-PTI Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal and six other states having literacy levels less than the national average will get enhanced Central share under the Sarva Siksha Abhiyan programme, with the Planning Commission approving a proposal to this effect. These states will be getting funds in the ratio of 75:25 as against the existing ratio of 65:35. Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand will also be included along with the northeastern states where funding...

-The Hindu Building ‘capitalism with Indian characteristics’ means decisions cannot ignore concerns of voters and communities As the economy slows down and the rupee wilts, Manmohan Singh has bitten the ‘reforms’ bullet with both eyes on the credit rating agencies whose negative reports have done much to dampen the ‘animal spirits’ of investors, foreign and native. Last November, when the Congress party made a push to introduce foreign direct investment in multi-brand retail,...

-The Economic Times The Supreme Court has refused to exempt minority aided schools from the purview of the Right to Education Act, asking them to reserve at least 25% of their seats from Class I onwards for children from weaker and disadvantaged sections living in the neighbourhood as mandated by the Act. The order, passed by a three-judge bench headed by Chief Justice of India SH Kapadia, also said these institutions should...

-Outlook National Advisory Council has asked the Women and Child Development Ministry to prepare a national policy aimed at curbing the sharp decline in the child sex ratio. Speaking to reporters here, Secretary WCD Prem Narain said the NAC has made several recommendations including the formulation of a 'national policy' on the child sex ratio. He said these recommendations will be deliberated upon in an Inter-Ministerial Coordination Committee meeting on September 25. "The NAC...

-The Times of India Compulsory tonsuring, a common practice on patients of mental illnesses, is all set to be banned. When admitted in any mental institute, such patients will wear their personal clothes and not be forced to wear uniforms provided by the establishment. Now, menstrual care of women mental illness patients will be taken care by the institute Mental homes will need to have facilities for leisure, recreation, education and religious practices...