VK News Today https://validator.w3.org/feed/docs/rss2.html Gemini Horoscope Today, June 27, 2026: Money may not shout today, but it behaves sensibly Quote of the day by British-American theoretical physicist Freeman Dyson: “We must be careful not to discourage our twelve-year-olds by…” Loss-making Air India stops crew laundry services on international layovers ICE agents visit New York woman over Instagram post in Renée Good shooting case, says she ‘doxed’ officer who killed her Drone drug trafficking cases up 100-fold in 5 years (File photo) NEW DELHI: The skies are the new frontiers in India’s war on drugs, as a 100-fold jump in drone trafficking incidents over the last five years has forced security agencies to confront a highly sophisticated, tech-empowered threat. The annual Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) data of 2025, unveiled by Union home minister Amit Shah, reveals a record 305 dronerelated cases yielding 468 kg of high-purity contraband, turning the skies above Punjab into the theatre of a rapidly evolving multi-front crisis. This represents a staggering 98% increase in contraband quantity over the previous year and a massive 100-fold increase in drone incidents since 2021, when only three cases were registered. The India-Pakistan border remains the hub of this aerial onslaught, with Punjab single-handedly accounting for 298 of the 305 drone-related incidents, primarily involving high-purity heroin and methamphetamine. Also, pharmaceutical drug diversion has experienced an overall 77% increase between 2021 and 2025. Yearly seizures peaked dramatically at 2,43,111 kg before settling down marginally at 2,37,390 kg. Punjab has become fertile ground for a dangerous “second wave” of substance abuse, leading all states with a massive seizure of 8,95,508 codeine-based cough syrup bottles alongside rampant illegal distribution of buprenorphine, tramadol andalprazolam. While skies are increasingly monitored, traditional land-based smuggling via courier and postal networks continues to present a stubborn challenge; despite a stabilisation in case numbers to 174 incidents, the volume of seized contraband through postal channels stood at 972 kg. The NCB report cites the growth of clandestine synthetic drug laboratories as well, even as it dismantled 30 secret manufacturing labs — surpassing the combined total of the previous three years — and arrested 102 individuals. Data reveals that these facilities, heavily concentrated across Maharashtra, Rajasthan, and Madhya Pradesh, were primarily churning out mass quantities of mephedrone, ephedrine, and illicit psychotropic tablets. To counter these sprawling networks, authorities have significantly diversified their strategy by cracking down on the international networks and financial backbones powering these cartels. As many as 747 foreign nationals were arrested for drug trafficking operations, with the highest concentration of operatives hailing from Nepal (203), Nigeria (146), and Myanmar (97). In tandem with these arrests, the NCB has aggressively pivoted from simple physical interdictions to a “followthe-money” enforcement strategy. Financial investigations escalated sharply to 1,356 cases, successfully freezing or seizing an unprecedented Rs 836 crore in cartel assets—a massive leap from the Rs 164.93 crore seized five years prior. This financial squeeze is reinforced by an aggressive deployment of the PITNDPS Act, under which preventive detention orders against high-level financiers and kingpins jumped more than sevenfold to 810 detention orders, cementing a systemic shift toward permanently dismantling the economic ecosystem of organised crime.Get the latest India news and live updates. Download the TOI App.About the AuthorRaj Shekhar JhaRaj Shekhar Jha is a journalist for the Times of India with over a decade of experience in reporting on national security, terrorism, crime and prisons.