CBI sleuths, probing poaching of rhinos in Assam (especially in the Kaziranga National Park), suspect that Northeast-based insurgent outfit Karbi People’s Liberation Tigers is actively involved in

Climate change is expected to adversely affect agricultural production in India. This study was undertaken to understand the dryland farmers’ perceptions about climate change, its impacts and indigenous adaptation measures they pursue. From the analysis of data collected from 200 dryland farmers of Villupuram and Virudhunagar districts in Tamil Nadu, it was found that 81 % of farmers experienced climate change in terms of decreasing and unpredictable rainfall, increasing temperature and delayed onset of monsoon. Analysis of climate trend validated their perceptions.

The CBI is likely to question representatives of three state government-run public sector undertakings (PSUs) next week in connection with its probe related to the Coalgate scam.

According to sources, the state government PSUs who were allocated blocks include Chhattisgarh Mineral Development Corporation Limited, West Bengal Mineral Development Trading Corporation, Jharkhand State Mineral Development Corporation and Maharshtra State Mining Corporation.

The CBI, which is probing the Coalgate scam, has shortlisted eight companies that were recipients of coal blocks between 2006 and 2009. These companies are under the scanner of the CBI because of their suspicious credentials, sources said.

“The agency will soon call senior representatives of eight companies for certain clarificantions. The agency has also sought relevant documents related to these companies from the coal ministry,” sources said.

Litter production varied greatly with plantation age and stem density in E. camaldulensis being high in 12-year old plantation. Lowest litter production was in 4-year old plantation. Bimodal pattern of litter fall was observed in younger plantation where, two peaks of varied intensity were observed in summer and winter.

Senna (Cassia angustifolia) a native of Saudi Arabia is now cultivated extensively in Western Rajasthan. The main advantage of the crop is that it does not require the application of any fertilizers and it is not devoured by insects, animals or birds. Also the plant is eco-friendly as it can be used for developing wastelands and does not require frequent irrigation.

India has history of programmes for conservation of soil and water resources by adopting in situ moisture conservation and increased irrigation through tank and aquifer based water harvesting. This article gives an indication of the potential of the watershed programme.