Stories from New Delhi · India

India has banned 16 fixed-dose combination drugs across the country, citing a lack of therapeutic justification and potential health risks. The prohibition is effective immediately. This decision aims to improve patient safety and rational drug use. The affected drugs include common painkillers and antibiotics. This regulatory action aims to address concerns about drug safety and efficacy. The government stated the ban is necessary to protect public health and ensure the efficacy of treatments. The list of banned drugs includes many commonly prescribed medications.

The father of an Indian sailor has appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for assistance. The appeal concerns the sailor's situation, details of which are not specified. The specific nature of the sailor's predicament and the father's request remain unclear.

KKR is reportedly looking to acquire at least a $1 billion stake in Medicover's India hospital arm. Investment firm KKR is reportedly considering acquiring a stake in Medicover's hospital operations in India. This potential deal could significantly impact the Indian healthcare sector. Negotiations are said to be in early stages. The financial terms of the potential deal were not disclosed.

Canada Pension Plan Investment Board's CPP Investments has committed up to $741 million US to Indian data center operator CtrlS. The investment is a bet on India's growing role in cloud and AI infrastructure.

A sport utility vehicle priced at ₹10.79 lakh has outsold models like the Scorpio, Thar, and Victors in India. The SUV has been a customer favorite for 10 years. A specific SUV model has outsold the Scorpio and Thar in India's automotive market. This sales performance indicates a shift in consumer preference within the Indian automotive market.

India has temporarily blocked the messaging app Telegram due to concerns about exam fraud. The government fears the platform is being used to facilitate cheating in medical and dental admissions tests. The government is taking measures to prevent cheating in upcoming examinations. Specific exams were not named. This action impacts Telegram users in India. The block was implemented on Tuesday. The government aims to prevent the misuse of the platform for illicit activities. The government cited concerns over exam fraud and the app's alleged role in facilitating it. The government stated that the platform was being used to facilitate cheating and leak examination papers. This action follows previous warnings to the app.

An Indian ascetic has been standing continuously for five years, leading to severe swelling and darkening of his legs. An Indian ascetic has reportedly stood for five years without sitting or lying down, resulting in swelling of his legs. The individual's prolonged standing is a form of extreme devotion. His legs have reportedly swollen significantly due to the prolonged standing.

The review will assess the appropriateness of the current sentence.

India has approved regulations allowing the use of E100 fuel in road vehicles. This move is expected to reduce the country's reliance on imported fossil fuels. The implementation timeline for E100 fuel availability is expected soon. This fuel blend contains 100% ethanol. This move is part of the country's push towards cleaner energy alternatives. This decision supports the increased blending of ethanol in gasoline. The move is expected to have environmental and economic implications. The widespread adoption of E100 could significantly impact the automotive sector.

The Indian Council of Medical Research and the Gates Foundation have launched a challenge with a prize of 1 crore rupees to combat anaemia. Specifics of the challenge are pending. This program aims to address the issue of anaemia in India. Funding details for the challenge were not disclosed. The program aims to address anaemia in New Delhi. India and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation have launched a new initiative to combat anemia. This challenge aims to address the widespread health issue through collaborative efforts and innovative solutions.