From being one of the safest states for women in 2000, Bengal has sunk to being one of the most dangerous. According to the latest report of the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), Bengal has climbed to the third spot on the list of crimes against women in 2008, after Andhra Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh. In 2000, Bengal was 22nd, bureau officials said. Of 1,95,856 reported incidents of crime against women— both...

Huge rain deficit for some pockets in the region The southern region has received 11 per cent more rain Tiruchi has the highest rainfall deficiency of 85 per cent Even though the on-going south-west monsoon has been the most benevolent so far over the southern peninsula, there are some pockets in the region, which are still facing huge deficiencies. The region, which consists of Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, and Karnataka, apart from Lakshadweep...

With rich natural resources, biodiversity, dependable rainfall (annual average close to 2000 mm) and lower use of pesticides, north eastern states of the country could become a hub for organic products cultivation, the demand for which is up in global markets, an independent research paper has said. The paper has also urged the central government and the North Eastern Development Council to create an umbrella policy so that the potential of...

Delhi has reconfirmed its position as the worst city in the country as far as women’s safety is concerned. Last year, with 452 rapes, it emerged as the most unsafe. With 178 rape cases, Mumbai had 278 fewer rapes than Delhi, but 112 more than neighbouring Pune’s 66 and a lot more than Kolkata’s 40 — something that’s come as a shocker for a city that prides itself in being...

After failing to come anywhere near the 10th Five Year Plan (2002-07) target of 4 per cent per annum rate of growth of agricultural output, the Planning Commission has projected a lower target growth rate of 3 to 3.5 per cent per annum for the 11th Plan period. While some may view this as a more modest target, others may consider it as still far too ambitious, given the track...