DRUG FREE INDIA
PEN America: Nearly 12,000 school book bans in a year, a record high
In a startling report, PEN America disclosed that almost 12,000 book bans impacted public schools last year, marking a significant rise in censorship. The report underscores that books addressing race, sexuality, and gender identity face the highest scrutiny, with Stephen King's writings being the most frequently challenged. Noteworthy titles such as 'The Handmaid's Tale' and 'Speak' also appeared on the list.
The debate is settling, the business is moving. Time to look at a larger set? 9 sugar-ethanol ecosystem stocks for the watchlist
A new fuel programme is not an easy thing to implement. And it sparks intense debate. Ethanol, for instance, has taken over two decades to reach some scale, and it has been dogged by controversies. But the noise is now dying down as it meets targets that were said to be impossible to achieve. Check out Stock Reports Plus, powered by Refinitiv, for price targets of over 4,000 listed stocks along with detailed company analysis focusing on five key components – earnings, fundamentals, relative valuation, risk, and price momentum – to generate standardised scores. SR+ Reports is a complimentary offering to ETPrime members.
Over 4,000 arrested in J&K anti-drug drive since April, DGP says
More than 4,000 individuals connected to drug trafficking have been arrested in Jammu and Kashmir since April. The police have registered over 3,200 drug-related cases during this campaign. Significant progress has been achieved in property attachments and cash seizures linked to the drug trade. The campaign aims to eradicate substance abuse among the youth and promote peace.
Rasayan Labs launches AI-native drug discovery platform at ICT Mumbai
In an exciting development, Rasayan Labs has unveiled a groundbreaking AI-based platform to enhance computational chemistry and drug discovery initiatives. This innovative platform merges critical functions, including retrosynthesis and ADMET prediction, to optimize research efficiency. Free access will be granted to researchers at the Institute of Chemical Technology, marking a pivotal collaboration that seeks to dramatically reduce drug development timelines.
How Ed Sheeran went 'Indian' & didn't mix politics with his entertainment
Ed Sheeran’s Gaza controversy highlights the uneasy relationship between artists, politics and money. The writer argues that artists may have a powerful public voice, but those who control venues and finances often have the final say.
India needs five-year policy to make precision cancer care afforable, says expert
India needs a five-year roadmap to expand access to genomic testing and targeted cancer therapies for lower-income patients, oncologist Dr Bhawna Sirohi said. A member of the new Lancet Oncology Commission on precision cancer, Sirohi flagged high testing and drug costs and urged their integration into public healthcare schemes.
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India orders crackdown on nicotine pouches, citing health risks, letter shows
India has directed states to take enforcement action against the sale of nicotine pouches, citing public health and risks to children. The health ministry said the tobacco-free products remain illegal and unapproved in India and are increasingly available online and offline. A federal drug panel has also recommended no new nicotine formulations.
The 30-Minute Medicine Problem
How India's largest ePharmacy is building an in-house quick-commerce engine across cities and why moving medicines in under an hour is far more complicated than it looks
Duty-free shops not exempt from Indian laws, Bombay HC upholds ban on nicotine pouches
The Bombay High Court recently upheld a ban on imported nicotine pouches at Mumbai's airport. The court maintained that imported goods must comply with India's regulatory laws regardless of their sale location. Petitioners argued these pouches were for outbound travelers, which the court rejected. The authorities banned the products due to licensing issues under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act.
Court rejects Adani plea that duty-free shops are beyond domestic laws
An Indian court has ruled that nicotine pouches sold at duty-free shops are subject to domestic laws. The Adani Group challenged the legality of their items, arguing they are not drugs and are innovatively classified. Authorities maintained that selling such products poses a public health risk and violates drug laws. The court concluded that regulations apply to goods sold within Indian territory, including duty-free areas.
Home Minister Amit Shah sets three-year target for a drug-free India
Union Home Minister Amit Shah has set a three-year deadline to eradicate drug trade. He announced this goal while inaugurating the Third National Conference of Anti-Narcotics Task Force. A vision document with definite targets and timelines has been prepared for this mission. This roadmap aims for the welfare of youth and involves all stakeholders. The focus is now on moving from meeting to mission and from seizure to dismantling networks.
Bharat Biotech is 'back in action' after Covid reset: Krishna Ella on TB vaccine, Nipah-Ebola shots, gene therapy, IPO plans & what’s next
Bharat Biotech is “back in action” after a two-year post-Covid reset, founder Krishna Ella says, with the company expanding beyond vaccines into cell and gene therapy and monoclonal antibodies. The vaccine maker is advancing programmes for TB, Nipah, Ebola, chikungunya, malaria, Zika and antimicrobial resistance, while exploring an IPO to fund new therapies and potential acquisitions. Ella says the company, which currently has around Rs 2,000 crore in revenue and is debt-free, is focused on accelerating innovation and preparing the next generation to lead its human and veterinary businesses.
MF Tracker: HDFC Pharma & Healthcare Fund tops equity MFs at 25% in 1 year. Should investors chase the rally?
HDFC Pharma and Healthcare Fund recorded an impressive 25% return in the last year, surpassing its category average across various time frames. The robust performance is primarily due to heightened demand for generic drugs and recent FDA approvals. Investors are advised to steer clear of merely chasing past successes and instead focus on a sustainable long-term strategy.
India-New Zealand FTA finalised; 100% of Indian exports to get duty-free access from October 20
India and New Zealand finalized their free trade agreement, which takes effect October 20. This pact aims to double bilateral trade in goods and services by 2030. New Zealand will offer duty-free access for 100% of Indian exports under the agreement. The deal also expands mobility for Indian students and professionals to New Zealand. Cooperation in investment, technology, and renewable energy is also included.
