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The Bharatiya Janata Party is set to launch a massive yatra across Punjab against the menace of drug abuse ahead of the state assembly elections scheduled for next year. The campaign will cover all 117 assembly constituencies starting around September 18. The party plans to push a zero-tolerance policy against drug abuse, promising people to eliminate the drug problem once voted to power. Top party leaders, including the party president and Nitin Gadkari, are scheduled to participate in the yatra.

In an exclusive interaction with India Today Foreign Affairs Editor Geeta Mohan, Russian President Vladimir Putin's press secretary Dmitry Peskov strongly rejected American trade sanctions, terming them illegal, unfair, and unacceptable under international law. Peskov stated that attempts to limit international trade and threaten third-party nations for trading with Russia are unacceptable. He noted that while reaching a peaceful settlement remains the top priority, the issue of sanctions forms an integral part of broader discussions regarding a peaceful resolution around Ukraine. The statement comes ahead of the BRICS summit, highlighting Russia's ongoing engagement with India and addressing the impact of US measures on nations that maintain economic ties with Moscow.

The Haryana Youth Congress staged a protest in Chandigarh against the state government, marching towards the Chief Minister's residence from their Sector 9 office. Protesters raised objections over the Shuddhikaran controversy and the FIR registered against Rahul Gandhi following his remarks in Haldwani, Uttarakhand. They also demanded regular employment for Haryana Kaushal Rozgar Nigam workers. The demonstration witnessed high drama as the police deployed barricades, water cannons, and mild force to disperse the crowd and prevent protesters from laying siege to the Chief Minister's residence.

Punjab Civil Secretariat employees staged a strike against the Punjab government in Chandigarh over long-pending demands, including Dearness Allowance release, regularisation, full wages for young recruits, and allowances. The standoff continues despite High Court directions, with the state government approaching the Supreme Court. Protesting employees also demanded the withdrawal of punitive action and transfer orders issued following previous strikes. Employee representative Sukhchain Khaira stated that the administration must send a formal written invitation with an agenda to resolve the deadlock through dialogue, criticising the lack of meaningful steps on pay parity, full salaries, and benefits for retired personnel.