Testing lapses at pharma firms after cough syrup deaths
India’s drug regulator found that several pharmaceutical companies failed to test every batch of medicinal ingredients, as required by law, after at least 21 child deaths linked to toxic cough syrup.
Drug Controller-General Rajeev Raghuvanshi said inspections revealed serious lapses at plants previously flagged for substandard products, reported Reuters.
The warning follows global scandals involving Indian syrups tied to over 140 deaths in Gambia, Uzbekistan, and Cameroon since 2023.
Pharma firm owner arrested over children’s deaths
Madhya Pradesh police have arrested Ranganathan Govindan, owner of Tamil Nadu-based Sresan Pharmaceuticals, whose Coldrif cough syrup allegedly killed at least 21 children.
The syrup contained deadly diethylene glycol and caused fatal kidney infections, reported NDTV.
Govindan faces charges of adulteration, culpable homicide, and endangering children’s lives. The toxic medicine, sold in Madhya Pradesh, has also been linked to deaths in Rajasthan, sparking one of India’s worst drug scandals.
Zubeen Garg’s wife speaks after cousin’s arrest
After singer Zubeen Garg’s cousin, Deputy Superintendent of Police Sandipan Garg, was arrested in Assam on Oct 7 over the artist’s death in Singapore, Zubeen’s wife Garima said the two were close and she trusts the investigation, reported NDTV.
Zubeen, 52, drowned during a yacht outing in Singapore in September.
Assam’s Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said he will meet Singapore’s ambassador in India over legal cooperation.
Five people, including Zubeen’s manager and bandmate, face charges of murder and criminal conspiracy.
Seven swept away in Karnataka dam tragedy
A picnic at Markonahalli Dam in Karnataka turned tragic when sudden water release swept away seven people, including children, from Tumakuru district.
One man was rescued, while two bodies have been recovered. Police said the group of 15 was caught off guard as the dam’s siphon system released water unexpectedly.
Search and rescue teams continue to look for four missing victims.
Wildlife flee as floods swamp Bengal sanctuaries
Raging floods in West Bengal have submerged the Gorumara and Jaldapara national parks, forcing elephants, tigers, and leopards to flee, officials said.
Since Oct 3, at least 36 people have died in rain-triggered floods and landslides.
Forest Minister Birbaha Hansda said a herd of 30 elephants was seen escaping the deluge. Homes, tea estates, and roads across the Himalayan foothills remain severely damaged.
Landslide kills 15 in Himachal Pradesh
At least 15 people died when a landslide triggered by torrential rains buried a passenger bus in Himachal Pradesh’s Bilaspur district on Oct 7.
Three children were rescued alive. Rescue teams and villagers are still searching for survivors under debris.
Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu expressed deep sorrow. Frequent landslides and floods during this monsoon have already killed dozens across northern India.
Heavy rains devastate Darjeeling tea estates
Extreme rainfall and landslides have destroyed around 5 per cent of Darjeeling’s famous tea estates, officials said.
More than 950 hectares of plantations were washed away, severely affecting production in India’s premier tea region.
The floods, which also killed several people, have caused massive economic losses. Darjeeling, known for its prized brews, produces about 10,000 tonnes of tea annually across 17,500 hectares.
Pilots urge grounding Boeing 787s after malfunction
India’s pilot association has urged regulators to inspect all Boeing 787s after an Air India jet’s emergency power turbine unexpectedly deployed mid-flight to Birmingham on Oct 4.
The ram-air turbine activates only when power fails, but the aircraft landed safely.
Air India said systems were normal, yet pilots want a full electrical check. The airline currently operates 34 Boeing 787 aircraft.
Lawyer who threw shoe at chief justice unrepentant
Lawyer Rajesh Kishore, who hurled a shoe at Chief Justice B.R. Gavai inside the Supreme Court, said he has “no regrets”, claiming divine instruction after the judge allegedly mocked Sanatan Dharma (”eternal law” or “eternal religion”, which is the timeless, foundational spiritual tradition that encompasses Hinduism).
The Chief Justice remained unfazed and continued proceedings. Kishore was detained, while the Bar Council suspended him.
The controversy began over remarks about a damaged Lord Vishnu idol in Khajuraho.
US confirms Sergio Gor as ambassador to India
The United States Senate has confirmed Mr Sergio Gor, a close aide to President Donald Trump, as the next American ambassador to India.
Mr Gor, 38, will also serve as Mr Trump’s special envoy for South and Central Asia.
At his confirmation hearing, Mr Gor vowed to deepen trade and defence cooperation, while addressing “protectionist barriers”. He may assume office before the Modi-Trump meeting at the Asean summit later this month.
