-The Hindu A recent proposal to curtail the powers of the Comptroller and Auditor General of India runs contrary to national and international conventions. Rather, it is the duty of both the executive and the legislature to strengthen this constitutional office A conference of the chairpersons of Public Accounts Committees (PACs) has just been held under the aegis of the Parliament’s PAC. Nishikant Dubey, Member of Parliament (Lok Sabha), member PAC, and...

-The Hindu Women build social capital through the process of regular group meetings and this directly results in a change in their status, both within the home and community In the world of microFinance, women’s collectives have acquired a great deal of prominence globally and are known by various names such as Self Help Groups (SHGs), Joint Liability Groups (JLG), or Village Saving and Loan Associations (VSLA). There is a strongly held...

-The Economic Times KOLKATA: West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee while welcoming Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 'Digital India' initiative, attacked the government for 'dissolving' the Planning Commission, which she alleged, has affected the federal structure of the nation. "Earlier, there was at least a Planning Commission. The chief ministers had a platform to voice their views and worries. But now where should we go and speak about such issues?" she said. Even though...

-Down to Earth India’s public spending on health is among the lowest in South East Asia and BRIC countries The burden of aspirations and expectations seems to be taking a toll on young India, especially males who succumb to suicidal deaths more than their female counterparts, according to the data published by the Central Bureau of Health Intelligence (CBHI). The data showed that over 67 per cent cases of suicidal deaths in...

-The Times of India NEW DELHI: India's nationally determined contributions to mitigate climate change are likely to be unveiled on October 1 and will promote renewable energy, enhanced energy efficiency, less carbon intensive urban centres, green transport and abatement of pollution. India's strategy ahead of the climate summit in Paris in December will be firmly anchored in the principle of "common but differentiated responsibilities" and will clearly project India's financial, technology transfer...