Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the nationwide 'Nasha Mukt Yuva for Viksit Bharat Sankalp Abhiyan' to empower India's youth against substance abuse, while Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar urged activists to call off the August 13 bandh over the Cauvery water-sharing dispute.What is the Nationwide 'Nasha Mukt Yuva' Campaign?Prime Minister Narendra Modi virtually inaugurated the 'Nasha Mukt Yuva for Viksit Bharat Sankalp Abhiyan', calling upon more than one crore young citizens across India to take a active pledge against drug addiction. Highlighting that a developed India (Viksit Bharat) relies heavily on physically and mentally fit youth, the Prime Minister warned that substance abuse offers only temporary highs while destroying long-term careers and families. He emphasized that hostile external forces attempt to use narcotics as a tool to undermine the nation's demographic potential.The initiative marks the launch of a 100-week nationwide Jan Bhagidari (public participation) movement. Every Sunday for the next 100 weeks, community outreach events—ranging from walkathons, sports matches, and art competitions to yoga and street plays—will be organized in schools, universities, and local neighborhoods to foster drug-free environments. PM Modi also appealed to society to destigmatize individuals recovering from addiction, urging families and communities to extend support and medical help rather than isolation.Why is Karnataka’s Chief Minister Urging a Bandh Withdrawal?Simultaneously in South India, Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar publicly appealed to pro-Kannada organizations and farmers' unions to withdraw their proposed statewide bandh scheduled for August 13. The bandh call was issued by activists in response to the Cauvery Water Management Authority (CWMA) upholding an order to release 3,500 cusecs of water daily to Tamil Nadu.Addressing reporters following an all-party meeting, Shivakumar pointed out that a statewide shutdown would disrupt schools, local trade, and public services without yielding tangible benefits. He emphasized that recent heavy rainfall in the catchment regions of Kodagu has caused reservoirs like Kabini to fill up, leading to natural water overflows. As a result, the state government is managing drinking water priorities while remaining committed to safeguarding farmers' agricultural needs within legal frameworks.How is the Inter-State Cauvery Dispute Being Managed?To ensure regional harmony, Karnataka leaders reached out to Tamil Nadu leadership, requesting Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay to defer his scheduled visit to Bengaluru to facilitate discussions in a more conducive atmosphere. Shivakumar reaffirmed that the Karnataka state administration is consulting legal experts and agricultural scientists to continuously evaluate water storage and present the state's case effectively before the Supreme Court and water management authorities.also read : Aung San Suu Kyi Meets Red Cross Representative in Myanmar
