Five must-read stories—March 6

Demonetisation: Cement production set for first decline in 15 years

Cement production in 2016-17 is likely to see a year-on-year (y-o-y) decline for the first time since 2001 as the November 8 demonetisation hit the building sector. Its volume in January fell about 13% year-on-year, the first such decline since January 2001, says Mint quoting analysts.

More than 30% of India’s youth not in employment, shows OECD report

Over 30% of youth aged 15-29 in India are not in employment, education or training (NEETs), according to the Organisation of Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD). This is more than double the OECD average and almost three times that of China reports Mint.

India runs out of life-saving HIV drug for children

Stocks of Lopinavir syrup — a child friendly HIV drug — ran out after Cipla, the sole manufacturer of the drug, stopped manufacturing it over the issue of non-payment from the Health Ministry, reports The Hindu. Seeking help, 637 children living with HIV (CLHIV) have written to PM Narendra Modi.

PIL can’t challenge financial decisions: Reserve Bank of India

The RBI has urged the Delhi High Court to dismiss a Public interest litigation (PIL) against surcharge on credit/debit card transactions. It has argued that the tool of PIL cannot be used as a "weapon to challenge financial or economic decisions", reports The Times of India.

Centre to rope in NGOs afresh for social schemes

In a tactical change in its strategy, the Modi government has now decided to rope in non-governmental organisations (NGOs) afresh for implementing social sector schemes, reports The Tribune.