-Down to Earth Jean Dreze on why he prefers a solidarity society, rather than a welfare state * Are you actually an advocate of the welfare state? Ideally, I would prefer to think in terms of a solidarity society rather than welfare state, for two reasons. First, private non-profit institutions can play a very useful role in the social sector. In many countries, some of the best schools and health centres are run...

-Livemint.com India and China joint proposal on elimination of $160 billion of trade-distorting farm subsidies in the US and EU has come as a game changer in global farm trade negotiations at the WTO Geneva: China and India have jointly proposed the elimination of $160 billion of trade-distorting farm subsidies in the US, European Union and other wealthy nations, a move that has come as a game changer in global farm trade...

-IANS Medha Patkar ended her 17-day fast to protest against the government’s “apathy” towards resettlement of those affected by the increase in the height of the Sardar Sarovar Dam. Bhopal/ Dhar: Social activist Medha Patkar on Saturday ended her 17-day fast to protest against the government’s “apathy” towards resettlement of those affected by the increase in the height of the Sardar Sarovar Dam. Patkar, however, would remain in detention. She was detained on...

-The Indian Express Despite the obvious effect this will have on the environment, the GST affects livelihoods and families of the waste pickers — most of whom are migrants. With the resale value on glass bottles becoming minuscule after the 18 per cent tax on glass products as per GST, waste collectors, who help recycle glass, paper and plastic, and have traditionally been a key link in the city’s inadequate waste management...

-India Today Commonly grown in Assam, the Black Rice (Kala chavul) is an exotic variety with amazing nutritional parameters like anti-oxidant, minerals, carbohydrates and fibre but the growers lacked the market. Chandigarh: The northeastern states like Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram and Sikkim are a veritable goldmine of organic foodgrains, herbs, spices and fruits. Despite the uniqueness and amazing health benefits, these foodgrains and herbs remain confined to these states as...