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosMaharashtra Govt Clears Ujjwal Nikam As Special Prosecutor In Ketan Agarwal Murder Case?Kejriwal Alleges Massive Embezzlement In Ayodhya Ram Mandir Donation RowWhy Did Bangladesh Choose Malaysia And China Before India?Why The Indian Army Still Relies On 60-Year-Old Cheetah, Chetal & Chetak Helicopters In Ladakh?Raut Backs Aaditya Thackeray’s Rise, Hints At Next Leadership In Party After Rebellion | WatchTrichy East Bypoll Buzz: DMK Chief Will MK Stalin Contest To Make Assembly Comeback?Major Anti-Naxal Success: Forces Recover Rs 24 Lakh, Rifles & Explosives From Maoist Dumps In BastarShashi Tharoor Raises Concerns Over Passport Status And Citizenship; Calls For Legal ReformKetan Agarwal Murder Case: Siya Goyal, Chetan Chowdhary Blame Each Other For ConspiracyOperation Amistad: India Airlifts Army Field Hospital, BHISHM Cubes Relief To Venezuela123PhotostoriesFrom sharing a PG with 5-6 girls, quitting her air hostess job due to back injury and facing a financial crisis: When Dipika Kakar spoke about her journeyFIFA World Cup 2026 underdog Cape Verde isn’t just making headlines on the field; where is it and what should travellers know10 baby girl names inspired by ‘legendary women’ in mythology across the world5 traditional things people used to clean utensils before dishwashing liquid existedMom-to-be Samantha Ruth Prabhu’s pink saree glow-up is the only fashion fairytale we’re here forRelationship lessons to take from Kajol and Ajay DevgnStunning pictures of Abu Dhabi’s Dar al Funoon ‘House of the Arts’Love quote of the day by Samantha Ruth Prabhu: ‘If you look for someone else to complete you, then it won’t go well’Monsoon Special: 9 deep-fried vegetarian Bengali snacks to enjoy with chaiYou share the bed, the house, but still feel empty? This silent syndrome could be wrecking your love life123Hot PicksIndia vs IrelandShamirpet TahsildarIndia Bullet trainFIFA world cup 2026India US Trade dealDelhi rape-murderMumbai local murderBrittany MahomesKetan Agarwal MurderTop TrendingDoug MartinShreyas IyerIndian Citizenship document proofFIFA World Cup 2026KEAM Rank List 2026Mumba Local Train MurderMEA PassportNandani BosmiyaMK StalinMumbai Local Train News Mithun Chakraborty and Sridevi ‘lived together as a married couple for three months,’ claims senior journalist: ‘Everyone knew’ Taurus Horoscope Today, June 27, 2026: Savings look better than risky moves today SIR now makes its way into NCERT Class IX textbook Japanese proverb of the day: “The reputation of a thousand years may be determined by the conduct of one hour” and a lesson in reputation, character and self-control | World News MHA moving fast to set up exclusive NDPS courts: Amit Shah | India News Burmese proverb of the day: “A real chilli, seven fathoms under water, will still taste hot” reminds us how true character shines through all situations Army, in coordination with IAF, launches Operation Amistad to rush medical contingent to quake-hit Venezuela NEW DELHI: Becoming one of the first responders to the devastating earthquakes that struck northern Venezuela, the Indian Army, in coordination with the Indian Air Force (IAF), has launched Operation Amistad, deploying a specialised medical contingent to support humanitarian relief efforts in the affected region.The medical team from 60 Para Field Hospital departed on Friday from the Hindon air force station and is currently en route to Venezuela aboard two IAF aircraft.In a post on X, foreign minister S Jaishankar posted, “Operation Amistad underway. Two IAF C17s took-off today for Venezuela with urgent assistance to support their post-earthquake relief efforts. The assistance contains an Indian Army Field Hospital Unit and over 35 tons of relief supplies, medicines and medical equipment, including two BHISHM Cubes. India is committed to support the Govt and people of Venezuela in this difficult time.”The contingent comprises 41 personnel, including nine medical officers, and is equipped to provide emergency medical care, trauma management, life-saving surgical support and other essential healthcare services to those affected by the earthquake.The team is carrying approximately 6 tonnes of medical stores and humanitarian relief supplies provided by MEA. In addition, one of the two aircraft is transporting a BHISHM Cube (Bharat Health Initiative for Sahyog, Hita & Maitri) under India’s Aarogya Maitri Project. The BHISHM Cube is a state-of-the-art, indigenous, rapidly deployable modular medical facility designed specifically for disaster and humanitarian response.Comprising compact, self-contained medical modules, it can be quickly assembled into a fully functional field hospital capable of delivering advanced trauma care, emergency surgeries, intensive care support and essential medical treatment for up to 200 patients. Equipped with portable ventilators, patient monitors, diagnostic equipment, surgical instruments, power generation and oxygen support systems, the BHISHM Cube significantly enhances India’s capability to provide swift and effective medical assistance during humanitarian crises anywhere in the world.The dispatch of the medical contingent under Op Amistad reflects India’s enduring commitment to humanitarian assistance and disaster relief and its readiness to extend timely support to friendly nations in times of crisis.Get the latest India news and live updates. Download the TOI App.