1. PM Narendra Modi Uses Soft Power to Hardsell ‘Make in India’ in Germany
Modi went, saw and conquered. Making a strong case for his ‘Make in India’ initiative, the Prime Minister put forth conditions that will create an environment conducive to attract German Capital to India.
Promising a much-improved tax environment for business, Modi said his government was encouraging “competitive federalism” in India as states vie to excel and “a predictable and transparent” environment to open up investments.
The Hindustan Times reports.
2. CAG for Social Audits of NGOs, Rural Bodies
The Times of India reports on The Comptroller and Auditor General of India Shashi Kant Sharma’s directive to all state auditors general to undertake social audits and gather data on social sector schemes.
In an internal circular issued recently, the CAG has issued directions to all its auditors general (AGs) in states asking them to support institutionalization of social audits, collect information on planning, quality assurance and other aspects.
3. The Night that Tested the Navy
Suhasini Haider reports for The Hindu on the odds that the Indian Navy faced during the evacuation process from Yemen.
It was a riot-like situation, with bombs going off, Saudi airstrikes continuing to pound the city, and hundreds of people [of various nationalities] surrounding our ship to get on board and flee the violence.
4. Crimea to Armenia, Ripples Reach Here - Doctors with Stained Stamp
The Telegraph probes into the lives of scores of medical students who had once gone to now Russia-occupied Crimea, to study medicine. However, their hopes of a career in the West have been dashed.
But over 500 Indian students, who returned to continue their studies in Crimea once military battles over the region ended by the summer of 2014, now find their careers teetering over the conflicting claims on the peninsula by Moscow and a West-backed Ukraine.
5. Law Equating Leprosy with Lunacy Set to Go
Leprosy is curable. Yet, not only do laws equate the disease with lunacy, but it is also a legitimate ground for divorce under the Indian Divorce Act. This discrimination may now be shortlived.
The law panel has recommended the repeal of the provision that a leprosy-affected person cannot contest elections. It has also urged that they be given land rights and other special privileges similar to those awarded to SC/ST and other communities for their uplift. The panel has sought provisions in law to punish those who use the term “leper” in a derogatory manner, besides banning the use of word “leper” in all government records and other public communication.
The Times of India reports.
6. To Speed up Infra Projects, Stay Out of Wildlife Clearance, Govt Tells SC
The Indian Express reports on the Environment Ministry having approached the Supreme Court to delink wildlife clearance for infrastructure projects from the Court’s monitoring, stating that the process is convoluted and time consuming.
The ministry’s Interlocutory Application (IA), signed on April 9, comes nine months after it was first urged by the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) to “approach the SC to allow state and national boards for wildlife to grant clearance” because of the “huge pendency of infrastructure projects.”
7. Rafale Booster: By Promoting Investment and Tech Transfers, this French Kiss Can Become a Durable Affair
While India’s Rafale deal with France is perceived as a major diplomatic boost, The Times of India discusses how it will also infuse new life into the Indian Air Force.
This outright purchase will help to at least partially restore the fast depleting squadron strength of the Indian Air Force, which has been battling a crisis while negotiations have fruitlessly dragged on since 2012.
8. Lateral Entry, Blind Alley
The Indian Express takes us through a fresh debate on how India can revamp the structure of a bureaucracy that is desperately in need of a facelift.
......the debate on lateral entry into the civil services has restarted. Supporters have long argued in favour of lateral entrants being recruited at the levels of joint secretary, additional secretary and secretary to the government of India. The conventional wisdom on lateral entry is that it infuses fresh energy and thinking into an insular, complacent and often archaic bureaucracy.
9. An Indianness that Needs No Aadhar
Shiv Visvanathan in The Hindu discusses how India’s minorities no validation by the country’s bureaucratic or political structure.
India’s minorities have been self-confident cultures. Many of them have punched far above their numerical weight, in terms of achievements versus their population. They do not need certificates, especially from the majority.
From The Quint
1. Oily Issues: Why the US-Iran Nuke Deal is Important for India
The Iran nuclear deal clinched after 18 months of torturous negotiations earlier this month can be viewed many different perspectives. While it might bring to an end the unrelenting hostility between the United States and Iran, it will also change many an equation in West Asia.
2. 5 Reasons You Must Know Who Anirban Lahiri Is
Amid the glittering star-cast of the big boys of golf, there is one lone Indian - one 27-year old Anirban Lahiri - who has slowly been earning some of the limelight and walking away with the winners cheques. Here’s why you need to learn about India’s rising golfing champion.
3. My Choice: The Third Voice. #FreeYourMind
Unlike Deepika Padukone, not everyone has the chance to make their voice heard. The transgender community in the country is a severe minority. But does that guarantee them a place in the community? We bring across to you views of the community.
(At The Quint, we question everything. Play an active role in shaping our journalism by becoming a member today.)