Bacillus Thuringiensis Brinjal, popularly known as Bt brinjal, is at the centre of a major controversy in India. Bt brinjal, a genetically modified strain created by India's number one seeds company Mahyco in collaboration with American multinational Monsanto, claims to improve yields and help the agriculture sector. However, the debate over the safety of Bt brinjal continues with mixed views from scientists working for the government, farmers and environment activists. Environment activists says...

The third State Finance Commission today recommended that the state provide Rs 2,641.35 crore grant to panchayati raj institutions and urban local bodies for their inclusive growth and capacity building. A 264-page report of various recommendations was presented to Governor M.C. Bhandare and chief minister Naveen Patnaik by commission chairman Sudhakar Panda this afternoon. “We have recommended that the state provide Rs 2,220.25 crore grant to panchayati raj institutions and Rs 421.10...

The Delhi High Court on Wednesday trained its guns on the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) for demolishing hundreds of hutments in Kirti Nagar area last November while carrying out its drive to widen roads and beautify the Capital ahead of the Commonwealth Games starting on October 3 this year. “What do you (MCD) want to do? We think you want to show the foreigners coming for the Commonwealth Games...

It is equally practised among Dalits, says survey carried out in 1,589 villages  98 forms of untouchability practised by caste Hindus and 99 forms by Dalits Inter-caste marriage strictly prohibited by Dalits in 99.1 % villages Despite tall talk of progress and development, the practice of untouchability is still prevalent in rural areas of Gujarat. This was found in a survey by the Navsarjan Trust and the Robert F. Kennedy Centre for...

Civil society organisations have demanded the speedy passage and implementation of the proposed National Health Bill, 2009, but with certain changes that ensure health as a universal entitlement to all sections of society. Srinath Reddy, president of the Public Health Foundation of India, sought a National Health Act to ensure equitable distribution of medical facilities across the population. “The National Health Act should be on the lines of the Right to...