australia-to-help-create-smart-cities-in-india

Australia to help create smart cities in India

Brisbane, Nov 17 (ANI): The Mayor of Brisbane, Lord Graham Quirk, offered to help Modi in the creation of his vision of smart cities in India, with smart water supply, sewage system and other aspects of important living standards. Quirk was speaking after a civic reception hosted by him and the Premier of Queensland, Campbell Newman, in honour of the Prime Minister of India. Quirk also said that the people of Brisbane rest hopes on Modi as he carries great responsibility. Expat Indians say they look forward to tie-ups between India and Australia. Prime Minister is on a three-country visit - Myanmar, Australia and Fiji - to participate in various summits and bilateral meetings. Nov 17, 2014
farmers-in-assam-benefit-from-utilizing-drip-irrigation-method

Farmers in Assam benefit from utilizing drip irrigation method

Assam, Nov 17 (ANI): 35-year-old Prasanta Boruah ventured into citrus cultivation in 2006. In 2011, he attended a training program on drip irrigation at Assam Agriculture University and installed a mini drip in his 3 acre citrus farm with 50 per cent subsidy given by the government. Since then, his yield has increased and he earns handsomely now. Drip Irrigation is a method that delivers water to the crop by using a network of lines with emission points spaced along their length. It results in very high water application efficiency as the dripper supplies a controlled uniform application of water and other required growth substances. The Assam Agriculture University in Jorhat conducts training programmes for farmers and scientists of various Krishi Vigyan Kendras to give awareness about the advantages of drip irrigation. The government is also giving high subsidies to farmers for installing drip in their farms. Nov 17, 2014
students-in-kashmir-demand-bridge-construction-as-they-have-to-cross-river-on-boat-to-reach-school

Students in Kashmir demand bridge construction as they have to cross river on boat to reach school

Rajouri, Nov 16 (ANI): School children in Rajouri district of Jammu and Kashmir risk their lives to go to a school by crossing a river as there is no bridge over it. Students in Nadpur Dhallian village cross River Manawar on a boat everyday to get to their schools while locals also have to go by same mode to get to the other side. People complain that even after repeated complaints, the administration did not construct a bridge. A school teacher, Isher Singh said that if a bridge is built, more children would come from nearby villages to attend school. Singh also said that many parents feared sending their children to school as there were several incidents of children and villagers getting swept away or drowning in the river water. Meanwhile, the assembly polls in the state are scheduled to take place from November 25 and the five-phased elections will conclude on December 20. Counting of votes will take place on December 23. Nov 16, 2014
people-raise-water-electricity-woes-ahead-of-kashmir-polls

People raise water, electricity woes ahead of Kashmir polls

Poonch, Nov 16 (ANI): People in poll-bound Jammu and Kashmir complained about lack of basic facilities on Sunday (November 16). The assembly polls in the state will be held in five phases, which will begin on November 25 and conclude on December 20. Counting of votes will take place on December 23. People of Tharati village in Poonch district say they have been facing water scarcity issue since a very long time and will vote for a person who pays heed to their issues. Meanwhile, to voters recovering from the worst floods in a century, those plans are a far cry from reality. Nov 16, 2014
walnut-prices-shoot-up-after-kashmir-floods

Walnut prices shoot up after Kashmir floods

Srinagar, Nov 16 (ANI): The prices of walnuts in Jammu and Kashmir are increasing despite average production due to recent floods in the valley. The floods that left behind a trail of devastation in September this year killed hundreds and left thousands homeless. The rains affected the production as they filled the walnut fruit with water but it led to shortage of the dry fruit and now those involved in the business are expecting a good turnover. Even the walnut growers are anticipating rich profits after the prices have touched a new height in the markets. The walnuts from Kashmir are always in demand across the country and abroad because of its quality. Districts Anantnag and Ganderbal are very famous for the nut production. Nov 16, 2014
no-security-anxiety-with-bangladesh-says-former-indian-envoy

No security anxiety with Bangladesh, says former Indian envoy

Dhaka/ New York, Nov 15 (ANI): Former Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh, Muchkund Dubey has said that the improved relation between both the neighbouring countries has resolved the issue of security anxiety. Dubey was addressing a gathering at the Bangladesh High Commissioners’ Summit held in Dhaka organized by University of Dhaka and the India-Bangladesh Foundation on Friday. Foreign Minister of Bangladesh, Abul Hassan Mahmood Ali, was the chief guest who inaugurated the event. Meanwhile, Ali, said talks with his Indian counterpart, Sushma Swaraj, in June on key bilateral issues, including Land Boundary Agreement and proposed Teesta river water sharing deal, during which the Indian side also raised the matter of illegal immigration, proved to be fruitful. The summit was held at the Senate Hall of the Dhaka University. Nov 15, 2014
kerala-introduces-water-taxis-to-boost-backwater-tourism

Kerala introduces water taxis to boost backwater tourism

Kochi, Nov 14 (ANI): The tourism minister of Kerala, AP Anil Kumar, launched water taxis and hop-on hop-off boat services to increase the potential of backwaters for state tourism. First of its kind in India, water taxis and boats were flagged off by Kumar in Kochi recently. As Kerala is surrounded by waterways, the services have been launched with the view to ensure the “last-mile connectivity” to tourist destinations, and lure more and more tourists to Kerala backwaters. The hop-on and hop-off boats are air conditioned with seating accommodation for 25 passengers at a time and they will ply at regular intervals. One buying a day’s ticket can travel in it for any number of times within 24 hours. The passenger can get into the boat from any boat jetty and can step down at whichever destination he wants where the boat travels. Besides having a new experience one can also avoid road traffic congestion. Nov 14, 2014
Bono Cheats Death After Jet Door Falls Mid-Flight

Bono Cheats Death After Jet Door Falls Mid-Flight

U2's Bono narrowly escaped death 12 November when the rear door of his private jet reportedly fell off mid-flight while he was travelling from Dublin, Ireland, to Berlin, Germany, to attend the Bambi International Music Awards. Nov 14, 2014