-The New Indian Express NEW DELHI: The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) has unearthed widespread ‘leaks’ in the mid-day meal scheme and slammed the programme saying that it had made “institutional exaggeration” of figures pertaining to students. In its report tabled in Parliament on Friday, the CAG said the scheme was no longer effective in getting poor children to school. The audit “evidenced an institutional exaggeration of figures” regarding students taking meals, irregular...

In its performance audit of the Mid Day Meal Scheme (MDMS) carried out in 27 states (except Mizoram) and 7 Union Territories (UTs) during the period 2009-10 to 2013-14, the Comptroller and Auditor General of India has observed that the provision of noon meals in public schools could not stop children's enrolment in private schools because quality of education imparted is a major concern among the guardians. (Please check the...

-Livemint.com The most glaring implication of the proposed deficiency payments is that it makes the state give up its responsibility of intervening in markets During the past few months, there has been a highly contested debate on the merits, viability and feasibility of crop insurance in India given the large number of small farmers and the large amount of subsidy involved that is not being effectively used as the coverage of...

-Livemint.com As the base effect wears off in some categories and unseasonal rains affect winter sowing, the prognosis for food inflation doesn’t look good Food inflation, which inched up to 6.08% in November, is the main story in Monday’s Consumer Price Index (CPI) data. Lentils were the main culprits for the rise. Inflation in pulses and pulses products rose to a high of 46.08% since the new series has been released. Inflation...

-Livemint.com The report, titled Limited Access Restricting Expression also makes a case for expansion of quality Internet access and last mile connectivity in both urban and rural India New Delhi: India needs to improve the right to freedom of online expression, according to recommendations of a report by the Digital Empowerment Foundation. The report, titled Limited Access Restricting Expression, and released on Thursday, also makes a case for expansion of quality Internet...