Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday used the 137th edition of his monthly radio programme ‘Mann Ki Baat’ to highlight citizen-led initiatives and call for a collective effort to build a drug-free India.

During the programme, Modi drew attention to the ‘BharatRajya’ website, while also speaking about the need to strengthen public awareness and community participation in the fight against drug abuse.

The Prime Minister's message comes as the government continues to focus on preventing substance abuse, particularly among young people, through awareness campaigns and community-level interventions.

Modi Highlights BharatRajya

During his address, Modi highlighted the BharatRajya website as an initiative connected with India's development and public participation.

The platform was discussed as part of the broader theme of citizens contributing to the country's progress.

Modi has repeatedly used ‘Mann Ki Baat’ to showcase individuals, organisations and initiatives that he believes are contributing to social development.

By highlighting such platforms, the programme seeks to draw wider public attention to citizen-driven efforts.

Call for Drug-Free India

A major focus of Sunday's programme was the need to work towards a drug-free India.

Modi urged citizens to treat the fight against drug abuse as a collective responsibility rather than an issue that can be addressed only by government agencies.

He emphasised the importance of awareness and community participation in preventing substance abuse.

The call is particularly significant for young people, who remain an important focus of public campaigns against drug use.

Youth at Centre

The Prime Minister's message placed young people at the centre of efforts to prevent drug abuse.

Schools, colleges, families, sports organisations and community groups can play an important role in creating awareness about the consequences of substance use.

Public participation can also help identify vulnerable individuals and encourage people struggling with addiction to seek appropriate support.

The broader objective is to create social environments in which drug use is discouraged and healthy activities are promoted.

Community Action Needed

Modi's call for a drug-free India extends beyond individual choices.

Community organisations, educational institutions, parents and local authorities can contribute through awareness programmes and early intervention.

Sports and other constructive activities can provide young people with positive alternatives while strengthening community engagement.

A coordinated approach can also help reduce stigma and encourage individuals affected by substance use to seek help.

Mann Ki Baat Platform

‘Mann Ki Baat’ has been used by Modi as a platform to discuss social issues and highlight initiatives from different parts of India.

The monthly programme often features stories involving citizens, community organisations and local innovations.

Sunday's episode continued that approach by combining a call for social action with attention to citizen-led initiatives.

The programme also gives the government an avenue to encourage public participation around national campaigns.

Fight Against Addiction

Drug abuse can create social, economic and public-health challenges for individuals, families and communities.

Prevention efforts therefore involve more than law enforcement. Awareness, education, counselling, rehabilitation and community support are also important components of addressing substance dependence.

The Prime Minister's appeal for collective action reflects the need for multiple sections of society to participate in prevention efforts.

Families and educational institutions can play an important role by encouraging open conversations and seeking professional assistance when necessary.

BharatRajya and Public Participation

The reference to the BharatRajya website fits into the wider emphasis on citizen participation highlighted during the programme.

Digital platforms can help connect citizens with information, initiatives and opportunities to participate in national development.

The government's wider digital ecosystem has increasingly been used to encourage public engagement and showcase local initiatives.

The mention of BharatRajya during ‘Mann Ki Baat’ is therefore likely to bring additional public attention to the platform.

What Happens Next

The Prime Minister's call for a drug-free India places renewed emphasis on awareness and community participation.

Government agencies, educational institutions, families and civil-society organisations will remain important in prevention, treatment and rehabilitation efforts.

Citizens can contribute by spreading accurate information, supporting people seeking help and discouraging the normalisation of substance abuse.

The broader challenge will be converting public appeals into sustained community-level action.

News takeaway: Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted the BharatRajya website during the 137th edition of ‘Mann Ki Baat’ and called for a collective push towards a drug-free India. His message focused on public awareness, community participation and the need to involve young people, families and institutions in efforts to prevent substance abuse.

Govt Eases Kerosene Norms at Petrol Pumps Amid War Tensions

Central government allows kerosene sale via select outlets for 60 days to ensure supply reaches families hit by West Asia crisis

Lead Facts

The central government eased Public Distribution System (PDS) norms on Sunday, permitting kerosene sales at select petrol pumps alongside ration shops. State administrations will pick up to two outlets per district to stock and distribute up to 5,000 litres each. This 60-day relaxation addresses supply chain pressures from the escalating US-Israel-Iran conflict in West Asia.

Key Relaxations

Kerosene agents and dealers now skip licensing hurdles. Unloading rules from tankers have simplified, and petrol pumps receive temporary nods to store and sell the fuel. Officials aim to get supplies to needy families faster amid fears of broader fuel disruptions.

Sources indicated the move counters rumours sparking panic buying in several states. Government oil firms will ramp up distribution through these channels.

Supply Chain Background

Tensions in West Asia have spiked global crude prices from $70 to over $110 per barrel. India faces potential shortages in petrol, diesel, and LPG, though refineries run at full tilt with adequate crude stocks.

On March 27, the government slashed excise duties—petrol by ₹10 per litre to ₹3, diesel to zero from ₹10. This cushioned oil firms' losses of up to ₹30 per litre and kept retail prices steady.

Official Reassurances

The government stressed normal supplies across fuels. "Refineries operate at high capacity; no shortages exist," a petroleum ministry statement noted. Over 55 lakh LPG cylinders moved in a single day, with online bookings hitting 94%.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his March 29 Mann Ki Baat address, urged calm. "Global conflicts cause fuel worries worldwide, but India manages well. Trust official word, ignore rumours," he said.

Fuel Stock Status

Domestic LPG flows uninterrupted, with full CNG and PNG supply to users. An extra 48,000 kilolitres of kerosene—48 million litres—heads to states. City gas firms push piped natural gas for hotels and industries, now at 80% of normal levels.

Petrol pumps saw unusual crowds in spots, but authorities clarified ample stocks and called off panic purchases.

Impact on Public

Households reliant on kerosene for cooking gain easier access, vital in rural belts. The duty cuts and extra allocations blunt inflation risks from war-driven price hikes. Excise duty, a fixed per-litre tax on refined fuels, flexes to balance revenue and relief.

This public interest story eases daily burdens amid India news updates on global shocks.

Future Outlook

The 60-day window lets authorities test petrol pump sales. Extensions depend on West Asia developments. More PNG push and alternative fuels like coal aim to cut LPG strain.

As per reports, monitoring continues for trending news India on fuel lines. Government updates will track any shifts