-Deccan Herald Say it is a bid to lure voters, cut subsidies The Left and civil society are up in the arms against Aadhar-based direct cash transfer scheme, arguing that it was aimed at luring voters with an eye on the 2014 elections. A day after the announcement of the details, the CPM, civil society organisations including the one led by Aruna Roy and Medha Patkar and newly formed Aam Aadmi Party, all...

-The Indian Express After the Centre had announced its intention to allow 51 per cent FDI in multibrand retail, Walmart said it would open stores in India in the next two years. However, without a bilateral Investment treaty (BIT) between India and the US, Walmart’s Investments in India are likely to be governed solely by domestic laws. If India and the US enter into a BIT, Walmart, reportedly being probed for...

-The Times of India The gridlock in Parliament over foreign direct Investment in multi-brand retail is set to ease with the Manmohan Singh government - armed with ally DMK's support - dropping its resistance to a discussion under a rule that necessitates a vote. The detente over FDI could see fresh discussion between the ruling coalition and BJP over the winter session's legislative agenda with parliamentary affairs minister Kamal Nath expected to...

-One World South Asia South Asia’s households fall into poverty as the result of higher food prices as food prices increase. According to the latest Food Price Watch, global food prices increased 10% between June and July 2012 with staples such as wheat increasing 25% in the period. The crisis continued affecting food and nutrition security throughout South Asia. Bad weather, trade curbs, oil prices and bio-fuel diversions have all led to...

-The Telegraph The CPM today claimed the government was legally bound to have its decision on allowing foreign direct Investment in multi-brand retail ratified by Parliament and urged the Centre to agree on a discussion under a rule that entails voting. Party MP Sitaram Yechury said according to Section 48 of the Foreign Exchange Management Act, amendments to permit FDI in the sector have to be endorsed by Parliament within a time...