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Amid 2025–26 Delay, Calls Grow for ISL to Follow IPL Auction System With No Relegation

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ISL
ISL

The long postponed 2025–26 Indian Super League season is now set to kick off on February 14 after the All India Football Federation reached an understanding with 13 of the league’s 14 clubs. The delay had earlier been attributed to the absence of a commercial partner, a point highlighted by Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya, who had said that all clubs were expected to take part despite the late start. However, recent reports suggest that Odisha FC is yet to formally confirm its participation.

In the lead up to the agreement, ISL clubs had reportedly asked the All India Football Federation to waive the ₹1 crore participation fee. Financial pressure has been mounting on teams due to the prolonged uncertainty around the season, forcing some clubs to release or loan out foreign players. To ease the burden, the federation is said to have persuaded clubs to pay the fee in instalments spread out until June 2026 instead of making the full payment upfront.

Call for a draft or auction system

Speaking to The Indian Express, Parth Jindal, owner of Bengaluru FC, argued that the ISL needs a structural overhaul to ensure long term stability. He said the league should adopt a player draft or auction system similar to the Indian Premier League. According to Jindal, a centrally controlled budget cannot function effectively in a completely free market environment.

He pointed out that nearly every successful Indian sports league operates through auctions, including the IPL, Women’s Premier League, Pro Kabaddi, and leagues in hockey, badminton, table tennis, wrestling, and volleyball. Jindal noted that the ISL itself began with a draft system and said returning to that model would help restore balance. He suggested that clubs be allowed to retain a limited number of under 23 domestic players from their academies, with such retentions reducing their draft purse, similar to systems used in the IPL and Pro Kabaddi. Foreign players, he added, could be signed outside the auction within a salary cap, with limited exceptions for marquee signings. In the first season, clubs could also retain a small number of senior Indian players at a fixed cost deducted from their budget.

No relegation and an MLS style structure

Jindal also addressed the ongoing debate around promotion and relegation in the ISL. He said the proposed reforms would only work if relegation was removed entirely. Instead, he advocated for a structure inspired by Major League Soccer, which operates as a closed, franchise based competition. Under this system, teams do not move between divisions based on results. New clubs enter by paying an expansion fee, which in MLS has risen sharply over the years.

He explained that in such a model, teams finishing at the bottom are not punished with relegation but are instead given advantages like higher draft picks and additional resources to improve competitiveness. The focus, he said, should be on maintaining parity across the league rather than penalising poor performance.

Meanwhile, the AIFF is expected to finalise a commercial partner for the 2025–26 ISL season by January 31, a development that could bring much needed stability ahead of the delayed kickoff.

‘Eight Calls in 2025’: MEA Clarifies Modi–Trump Talks Amid Howard Lutnick’s India–US Trade Deal Remark

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Modi Trump
Modi Trump

The Ministry of External Affairs said on Friday that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump have spoken to each other eight times during 2025, even as relations between New Delhi and Washington have faced strain over tariff disputes and the proposed Free Trade Agreement.

Although the statement did not directly address recent comments made by US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, it appeared to counter his claim that trade talks stalled because Prime Minister Modi did not personally reach out to President Trump.

MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said India and the United States had agreed as early as February 13, 2025, to work toward a bilateral trade agreement. Since then, both sides have held several rounds of negotiations aimed at finalising a fair and mutually beneficial deal. He added that on multiple occasions, the talks came close to a conclusion, and said the portrayal of the discussions in the reported remarks was inaccurate.

Jaiswal further clarified that Modi and Trump have remained in regular contact throughout the year. He said the two leaders held eight phone conversations in 2025, during which they discussed a wide range of issues linked to the broader India US partnership. He reiterated that India continues to be keen on concluding a trade agreement that benefits both economies and remains hopeful of bringing the negotiations to a close.

The spokesperson also emphasised that the relationship between the two leaders has been cordial, noting that they have consistently interacted with mutual respect and in line with established diplomatic norms.

What Howard Lutnick said about the trade talks

Earlier, Howard Lutnick claimed that progress on the India US trade deal stalled because Prime Minister Modi did not call President Trump to finalise the agreement. Speaking on the All In podcast hosted by entrepreneur Chamath Palihapitiya, Lutnick said he had suggested that a direct call from Modi could help close the deal. According to him, India was uncomfortable with this approach, and the call never took place.

