-Economic and Political weekly Drawing on the research on basic education in West Bengal, this essay argues the case for a much criticised public education system, which needs to be reconsidered as regards its potential as a provider of quality education, even while addressing its many failings. The essay follows an approach, both critical and constructive, that underlines the collective onus of the public in realising the value of the public...

-The Hindustan Times In response to the widespread protests and the nation-wide hartal last Thursday, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh addressed the nation on Friday and tried to explain why these decisions had become inevitable. The thrust of his argument was, “We need a revival in investor confidence, domestically and globally.” For this, the current high fiscal deficit must be contained and, hence, the hike in the prices of diesel and cap on...

-The Economic Times How right was the government when it stated that the under-recoveries posed a threat to 'our national economy'? Or when the government says that it gave more to the sector in the form of subsidies than it earned as fuel taxes? The government would also like you to believe that the under-recoveries, dependent as they are on the price of crude in the international market, and the exchange...

-The Times of India MUMBAI: Consumers may get some relief as oil marketing companies (OMCs) plan to revise petrol prices downward due to falling international crude oil prices and a strengthening rupee. The Indian basket of crude oil fell to $106.74 on September 20 from $116 five days earlier, according to data published by the oil ministry. The rupee, which hit a four-month-high of 53.47 on September 21, is expected to strengthen...

-The Telegraph Non-subsidised domestic cooking gas will cost Rs 832 per cylinder in Calcutta following the Centre’s decision to forego customs and excise Duties that add up to Rs 103.50 apiece. However, if the Bengal government drops local levies, consumers can save Rs 52.50 more as the price will fall further to about Rs 780 a cylinder. According to new rules, every family will have to pay the market rate once it crosses...