-The Telegraph An empirical critique of development is not enough Is the plea for sustainable development feasible and sustainable? More importantly, is it possible to keep it sustainable within the current socio-economic format? Integrating sustainable development into our lives is both urgent and inevitable. However, is the present strategy of conducting empirical case studies on the Dangers of development an effective way of addressing this urgency? Unlike any other peril the world...

-Scroll.in The Union culture ministry claimed that the news report about the study was misleading and that it was not related to establishing ‘genetics history’. Several scientists, historians, writers, former bureaucrats and others on Friday wrote to the Ministry of Culture to express concern over a report claiming that the ministry was funding a project to “trace the purity of races in India”. In the open letter, the signatories said that the notion...

-TheWire.in The UIDAI has singularly failed to communicate rules to the public in a clear manner. Now, instead of trying to enforce its rules, it is putting the onus on the public to exercise “normal prudence”. The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has earned some well-deserved flak for issuing a press release advising members of the public to avoid sharing a photocopy of their Aadhaar card with anyone and then retracting...

-The Hindu Health workers need better remuneration and safety guarantee, not just awards Recognition very often goes to those at the top of the pecking order, and stays there. Credit seldom trickles down to the worker at the bottom. The World Health Organization’s act of recognising India’s ASHA (accredited social health activists) and the polio workers of Afghanistan is an attempt to right that wrong. It is a rare, and commendable doffing...

-The Hindu Business Line Pesticide residues in India’s agri exports calls for a multi-pronged policy response As reported recently by this newspaper, India’s cumin exports have suffered a setback in recent months, with China claiming that pesticide residues exceeded the maximum residue limits (MRLs) spelt out by it about six months back. Chinese authorities have said that consignments must be accompanied by a pesticide residue report. India has been through all this...