-Economic and Political Weekly   This paper quantifies the improvements in the public distribution system in rural India after 2004-05 using data from three rounds of surveys conducted by the National Sample Survey. It finds that Tamil Nadu and Himachal Pradesh continue to be the leading performers, but early movers such as odisha saw improvements in the functioning of the PDS between 2004-05 and 2009-10. In late movers such as Bihar and...

-Outlook   Koraput (odisha): Many labourers engaged under the centrally-sponsored Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme in odisha's Koraput district alleged that 334 of them have not received wages though six months had passed since the end of their work. The labourers from Podai Khodra, Joba, Bagkhodra and Golariguda villages under Boipariguda block's Kathpada panchayat constructed an 8 km road between Mantriambo and Joba. The road work was completed in November 2013. "Each...

-Live Mint   Building toilets holds the key to reducing India's malnutrition burden Commenting on the Indian elections in his satire show, British humorist John Oliver remarked, "(Narendra) Modi has managed to inspire people with his populist platform including a pledge to put a toilet in every home. That's a bold move, coming out as pro-toilet." Oliver's wisecrack may have deliberately exaggerated Narendra Modi's pitch on toilets but the focus on sanitation has been...

-The New Indian Express   Sambalpur (odisha): The district will adopt integrated farming system in rain-fed areas of the district under National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA) from the current kharif season. NMSA is one of the eight missions outlined under National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC). It aims at enhancing agriculture productivity, especially in rain-fed areas, by focusing on integrated farming, efficient use of water and soil health management. Sources said...

-The Hindustan Times     At least 10 people have died of heat stroke in odisha, which is witnessing an intense heat wave for the past 20 days. "Of the 42 deaths said to have been caused by the raging heat wave, officials have confirmed 10 deaths were caused by heat stroke," a report from the office of special relief commissioner (SRC) said. Three heat-stroke deaths occurred in Mayurbhanj district, while Balasore, Bhadrak,...