Shimla, May 17: The state will import new and healthy genetic strains of trout from countries like Norway and Hungary with advice from experts at the Directorate of Cold Water Fisheries at Nainital

For the fourth consecutive day today, schoolchildren were rushed to hospitals with complaints of nausea and vomiting after they were given iron and folic acid (IFA) tablets supplied by the Health D

Maharashtra’s Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve (TATR), a successful model for tiger conservation, is facing a new problem in the shape of tourists. Camera-toting holidaymakers are shelling out big bucks to local tourist guides to go deep into the core area of the national park for “exclusive” pictures of the big cat.

Wildlife officials posted at the resort say guides ferry tourists in Gypsies deep into the reserve in order to spot a tiger. Once the animal is sighted, these shutter-happy tourists surround it to get close-up shots.

The state Wildlife Department will get a fresh population estimation of leopards, snow leopards and monkeys done with the help of experts who will suggest ways and means to reduce man-animal conflict resulting in increased attacks by wild animals.

Experts from an NGO headed by Vidya Athreya, a wildlife biologist, will hold a meeting with the officials of the Wildlife Department here on May 20 to work out a strategy for reducing the increasing man-animal conflict. There is also a proposal to undertake radio-collaring of at least six leopards which will help in analysing their behaviour and tracking their movement.

As the Central government has announced a Rs 334-crore package for the quake-hit areas of Doda and Kishtwar districts, the state government is yet to submit the assessment report of the actual loss to the Centre.

The Rs-334 crore package will cover all affected families whose houses have been completely, severely or partially damaged. The Doda and Kishtwar administrations are on the job to prepare the report of loss caused by the May 1 quake which was followed by nine moderate-intensity tremors.

50 cases detected in state in past few years, patients put on high-level medication

More than 50 multi-drug resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) cases have been detected in the state in the past few years and the patients have been put on high-level medication. Though the state has a full-fledged anti-TB wing which has in recent years curbed the mortality rate among patients, the new strain has caught the health workers by surprise and could adversely affect the success of schemes implemented to eradicate the disease.

Trouble for big fish Jindal Steel, NTPC, Tata Steel, SAIL

The Government is likely to issue show-cause notices to allocatees of 32 captive coal blocks, including Jindal Steel and Power, NTPC, Tata Steel and SAIL, for failing to develop the blocks on time.

To cater to the energy requirements of the armed forces in remote snow-bound areas, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is exploring the potential of tapping wind power to generate energy.

While the Himalayan ridges are known for their high wind potential, accumulation of heavy snow and ice in that region is a critical factor that adversely affects sensitive structures and also jams moving parts in turbines.

After the Congress’ recent political misfortune, the Opposition BJP may find itself in a bind if the Congress plan to push the ambitious National Food Security Bill (NFSB) through a special session is executed.

An indication by Food Minister KV Thomas that the government is contemplating convening a special session of Parliament for clearing Congress president Sonia Gandhi’s dream project has landed the saffron party in the proverbial catch-22 situation.

Residents allege bias in relief distribution