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosMaharashtra Govt Clears Ujjwal Nikam As Special Prosecutor In Ketan Agarwal Murder Case?Kejriwal Alleges Massive Embezzlement In Ayodhya Ram Mandir Donation RowWhy Did Bangladesh Choose Malaysia And China Before India?Why The Indian Army Still Relies On 60-Year-Old Cheetah, Chetal & Chetak Helicopters In Ladakh?Raut Backs Aaditya Thackeray’s Rise, Hints At Next Leadership In Party After Rebellion | WatchTrichy East Bypoll Buzz: DMK Chief Will MK Stalin Contest To Make Assembly Comeback?Major Anti-Naxal Success: Forces Recover Rs 24 Lakh, Rifles & Explosives From Maoist Dumps In BastarShashi Tharoor Raises Concerns Over Passport Status And Citizenship; Calls For Legal ReformKetan Agarwal Murder Case: Siya Goyal, Chetan Chowdhary Blame Each Other For ConspiracyOperation Amistad: India Airlifts Army Field Hospital, BHISHM Cubes Relief To Venezuela123PhotostoriesFrom sharing a PG with 5-6 girls, quitting her air hostess job due to back injury and facing a financial crisis: When Dipika Kakar spoke about her journeyFIFA World Cup 2026 underdog Cape Verde isn’t just making headlines on the field; where is it and what should travellers know10 baby girl names inspired by ‘legendary women’ in mythology across the world5 traditional things people used to clean utensils before dishwashing liquid existedMom-to-be Samantha Ruth Prabhu’s pink saree glow-up is the only fashion fairytale we’re here forRelationship lessons to take from Kajol and Ajay DevgnStunning pictures of Abu Dhabi’s Dar al Funoon ‘House of the Arts’Love quote of the day by Samantha Ruth Prabhu: ‘If you look for someone else to complete you, then it won’t go well’Monsoon Special: 9 deep-fried vegetarian Bengali snacks to enjoy with chaiYou share the bed, the house, but still feel empty? This silent syndrome could be wrecking your love life123Hot PicksIndia vs IrelandShamirpet TahsildarIndia Bullet trainFIFA world cup 2026India US Trade dealDelhi rape-murderMumbai local murderBrittany MahomesKetan Agarwal MurderTop TrendingDoug MartinShreyas IyerIndian Citizenship document proofFIFA World Cup 2026KEAM Rank List 2026Mumba Local Train MurderMEA PassportNandani BosmiyaMK StalinMumbai Local Train News Farah Khan recalls defending brother Sajid Khan during his public fallout with Ashutosh Gowariker: ‘Sajid was always my responsibility’ | Hindi Movie News Indian-origin man Kishore Gujarati shot and injured in Portugal, probe underway Aries Horoscope Today, June 27, 2026: Keep your wallet closed today US, Israel & Lebanon sign trilateral framework deal after fifth round of talks Ontario launches three new pathways to PR: Good news for self-employed physicians Wig conspiracy behind Ketan Agarwal’s murder? Father says Siya Goyal’s family knew about his hair patch Korean proverb of the day: “Words have no wings, but they can fly a thousand miles.” – why it pays to think before you speak | World News PoK man caught near LoC | India News Horoscope Today: Daily astrological predictions for June 27, 2026 UK farms set to trial fertiliser invented by two PIOs Japanese proverb of the day: ‘Even the judgement of hell depends on money’ and the dark truth behind its chilling message Farah Khan recalls being ‘devastated’ after Akshay Kumar starrer Tees Maar Khan failed: ‘I got up from my bed only after one week’ New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani files motion to ban delivery app Motoclick; lawsuit says: Paying New York delivery workers poverty wages is … Turkish proverb of the day: ‘A single cup of coffee is remembered for forty years’ — A reminder that even smallest acts of kindness can outlive anything 120 against thousands: The incredible story of the Battle of Longewala Jersey Kebab CEO, married to US citizen, faces possible deportation: “I was 15 years old, I had no say’ For 7 new bullet train corridors, govt aims standard design for structures, tunnels | India News Norway vs France Live Score, FIFA World Cup 2026 Match Updates and Scorecard: Flawless France face high-flying Norway in blockbuster Group I finale Rangers trade Brett Berard to the Montreal Canadiens for William Trudeau | NHL News Is IShowSpeed collaborating