BT damage: Thirty per cent cottonseed pods of Bt cotton were damaged in Pakistan's southern Punjab cotton belt due to water shortage. Indus River System Authority released only 5,000 cusecs of water against a demand of 18,000 cusecs by the Punjab government. As a result, the canals had 40 per cent less water; tubewells were rendered useless due to long power cuts.
Toxic Cough syrup: At Least 25 children aged between one and five died in Bangladesh after consuming toxin-laced paracetamol syrup. A local drug firm added diethyl glycol, used in the textile dyeing, to the syrup. The chemical is 10 times cheaper than propylene glycol, used as a solvent in the syrup.
We are a voice to you; you have been a support to us. Together we build journalism that is independent, credible and fearless. You can further help us by making a donation. This will mean a lot for our ability to bring you news, perspectives and analysis from the ground so that we can make change together.
.png)
Comments are moderated and will be published only after the site moderator’s approval. Please use a genuine email ID and provide your name. Selected comments may also be used in the ‘Letters’ section of the Down To Earth print edition.