-Down to Earth He says neither the government not the former chief economic advisor include the unorganised sector while computing economic growth Noted economist Arun Kumar said former chief economic advisor Arvind Subramanian is correct in saying that the rate of growth of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) has been overestimated in the last few years. Subramanian's methodology to gauge economic growth, however, may also not be correct — both being indirect methods...

-TheWire.in To rectify this gap between perception and reality, inequality of opportunities and the lack of emphasis on primary education need to feature more prominently in Indian policy discussions. We are constantly reminded of how Narendra Modi started from humble beginnings by selling tea and rose to occupy the position of the prime minister of India. Irrespective of which side of the political divide one is on, there is no disputing the...

-Newsclick.in The draft National Education Policy reinforces outdated ideas about the goals of a foundational literacy programme Many children in elementary classrooms across India cannot read and write proficiently, as demonstrated on an annual basis by the Annual Status of Education Reports (ASER). This affects other school-based learning, as well as functioning in societies and economies that prize literacy. Capabilities of young children It was heartening, therefore, to see a chapter devoted to “Foundational...

-Mongabay.com * According to scientists, 40 percent of insect species are likely to become extinct globally in the coming years. Indian entomologists agree that India is already witnessing a slump in insect numbers. * Pollination, biological control, food provisioning, recycling organic matter, producing honey, silk, lac, medicines and food are just some of the reasons why we need insects. * Scientists rue the lack of adequate information and documentation on insects in India....

-The New Indian Express The draft on Odisha's new farming policy is being worked out through consultation with experts, universities, civil society and farmers’ groups. BHUBANESWAR: With farmers’ issues taking political centre stage and doubling farmers income being the prime agenda, the State Government has initiated steps to bring out an updated and dynamic agricultural policy keeping in tune with the changing conditions of agriculture and agricultural market. A draft policy is being...