Almost one in every five suicides in the world is committed by self-poisoning with pesticide, which mostly occur in rural, agricultural areas of low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), states a new publication entitled 'Preventing Suicide: A resource for pesticide registrars and regulators'. Published jointly by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the booklet says that the adoption of green revolution technology...

-TheNewsMinute.com Multiple reports have been delayed (for short or long periods of time) or not released under the Modi government. Data is considered the most precious resource, and it appears that the Indian government does want to keep it under wraps. Crime Statistics by the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) haven’t been released since 2016, the controversial Periodic Labour Force Survey was delayed and released after the elections (and also ruffled...

-Livemint.com The government’s prognosis overlooks the rural stress that is at the heart of the economy’s troubles Last week saw a flurry of activity from the government aimed at reviving the economy. So far, it was in denial, but it has now woken up to the economic crisis that is spreading like wildfire. The vice-chairperson of NITI Aayog termed the crisis the worst since independence. Several members of the economic advisory council...

In the financial year 2017-18 when tractor sales touched new heights, it was said by many of the NDA (viz. National Democratic Alliance) government supporters that rural demand has revived on account of adequate monsoon rainfall and higher minimum support prices for crops. Many economists and newspaper columnists also denied the existence of any rural distress. An alternative perspective, however, was also presented by rural economists like Dr. Himanshu who teaches...

-Livemint.com Consumption declined over the period 2014-18, confirming fears that people ended up worse off Various data from the financial to the corporate sector over the last two months are confirming the worst fears of a sharp decline in demand in the economy. With stagnant investment and exports, there are clear signs of a sustained slowdown. Most of this was well known to anybody following the Indian economy, barring the government, which...