BJP will dismantle entire drug network within 6 months if voted to power in Punjab: Shivraj Singh Chouhan
Union minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Monday attacked the AAP government in Punjab over the drug menace, alleging it had failed to meet its earlier deadlines to curb the problem. At a BJP event in Talwandi Sabo, Chouhan promised the party would dismantle the entire drug network within six months if elected.
Rs 15,000 cr investment inflow into Karnataka to create over 2,000 jobs: Minister M B Patil
Karnataka Minister M B Patil announced an investment potential of over Rs 15,000 crore, with Lam Research investing Rs 9,298 crore and Applied Materials Rs 3,600 crore. These investments are expected to strengthen Karnataka's semiconductor supply chain capabilities. Land has been allotted for Lam Research's silicon-component manufacturing facility, while Applied Materials will expand its long-term operations at Bengaluru Signature Business Park.
Drug-free India by 2029: Centre lays out 3-year roadmap with 200-plus actions
India aims to become drug-free by 2029 with a detailed three-year roadmap. This plan focuses on enforcement, synthetic drugs, demand reduction, and capacity building. The government is adopting a "Whole of Government" and "Whole of Society" approach for implementation. Key strategies include targeting drug networks and strengthening forensic capabilities. Mobilizing youth and creating safe zones around educational institutions are also priorities.
Dr Reddy's inks pact with Gilead for once-yearly HIV prevention drug lenacapavir
Dr Reddy's Laboratories and Gilead Sciences have signed a licensing agreement. This pact involves investigational once-yearly lenacapavir for HIV prevention. The agreement facilitates manufacturing and supply planning for 120 countries. This collaboration builds upon a previous pact for twice-yearly lenacapavir.
BRICS adopts New Delhi Declaration: Inside the 140-point document on Global South's ambitions
BRICS leaders adopted the New Delhi Declaration at the 18th summit, reaffirming their commitment to cooperation, multilateralism and a more representative global order. The document outlines India's 2026 chairship priorities, recognises partner countries' contributions and calls for greater participation of Emerging Markets, Developing Countries and Least Developed Countries in global governance.
"True knowledge is never held hostage by ideology": Union Minister Amit Shah in Mumbai
Union Home Minister Amit Shah urged using Asiatic Society's knowledge for national welfare. He stated true knowledge should remain free from ideological constraints and restrictions. Nations preserving their history and traditions are less likely to be subjugated. Colonial interpretations of Indian knowledge weakened national confidence and created inferiority. The Asiatic Society will now spread India's knowledge tradition across the nation.
India’s food safety rules are giving restaurants heartburn: It’s the process, not just the product
India’s food safety regime has shifted from testing adulteration in the final product to policing the processes that prevent it. Restaurants are struggling with this change because food can be safe even when preparation practices violate prescribed standards. The larger challenge is building a “process-first” culture through regulation, skills and incentives.
If you can end casteism, we are ready to give up reservation: Ramdas Athawale
Union minister Ramdas Athawale stated opposing reservation is unconstitutional and against the Constitution. He asserted that reservation will continue until casteism is eliminated from society. The minister highlighted government achievements and welfare schemes for various sections of people. He also mentioned the acceptance of a caste census demand by the Centre. Central investments in infrastructure will boost Chhattisgarh's connectivity and industrial activity.
Bharat Jodo Yatra was not to sermonise 'Mann ki Baat' but to listen to 'Janta ki Chinta': Congress
Congress leaders praised Rahul Gandhi's Bharat Jodo Yatra as a historic turning point. The yatra aimed to listen to public concerns and challenge the ruling party's ideology. Millions of Indians supported the march, which covered thousands of kilometers across the nation. Various celebrities and opposition leaders participated in the significant public engagement. The party reiterated its commitment to rebuilding India based on its founders' vision.
Amit Shah unveils 3-year roadmap for drug-free India
A three-year roadmap from July 2026 to July 2029 has been prepared for a drug-free India. This mission mode initiative involves coordinated efforts between the Home Ministry and state governments. The plan focuses on intelligence, precursor control, demand reduction, and capacity building. Financial investigations and international cooperation will target drug kingpins and fugitives. Border agencies will enhance surveillance to curb drug trafficking across all entry points.
Just as Modi government finished off Naxalism, it will also eliminate menace of drugs: Amit Shah
Amit Shah, the Union Home Minister, expressed determination to tackle the drug threat, likening it to the fight against Naxalism. He noted that Naxalism has dwindled significantly due to proactive government measures. Furthermore, terrorism levels in Jammu and Kashmir have dropped sharply since 2019, with numerous armed groups in the Northeast choosing to rejoin the mainstream. Notably, 274 fugitives have been extradited since 2019.
Shah inaugurates new Goa BJP headquarters, event curtailed over Delhi building collapse
Union Home Minister Amit Shah inaugurated the BJP's new state headquarters in Goa. The formal function was curtailed due to a building collapse tragedy in New Delhi. A five-storey building collapsed in south Delhi's Satya Niketan area on Sunday afternoon. One person died and several others were trapped under the debris. Efforts are underway to rescue all individuals trapped at the Delhi collapse site.
War against drugs: Modi govt has prepared roadmap to make India drug-free by 2029, says Amit Shah
Union Home Minister Amit Shah announced a roadmap to make India drug-free by 2029. He stated that drug-free youth power will lead to a developed India in 2047. The government is prioritizing the fight against narcotics as a national security issue. Naxalism has been eradicated, and terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir is declining. The northeast region is also experiencing peace and stability.
Modi's twin push: Drug-free youth, 'vocal for local'
Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the nation during his monthly Mann ki Baat program. He urged content creators and influencers to launch campaigns for a drug-free younger generation. The Prime Minister also encouraged people to be vocal for local products during the festive season. This initiative aims to boost the domestic economy and support Indian businesses.
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