with Virat Kohli’s One8? Here’s what we know about the viral claim MK Stalin (File photo) NEW DELHI: Former Tamil Nadu chief minister MK Stalin on Friday said no decision has been taken yet on whether he will contest a byelection to return to the assembly.His remarks came amid speculation that he may contest the Trichy East constituency, vacated by his successor and incumbent chief minister, C Joseph Vijay.Vijay, an actor-turned-politician, retained the Perambur constituency in Chennai and gave up the Trichy East seat, where he had also won, necessitating a by-election.DMK president Stalin, meanwhile, lost the Kolathur constituency in the April 23 assembly elections, which ended his party’s one-term government and brought Vijay’s two-year-old Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) to power.Besides Trichy East, bypolls are also due in Madurantakam, Perundurai, Dharapuram, Ambasamudram, and Viralimalai.The five seats fell vacant after rebel AIADMK MLAs resigned. All except Viralimalai MLA C Vijaybaskar have since joined the TVK, while Vijaybaskar is also expected to switch to the party soon.The by-elections are expected to be held within the next couple of months.(With PTI inputs)Get the latest India news and live updates. Download the TOI App.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosKejriwal Alleges Massive Embezzlement In Ayodhya Ram Mandir Donation RowWhy Did Bangladesh Choose Malaysia And China Before India?Why The Indian Army Still Relies On 60-Year-Old Cheetah, Chetal & Chetak Helicopters In Ladakh?Raut Backs Aaditya Thackeray’s Rise, Hints At Next Leadership In Party After Rebellion | WatchTrichy East Bypoll Buzz: DMK Chief Will MK Stalin Contest To Make Assembly Comeback?Major Anti-Naxal Success: Forces Recover Rs 24 Lakh, Rifles & Explosives From Maoist Dumps In BastarShashi Tharoor Raises Concerns Over Passport Status And Citizenship; Calls For Legal ReformKetan Agarwal Murder Case: Siya Goyal, Chetan Chowdhary Blame Each Other For ConspiracyOperation Amistad: India Airlifts Army Field Hospital, BHISHM Cubes Relief To VenezuelaRam Mandir Trust Chief Champat Rai QUITS On ‘Moral Grounds’ After SIT Probe & 8 Arrests123PhotostoriesFIFA World Cup 2026 underdog Cape Verde isn’t just making headlines on the field; where is it and what should travellers know10 baby girl names inspired by ‘legendary women’ in mythology across the world5 traditional things people used to clean utensils before dishwashing liquid existedMom-to-be Samantha Ruth Prabhu’s pink saree glow-up is the only fashion fairytale we’re here forRelationship lessons to take from Kajol and Ajay DevgnStunning pictures of Abu Dhabi’s Dar al Funoon ‘House of the Arts’Love quote of the day by Samantha Ruth Prabhu: ‘If you look for someone else to complete you, then it won’t go well’Monsoon Special: 9 deep-fried vegetarian Bengali snacks to enjoy with chaiYou share the bed, the house, but still feel empty? This silent syndrome could be wrecking your love life6 foods kings and royals in ancient India reportedly loved eating123Hot PicksIndia vs IrelandShamirpet TahsildarIndia Bullet trainFIFA world cup 2026India US Trade dealDelhi rape-murderMumbai local murderBrittany MahomesKetan Agarwal MurderTop TrendingDoug MartinShreyas IyerIndian Citizenship document proofFIFA World Cup 2026KEAM Rank List 2026Mumba Local Train MurderMEA PassportNandani BosmiyaMK StalinMumbai Local Train News ‘A series win over India would be pretty special’: Ireland captain Lorcan Tucker fires warning after historic Belfast triumph Mark Cuban to Anthropic, OpenAI, Amazon and other AI companies: It is a dumb idea to pay … EC to take call on whether TMC split makes for symbol dispute case | India News Shreyas Iyer joins Virat Kohli, Rishabh Pant and Shubman Gill on unwanted list after Ireland script historic upset | Cricket News India’s economy may grow up to 6.8% in FY27 as domestic demand stays resilient: EY ‘Thug Life Moments’: Tamil Nadu minister’s old IPL video sparks drug use allegations; he says crushing tablet was for daughter Jun 26, 2026, 22:30 IST ‘You can’t just turn up and win’: Shreyas Iyer’s blunt message after Ireland shocker ‘Foolish violation of ceasefire deal’: Trump says Iran hit cargo ship in Hormuz World champions’ curse strikes again as India suffer historic Ireland shock ‘100% tariff will supersede trade deals’: Trump threatens countries planning digital services tax on US firms Akshara Singh recalls Akshay Kumar shooting with 104-degree fever for Welcome To The