Drinking habit among children during Christmas, New Year rising: Survey

December 26, 2015

Bengaluru, Dec 26: Youngsters are taking to drinking at a younger age now, much below 18 years, a trend which is more visible during the festive season of Christmas and New Year, according to a survey.

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The survey, conducted by Assocham Social Development Foundation, noted that peer pressure, increased media exposure, the trending culture of eating out and more disposable money in the hands of youngsters are the principle reasons for under-age drinking.

It found that school children, aged 14 onwards, in big cities like Bengaluru, Delhi-NCR, Mumbai, Chennai, Hyderabad, Goa and Chandigarh, get into the drinking habit.

More than 1,770 youngsters, aged between 14 to 29, participated in the survey. Most of the respondents were from affluent families from Mumbai, Goa, Cochin, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, Kolkata, Delhi-NCR, Chandigarh, Bengaluru and Dehradun.

A quarter of participants in the big cities said that they spend between Rs. 2,000 and Rs. 10,000 on alcohol during Christmas and New Year’s Eve celebrations.

The study found, besides Goa, consumption of liquor is more in vogue in Delhi-NCR region, followed by Mumbai, Bengaluru and Chandigarh.

While majority of the juvenile drinking is found among boys, girls too are taking to it in big numbers, largely due to peer pressure.

About 69 per cent of youngsters between the age group 20 to 29 admitted to binge drinking during the New Year season, with men more likely to drink than women, the survey found.

“Over 52 per cent of teens who admitted to drinking said they took to liquor when they were upset; eight per cent said they drink alone; two per cent said they drink when they were bored; and 47 per cent said they drink to get high,” the survey said.

The survey pointed out that low pricing, a lack of standardised proof of age schemes and poor enforcement makes it easy for retailers to sell to underage kids.

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News Network
December 15,2025

Mangaluru police have arrested a 27-year-old NRI on his return from Saudi Arabia in connection with an Instagram post allegedly containing derogatory and provocative remarks about the Hindu religion, officials said on Monday.

The accused, Abdul Khader Nehad, a resident of Ulaibettu in Mangaluru, was working in Saudi Arabia when the post was uploaded, police said.

A suo motu case was registered at the Bajpe police station on October 11 after an allegedly offensive post circulated from the Instagram account ‘team_sdpi_2025’. Police said the content was flagged for being provocative and derogatory in nature.

During the investigation, technical analysis traced the Instagram post to Nehad, who was residing abroad at the time, a senior police officer said. Based on these findings, a Look Out Circular (LOC) was issued against him.

On December 14, Nehad arrived from Saudi Arabia at Calicut International Airport in Kerala, where he was taken into custody on arrival. Police said further investigation is underway.

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News Network
December 15,2025

Udupi, Dec 15: What was meant to be a post-pilgrimage gathering turned tragic in Padukere village of Brahmavar taluk, Udupi district, late Sunday night, when a clash among youths escalated into a fatal assault, leaving one man dead.

The victim has been identified as 30-year-old Santosh Mogaveera, a resident of Padukere.

According to preliminary information, the incident took place during a late-night drinking party involving a group of local youths who had recently returned after completing their pilgrimage to the Sabarimala shrine. An argument reportedly broke out among the group and soon escalated into a violent confrontation.

During the ensuing brawl, Santosh Mogaveera was allegedly assaulted and collapsed at the spot after sustaining serious injuries. He was rushed by local residents to a private hospital in Brahmavar, where doctors declared him dead.

On receiving information, senior police officials, including Brahmavar Circle Inspector Gopikrishna, Kota Police Sub-Inspector Praveen Kumar T, Station ASI Manthesh Jabagoudar, and head constables Pradeep and Ashok, visited the spot and conducted an inspection.

Police have taken four youths into custody in connection with the incident. A case has been registered at the Kota police station, and further investigation is underway to ascertain the exact sequence of events leading to the death.

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News Network
December 17,2025

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Melkar, Dec 17: The 17th Annual Day and Graduation Ceremony of Melkar Women’s PU and Degree College, themed “Fusion-2K25,” was celebrated with dignity and enthusiasm, marking a significant milestone in the institution’s academic journey. The programme reflected the college’s steadfast commitment to academic excellence, character building, and the holistic development of students.

The event was inaugurated by Mr. Asif Mohammed, whose presence greatly enriched the occasion. The celebration was further graced by the chief guests Mr. P. B. Ahmed Mudassir and Mr. Nissar Fakeer Mohammed, along with the distinguished guests of honour Mr. B. A. Nazeer and Mr. Ibrahim Gadiyar. In their inspiring addresses, the guests encouraged the graduating students and appreciated the dedicated efforts of the management, faculty, and students.

The annual report was presented by the Principal, Mr. Abdul Majeed S, highlighting the institution’s academic progress, notable achievements, and extracurricular accomplishments during the academic year.

The presidential address was delivered by the esteemed Chairman of Melkar Women’s PU and Degree College, Dr. Haji S. M. Rasheed, who emphasized the vital role of education in empowering women and shaping responsible citizens. He also stressed the importance of discipline, dedication, and perseverance in achieving success.

Cultural programmes and academic recognitions formed an integral part of the celebration, showcasing the talents and achievements of the students. The graduation ceremony was a proud moment for the outgoing students as they were formally conferred degrees and wished success in their future endeavours.

Ms. Mashmooma Fathima served as the Master of Ceremonies. The welcome address was delivered by Ms. Fathima Nida, and the programme concluded with a vote of thanks proposed by Ms. Ayisha Suhana.

The event successfully achieved its objectives and was highly appreciated by the guests and attendees.

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