-Down to Earth US continues to question India’s patent regime in its latest report. The country was kept in the category where unfavorable conditions exist for ‘innovation’ In April, US president Barack Obama wrote a piece in the Time magazine, praising Prime Minister Narendra Modi. For a few people it might have been a happy moment, but for others it was scary as they tried to read between the lines as to...

-Tehelka Agrarian policies are proving to be an albatross around the neck of ordinary farmers Amon Singh Kevat, 70, a small farmer in Vidisha, Madhya Pradesh, spent three long days in April waiting for his harvest to be picked up from an open plot that served as a mandi (procurement centre for agricultural produce). In need of money for a marriage in the family, Kevat didn’t even go home for meals. But...

-The Hindu With its references to Modi, the report is likely to cause more India-U.S. friction. India reacted coldly to the report of the U.S. commission on religious freedom that criticises the government, and said that it was based on a “limited understanding of India, its constitution and its society.” “We take no cognizance of this report,” a statement from the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said. The Congressional body, the U.S. Commission for...

-The Hindu "NGOs, particularly those involved in protests against the Kudankulam nuclear power project in Tamil Nadu, received funds from abroad" The Union Home Ministry suspects that many non-government organisations registered under the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA) are indulging in money laundering. Enforcement agencies have so far initiated investigation against 20 such NGOs. “These NGOs, particularly those involved in protests against the Kudankulam nuclear power project in Tamil Nadu, received funds from...

-The Economic Times NEW DELHI: The environment ministry has said the consent of tribal and forest-dwelling populations isn't necessary before deciding on diversion of forest land for projects, possibly putting the government on a collision course with the Supreme Court. The ministry's move seems to ignore the court's April 2013 order making it mandatory to obtain such consent before diverting forest land. It also seems to infringe upon the authority of the...