Lutnick added that the United States had already concluded trade agreements with countries such as Indonesia, the Philippines, and Vietnam, and that he had expected the deal with India to be finalised even earlier. He said those agreements were negotiated at higher tariff rates because the US assumed India would come on board first.

He further claimed that after these deals were announced, India reached out to signal its readiness to move forward. At that point, Lutnick said, the terms had already changed, leading him to question what India was prepared to agree to.

Haaland’s 150th Goal Not Enough as Brighton Hold Man City, Hurting Title Bid

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haaland
haaland

Manchester City’s hopes of defending their Premier League crown took a serious hit on Wednesday night as Brighton held them to a 1–1 draw at the Etihad Stadium.

City went in front in the first half when Erling Haaland converted a penalty, bringing up his 150th goal for the club. However, the milestone strike failed to deliver the win Pep Guardiola’s side desperately needed. Plagued by injuries and lacking their usual sharpness, City were punished after the break when Kaoru Mitoma scored the equaliser.

The result leaves Manchester City five points adrift of league leaders Arsenal, who still have a game in hand against Liverpool on Thursday. Should Arsenal take all three points, the gap at the top would stretch to eight, a daunting margin at this stage of the season.

City have overturned similar deficits during Guardiola’s reign, but recent performances suggest they may struggle to do so again. Draws against Sunderland, Chelsea, and now Brighton mean City are winless in three matches, while Arsenal arrive on a three game winning run.

Even Haaland’s landmark goal, his 26th in all competitions this season and his first in four games, could not lift a below par City display. The striker missed several chances and looked short of his usual ruthlessness.

City’s problems have been compounded by injuries. Josko Gvardiol and Ruben Dias joined John Stones on the sidelines after picking up knocks at the weekend. Omar Marmoush, Rayan Ait-Nouri, Savinho, Oscar Bobb and Mateo Kovacic were also unavailable due to fitness concerns and international commitments.

A disjointed display

City have been linked with moves for Antoine Semenyo from Bournemouth and Marc Guehi of Crystal Palace, but with reinforcements yet to arrive, Guardiola was forced to improvise. Teenager Max Alleyne was handed his debut, partnering Abdukodir Khusanov in a makeshift central defence.

Brighton looked dangerous from the outset. Goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma nearly gifted the visitors an early goal before making a sharp save to deny Pascal Gross. Ferdi Kadioglu also went close soon after.

Despite struggling, City struck first late in the opening half. Jeremy Doku was brought down by Diego Gomez, and after VAR intervened, Haaland stepped up to score from the spot. Tijjani Reijnders almost doubled the lead just before the interval, but Gomez cleared his effort off the line.

City missed further chances after the restart. Bernardo Silva struck the outside of the post, a moment that proved costly. On the hour mark, Brighton drew level when Mitoma picked up the ball outside the box, was given too much space by Nico Gonzalez, and drilled a low shot past Donnarumma.

Guardiola reacted by introducing Rodri, but City continued to look vulnerable. Gomez missed a golden chance to put Brighton ahead, while at the other end Haaland saw a header cleared off the line by Kadioglu and then failed to beat Bart Verbruggen from close range.

City’s frustrations deepened in the closing stages as Rayan Cherki squandered two late opportunities, summing up a night where wastefulness and defensive frailty combined to leave their title ambitions hanging by a thread.

‘Losing a True Partnership and Friendship Was Hard’: Jennifer Garner Reflects on Split From Ben Affleck

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jennifer garner and affleck

Actor Jennifer Garner has spoken candidly about her divorce from Ben Affleck, describing the experience as deeply difficult. In a recent conversation with Marie Claire, Garner said the most painful part of the separation was not the public attention, but the personal loss that came with it.

Reflecting on that period, Garner explained that the real challenge was the dissolution of a family unit. She said the hardest part was saying goodbye to a genuine partnership and friendship. According to her, what people saw or speculated about was not the source of pain. Instead, it was the reality of a family breaking apart and losing a shared life that made the experience so heavy.

She also spoke about how her relationship with Affleck has evolved over time, particularly when it comes to raising their children together. Garner shared that she has now reached a place where co parenting feels calm and balanced, something she never imagined would be possible in the aftermath of their split. She said that time played a crucial role in that journey, allowing space for healing, forgiveness, and the rebuilding of trust. Garner added that many women fear they will never regain a sense of peace or friendship after a breakup, but time can open the door to a new and healthier dynamic.

