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News from October 6, 2025

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Police launch manslaughter probe into India’s cough syrup deaths

Police launch manslaughter probe into India’s cough syrup deaths

HYDERABAD: Indian police have opened a manslaughter probe into the deaths of at least 14 children linked to a toxic cough syrup, dealing another blow to the reputation of the country’s pharmaceutical industry after a string of similar tragedies in recent years.Most of the children were under the age of five and died of kidney failure in the past month after consuming cough medicine branded Coldrif Syrup. The syrup contained the toxin diethylene glycol in quantities nearly 500 times the permissible limit,according to a police complaint seen by Reuters.Diethylene glycol or ethylene glycol toxins were found in Indian-made cough syrups that have killed at least 141 children in Gambia, Uzbekistan and Cameroon since 2022, and another 12 children in India in 2019, damaging the image of the world’sthird-biggest drug-manufacturing country by volume.“All the children had early symptoms of common cold, flu or fever, and most were under the age of five years,” said the police complaint filed on Sunday in the central state of Madhya Pradesh. “Most of them were given Coldrif syrup, following whichthey suffered from urine retention and acute kidney disorder.”Toxin commonly used in Anti-freezeThe report said at least 16 children had kidney problems after taking the syrup, indicating the death toll could rise. It is already one of the worst such recorded cough syrup poisoning in India.Diethylene glycol, used in products from anti-freeze to cosmetics and lubricants, causes symptoms that the World Health Organization says may range from vomiting and abdominal pain to acute kidney injury, which can cause death.Police have named Coldrif manufacturer Sresan Pharma as one of the main accused and arrested a doctor who prescribed the medicine to most of the children.Sresan Pharma did not respond to a request for comment.Federal authorities said on Sunday they had recommended cancelling the manufacturing licence of Sresan, and several states have banned the syrup, which had been only sold in India, according to a government summary of the medicine’s sales seen by Reuters on Monday.Authorities in the southern state of Tamil Nadu, where Sresan is based, found the syrup contained 48.6% diethylene glycol, while tests in Madhya Pradesh showed 46.28%. The permissible limit set by Indian authorities and the WHO is 0.1%.The company faces charges of culpable homicide not amounting to murder, adulteration of drugs, and manufacturing, selling, or distributing cosmetics in violation of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, according to the complaint. If convicted, the company and its officials could face fines and jail terms of up to life.Reuters could not contact the arrested doctor who police said prescribed the syrup, named as Praveen Soni. He told local news channel NewsX on Sunday that it was “difficult to link the deaths to Coldrif because it had been prescribed for a decade”.‘More harm than good’India’s pharmaceutical industry, exceeded in size only by the U.S. and China, is valued at $50 billion. More than half of its value comes from exports, according to government data, with costs of manufacturing in India up to 35% less than the U.S. and Europe.India supplies 40% of generic medicines used in the United States, 25% of all those used in Britain, and more than 90% of all medicines in many African nations, according to health authorities.Since 2023 and following the overseas deaths, India made it mandatory for syrups to be tested at government-approved labs before export, though the same rule does not apply to locally sold products.Cough and cold syrups are mostly made with solvent propylene glycol, which is generally sold in two grades: pharmaceutical and industrial. The industrial grade is widely used in liquid detergents, antifreeze, paints or coatings and is always cheaperthan the pharmaceutical version.This is partly because it is not intended for human consumption and may contain more toxins. Reuters has reported how, in the past, industrial propylene glycol may have been used to make cough syrups.“Cough medications have minimal proven benefit in children but carry significant risks,” India’s health ministry said in a statement.

TGL's second season to tee off on Dec. 28
Dabang Delhi K C seal 29-26 win over Jaipur Pink Panthers in a thrilling encounter
Technology

Dabang Delhi K C seal 29-26 win over Jaipur Pink Panthers in a thrilling encounter

Hyderabad: Dabang Delhi K.C. continued to consolidate their spot at the top of the table, clinching another thriller against Jaipur Pink Panthers to register a 29-26 win at the SDAT Multipurpose Indoor Stadium in Chennai on Monday. With that win, the table-toppers completed the double over the two-time champions. In a match that saw the defenders dominate, Sandeep registered a High Five with seven tackle points, while Ashu Malik contributed with eight raid points. For the Pink Panthers, Reza Mirbagheri and Deepanshu Khatri recorded High Fives, with Aryan Kumar also amassing four tackle points. Unfortunately for them, that wasn’t enough to get their team over the line. Ashu Malik did what he does best, setting the tone for his team with a Super Raid to open their account with a three-point lead. Deepanshu Khatri registered the Pink Panthers’ first point with a tackle, and it was their defence that ensured they stayed in contention during the early exchanges. Despite not having his most efficient performance, Ashu Malik continued to chip away to ensure Dabang Delhi K.C. held onto their four-point lead with five minutes to go. A tackle by Saurabh Nandal built on that lead, but a Super Tackle by Aashish Kumar reduced the deficit back to three points for Jaipur Pink Panthers. A Super Tackle by Aryan Kumar gave Jaipur Pink Panthers an opportunity with only a point separating the two sides. In the end, Neeraj Narwal came in clutch with a tackle on Ali Samadi and then wrapped up proceedings with the final raid of the game, ensuring the table-toppers completed the double over their opponents with a 29-26 win.

