-The Hindu Those opposing Justice Katju’s suggestion of minimum qualifications for journalists are out of touch with reality Some years ago, the journalism entrance test at a career development institute in Mumbai had this objective-type question: Kofi Annan is (a) a Nigerian footballer (b) lead singer of a Sierra Leone pop group (c) a Sri Lankan delicacy (d) Secretary-General of the United Nations. The 100-odd candidates who appeared for the test were...

-The Indian Express An accountability framework is critical for flagship schemes In his budget speech, the finance minister gave the assurance that all flagship programmes of the government would be adequately funded. The government pours substantial funds into 70 Centrally sponsored schemes. In 2011-12, an amount of Rs 1,88,573 crore was allocated for the implementation of 13 development programmes, such as the MGNREGA, PMGSY, NRHM and JNNURM, under the auspices of nine...

-First Post In an interview with Firstpost, Ajay Chhibber, Regional Director of the UNDP, tells us why India ranks low on the Human Development Index, below China, Sri Lanka and Iran, what we need to do to improve our standing and why welfare schemes are not to be blamed for poor growth or inflation. Excerpts from the interview: * Why does India lag other BRIC countries in the HDI ratings? Compared to the other...

-The Times of India In a heart rending plea, a person acquitted of rape charges has moved the Supreme Court seeking restoration of his lost dignity and honour. If the Nirbhaya case sensitized politicians, police, judiciary and media on security of women as well as not revealing the identity of a rape victim, the man who was acquitted in the similarly sensational Mayapuri rape presented to the court how a person framed...

-NDTV The Supreme Court today rejected the Punjab government's explanation for how it will investigate police officers who were caught on camera thrashing a young woman near Amritsar.   "Was she a terrorist?" the judges asked angrily.   The state government said that a magistrate will determine accountability for the beating on the roadside last week, which was filmed on a cell-phone by a passer-by, and broadcast on news channels including NDTV. " What will the...