-The Telegraph Meghalaya’s agitating social organisations today exhorted the state’s political leaders to ask the Election Commission to “exempt clauses” as far as enrolment of voters is concerned in view of the presence of a minority indigenous population. “It is a matter of political will. If our politicians are really concerned about the state, they should approach the Election Commission and seek exemption from the guidelines as far as registration of...

-The Times of India THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The National Bankfor Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) has unveiled an ambitious Rs 5,320 crore plan for various development activities in the state this year. The bank has allocated Rs 2,075 crore for short-term agriculture activities which can go up to Rs 2,600 crore depending on the successful operations of the co-operative banks in the state. "For long -term investment in rural sector, NABARD has committed to provide...

-The Telegraph Reclaimed from Maoists, the natural reserves of Saranda are up against unscrupulous adversaries. At least four mining firms have been extracting iron ore and manganese against their sanctioned capacities in this West Singhbhum region since 2008 right under the nose of the mines department and Jharkhand State Pollution Control Board (JSPCB). The startling fact came to light this January after the two laggard state Offices replied to separate RTI petitions filed...

Notwithstanding apprehensions expressed by rural development minister Jairam Ramesh on the proposal of giving grain as part payment of wages under the National Rural Employment Guarantee Act, food minister KV Thomas  on Sunday continued to support the idea. Thomas said, “There is enough surplus grain to be given to poor families.” In a recent letter to the Jairam Ramesh, Thomas had made the proposal, which he said would also help ease...

The implementation of Patents Act, as last amended in 2005, raises significant issues of immediate concern to patients across the world. INDIA'S Patents Act has an interesting history. Enacted first in 1911 as the Indian Patents and Designs Act in the colonial era, it primarily addressed the interests of inventors, who did not want their inventions infringed upon by anyone who copied them or adopted the methods used to make them....