Latest news with #WorldDrugDay
United News of India
03-07-2025
- Entertainment
- United News of India
'We Believe KK Would Be Smiling Today' — The Team Behind Humein Asha Hai on Legacy, Hope, and India's First Music NFT
New Delhi [India], June 28: On June 26, the world heard the iconic voice of KK once again. In this exclusive conversation, the core team behind the release of Humein Asha Hai — composer and lyricist Rahul K, music producer Santosh Nair, and project producer Shree — reflect on the song, the cause, and the innovative technology that's changing the way we connect with music. 'Humein Asha Hai' brings back KK's voice after 17 years. How did this unreleased track come to light, and what made you decide to release it now? Yes, that's true. The track was recorded back in 2008 but was never released. We felt that now was the right time because the message of the song resonates more powerfully with the world today than ever before. Releasing it on the International Day Against Drug Abuse felt especially meaningful, as the song speaks to that very theme. KK cared deeply about this cause, and unveiling it today felt like the most fitting tribute to both his voice and his values. What was the emotional journey like for you while working with KK's vocals, knowing he's no longer with us? It was incredibly emotional. Hearing his voice in the studio again felt like he was right there with us — comforting, powerful, and full of life. It reminded us why he was so special, and it gave the project an energy that can't be explained. His voice still has that rare ability to move people. Was the song always meant to be a socially conscious piece? Or did its meaning evolve over time? Originally, it was written with hope in mind. But over time, its relevance deepened. The world has changed, especially in terms of mental health awareness and youth struggles. The song took on a larger meaning — it became more than just a melody. It became a message. Releasing it on World Drug Day adds powerful context. How do you see this song contributing to youth conversations around addiction and mental health? We hope it becomes a voice of empathy — a reminder that even in pain, there's light. We didn't want to preach. We wanted to comfort, to inspire. It's not just a song; it's a call for awareness, compassion, and healing. Rahul, the lyrics of 'Humein Asha Hai' carry both pain and light. How did you craft that balance? The song was inspired by my time volunteering with an NGO that rehabilitates street children affected by drug abuse. Their resilience deeply moved me. Even with so much hardship, they carried immense hope. I wanted the lyrics to reflect that — that hope and struggle often exist together. The message is simple: even in our darkest hours, we are not alone. Santosh, how did you approach producing a 2008 vocal recording while staying true to KK's original performance? The goal was to respect KK's raw emotion. I didn't want to overwhelm or 'modernize' it too much. Instead, I built around his voice using today's tools to clean and elevate the sound, but I made sure the soul remained untouched. His performance carried everything the song needed. This release is also India's first music NFT drop via Musecoinx. Why take that route? We wanted to celebrate KK in a way that bridges legacy and technology. Through Musecoinx, fans can actually own a piece of the song — not just emotionally, but digitally. It felt right for such a meaningful project. KK's legacy deserved something groundbreaking. What does Musecoinx represent for artists and fans going forward? It changes everything. We're moving from passive listening to active participation. Fans aren't just supporting the song — they're becoming part of its journey. They have a stake, they're building the legacy with us. It's emotional, and now, it's also empowering. Shruti Music School UK played a central role in this project. Why was that important? Shruti Music School is dedicated to nurturing talent and preserving musical heritage. By releasing the song through the school, it became more than just a tribute — it became a platform for music, education, healing, and social change. The school gave the project a heartbeat. If KK could hear 'Humein Asha Hai' today, what do you think he would feel? We believe he'd smile. Maybe even get emotional. This song stands for everything he believed in — honesty, heart, and hope. We hope the world feels what he always gave us: warmth, strength, and the courage to hope. 'Humein Asha Hai' is now streaming on all major platforms. Fans can engage, support, and even own a piece of the song through Musecoinx — India's first fan-powered music NFT platform.
