LUCKNOW: What Arjun did to provide water to a thirsty Bhishma in Mahabharata, is being recapitulated by a group of scientists in Bundelkhand these days to quench the thirst of parched denizens. In their unique initiative, scientists have blown up sub-surface hard rocks with the help of dynamites, to create artificial water reservoirs around 140 feet below the earth in Jhansi district.

LUCKNOW: The issues concerning climate change and environmental hazards will be presented in a new light of knowledge by at least 100 researchers from across the world at the department of geology, Lucknow University (LU).

LUCKNOW: After inviting private concerns to set up coal fired thermal power plants, the UP Power Corporation Limited (UPPCL) is toying with the idea of setting up a solar thermal power plant in the state. The 10 MW plant, to be set up by a private company, is likely to come up in Unnao district.

LUCKNOW: The budget session of the UP Vidhan Sabha was adjourned sine die on Friday after passing the Appropriation Bill amounting to Rs 144615,16,23,000 (one lakh forty four thousand six hundred fifteen crore sixteen lakh and twenty three thousand) for the year 2009-10.

LUCKNOW: Construction of the much hyped multi-level parking lot in Hazratganj has been delayed by yet another year. The parking lot, along with three underground parking lots in the city would now come up not before March 31, 2010.

LUCKNOW: Scanning of the water birds for possible strain of bird flu (H5N1) has started in the state. The effort has been undertaken to discover the virus that causes bird flu and water birds are said to be the potential carriers of the same.

LUCKNOW: The tiger operation might get a boost in the coming week. The top guns from the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) and the Wildlife Trust of India (WTI) are expected to visit the place of action on Monday.

LUCKNOW: Thunderstorms followed by light rains in some parts of the state on Tuesday night and on Wednesday, though came as a relief but the amount of rains was very low. Weatherman said that the circulations which caused thunderstorms have passed but newer ones are on their way, hence the state should expect some more action in the coming days.

LUCKNOW: Nothing seems enough to trap the wandering big cat. Not even the handful of baits. The forest staff has so far tied as many as 11 baits to lure the tiger into the trap but the feline has shown no appetite for them. In fact, it has not even touched a single bait.

LUCKNOW: The cabinet at its meeting held recently under the chairmanship of CM Mayawati took a few pro-farmer decisions.
The government has changed the rates of tax on gypsum, components of sprinkler sets and seeds under Vat Act, 2008. According to the cabinet decision, the four per cent tax levied on gypsum has been waived off.