4 lakh solar energy systems installed in rural india in 3 years

The Government has said that over four lakh solar energy run systems were installed across the country in last three years.

"Around 4,10,500 solar energy run appliances including home lighting systems, lanterns, street lights, SPV pumps and cookers were installed in the last three fiscals," New and Renewable Energy Minister Farooq Abdullah said while replying to a Rajya Sabha query on Monday.

The research supported by the ministry has helped in improving the efficiency of solar cells from 12-13 percent to 14-16 percent, Abdullah added.

India to have third researchs station in Antartica

Next January when summer begins in Antartica, India will start constructing its third research station. It will be located at Larsemann Hills region, which scientists believe broke away from Indian penninsula 120 million years ago and drifted to Antartica after break up of Gondwanaland continent. It has received nod from Antartic Treaty Consultative Meeting (ACTM). ACTM, formed as per the provisions of Antartic Treaty 1959, is the final international authority in the matters related to the icy continent.

Himachal Pradesh achives 'two-child' target

Himachal Pradesh, a Himalayan state of India, has become the 10th Indian state to achieve the target of two children per couple and not more. This means the state has achived total fertility rate of two or less children per couple. It recently received the congradulatory letter from Union Health Ministry.

State Health Department sources attributed the distinction to better health infrastructure in the state.

More than 75 percent of villages have accessibility to health sub-centres within a distance of three kms and 94.5 percent of them have a PHC within 10 kms, they said.