-Hindustan Times A ban on slaughter doesn’t automatically lead to a flourishing cow population, an HT analysis of government data has found, with states like Madhya Pradesh — where cow killing is outlawed — reporting a more than 40% decline in their numbers in rural areas over a decade. Between 2003 and 2013, at least nine states registered a significant decline in the ownership of cows by the rural households, according to...

-IANS LUCKNOW: As many as 50 of the 75 Uttar Pradesh districts have been declared drought-hit, an official said on Thursday. The revenue collections in the affected districts would remain suspended till March 31, 2016, the official added. The decision was taken by chief minister Akhilesh Yadav after assessing detailed district-wise report of the drought situation. Among the districts declared drought-hit are Faizabad, Jhansi, Sant Ravidasnagar, Lucknow, Allahabad, Mirzapur, Ballia and Ghaziabad. Extensive relief measures...

-The Times of India NEW DELHI: In an attempt to ease norms for testing and introduction of new medicines in the country, the government has taken steps to fast-track approvals for clinical trials as well as launch of drugs already approved in other countries. Pharmaceutical companies planning to launch new drugs already approved outside India after conducting pre-clinical or toxicological studies on animals will not be required to repeat such studies in...

-The Hindu Beef production uses more water and land and emits more greenhouse gases than other livestock A recent recommendation of the World Health Organization (WHO) has declared red meat a carcinogen. Processed meats are the major culprit, and are a Class-1 carcinogen, which means that the evidence linking consumption to cancer is strong. Red meats are in a lower category, 2A, which means consumption is probably linked to cancer, specifically colorectal cancer....

-The Hindu Scientists raise concern over frequent and irresponsible use of antibiotics by animal farm industry Frequent and irresponsible use of antibiotics by the animal farm industry is leading to difficulties in treating common bacterial infections as well as post-surgery infections, a panel of scientists warned at a meeting organised by the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) on antibiotic resistance, on Tuesday. Dr. Chand Wattal, senior consultant in the Department of Microbiology...