In Kolkata trams, it's winter till March even if temperature is 30 degrees Celsius

Never mind if the mercury scaled 30 degrees Celsius and it felt like summer on Thursday. Calcutta Tramways Company insists it's still winter. Pleas from perspiring passengers to switch on fans in the first class compartment fell on deaf ears with conductors resolute that winter cannot be over till March.

"There is a notification against using fans during winter," said a conductor on a tram plying on route 25. When passengers pointed out it felt like mid-summer, he retorted: "It does not matter how hot you feel. Fans have always remained switched off between November 15 and February 28/29. It will continue to be that way."

Other conductors in trams across the city offered the same reason. "There's an order against switching on fans," was the stock reply. Read more..............In Kolkata trams, it's winter till March

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Beat the heat in company of Buffaloes

If you feel the summer is unbearable this year, here is an easiest way to beat the heat in company of Buffaloes!!!

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'Homework Outsourcing' by Indian Kids

Till now we have heard of outsourcing of IT services but "Homework Outsourcing" & that too by Indian Kids, it may seem altogether a different thing. But many Kids in India are doing exactly the same thing during their summer vacations. Such kids always come back to school after vacations with wonderfully crafted science projects, charts & neat homework, all courtesy Outsourcing of such work.

Meet Shalu Bangar, a class VIII student of New Delhi Public School who was happily holidaying in Jalandar city in Punjab while others were working hard to finish her project on industrial waste for a sum of Indian Rs.300/- (US$ 7.5 only).

Shalu says, “I had gone to Punjab and I had so many other things to do so I gave them my project. I hope I get good marks now.”

This is a homework factory - from arts and craft projects to the lifecycle of a butterfly you name it they will make it for you. All you have to do is shell out anything between Indian Rs 100 to Rs 300 (US$ 2.5 to 7.5) and you are all set to become the apple of your teacher's eye.

The owner of Melody Projects Manoj Kumar says, “We keep in mind the student's budget; it should look like the student has made it. And we try and ensure that the student scores well.”

Interesting, isn't it. What's your say on it ? Readers comments are invited.

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'Presidential Palace' faces Water Shortage

Water scarcity in summers in New Delhi, capital of India is not uncommon but this could figure in Ripley’s believe it or not! Summer sizzle has not spared even India's first citizen from getting exposed to harsh urban realities.

Presidential Palace or Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi, one of the most imposing symbols overlooking the Republic’s corridors of power, is facing water shortage. You may even get to see tankers supplying water to the president’s estate — just like a shoddy lane tucked away in a corner of any metro.

"Rashtrapati Bhavan" which is the official residence of the President of India is a posh 133-hectare estate which faced acute water shortage on Friday & the Delhi Jal Board (Delhi Water Body) received a letter to this effect from the Rastrapati Bhavan.

“The letter said the "Rastrapati Bhavan" is reeling under acute water shortage for the last few days and if need be they would require additional water tankers,” a senior DJB official said. “We have enough tankers and we are fully prepared,” the official said.

According to sources, 2 million litres of water is required for the Rashtrapati Bhavan every day; the annual water requirement is 730 million litres.

Perched on Raisina Hill, the Rashtrapati Bhavan is a township within itself: besides 340 rooms in the main building, there are 7,000 residents at any given time, and approximately 3,000 people visit the presidential premises daily.

It has a school, post office, bank for the staff and family besides tennis courts, swimming pool, ornamental canals, garden pools (Mughal Garden) and fountains, theatre, club for the First Family and their guests. There are also acres of rolling gardens and forests, which need a lot of water.

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