United News of India
30-06-2025
- Entertainment
- United News of India
KK's Unreleased Song 'Humein Asha Hai' Launches Today – A Soulful Call to Hope and Healing
New Delhi [India], June 28: Today marks a deeply emotional moment for millions of fans as the voice of the late legendary singer KK (Krishnakumar Kunnath) echoes once again through the release of his previously unreleased track, 'Humein Asha Hai.' Recorded in 2008, but held close all these years, the song was finally released today — a powerful offering of hope, healing, and love from a voice that shaped generations. Launched purposefully on International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking (World Drug Day), the track speaks directly to those battling emotional isolation, substance abuse, and silent suffering. With stirring vocals and a message that transcends time, Humein Asha Hai is being celebrated not just as a song, but as a tribute, a movement, and a reminder of KK's unmatched ability to connect with the soul. 'KK gave his voice to this song not for money or fame — but because he believed in what it stood for,' said the team behind the release. 'This is his gift to those who feel lost. It's a message that you're not alone.' Crafted by composer & lyricist Rahul R and music producer Santosh Nair, Humein Asha Hai pairs KK's evocative voice with poignant lyrics and delicate instrumentation — including a soulful flute section by Paras Nath. The song was recorded at Joshua Studio Inc, Mumbai and the sound engineering was helmed by Saibu Simon. At its heart, the song speaks of darkness and recovery, sorrow and strength — mirroring the challenges faced by youth today. The song was released by Shruti Music School UK, a music institution known for nurturing cross-cultural and conscious music. Based in the UK and India, the school took on the responsibility of completing and launching the track with integrity and vision, turning it into a platform for awareness and engagement. In a unique technological leap, the launch also marks the first-ever song drop on Musecoinx, a blockchain-powered platform aimed at deepening artist-fan relationships. Musecoinx enables fans to participate in song campaigns in meaningful ways — emotionally and financially — through Web3 tools. It brings artists and fans together in one ecosystem where community, engagement, and shared success are at the core. 'India has no shortage of loyal fans. What we've lacked is structured engagement. This platform helps us take KK's message forward in a way that involves the fans — they're not just listening; they're part of the legacy.' The song's release has ignited a wave of emotion across social media, with fans calling it 'goosebumps-inducing,' 'a reminder of what real music sounds like,' and 'KK's voice bringing light once again.' As the world listens to Humein Asha Hai today, it becomes clear — this is more than a song. It is a bridge between past and present, pain and recovery, memory and movement. If you object to the content of this press release, please notify us at We will respond and rectify the situation within 24 hours.
Observer
26-06-2025
- Health
- Observer
Global problem of drug abuse is a multifaceted challenge
Muscat: As the world marked the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking on Thursday, the problem continues to harm societies worldwide, impacting even younger people. The UN, supported by individuals, communities and various organisations globally, aims to raise awareness of the significant issue that drugs pose to society. The International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, also known as World Drug Day, is observed on June 26 every year. In Oman, ongoing efforts are being made to combat the spread of drugs and psychotropic substances. The Ministry of Health, in collaboration with the National Committee for Narcotics and Psychoactive Substances (NCNPS), organises competitions for community projects aimed at reducing drug and psychoactive substance abuse. The community-based initiative has been successful. Last year, in its third edition, 28 projects participated, with 19 projects qualifying for the competition. According to experts, what makes drugs fatal is addiction. Dr Hamed al Sinawi, Senior Psychiatrist at Sultan Qaboos University Hospital, stated, "Illicit drug use is an international problem that claims the lives of thousands of people worldwide." He emphasised that this year's campaign aims to raise awareness about treating people who use drugs with respect and empathy. Providing evidence-based, voluntary services, offering alternatives to punishment, prioritising prevention and leading with compassion are crucial aspects of the campaign. Dr Hamed pointed out that the negative impact of drug addiction extends beyond the individuals addicted to drugs to the entire community. He stressed that addressing illicit drug use is everybody's business. Dr Rajshree Narayankutty, a surgeon, highlighted the importance of parents having open conversations with their children to prevent drug abuse. The global problem of drug abuse is a multifaceted challenge that impacts millions of people worldwide. The UN emphasises the need for a scientific, evidence-based approach that prioritises prevention and treatment. This year's campaign, titled "Break the cycle. #StopOrganizedCrime," calls for investment in prevention and addressing root causes to break the cycle of organised crime and drug trafficking.
