-PTI   The South Korean based Posco wants to exchange high alumina content iron ore with low alumina content mineral within the country Though Posco had agreed not to insist on the import clause in the lapsed memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Orissa government, it wanted swapping of iron ore within the country. “Posco-India has given its consent to delete import clause from the lapsed MoU. However, it wants swapping of iron ore within...

India should facilitate private sector growth in higher education, particularly in technical subjects, and should explore and develop innovative public-private partnerships (PPP) in the 12th Five-year Plan In a potential game-changer for India’s education sector, the Planning Commission has suggested that the country allow establishing institutes of higher learning that could be run for profit. “The not-for-profit tag in higher education sector should perhaps be re-examined in a more pragmatic manner so...

NGOs differ on Jan Lokpal, pick on Team Anna’s shortcomings Conflict Amongst NGOs?     * Great response to Anna seen as success of civil society     * NGOs agree on wiping off corruption in government, not on solutions     * They celebrate the middle class finding voice; but mourn lack of reach among villagers     * Divergence in views seen as healthy for debate; onus on govt to take final call *** First the good news:...

In the name of God, hapless girls are still being made to become devadasis which in stark terms means being raped by the priests, secretly auctioned to brothels and finally dying of AIDS. Deebashree MoHAnty speaks to a few of these unfortunate women who died everyday of their life for a farce called service of the God I was nine when I got married to my village deity Yellamma. The mahajan,...

-The Hindu   It may not be binding on the Standing Committee: experts The ‘Sense of the House' resolution adopted by Parliament on the three key issues raised by social activist Anna Hazare on the Jan Lokpal Bill may not be binding on the Standing Committee, considering the draft but it will have persuasive and even moral value, say legal experts. The resolution moved by Union Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee says: “This House agrees...