creating platforms that connect knowledge with global opportunities,” he added.Congratulating the graduates and medal winners, the Chief Minister lauded IIT Jodhpur as one of India’s premier institutions for education and research in fields like computer science, AI, data science, mechanical, electrical, and bio-engineering.“IIT Jodhpur is a shining pearl of Marudhara, illuminating the path of progress not just in Rajasthan, but across the nation.”Reflecting on India’s ancient heritage, Sharma emphasised the country’s deep-rooted tradition in science and mathematics.Citing scholars like Aryabhatta, Bhaskaracharya, and Brahmagupta, he said that India’s contribution to mathematics, the decimal system, and trigonometry had laid the foundation for modern science.Outlining the state’s roadmap, Sharma said the government is working tirelessly to expand Rajasthan’s economy to $350 billion by 2030.Key steps include oganising Rising Rajasthan Summit in which MoUs worth Rs 35 lakh crore were signed.Focus sectors include renewable energy, energy storage, waste-to-energy, tourism, mining, textiles, AI, quantum computing, and cybersecurity.Further, training of 1.5 lakh youth in two years under the State Skill Policy is also being worked upon. Sharma also mentioned programs like Atal Innovation Studio, Accelerate, Startup Launchpad, TechBee, LEAP, and the Center for Advanced Skilling.Chairman of IIT Jodhpur Board of Governors A.S. Kiran Kumar described the institute as a hub of innovation and academic excellence.“Graduates from here will find global opportunities. Use your knowledge and values to uplift the nation,” he said.Prof. Avinash Kumar Agarwal, Director of IIT Jodhpur, also addressed the gathering.On the occasion, CM Sharma conferred degrees to graduating students and presented gold medals and awards to academic achievers.The event was attended by Parliamentary Affairs Minister Jogaram Patel, Minister of State for Industry KK Vishnoi, MLAs Babu Singh Rathore and Bhaira Ram Seoul, IIT Jodhpur Deputy Director Prof. Bhavani Kumar Satpathi, faculty members, students, and their families.–IANSarc/pgh