-The Hindu Adoption of high production technology and cultivation of high yielding varieties have put tremendous pressure on soil nutrient reserve in the country leading to a great imbalance in nutrient status in the soil. A large chunk of soil in the country has been rendered deficient in micronutrients, which is one of the major reasons that crops have stopped responding to fertilizers, according to Dr. M Anandaraj, Director of Indian Institute...

-The Hindustan Times Strengthened by Rajiv Gandhi in 1988, the Prevention of Corruption Act (PC Act) is set to be rendered toothless by the Manmohan Singh government. The Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT), headed by the PM, introduced an amended version of the Act in Parliament late last year. If the amendments are passed, it may be impossible to investigate and prosecute cases similar to the 2G, Bofors and coal allocation...

-The Hindu Chennai: In an indication of poor economic growth taking its toll on the job market, an estimated 12 million people may be forced to look for low-quality, low productivity rural or agriculture jobs over seven years, a reversal of old trend of migration from farm to non-farm employment opportunities, pointed out a report of CRISIL Research. Job generation in the non-farm sector will slow down sharply in the coming...

-The Hindu     Greenpeace India said the Power Ministry had informed CBI that it did not recommend Hindalco for the Mahan coal block. Questioning the non-transparent manner in which the Mahan coal block was allocated, Greenpeace India on Tuesday demanded cancellation of the coal block and sought a thorough enquiry into the role of Essar Power and the Madhya Pradesh government in the whole issue. The demand by Greenpeace comes close on the heels...

-Live Mint Non-farm employment will increase by only 38 mn in financial years 2012-19, compared with 52 mn in FY 2005-12 New Delhi: The slowing economy will result in fewer jobs being added to industry and services in the next seven years and more workers moving back to farming, Crisil Research said in a report on Tuesday, indicating job creation will remain a key concern for the next government. Non-farm employment will increase...