Education: Rise in School Enrollment:

Feb 4, 2009, Deccan Chronicle

Excerpts from the article on rise in school enrollment by Rashme Sehgal

The school report card developed by the National University for Education, Planning and Administration (NUEPA), that covers 1.25 million primary and upper primary schools across the country has shown that Kerala tops the combined rankings for both primary and upper primary education for school-going children. Bihar and Jharkhand have shown the way again with increase in primary enrolment in schools.

Environment: Two leopards rescued from well.

Feb 4, 2009, Deccan Chronicle, page 5

Two leopards which accidentally fell into a well in Igatpuri tehsil near Nashik were rescued by the forest department. They incident took place on Sunday night when the wild cats were chasing their hunt. They were brought out of the well with the help of a ladder.

Environment & Monuments: Ban on immersion of idols in lake

Feb 4, 2009, Deccan Chronicle, page 5

For the first time in more than two and a half decades, the authorities have not allowed the immersion of idols in the tank surrounding the 16th century tomb of Afghan King Sher Shah Suri at Sasaram in Bihar. The ban on immersion of idols is a part to preserve the monument and the lake.

People: Baked goods made in Tihar to be exported

Jan 28, 2009, Deccan Chronicle, page 5

Baked goods made by the inmates of Tihar Jail might soon be exported. Several distributors have approached the jail authorities seeking to market the products abroad. Tihar inmates produce various bakery products such as biscuits, rusk, cakes and a range of snacks at the factory inside the prison. These are in great demand because of their good quality and low price.

People: The tale of Tantya Bhil the Indian Robin Hood

Jan 24, 2009, Deccan Chronicle, page 5

Tantya Bhil, known as the Indian Robin Hood, will be the focus of the MP tableau during the Republic Day Parade in New Delhi. The tribal hero, who had even made it to the New York Times paper then, was born at Badada village in Pandhana Tehsil of Khandwa (East Nimar) in MP and emerged as a great hero of the masses because of his indomitable courage and passion in challenging the British regimen.

Environment: Shop raided selling illegal brushes made of mongoose hair

Jan 24, 2009, Deccan Chronicle, page 5

The forest department of Friday raided a shop in Dausa, Rajasthan and seized around 200 brushes made of mongoose hair, an official said. The officials raided the shop on a tip off and seized 200 brushes of different sizes and arrested the shopkeeper.

People: Campaign against Child Labour

Jan 31st, 2009, Deccan Chronicle, page 5

Actor Aamir Khan is likely to promote Maharashtra government’s campaign against child labour. The state has decided to utilize Khan’s appeal among children after the runaway success of his film Taare Zameen Par and may rope in the actor for its campaign against child labour.