Jungle song Ghis Ghis Ghis: ‘He loves his craft’ Travis Kelce dragged into bizarre theft scandal as police hunt lookalike over alleged purse robbery 86-year-old Canadian woman loses $900,000 in AI crypto scam she found on Facebook; friend says she nearly took her own life Devendra Fadnavis and Uddhav Thackeray NEW DELHI: The BJP was quick to dismiss speculation after party leader and Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadnavis and his political rival, Shiv Sena (UBT) president Uddhav Thackeray, were seen travelling on the same flight from Mumbai to Nagpur.Thackeray, a staunch BJP critic, was accompanied on the flight by his son and former minister Aaditya Thackeray, along with close aide and Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Raut. Nagpur is Fadnavis’ hometown.BJP MLC Pratap Lad downplayed the episode, saying political rivalry does not amount to personal enmity.”Although we are political opponents, we are not enemies. We do hold cordial talks. Despite the strained relations between the BJP and Shiv Sena (UBT), he (Uddhav) attended my daughter’s wedding with his family. We are not adversaries of each other. The CM is known for maintaining friendly relations across party lines,” Lad told a regional news channel.He also expressed surprise that Uddhav Thackeray had opted to travel on a regular commercial flight.”I am surprised that Uddhav Thackeray is travelling by a general passenger plane. Devendra Fadnavis regularly travels between Mumbai and Nagpur by air, so there is nothing unusual about his journey,” Lad added.The development comes days after six Lok Sabha MPs switched from Shiv Sena (UBT) to the Shiv Sena led by Maharashtra deputy chief minister Eknath Shinde, a BJP ally.Lad claimed the defections had been in the works for the past four months, while denying any BJP involvement.”The Lok Sabha members did not defect suddenly; the process had been underway for the last four months. The BJP has nothing to do with their defection. Thackeray may be disappointed by these developments, but I still saw a smile on his face,” he remarked.(With PTI inputs)Get the latest India news and live updates. Download the TOI App.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosTrichy East Bypoll Buzz: DMK Chief Will MK Stalin Contest To Make Assembly Comeback?Major Anti-Naxal Success: Forces Recover Rs 24 Lakh, Rifles & Explosives From Maoist Dumps In BastarShashi Tharoor Raises Concerns Over Passport Status And Citizenship; Calls For Legal ReformKetan Agarwal Murder Case: Siya Goyal, Chetan Chowdhary Blame Each Other For ConspiracyOperation Amistad: India Airlifts Army Field Hospital, BHISHM Cubes Relief To VenezuelaRam Mandir Trust Chief Champat Rai QUITS On ‘Moral Grounds’ After SIT Probe & 8 Arrests’You Have Two Days…’ Sonam Wangchuk Sets ‘New’ Deadline, Threatens Indefinite Hunger StrikeGovt Officially Reveals Names Of Six Soldiers Killed In Action During Operation SindoorNCERT Adds Section On SIR; Cites Manusmriti To Highlight Respect For Women In Vedic PeriodCM Yogi Targets Akhilesh, Says ‘Don’t Test Ram Devotees’; Warns Against Tarnishing Ayodhya’s Image123PhotostoriesFIFA World Cup 2026 underdog Cape Verde isn’t just making headlines on the field; where is it and what should travellers know10 baby girl names inspired by ‘legendary women’ in mythology across the world5 traditional things people used to clean utensils before dishwashing liquid existedMom-to-be Samantha Ruth Prabhu’s pink saree glow-up is the only fashion fairytale we’re here forRelationship lessons to take from Kajol and Ajay DevgnStunning pictures of Abu Dhabi’s Dar al Funoon ‘House of the Arts’Love quote of the day by Samantha Ruth Prabhu: ‘If you look for someone else to complete you, then it won’t go well’Monsoon Special: 9 deep-fried vegetarian Bengali snacks to enjoy with chaiYou share the bed, the house, but still feel empty? This silent syndrome could be wrecking your love life6 foods kings and royals in ancient India reportedly loved eating123Hot PicksIndia vs IrelandShamirpet TahsildarIndia Bullet trainFIFA world cup 2026India US Trade dealDelhi rape-murderMumbai local murderBrittany MahomesKetan Agarwal MurderTop TrendingDoug MartinShreyas IyerIndian Citizenship document proofFIFA World Cup 2026KEAM Rank List 2026Mumba Local Train MurderMEA PassportNandani BosmiyaMK StalinMumbai Local Train News Ireland stun T20 world champions India to script historic first-ever victory Married to an Indian, JD Vance tries to make India-hater Nixon great again