Opinion: What India can learn from Jewish diaspora
Technology

Opinion: What India can learn from Jewish diaspora

By T Muralidharan Diaspora communities shape nations far beyond their borders. Among the largest and most influential diasporas in the world today are the Indians and the Jews. Both have left deep marks on politics, economics, and cultural landscapes in the United States and globally. Yet their experiences, identity negotiations, and power projection strategies have been remarkably different. The State of Israel and the Jewish diaspora have a symbiotic relationship. Diaspora Jews were central actors in lobbying for US recognition of Israel in 1948, in fundraising, shaping US foreign aid, and sustaining Israel’s international legitimacy. Over decades, institutions such as AIPAC (American Israel Public Affairs Committee) have given the US Jewish community a powerful lever in Washington. Founded in 1951 as the American Zionist Committee for Public Affairs, AIPAC today is one of the most influential pro-Israel lobbying groups — spending heavily in US elections, backing pro-Israel candidates, and influencing congressional foreign-policy outcomes. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s outreach stands out for its intensity. Flagship diaspora events (eg, ‘Howdy, Modi’ in Houston, ‘Namaste Trump’ rallies) aimed to mobilise global Indians aggressively. However, critics argue that the outreach is event-centric and lacks sustainability. Many in the Indian diaspora feel that India views them instrumentally —as useful for financial gain or soft power, but not as equal stakeholders. Migration, Settlement Jewish immigration to the United States came in successive waves beginning in the late 19th and early 20th centuries — from Eastern Europe, Russia, and Germany — often driven by persecution, pogroms, and forced displacement. Over time, these communities established roots and became multigenerational, resulting in deep institutional embedding in US life. The founding of Israel in 1948 created a powerful homeland focus that merged diaspora identity with a territorial nation. Indian migration, by contrast, is a more recent phenomenon. Until the 1965 US Immigration and Nationality Act, Indian immigration was severely restricted. After 1965, educated professionals began to come, and the wave accelerated further in the 1990s with the rise of IT, H-1B visas, outsourcing, and global mobility. Many Indian Americans today are first-generation, or at best second-generation, and a significant share remain on green cards or long-term visa paths rather than full US citizens. This time difference matters. The Jewish community has had over a century to build dense institutions, political networks, philanthropic structures, and a unified community identity. Indian-American institutions are still taking shape. The shorter time span means the Indian diaspora is less bonded, less institutionally mature, and more heterogeneous by language, religion, region, and generation. Contrasting Pictures The age profiles of the two communities further underline their differences. Indian Americans are strikingly young. Their overall median age is about 34, with immigrants averaging 40 years, while US-born Indian Americans have a median age of just 13.4 years — nearly 60 per cent under 18. This signals a second generation poised to shape American politics, economy, and culture in coming decades, if not now. By contrast, Jewish Americans have a median age of 49 years, with 29 per cent of adults aged 65 or older. This older age profile reflects a deeply entrenched community with generational wealth and institutional continuity. The extraordinary weight of Jewish diaspora in US politics, culture, and philanthropy is a remarkable case study on how a smaller, older, and wealthier group can exert disproportionate influence The economic profile highlights another striking difference. Indian Americans have the highest median household income of any ethnic group in the US at about USD 145,000 — more than double the national median. They dominate STEM fields, medicine, finance, and management. Jewish Americans report a lower median household income — around $97,000 — but they far surpass Indians in accumulated wealth. The median net worth of Jewish households is estimated at USD 4,43,000. Indian remittances reflect strong homeland ties, reaching USD135 billion in 2024. On the other hand, Jewish Americans channel wealth into US political funding and philanthropy directed toward Israel. Identity, Politics, and Lobbying Identity plays out very differently across the two communities. Kamala Harris, despite her Indian mother, rarely highlights her Indian heritage in political life. Nikki Haley, though of Punjabi Sikh origin, converted to Christianity early and downplayed her ancestry. By contrast, Jewish identity has been integral to political life in America. Jewish Americans openly embrace their heritage and have built institutions such as AIPAC, which has shaped US foreign policy for decades. Indian politicians have not systematically built a connection with the Indian diaspora. Barring Modi, most Indian leaders maintained weak ties with Indian Americans. The three longest-serving PMs — Jawahar Lal Nehru, Indira Gandhi, and Manmohan Singh — probably had more admirers in England rather than America. Israel’s early leaders, David Ben-Gurion and Golda Meir, institutionalised lobbying through the Jewish diaspora as a bipartisan, organised force with long-term continuity. Another key factor is the total alignment of Israel with the US. India’s multi-polar and independent foreign policy contrasts sharply with Israel’s, making lobbying among US Congressional leaders and Senators much more difficult. Race and visibility influence assimilation. Jewish Americans, largely of European descent, were historically able to blend into the white mainstream. Indians, by contrast, stand out more visibly, which can invite both admiration for their professional success and prejudice rooted in racial stereotypes. This visible difference adds complexity to Indian American integration in ways that differ sharply from the Jewish experience. Voices, Perspectives Congress leader Shashi Tharoor, having worked at the United Nations for years, notes India’s under-leveraging of its diaspora. Indian Americans often ask what India can do for them, whereas Jewish Americans see their lobbying as strengthening Israel. The gap reflects a lack of institutional support and narrative-building from India compared to Israel’s systematic diaspora engagement. The Jewish diaspora has long-established institutions, media lobbies, and think tanks in Washington. They have a media-savvy presence. Indian diaspora and India’s US-based advocacy are still maturing. Indian Americans seeking to influence US public opinion must often rely on niche ethnic media or social media to frame their narratives with little national visibility. Comparative Lessons The Indian and Jewish American experiences highlight contrasting strengths. Indians are numerous, young, and highly successful in income terms, yet they lack the organisational depth and political unity of Jews. Jewish Americans are fewer but older, wealthier per capita, and vastly more institutionally entrenched. For India, the lesson is clear: diaspora numbers must be coupled with narrative, unity, and institutions to convert potential into power. In conclusion, the Indian diaspora represents future potential, while the Jewish diaspora represents entrenched influence. If India invests in building institutions and systematic diaspora engagement, its young and successful overseas population could, in time, rival the Jewish diaspora in shaping global perceptions and policy. But the work must begin now. (The author is an Independent Journalist)

