Since early November, Delhi and large parts of North India have been enveloped in a thick, grey smog, sparking concerns and a debate on what is leading to the rising levels of air pollution. A January 2012 paper by Ridhima Gupta from the Indian Statistical Institute, Delhi is drawing linkages between the quality of air in the capital and agricultural practices during harvest season on farms in the neighbouring state...

-The Telegraph Ranchi: Jharkhand resolved to eradicate child labour within the next four years with chief minister Arjun Munda unveiling a comprehensive plan today to eliminate the scourge that has victimised over 4.07 lakh youngsters slogging as ragpickers or errand boys at homes, dhabas or roadside garages. The ambitious goal will be pursued by various departments of the state government in conjunction with International Labour Organisation (ILO) by assigning specific roles at...

-The Times of India Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has turned down suggestions from both Left and BJP leaders on considering changes in the appointment process of the comptroller and auditor general (CAG), while replying to a letter from CPI leader Gurudas Dasgupta on November 5. The PM, however, is open to changes in the appointment, resignation and removal process of election commissioners, including the chief election commissioner, as part of electoral...

-Outlook The Supreme Court today pulled up the Centre for not establishing sufficient number of special CBI courts leading to delay in handling cases of corruption involving high profile politicians and public servants. A Bench of Justices G S Singhvi and S J Mukhopadhaya said that number of cases handled by CBI is growing every year but the Centre is not providing adequate resources in terms of man power and establishing special...

-The Times of India BANGALORE: "Until it happens to their families, they can't understand," the Karnataka High Court said on Wednesday about police attitude towards rape victims and their families. It asked police to file a status report on the recent rape cases in Bangalore. "I never understand why the police always take the side of villains. Whether it is Haryana or Karnataka, it is the same. No sympathy over the plight...