In addition, Garner touched on the importance of staying connected to loved ones. She said she makes a conscious effort to spend time with people who matter to her, noting that emotional strength comes from relationships and the support of those who stand by you during difficult phases of life.

Garner also made it clear that she avoids engaging with gossip or speculation about her personal life, especially when it concerns her children. She said paying attention to such talk offers no benefit to her or her family, and she chooses not to take it in.

Garner and Affleck married in 2005 and announced their separation in 2015. Their divorce was finalised in 2018. They continue to co parent their three children, Violet, Seraphina, and Samuel. Since 2018, Garner has been in a relationship with tech CEO John Miller.

India Faces Possible 50%–500% Tariff Shock as Trump ‘Favours’ Russia Sanctions Move

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Trump India
Trump India

US President Donald Trump has stepped up his push to bring the war in Ukraine to an end by backing a new sanctions push against Russia that could also hit countries doing business with Moscow, including India. Trump has approved a proposed law that would sharply expand penalties not just on Russia but on its key trade partners as well.

Republican Senator Lindsey Graham confirmed that the President has cleared a bipartisan sanctions bill targeting Russia. Speaking to reporters, Graham said he expects the legislation to be put to a vote soon, possibly as early as next week. He described his recent meeting with Trump as productive and said the President had given the go ahead for the bill to move forward.

Graham explained that the proposed law would give Trump broad authority to act against countries that continue to buy discounted Russian oil, arguing that such trade helps sustain Moscow’s war effort. India features prominently among the nations likely to be affected, as it remains one of the major buyers of Russian crude and is already facing elevated tariffs from the United States.

In August 2025, Trump imposed an additional 25 percent tariff on Indian imports, calling it a penalty for New Delhi’s continued purchase of Russian oil. That move pushed total US tariffs on Indian goods to 50 percent. Other major economies such as China and Brazil are also expected to face scrutiny under the same framework, in line with Trump’s earlier warnings to BRICS nations.

What the proposed sanctions law includes

The proposed Sanctioning Russia Act of 2025 is designed to target individuals and countries that the US President determines are acting in line with Russian interests or blocking efforts to reach a peace settlement in Ukraine. The bill outlines four scenarios under which sanctions could be imposed. These include refusing to engage in peace talks with Ukraine, breaching a negotiated peace agreement, launching a fresh invasion of Ukraine, or attempting to undermine or overthrow the Ukrainian government.

If a person or country falls under any of these categories, the legislation directs the President to impose a range of penalties. These include visa restrictions and tariffs that could go as high as 500 percent. The bill also calls on the US Treasury to freeze assets and on the Commerce Department to halt the export or transfer of US produced energy products to or within Russia.

What this means for India

India is already among the countries facing the steepest US tariffs. During Trump’s so called Liberation Day trade actions in 2025, Washington rolled out fresh duties on multiple trading partners. India was initially hit with a 25 percent tariff, which was later doubled after Trump accused New Delhi of indirectly supporting Russia’s war by continuing to buy its oil.

As a result, India now faces a total tariff burden of 50 percent on exports to the United States, placing it alongside Brazil among the hardest hit nations. With the start of 2026, Trump has also signalled that tariffs on India could rise further, again pointing to its ongoing energy trade with Russia.

Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One, Trump said Prime Minister Narendra Modi understood his displeasure over the issue. He described Modi as a good leader but added that the United States could raise tariffs on India very quickly because of its trade ties with Russia.

If the new sanctions bill becomes law, Trump would be required to impose tariffs of at least 500 percent on all goods and services imported into the United States from countries that knowingly trade in Russian origin uranium and petroleum products. This provision could significantly escalate economic pressure on India if it continues to import Russian energy.

After Mamata Banerjee Turned Up During I-PAC Raids, ED Seeks Calcutta HC’s Permission To File Obstruction Plea

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mamata banerjee
mamata banerjee

The Enforcement Directorate has approached the Calcutta High Court seeking permission to move a petition alleging interference in an ongoing money laundering investigation, after West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee arrived at the residence of political consultant Pratik Jain during a raid on Thursday. The development was reported by PTI.