eNCA
26-06-2025
- Health
- eNCA
The fight against drug use
JOHANNESBURG - As the world marks World Drug Day, officially known as the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, the spotlight is glaring on a global crisis. It's looking at the devastating impact of substance abuse, particularly across African communities. The drug crisis continues to tear apart families, schools, and communities with terrifying consequences. But there's hope: the World Changers Candidate, a South African non-profit organisation, is confronting this head-on, working at grassroots level to tackle addiction and its cruel ripple effects.
TimesLIVE
26-06-2025
- Health
- TimesLIVE
UN flags cannabis explosion in Africa on World Drug Day
The UN's 2025 World Drug Report, released on Thursday, reveals that 244-million people used cannabis in 2023, making it by far the most widely used drug globally. That figure represents 4.6% of the world's population aged between 15 and 64. According to the report, cannabis use has increased by 34% over the past decade, with the highest rates seen in North America, where 20.2% of people used cannabis last year. This information comes as the world marks International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, commonly known as World Drug Day. The day, which is observed annually on June 26, raises awareness of the global drug crisis and calls for multilateral co-operation in prevention, treatment and rehabilitation. The theme for 2025, 'Break the Cycle. #StopOrganisedCrime,' urges long-term, focused action to disrupt the deadly link between drug trafficking and organised crime, both of which fuel violence, corruption and regional instability. The report revealed that about one woman for every nine men uses cannabis, highlighting a significant gender disparity in consumption patterns. It also showed that Southern, West and Central Africa recorded especially high use of cannabis, with about 10% of the population aged 15—64 reporting cannabis use in the past year. The report revealed that Africa also accounts for a large share of global drug enforcement activity. 'Africa accounted for 44% of the total cannabis herb and resin seized worldwide in 2023, ahead of the Americas, Asia and Europe,' the report stated. It said that cannabis remains the most common drug behind treatment admissions across the continent. 'Cannabis remains the main drug of concern for 32% of people in treatment in Africa. The majority of those seeking treatment for drug use disorders in Africa are under the age of 35, with cannabis and opioids being the substances most often involved,' the UN said. Africa is also a significant trafficking corridor with West Africa for cocaine, East Africa for heroin, and much of the continent for cannabis, which is largely produced in the region. The UN report estimated that 316-million people worldwide used a drug (excluding alcohol and tobacco) in 2023, which is 6% of the global population and up from 5.2% in 2013. The report broke down other uses of substance abuse in the world showing that 61-million used opioids, 31-million used amphetamines, 25-million used cocaine and 21-million used ecstasy-type substances. Among women globally, drug use rates show that 24% used cannabis, 14% used opioids, 25% used cocaine, 29% used amphetamines and 32% used ecstasy. 'Cannabis accounts for a substantial share of drug-related harm globally. An estimated 42% of drug use disorder cases worldwide are cannabis use disorders. In 2023, 41% of countries reported cannabis as the main drug of concern for people in drug treatment,' the report said. South Africa has seen its own dramatic changes, as in 2023 authorities destroyed large quantities of seized drugs, including 700kg of cannabis with a street value of R21m, intercepted in Durban Harbour. These enforcement actions are occurring alongside major legal shifts as in 2018 a Constitutional Court ruling decriminalising private use, possession and cultivation of cannabis in South Africa. The Cannabis for Private Purposes Act of 2024 formalised the legal framework around personal use. And recently as a response to public pressure, the government also lifted its ban on cannabis and hemp foodstuffs, a move welcomed by civil society groups and the local cannabis industry after the health minister Aaron Motsoaledi had temporarily banned it.
