Free education ; the answer for the world’s poorest people ?

The Indian Parliament has approved a bill that seeks to guarantee free and compulsory education for all children aged between six and 14. The Bill brings to reality the provision for everyone’s right to education included in the Indian Constitution.

But does free education necessarily translate into quality education for everyone?

On air: Should Bill Clinton have gone to North Korea?

Two US journalists detained in North Korea and sentenced to 12 years of hard labour have been pardoned after former US President Bill Clinton visited North Korean leader Kim Jong-il to ask for their release. According to reports, the reporters Laura Ling, 32, and Euna Lee, 36, who worked with US based internet broadcaster Current TV flew home with Mr. Clinton.

Wee can save the environment

Water – as environmentalists are often reminding us – is fast becoming a precious commodity. Now a campaign from a Brazilian group is asking the public to take a very specific step to stop wastage.

The message is simple – urinating in the shower saves water.

President Ahmadinejad is sworn in – is he right to be suspicious of foreigners?

Iran’s President Ahmadinejad has taken his oath for a second term after weeks of unrest following the elections. In his speech after being sworn in, he criticised foreign powers who have cast doubt over the validity of the elections. He said Iran would resist these countries. Referring to countries that have decided not to send letters of congratulation to the President, he said, “We heard that some of the Western leaders had decided to recognise but not congratulate the new government… Well, no-one in Iran is waiting for your messages.”