According to the probe agency, searches were carried out at ten locations on the same day as part of a money laundering case linked to West Bengal. Six of these locations were in the state, while four were in Delhi. Among the places searched were the Kolkata office of the Indian Political Action Committee and the south Kolkata residence of its co founder and director Pratik Jain.

The Indian Political Action Committee, commonly known as I PAC, provides political consultancy services to the ruling Trinamool Congress in West Bengal and also manages the party’s information technology and media operations.

The situation escalated when Mamata Banerjee reached Jain’s residence during the raid and alleged that the agency was attempting to confiscate sensitive party documents and electronic storage devices containing details related to the Trinamool Congress’s election strategy.

Following this intervention, the counsel representing the Enforcement Directorate brought the matter to the attention of Justice Suvra Ghosh of the Calcutta High Court. The agency sought the court’s permission to file a formal petition claiming that its investigation had been obstructed and requesting safeguards to allow it to proceed without interference.

In its submission, the Enforcement Directorate alleged that the chief minister entered Jain’s home while the search was in progress and removed crucial evidence, including physical records and electronic devices. The agency further claimed that Banerjee later went to the I PAC office in Salt Lake along with her aides and police personnel, where documents and electronic material were forcibly taken away.

The agency maintained that these actions, along with the presence of the Kolkata Police commissioner at Jain’s residence, created hurdles in the investigation being conducted under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act.

Rejecting allegations that the raids were politically driven, the Enforcement Directorate clarified that the searches were carried out solely on the basis of evidence. It stressed that no political party office had been targeted and that the action was not connected to any election. The agency said the operation was part of a routine effort to curb money laundering and was conducted strictly in line with legal procedures and safeguards.

Five Detained After Stone Pelting Incident During Demolition Near Turkman Gate Mosque; FIR Filed

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FIR
FIR

Five individuals were taken into custody after the Delhi Police registered a first information report over alleged stone pelting during an early morning demolition drive carried out by the Municipal Corporation of Delhi near a century old mosque at Turkman Gate on Wednesday.

Confirming the action, Deputy Commissioner of Police for the Central district Nidhin Valsan said the case has been registered under multiple provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita 2023, along with sections of the Prevention of Damage to Public Property Act 1984. The charges include rioting, obstructing public servants while performing official duties, damaging government property, and causing injuries to on duty police personnel.

A senior police official confirmed that at least five policemen were injured during the incident. Another officer familiar with the investigation said the detained individuals were identified using footage recorded by body worn cameras and other video evidence collected from the site.

Tension had briefly gripped parts of Old Delhi after civic authorities, supported by heavy police presence, began removing what they described as illegal encroachments adjoining Masjid Syed Elahi, also known as Faiz e Elahi Masjid, near Ramlila Maidan. Although the demolition was scheduled to begin at 8 am, it was initiated around 1.30 am, which led to protests from residents in the surrounding area.

Videos shared within local neighbourhood groups showed bulldozers and earth moving machines demolishing structures close to the mosque while police personnel formed security cordons. Some clips also appeared to show the use of tear gas and instances of stone pelting. These videos could not be independently verified.

Joint Commissioner of Police for the Central Range Madhur Verma said the demolition was conducted in compliance with directions issued by the Delhi High Court and that extensive law and order arrangements were put in place. He explained that the area was divided into nine zones, each overseen by an officer of the rank of additional deputy commissioner of police. More than ten companies of the Delhi Police and the Rapid Action Force were deployed at sensitive locations.

Verma added that advance coordination meetings were held with members of the Aman Committee and other local representatives to prevent unrest. Despite these measures, he said a small group attempted to disrupt the drive by throwing stones, after which the situation was brought under control through limited and proportionate use of force. A senior police officer, speaking on condition of anonymity, also said only minimal force was used.

Reacting to the developments, Delhi Home Minister Ashish Sood said the demolition was strictly aimed at removing illegal encroachments and stressed that the Faiz e Elahi Mosque itself was not harmed. He said the action was confined to unauthorised commercial structures that fell within the scope of court orders and denied any arbitrariness or ill intent on the part of the government.

Calling the violence unfortunate, Sood said five people had been arrested so far. He added that obstructing lawful action carried out under judicial directions was unacceptable and that those involved in demonstrations and violence would face legal consequences.

