-Newsclick.in The farmers are also demanding free electricity for irrigation and grants for borewells, tubewells, ponds and tanks, as promised by BJP during the last Assembly election. Lucknow: Sugarcane farmers of Kaptanganj sugar mill, in Kushinagar district of Uttar Pradesh (UP) and surrounding villages have been protesting outside the tehsil under the banner of multiple unions demanding payment of around Rs 44 crore due for the ongoing crushing season for almost two...

-The Hindu 65% of Indians and a third of the global population had higher PM2.5 exposures during the lockdown, largely attributed to biomass cooking activity During COVID-19 lockdowns, many countries observed historic improvements in ambient air quality. Our new study shows that despite the historic improvements in ambient air quality, PM2.5 exposures increased for 65% of Indians and a third of the global population during the lockdown, largely attributed to biomass cooking...

-The Hindu Any state intervention inspired by Islamophobic views will only help deepen majoritarianism The Uttar Pradesh government’s decision to undertake a survey of madrasas has raised serious concerns not just over the fate of these institutions but also on the future of Muslim identity. Other BJP-ruled States have also expressed concerns about madrasas. In May, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said the word ‘madrasa’ should cease to exist. In September,...

-Livemint.com Partnerships with schools in rural India, panchayats and the private sector can help fulfil our aims India has made progress over the years in addressing its high prevalence of under-nutrition. However, malnutrition remains a significant worry. A large proportion of children are still underweight (32%), stunted (36%), ‘wasted’ (19%) and anaemic (67%) according to National Family Health Survey data released this year. The Green Revolution, National Food Security Mission (2007) and...

-Down to Earth The annual rise of material price came after a pause of 2 years because of the pandemic The Centre has increased allocations for materials cost for mid-day meals at schools by 9.6 per cent, after two unprecedented years of the COVID-19 pandemic. The measure, however, is insufficient to protect against rising inflation, stakeholders and experts complained. In absolute figures, the hike translates to a measly 48 paise for a primary...