BFI Cup 2025: Ankushita Boro and Arundhati Choudhary win big in women’s finals
Technology

BFI Cup 2025: Ankushita Boro and Arundhati Choudhary win big in women’s finals

Hyderabad: Former Youth World Champions Ankushita Boro and Arundhati Choudhary were among the standout performers as the women’s finals concluded at the inaugural BFI Cup 2025 in Chennai on Monday. Ankushita (Assam) showcased her trademark aggression to edge Rajasthan’s Parthavi Grewal 3-2 in the (60-65kg) category, while Arundhati (Services) stamped her class in the (65-70kg) weight category with a commanding 5-0 win over Sneha (AIP). World Championships bronze medallist Parveen Hooda (SAI) also emerged victorious, defeating Priya (Haryana) 3-2 in the (57-60kg) final as the Elite Women’s competition crowned its champions across all ten weight categories. Other women’s finals saw Nivedita Karki (Uttarakhand) claim the (45-48kg) title with a 3-2 win over World Championships silver medallist Manju Rani (Railways), while Bhavna Sharma (Railways) outclassed Savita (Railways) 5-0 in the (48-51kg) weight category. Maharashtra’s Khushi Jadhav edged Divya Pawar (AIP) 3-2 for the (51-54kg) gold, and Himachal Pradesh’s Vinakshi Dhota defeated Mushkan (AIP) 5-0 in the (54-57kg) weight category. Monika (SAI) bagged the (70-75kg) crown with a 4-1 win over Nishu (Haryana), Babita Bisht (AIP) triumphed 3-2 against Komal (Punjab) in the (75-80kg) class, and Ritika (SAI) sealed the (80-80+kg) title by overpowering Shivani Tomar (AIP) 5-0. On the men’s side, S. Vishwanath (Services) entered the finals with a commanding 5-0 win over Gopi Mishra (Services) in the (47-50kg) weight category. However, Asian Games gold medallist Amit Panghal (Services) suffered a narrow 1-4 defeat to teammate Ashish (Services) in the (50-55kg) semi-finals, while World Championships bronze medallist Mohammad Husamuddin (Services) continued his fine run with a 5-0 win over Mitesh Deswal (Railways) in the (55-60kg) bout.