The demolition drive took place even as the Delhi High Court on Tuesday issued notice on a petition filed by the managing committee of Masjid Syed Elahi. The petition challenges the decision of the Municipal Corporation of Delhi to remove alleged encroachments from land adjoining the mosque and a nearby graveyard. A bench led by Justice Amit Bansal observed that the issue required examination and directed the MCD and the Land and Development Office to submit their responses. The matter has been listed for further hearing on April 22.

Earlier, on December 22, 2025, the MCD had issued a notice stating that all structures beyond 0.195 acres, which is the area occupied by the mosque, were liable to be demolished as part of an anti encroachment drive. The civic body said no documentary proof had been provided to establish lawful ownership or possession of the remaining land by the managing committee or the Delhi Waqf Board.

The action follows a November 12, 2025, order of the Delhi High Court directing the MCD and the Public Works Department to clear nearly 38,940 square feet of encroachments at Ramlila Ground near Turkman Gate within three months. That order was based on a joint survey conducted in October 2025 by multiple agencies, including the MCD, the Delhi Development Authority, the Public Works Department, the Land and Development Office, the Union urban development ministry, the revenue department, and the police.

Officials said MCD teams had earlier faced resistance from locals when they visited the site on Sunday to mark the encroached areas, prompting authorities to deploy additional police forces ahead of Wednesday’s demolition drive.

Russia-Flagged Oil Tanker With Venezuela Links Targeted by US Forces Days After Maduro ‘Capture’, Says Report

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Russia
Russia

The United States is reportedly trying to take control of a Russian flagged oil tanker with connections to Venezuela after tracking it for more than two weeks across the Atlantic Ocean. According to a report by Reuters, the operation is unfolding even as a Russian submarine and a warship were operating in nearby waters, citing two American officials familiar with the situation.

The attempted seizure, which could further strain relations between Washington and Moscow, follows the tanker’s escape from a US maritime blockade targeting sanctioned vessels. The ship, previously known as Bella 1, had also resisted earlier attempts by the US Coast Guard to board it. Officials said the current operation is being jointly conducted by the Coast Guard and the United States military.

Sources added that Russian naval assets, including a submarine, were present in the general area during the operation, though their exact proximity remains unclear. The interception is reportedly taking place near Iceland.

Reuters noted that this appears to be the first known instance in recent times where the United States military has moved to seize a vessel sailing under a Russian flag. The development comes only days after a covert overnight operation by US Special Forces in Caracas that led to the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro.

Russian state broadcaster RT aired images showing a helicopter hovering near the tanker, now called Marinera, suggesting that American forces were attempting to board the vessel. The report added that the tanker, which has been sanctioned by the United States, was not carrying any cargo at the time.

In a related development, the US Coast Guard also stopped another tanker linked to Venezuela near the northeastern coast of South America. This marked the fourth such interception in recent weeks, according to AFP.

Earlier interception attempts

US authorities had first tried to stop the same tanker last month, but the vessel refused to comply with boarding requests. Shortly after that incident, it was re registered under a Russian flag. Now operating under the name Marinera, the tanker has become the latest target in a series of maritime enforcement actions launched since US President Donald Trump intensified pressure on Venezuela.

Separately, US officials told Reuters that another Venezuela linked tanker was also intercepted in Latin American waters, underscoring Washington’s continued efforts to enforce a maritime blockade against vessels associated with Venezuelan oil exports.

3,100 Playgrounds Planned in Punjab as Govt Steps Up Efforts to Promote Sports Culture, Says Harjot Singh Bains

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Punjab
Punjab

The 69th National School Games got underway on Tuesday with a formal opening ceremony at Guru Nanak Stadium in Ludhiana, setting the stage for a nationwide celebration of school level sports. The event was inaugurated by Punjab Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains and has brought together young athletes from every state and Union Territory. Teams from Kendriya Vidyalayas, Navodaya Vidyalayas and Vidya Bharati institutions are also taking part in the Games, which will run from January 6 to January 11.

While addressing students, coaches and officials, Harjot Singh Bains outlined the sporting disciplines featured in this edition of the Games. He said that competitions include Under 14 judo for both boys and girls, Under 14 taekwondo for boys and girls, and Under 19 gatka events for both categories. He added that matches are being conducted at several venues across Ludhiana, including BCM Arya Model Senior Secondary School in Shastri Nagar, Government Senior Secondary School, PAU Ludhiana, and the Open Air Theatre at PAU.

