-Kafila.org Dear Prime Minister Modi ji, We, the undersigned, wish to share with you some of our concerns on India's position on intellectual property (IP), particularly in the context of bilateral relations between the United States of America and India. We gather from the US-India Joint Statement dated 30 September 2014 that the Indian Government (a)greeing on the need to foster innovation in a manner that promotes economic growth...

-The Times of India Kanpur: Scientists of Chandra Shekhar Azad (CSA) Agricultural University have come up with insect monitoring traps that can control the pest population in a farm. Pests damage crops and thereby affect productivity of crops, including pulses, vegetables and fruits. The trap was displayed at the three-day Akhil Bharatiya Kisan Mela which began in the university on Wednesday. Insect traps, use pheromone lures (attractants) and other trap kits for...

-The Hindustan Times Sangrur (Punjab): Notwithstanding the government's ban on burning of paddy stubble, the practice continues unabated, causing serious threat to human health and soil fertility. Respiratory issues and allergies are common complaints due to the burning of paddy stubble which leads to smog.Smoke from the burnt paddy stubble has covered the sky in most parts of the district, reducing visibility on highways and causing respiratory problems. Despite several steps taken by...

-The Hindu Kozhikode: The recent resurgence in organic farming seems to have given sales of organic fertilizers and pest control prescriptions a huge boost in the market. Different city-based groups and collectives engaged in promoting organic farming and marketing organic products including vegetables and fruits testify to this trend. Besides other channels, the recently launched, NABARD-funded exclusive outlet for locally cultivated organic vegetables under Niravu Vengeri, a progressive residential forum here, sees...

-Press Information Bureau/ Ministry of Tribal Affairs Centre has launched Vanbandhu Kalyan Yojana (VKY) for welfare of Tribals. Launching the scheme on the occasion of the meeting of the Tribal Welfare Ministers of States/UTs here today the Union Tribal Welfare Minister Shri Jual Oram said that the scheme been launched on pilot basis in one block each of the States of AP, MP, HP, Telangana, Orissa, Jharkhand, Chattisgarh, Rajasthan, Maharashtra and...