-Press Information Bureau (Ministry of Health and Family Welfare)     Dr Harsh Vardhan, Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare, has asked for thorough streamlining of systems in the distribution of free generic drugs to government health institutions at all levels throughout the country. The Free Drug Programme's formal launch would be preceded by working out all logistical details with respect to procurement and distribution in consultation with the state governments. The...

-The Hindu   That over 27 per cent of tobacco consumers in India fall in the 15-24 year age bracket amply demonstrates how successful the tobacco companies have been in continually enticing the vulnerable sections of the population into the suicidal practice. The addition of new customers every year even as thousands of patrons die annually ensures that the tobacco companies' customer base remains wide and tall. If the global tobacco-related mortality...

-PTI   Bhopal: Madhya Pradesh registered a record growth at 24.99 per cent in FY 2013-14 in the agriculture sector, including animal husbandry. The agriculture growth rate was 20.16 per cent in 2012-13 and 19.85 per cent in 2011-12 in the state, according to an official release issued. "Madhya Pradesh has created history by posting the highest ever agricultural growth rate. As per the advance figures for 2013-14 released by Central Statistical Organisation...

-Mid Day   A visit to the APMC in Vashi revealed that calcium carbide - referred to as ‘carpet' by traders - which is known to cause cancer, food poisoning, nausea etc - is being used indiscriminately to ripen the fruit faster, so as to increase sales Think before you sink your teeth into those juicy, delicious mangoes. For, they could have been ripened artificially using calcium carbide, a deadly chemical that is...

-The Times of India   BHOPAL: Madhya Pradesh has created a record by posting the highest ever agricultural growth rate. As per advance figures for 2013-14 released by Central Statistics Organization (CSO), the state has clocked a 24.99 per cent agriculture growth rate. This includes animal husbandry sector. Madhya Pradesh was bestowed the prestigious Krishi Karman Award by government of India for last two years in a row in recognition of its outstanding...