KEYLONG - The rugged, inhospitable terrain of this landlocked valley in Himachal Pradesh is sought to be greened with plantations of seabuckthorn, a medicinally rich plant, that will not only help check soil erosion but also benefit the local people economically.

BRUSSELS - Exports from the 27-member European Union to India have increased to 19.4 billion euro until July this year, up 26 percent from 15.4 billion euro during the first seven month of 2009.

CHANDIGARH - Nearly 2 lakh new beneficiaries will be given old age allowance in Haryana next week, Social Justice and Empowerment Minister Geeta Bhukkal said Saturday A total of 194,394 new beneficiaries would get lump sum amount of Rs.2,500 as five months pension from the month of April to August this year, she said, adding that this was being done in view of the festival season.

NEW DELHI - The Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) has made two new discoveries of oil and gas reserves - gas at the Krishna-Godavari basin block and oil in the Cauvery basin.

CHANDIGARH - The Haryana government Saturday announced a complete ban on usage, storage and recycling of polythene carry bags in the state The ban has been approved by Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda, an official spokesman said here.