-ThePrint.in UPSC uses a secret formula to ‘normalise’ scores in optional subjects, as there’s a gap between humanities marks and that in a technical subject like maths. New Delhi: Despite attempts by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) to increase the educational diversity of candidates selected through the civil service exam, the number of engineers becoming civil servants has remained disproportionately high — nearly 60 per cent in the last two years. Data...

-The Indian Express "Further, as the Aayog is a public-funded body, if these claims were made without scientific backing... can be construed as misutilisation of public money, particularly in a time when every sector of the country is struggling for funding," it added. Mumbai: Over 400 scientists from across the country on Thursday endorsed an open letter to the chairman of Rashtriya Kamdhenu Aayog, Vallabhbhai Kathiria, questioning his source of information after...

-The Hindu It is high time the government takes note of the fake schemes menace Here’s an exercise: Log onto any social media or technology platform, whether Google, YouTube, Facebook or Twitter. Type the name of any of these “schemes” — Free Laptop Scheme, PM Scooty Yojana, PM Kisan Tractor Yojana, Pradhan Mantri Solar Panel Yojana, and PM Kanya Aashirwad Yojana. You will be promised anything from free vehicles to free funds...

-ThePrint.in In recent years, sedition and UAPA have been weaponised against critics of the govt. National Crime Records Bureau’s recently-released data confirms this. A journalist from Kerala was accused of sedition and various offences under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967, (UAPA) and arrested on the way to Hathras on October 7. In recent years, sedition and UAPA have been weaponised and used routinely against critics of various ruling governments. Data from...

-Livemint.com Wide disparities in agri-marketing regulations have resulted in fragmented markets across states. The new farm bills aim to change this but the jury is still out on whether it will have the intended impact. On 26 September, government procurement of food crops commenced across the country, five days in advance, following the enactment of three contentious farm bills. Under the new policy regime, farmers need not sell their produce through designated...