EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
Punjab told to hand drug-murder probes to CBI
Home Minister Amit Shah urged Punjab to transfer investigations of two more drug-related murders to the Central Bureau of Investigation. He also set a political target to make Punjab “drug-free” by 31 December 2029, backed by a public tip line.
Government plans 8-day craft fair in Guwahati
The Social Justice ministry will hold an 8-day “Shilp Samagam” craft fair in Guwahati from 21–28 October. It will directly connect artisans (including Scheduled Castes, OBCs, safai workers and denotified tribes) with buyers and push sales through both physical outlets and e-commerce.
DETAILED NOTES:
Punjab told to hand drug-murder probes to CBI
What happened:
* Amit Shah said Punjab has already handed one drug-related murder probe to the CBI, and urged it to transfer the remaining two cases too.
* He said the Centre will pursue those involved “no matter how big” once the CBI takes over.
* He reiterated a goal to eliminate the drug trade in Punjab by 31 December 2029, and asked people to share information via the Narcotics Control Bureau’s toll-free helpline.
Why it matters:
* If Punjab transfers more cases to the CBI, it can change how investigations are run and may speed up or intensify enforcement.
* The “drug-free by 2029” target signals a sustained, high-priority crackdown that could affect policing, prosecutions, and local businesses linked to the drug supply chain.
Government plans 8-day craft fair in Guwahati
What happened:
* The ministry announced an 8-day Shilp Samagam Mela in Guwahati, running from 21 to 28 October.
* About 75 artisans (including 31 women) will showcase roughly 40 varieties of handloom and handicraft products.
* The fair will promote market access through direct selling and also highlight the Bharat-Tulip initiative, which supports selling through physical outlets and e-commerce.
Why it matters:
* It’s a direct push to improve income for disadvantaged artisan groups by connecting them with buyers rather than relying only on intermediaries.
* By combining in-person sales with online channels, it can help small producers reach wider markets—important for investors and businesses watching demand for traditional crafts.