-The Economic Times PUNE: The seemingly inexorable rise in the price of dal was unabated on Thursday with some experts predicting that tur, urad and moong—staples of Indian households—could remain beyond the reach of consumers through Diwali and Christmas.  With wholesale prices having risen by about 18% in a week and crossing the Rs 190/kg mark, end consumers may have to pay as much as Rs 200/kg for dal in a few...

-PTI BHUBANESWAR: A day after chief minister Naveen Patnaik announced Rs 1,000 crore package for farmers hit by drought conditions in 12 districts, Odisha government today identified four more districts facing water scarcity.  "Reports received from field level say that crop loss to the extent of 33 per cent and above have also been been experienced in 16 more blocks spread over four districts like Balangir, Bargargh, Jharsuguda and Nuapada. Therefore, these...

-The Hindu An OECD study shows that better technology in classrooms does not always translate into better learning outcomes. It is time for Indian policymakers to do some soul-searching on our over-reliance on technology in education and the resultant neglect shown to teacher training.The new-age administrators believe that the Internet can address all pedagogic needs. They do not understand curriculum policies or examination reforms. Nor do they appreciate the progressive initiatives...

-The Hindu Business Line Rejuvenated, clean and hygienic, they are a sustainable alternative to tube wells As 35-year-old Dharma Devi lowers her bucket into the ancient, stone well to draw drinking water for her family, she grumbles about the quality of the water body. “This one is closest to our fields, so we have to use it. But look at the overgrowth of plants around it and the filth that can fall...

Inclusive Media for Change invites applications from media persons in English and Hindi for Inclusive Media - UNDP Fellowships 2015. The Fellowships are given to increase and sharpen media coverage of rural distress/ development and the issues of the marginalized people. The fellowships are aimed at promoting democratic social change, particularly through empowerment, participation, good governance and better understanding about media and the marginalised. The ideal candidates would be willing to...