6 dead after bridge collapses in Darjeeling amid heavy rain

Centre's big crackdown after cough syrup deaths in multiple states

Following multiple deaths in states including Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Kerala, the Central Drug Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) is initiating a crackdown on Cold Rift cough syrup. The central drug authority will direct the Tamil Nadu FDA to take strict action against the manufacturer after batches were found to be contaminated with high levels of chemicals like diethylene glycol. The action comes after the arrest of Dr. Praveen Soni in Madhya Pradesh for allegedly prescribing the syrup. An expert pediatrician advises caution, stating, “Indian Academy of Pediatrics has clear guidelines that cough syrup does not improve cough, first of all. So unnecessary use of cough syrup or overuse of cough syrup is just harming the baby more.” He recommends restricting the use of these syrups for children under five and opting for home remedies, noting that the blame for spoiled batches lies with the manufacturer, not the prescribing doctors.