Can India replicate the polio example in other health issues?

India has completed one year without a single case of polio and the WHO has said that other countries need to emulate.

Polio success: WHO says India no longer a threat

WHO India Representative Dr Nata Manabde has congratulated India on its no-new-polio cases milestone, saying that India was ahead of prediction. "It's a major milestone. India's ahead of prediction. It has made a huge difference. Two years India had the largest number of cases more than other countries put together. Size and scale were the challenge. India is no longer a threat to other countries," he said.

India marks first year without new polio cases

New Delhi: India has marked a significant milestone, with no new polio cases reported for one year. It's a result of a massive health programme,the routine pulse polio immunisation program. In the last few years India has mobilized 24 lakh volunteers and 1.5 lakh front line workers in an effort that's cost a 1000 crore rupees every year.

"It's a big milestone - considering that there was a time when India had more than 200 thousand cases every year," Joint secretary in the Union Health Ministry Anuradha Gupta said.

First drive: Skoda Yeti 4x2

We at Overdrive rather like the Skoda Yeti. Its diminutive size and full size price may work against it on paper but one drive and you're sold. Unfortunately most prospective customers give paper value considerable consideration and the Skoda Yeti never shifted the numbers it deserved to, in India.

The Yeti 4x2 is Skoda's solution to skimpy sales figures. It's a popular solution, knock off some unnecessary extravagances and slice off a considerable chunk of the price. The difficult bit however is to lose as little of that premium feel as possible; and Skoda have done a good job in that respect.

First drive: Nissan Sunny diesel

I am driving the Sunny and heading to Mahabalipuram, did I do this before? Yes just three months back, but it isn't sunny this time, it's actually raining and a cool wind is blowing. The car is a Sunny but it's the new diesel variant. The diesel was in the pipeline but Nissan have gone ahead and launched the car much before schedule. Not just that, the car makes its international debut in India. Makes sense since petrol here costs almost twice as much to the litre. But how does the car fare? Let's find out.

The engine used in the Sunny is a familiar unit now, the K9K common-rail unit co-developed by Nissan and Renault which is found under the hood of the Mahindra Logan, the Nissan Micra and the just launched Renault Pulse all producing 64PS of maximum power. Since the K9K motor ranges from 64PS to 110PS, the Sunny's engine gets an additional boost and produces 86PS at 3750rpm and 200Nm of torque at a low 2000rpm. Crank the engine and its quiet impression does make an impression. Vibration levels are low and the cabin is insulated well enough to keep the passengers guessing if it’s a diesel. Nissan has tuned the ECU in sync with Indian road conditions so there is hardly any turbo lag making it feel more like a petrol motor. The power delivery is smooth and linear making it ideal for driving in the city. The torquey nature of the engine gives the Sunny capability to cruise effortlessly at three-digit speeds.

Pranab Mukherjee takes a ride in the Reva NXG

New Delhi: A small electric-powered car was the cynosure of all eyes at the Prime Minister's Office at South Block where ministers had come for a meeting of the Union Cabinet.

Minister for New and Renewable Energy, Farooq Abdullah drove in the blazing green two-door Mahindra Reva NXG to attend the meeting.

TVS to launch four products in 2012

TVS Motor Company will be launching four new products in the fiscal year 2012-13, including two scooters and two motorcycles in the executive segment. The TVS Qube, shown at the Auto Expo 2012 will initially be test marketed before it is launched in 2013.

The new motorcycle which will be launched in June 2012 will have a 4-speed gearbox mated to an 125cc engine. The second bike which will be launched in December 2012, will be on the lines of Victor brand. The new Victor will have an advanced programmed ignition system. TVS claims that the new Victor will be more fuel efficient than before.

Mahindra to launch seven new products in 2012-13

Mahindra and Mahindra have announced at the 2012 Auto Expo that they will be launching a total of seven new products in the personal as well as the commercial vehicle segment.

The vehicles scheduled to be launched in the passenger segment are the SsangYong Rexton, compact SUV, Mahindra Reva NXR, Maxximo passenger van and the sub 4-metre Verito.

First drive: Renault Pulse diesel

Mumbai has a very love it or loathe it character. Locals love it and outsiders absolutely abhor it. Despite having moved here two weeks ago I'm still very much an outsider. I blame my pessimism entirely on the traffic that I secretly fear is draining the joy out of my job. After a particularly white knuckled drive in a Range Rover recently I seriously pondered the feasibility of ever enjoying driving again.

The Renault Pulse managed to assuage some of my apprehensions by proving to be an absolute delight to drive in the city. This is no surprise considering the Pulse is heavily based on the Nissan Micra. Revisions to the exterior account for the bulk of the changes. The changes are subjective; some may like the larger gaping grille and refreshed headlights up front but I lean towards the cute jelly bean shaped Micra. Renault has tried to pump up the aggression quotient but I'm not entirely sold.

Over 68 pc milk adulterated; contains detergent

New Delhi: A glass of milk a day used to be a good idea. But, if the latest round of tests by the Food Safety Standards Authority are anything to go by, it's only safe to drink milk in Goa and Puducherry.

A new report shows that in the first cup of morning milk, one is having a lot of things with milk, like starch, detergent, salt, glucose, urea and water, which also contains pesticides and other heavy metals.