-The Times of India NEW DELHI: In a major decision that could adversely affect social sector schemes, funding pattern of 17 centrally-sponsored schemes have been brought down to 60:40 between the Centre and states.  This includes Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan, Mid-Day Meal scheme, Swachch Bharat Abhiyan, National Rural Drinking Water Programme, Integrated Child Protection Scheme, Krishi Unnati Yojna, Housing for All, Smart City Mission, National Health Mission, Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban...

-Down to Earth The rate at which informal housing is being destroyed probably far exceeds the rate at which formal housing is being constructed Troubled by the degradation of environment on and around railway tracks, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) recently directed Delhi government to relocate all illegal settlements along tracks in Delhi. The tribunal reasoned that the residents of these settlements practise open defecation and litter on the tracks. Housing of the...

-The Times of India CHENNAI: Blazing a trail through intricate government and judicial process, gritty transgender K Prithika Yashini has finally realized her dream of donning the uniform of a sub-inspector of police in Tamil Nadu police department. The Madras high court on Thursday declared that she was entitled to be appointed sub-inspector of police. Calling for creation of separate category to accommodate transgenders in employment, the judges further said: "We are...

-The Indian Express In Hajipur’s two anganwadis, which take in children between six months and six years, untouchability is one of the first life lessons they learn. Patan (Gujarat): A digit separates anganwadis 159 and 160 in Hajipur village of Gujarat’s Patan district but the divisions are far greater. Now that’s complicated math for a three-year-old. So one morning, a few weeks ago, Manavi Chamar walked towards anganwadi No. 160, lost...

-The Hindu We need to take AIDS out of isolation and look at it in a broader framework, with links to maternal and child health, says Michel Sidibe, Executive Director of UNAIDS. Speaking on the sidelines of the India Africa Forum Summit, Michel Sidibe, Executive Director, UNAIDS, admitted to being ‘scared’ as pressure mounts on India to relax norms, allowing patent protection. In a conversation with Vidya Krishnan, Mr. Sidibe also spoke...