Pramod Bhagat wins triple gold at Abia Para Badminton International 2025
Technology

Pramod Bhagat wins triple gold at Abia Para Badminton International 2025

Hyderabad: Ace Indian para shuttler Pramod Bhagat continued his exceptional run of form at the 1st Abia Para Badminton International 2025, clinching three gold medals and reaffirming his dominance in the global para badminton circuit. The tournament was held in Abia from September 30 to October 5, 2025. Bhagat captured the men’s singles SL3 title, defeating compatriot Mantu Kumar in a thrilling final by 21-7, 9-21, 21-9. Displaying his trademark composure and tactical brilliance, Bhagat bounced back strongly after losing the second game to secure victory in three games. He then joined forces with Sukant Kadam to bag another gold, winning the men’s doubles by overcoming Peru’s Gerson Jair Vargas Lostaunaul and Diana Rojas Golac in straight games 21-13, 21-17. The duo’s seamless coordination and aggressive play proved too strong for their opponents. Bhagat’s third gold came in the mixed doubles SL3-SU5 category, partnering with Arati Patil to win another thrilling final, further cementing his status as India’s most decorated para badminton star. Speaking after his triple-gold-winning performance, Pramod Bhagat said, “Every victory motivates me to push my limits further. Competing at this level and bringing glory to India is always special. I’m proud of the hard work and the support team behind these wins.” Bhagat’s partner in doubles, Sukant Kadam, also expressed delight at their performance, saying, “Playing alongside Pramod always pushes me to bring my best game. Our understanding on court has grown stronger with every match. This win gives us great confidence for upcoming international events.” Apart from Bhagat and Kadam’s stellar performance, several Indian shuttlers impressed across categories. Ranjit Singh claimed three bronze medals — in the men’s singles WH1, men’s doubles WH1-WH2 (with Paramjit Singh), and mixed doubles WH1-WH2 (with Shabana). Nurul Hossain Khan bagged silver in men’s singles WH2, while Uma Sarkar clinched silver in women’s singles SL3. The pair of Arati Patil and Uma Sarkar secured bronze in women’s doubles SL3-SU5. Other strong performances included bronzes for Nilesh Gaikwad in men’s SL4, Kanak Singh Jadaun in women’s SL4, and a complete Indian sweep in men’s singles SU5, where Karan Paneer, Rahul Vimal, and Sativada took gold, silver, and bronze respectively. Bhagat’s triple triumph and India’s medal haul highlight the nation’s rising dominance in para badminton, setting a strong tone for the upcoming international season.

Editorial: Rich in carbs, poor in health
Technology

Editorial: Rich in carbs, poor in health

Carbs are the new age culprits. Coupled with a sedentary lifestyle, the consumption of a high amount of carbohydrates is playing havoc with public health in India. A shift towards diets dominated by carbs and processed foods is resulting in an alarming rise in obesity and diabetes. A study by the Indian Council of Medical Research-India Diabetes (ICMR-INDIAB) has cautioned against unhealthy eating habits as they are directly linked to a high incidence of non-communicable diseases like diabetes, obesity, and heart ailments. The findings, published in ‘Nature Medicine’, revealed that 62 per cent of calories for Indians come from carbs, with rice, roti, and sugar being the most preferred food choices. Nutrition experts recommend increased protein consumption for a balanced diet. The survey, conducted in association with the Madras Diabetes Research Foundation, covered over 1.21 lakh adults across 30 States and Union Territories. It found that carbs dominate Indian plates mainly in the form of white rice in the South, East, and Northeast, and wheat flour in the North and Central regions. Sugar intake was also alarmingly high, with 19 States and Union Territories exceeding safe limits. Millets, despite being rich in nutrients, were staples in only a handful of States, such as Karnataka, Gujarat, and Maharashtra. Researchers warned that India is staring at a crisis that begins at the basic level of how people put together their meals. It’s a unique paradox that malnutrition and obesity co-exist in the country as serious public health problems. While millions of children go to sleep with empty stomachs despite the country boasting of surplus food production, the changing eating habits and sedentary lifestyles are pushing millions of people, particularly in urban areas, towards obesity. Once seen as a problem of the affluent, obesity has now transcended economic and social barriers at an alarming rate. Multiple studies show that nearly 20 per cent of Indian households now have all adult members classified as overweight. The ICMR-INDIAB study linked high carbohydrate intake to a 15–30 per cent higher risk of type 2 diabetes, prediabetes, general obesity, and abdominal obesity. Importantly, even switching from refined white rice to whole wheat flour or millets did not reduce the risk if total carbohydrate intake stayed high. The survey also revealed that on average, only 12 per cent of calories came from protein, falling short of the recommended 15 per cent. Most of this protein is plant-based, coming from cereals, pulses, and legumes. The study provides yet another proof that rising prosperity does not automatically translate to a healthier diet. Indeed, what these findings make clear is that beyond tackling the recognised risks posed by overconsumption of salt-, fat- and sugar-laden ultra-processed, packaged snacks and drinks — increasingly evident across rural and urban parts of the country — there is an urgent need to address lack of awareness about the macronutrient composition of the average Indian’s diet.

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