-The Hindustan Times In the last few days, digital technology — in the form of short messaging services (SMS) and multimedia messaging services (MMS) — has shaken the foundation of this diverse country. Thanks to the publication of hate content on the internet, there have been riot-like situations in many parts of the country. There were rumours of Muslim retaliation to the violence in Assam at the end of Ramzan, with threats...

-The Hindu In the wake of references being made to investigate the health issues of mine workers, the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) proposes to establish a statutory authority. Cancer, tuberculosis, silicosis, diabetes, musculoskeletal disorders and pulmonary function impairment such as asthma affect mine workers. The proposed authority will coordinate with the Ministries and authorities concerned for taking administrative, legal and medical action. The ICMR has approached the State governments for developing a...

-The Hindu The listing of the Protection of Women Against Sexual Harassment at Workplace Bill for discussion and adoption in the current session of Parliament is a welcome step. It is also welcome that the government has reversed its earlier unjustifiable position of keeping domestic workers outside the purview of the proposed legislation. Amendments moved on August 7 now include these sections of working women in a sector which has seen...

-Deccan Herald As many as 120 people, including parents, activists and retired officials, came together on Saturday to set up a task force to create awareness and monitor implementation of the Right to Education (RTE) Act. An initiative by the Child Rights Observatory, the task force aims to protect children studying in private schools; train resource persons; and to conduct campaigns, workshops and training. It will also empower its members to...

-The Times of India  The labour ministry has written to the finance ministry recommending that the minimum monthly pension for members of the Employees Provident Fund Organization (EPFO) be raised to Rs 1,000 per month. Who will fund the additional Rs 539 crore per year that this will cost, the government or workers, however remains a fraught issue. The EPFO currently has 35 lakh pensioners as its subscribers, of whom 7 lakh...