The newly released disability data from Census 2011 shows that in a country of 2.68 crore disabled, nearly 69.5 percent stay in rural areas. Back in 2001, about 75 percent of the country's disabled resided in rural areas. The population of rural disabled persons has increased from about 1.64 crore in 2001 to 1.86 crore in 2011 i.e. by 13.7 percent. However, the population of urban disabled persons has increased...

-The Indian Express Expressing disappointment over the inordinate delay on part of Parliament in introducing the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Bill, disability rights groups are planning to hold candlelight vigils in various parts of the country and outside the Vice President's house as a sign of protest. "Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment had given an assurance that the Bill would be introduced in the winter session of Parliament. The Union...

-Vikalp The recently concluded Bali Ministerial marks an important milestone in the WTO negotiations. The National Food Security Act, 2013 in India has brought the issue of food security and hunger within developing countries to the forefront of the negotiations in the WTO. In this context, the G-33 proposal addressing the issue of non-recognition of food security concerns of developing countries within the global trade rules reflected a meaningful unity within...

-The Business Standard A quick recap of the intensely fractured debate on GM crops and what the pro & anti arguments are. After nearly a decade of opposition, Environment Minister Veerappa Moily is finally expected to rule in favour of the contentious GM or genetically modified food crops in India. The Economic Times reports that this will "pave the way for the government to submit an affidavit in the Supreme Court agreeing...

-The Times of India CHENNAI: The just-concluded winter session of the 15th Lok Sabha is the worst in terms of performance since 2010. Twelve days - December 5 to 18 - were scheduled for business but the session was adjourned sine die two days. The Lok Sabha transacted business only for 4.5 hours, around 6% of the total time. Three of the scheduled 12 days were adjourned after obituary references, says data...