Why in NEWS
The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment (MoSJE) held a national event on 26th June 2025 to observe the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, focusing on the theme “Break the Cycle. #StopOrganizedCrime.”
Key Concepts and Definitions
| Term | Explanation |
|---|---|
| World Drug Day | Observed annually on 26th June to raise awareness of drug abuse and illicit trafficking. Declared by the UNGA in 1987. |
| UNODC | United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, established in 1997; publishes the World Drug Report. |
| THC | Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol, the psychoactive component of cannabis. |
| NMBA | Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan, India’s district-wide campaign against drug abuse. |
News Details
On the occasion of World Drug Day 2025, the MoSJE reinforced India’s commitment to drug demand reduction and tackling organized crime. The 2025 theme emphasizes dismantling global criminal networks linked to drug trafficking. UNODC data shows a 20% rise in global drug use in the last 10 years, reaching 292 million users in 2022.
Objectives and Key Features
| Focus Area | Details |
|---|---|
| Theme 2025 | “Break the Cycle. #StopOrganizedCrime” targets long-term disruption of drug networks. |
| India’s Action | MoSJE leads prevention, rehabilitation, and awareness through campaigns like NMBA. |
| Digital Tools | NMBA App for activity tracking; NCORD and NIDAAN Portals for offender data. |
| Drugs of Concern | Cannabis, opioids, amphetamines, cocaine, and ecstasy. |
Significance
| Aspect | Insight |
|---|---|
| Global Concern | Drug use up by 20% in the last decade, according to UNODC. |
| Geopolitical Hotspots | Triple Frontier, Golden Crescent, and Golden Triangle remain drug trafficking hubs. |
| Legal Shifts | Cannabis legalized in Canada, Uruguay, and parts of the US, sparking debate. |
| India’s Strategy | Multi-pronged: awareness, rehabilitation, digital monitoring, and inter-agency coordination. |
In a Nutshell
Memory Code: “WDD 2025: World’s Drug Dilemma – Disrupt, Deter, Detoxify”
India’s observance of World Drug Day stresses global collaboration and national tech-enabled action to break the chain of drug abuse and organized crime.
Prelims Practice Questions
- Which organization releases the annual World Drug Report?
a) WHO
b) UNHRC
c) UNODC
d) INTERPOL - The Golden Triangle region associated with drug trafficking includes:
a) Laos, Myanmar, Thailand
b) Afghanistan, Iran, India
c) Peru, Chile, Bolivia
d) Brazil, Colombia, Venezuela - What is the main psychoactive component of cannabis?
a) CBD
b) THC
c) LSD
d) DMT
Mains Practice Questions
- (GS Paper 2 – Governance)
Analyze the role of digital initiatives like NMBA, NCORD, and NIDAAN in strengthening India’s fight against drug abuse and illicit trafficking. - (GS Paper 3 – Internal Security)
Discuss the challenges posed by international drug trafficking networks to India’s national security. Suggest measures to curb cross-border drug flow.
Answer Key for Prelims Questions
| Q.No | Correct Answer | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | c | UNODC releases the World Drug Report every year on 26th June. |
| 2 | a | The Golden Triangle includes Laos, Myanmar, and Thailand. |
| 3 | b | THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) is the active psychoactive compound in cannabis. |