Describing the occasion as a proud moment for the state, the minister said Ludhiana and Punjab were honoured to host such a large national event. He noted that nearly 1,000 athletes and over 350 coaches have travelled from different regions of the country, including Punjab, Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, Andhra Pradesh and the North Eastern states.

He also spoke about the arrangements made for the visiting contingents, stating that the district administration had ensured proper facilities despite the winter conditions. According to him, accommodation, meals and transportation have been carefully planned, while security has been strengthened through the deployment of PCR teams and the installation of CCTV cameras at all competition venues.

Highlighting the state government’s long term commitment to sports development, Harjot Singh Bains said the Punjab government under Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann is aggressively expanding sports infrastructure. He shared that construction of around 3,100 playgrounds across villages and urban areas is currently underway in the first phase, with the larger goal of ensuring that every village in Punjab has its own sports ground.

The minister also pointed to efforts being made to strengthen training and athlete support. He said coaches are being recruited in large numbers for sports nurseries focused on disciplines such as boxing, hockey and kabaddi. In addition, improvements have been made to players’ diets to help them train more effectively and deliver better performances.

Speaking about Punjab’s sports policy, Bains explained that the state has introduced a unique system of financial support. Under this policy, athletes selected for major international events such as the Asian Games, Commonwealth Games, World Championships or the Olympics receive financial assistance in advance. He noted that while many states reward athletes only after they win medals, Punjab’s approach of supporting players beforehand has led to a noticeable rise in medal tallies.

He further said that Punjab’s sporting legacy is being revived, pointing out that the Indian men’s and women’s cricket teams, as well as the national hockey team, are currently performing strongly under the leadership of captains from Punjab. The growing presence of Punjabi players in the Indian hockey team, he added, reflects the state’s steady return to prominence in the world of sports.

Several dignitaries attended the opening ceremony, including MLA Daljit Singh Bhola Grewal, Director Secondary Education Gurinder Singh Sodhi, Mayor Principal Inderjit Kaur, Senior Deputy Mayor Rakesh Parashar, Deputy Mayor Prince Johar, District Education Officer Dimple Madan and District Sports Officer Kuldeep Chugh, along with senior officials from various government departments.

Hope for Millions of Youth as Mann Government Transforms Drug De-Addiction With ₹67.49 Lakh Investment

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Punjab
Punjab

Punjab’s Social Security, Women and Child Development Minister Dr Baljit Kaur has said that the state government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, is pursuing its mission to make Punjab drug free with determination and long term commitment. She noted that the government has already taken several decisive steps, and their impact is now clearly visible at the ground level. To strengthen this drive, the state has invested a total of ₹467.49 lakh so far.

According to the minister, the fight against drug abuse is being carried out through a coordinated effort involving multiple departments of the Punjab government. These departments have jointly designed and implemented awareness and outreach programmes aimed at educating people, encouraging community participation, and building a strong social movement against drugs. Special attention has been given to children and teachers, with awareness initiatives rolled out across schools and educational institutions. Dedicated funds have been earmarked to ensure these programmes are implemented effectively.

Dr Baljit Kaur further explained how resources have been allocated across departments as part of the campaign. The Department of Health and Family Welfare spent ₹107.22 lakh on related initiatives, while the Department of Information and Public Relations invested ₹202.99 lakh in large scale public awareness efforts. In addition, the Social Security Department utilised ₹109.12 lakh to organise awareness camps in every district of the state.

She highlighted that drug abuse has inflicted the deepest wounds on Punjab’s youth and their families. Many mothers live in constant worry about their sons’ futures, children have watched hope fade from their fathers’ eyes, and countless homes have lost their peace and happiness due to addiction. Dr Baljit Kaur said the Mann government recognises this suffering and is approaching the issue not just through policy and enforcement, but with empathy and sensitivity.

Reiterating the government’s vision, she said the goal goes beyond eliminating drugs. The larger aim is to help young people rediscover their confidence, bring comfort to grieving mothers, and restore stability and joy to families across Punjab. She added that Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann remains firmly committed to ensuring that Punjab’s youth stay away from drugs and move toward lives defined by dignity, opportunity, and progress.

Under Mann’s leadership, the Punjab government is not only framing policies but also working to heal broken families and rebuild shattered dreams. The substantial financial commitment and close coordination among departments reflect a governance model focused on action and accountability, reinforcing the belief that Punjab’s future is now being steered in the right direction.