India Railways to lauch a new call centre service.

Indian Railways has firmed up plans to launch a new call service number 138 for those seeking additional information or special services.

Customers can seek information on train routes and schedules at different stations. Information on some of the premium services launched by railways in the recent past can also be obtained on this number. This would be a special service and callers would have to shell out some more money than mere local call rates, as charged on 139, This plan comes on heels of starting (or planning) several and premium services such as hiring a taxi or booking a hotel over phone.

Plans are afoot to enable passangers to order food of their choice before embarking on journey by calling 139. Similarly orders can also be placed at counter while booking a reservation. Green vegetables and local dishes are new additions to the menu. Passangers would be served with trolley service in some of the Rajdhani expresses soon. Railway Minister has instruced Railway Board to improve quality of food served on train.

Novel equipments for watering

University of Pune is trying its bit to use eco-frinedly products with novel ideas.

It has installed a swing in its jogging park. This swing is connected to pumps which are attached to water tank. As the swing moves to and fro, water is siphoned up and supplied to surrounding plants using drip irrigation system. If the swing is used for 10 minuts, it pumps 100 litres of water.

Another device is a cycle pump. This too is installed in the park. As it is used as a means of exercise it sends water to connected sprinklers, making surroundings cooler and greener.

NGO for equitable distribution of water

Gram Gaurav Pratishthan (GGP) was founded in 1974 by late Vilasrao salunkhe to achieve sustainable rural development. His wife Kalpanatai is taking his task forward. It led to the 'Pani Panchayat' movement. It has developed holistic farming system thru organic farming. In it Naigaon model, proective irrigation was successfully brought about with participation of mloal community. Its Ponde Model brought about equitable water distribution through micro watershed. GGP is also collaborating with some corporates to widen its area and reach.

Mumbai HC clears air on accident insurance claims

Mumbai High Court has directed IRDA and Tariff Advisory Committee to publicise a circular in which the latter has clarified that unpaid drivers are also covered under the accidents insurance policy. in OCtober, 2005 TAC has clarified this issue but several insurance companies continued to issue policies without incorporating the modifications and latter rejected claims citing the deleted cause. The issue had come up in a PIL.

Vijay Tendulkar's play in Karachi

The Napa Repertory Theater Company presented its tenth play titles 'Khamosh! Yeh Adalat Hai' (Silence! The Court Is In Session) at the Arts Council Auditorium, Karachi between 16th to 25th May, 09. This Marathi play is translated into Urdu by Intizar Hussain. It is directed by Rahat Kazmi, who is a veteran stage and television actor himself. After starting his career with Pakistan Television in 1970, he set up his own company named Theater Walay and staged around 16 plays in the span of 5 years. This is his third play director associated with NTRC in Karachi.