Rain or Shine...

THE GOVERNMENT in the remote Indian state of Mizoram is offering rewards for dead rats following an infestation.

Legend has it that an increasing number of rats coupled with the early flowering of bamboo - something that has been witnessed this year in the mountains - is a sign of impending drought. The state government already has paid 90,000 rupees (about pounds 1,400) as reward to rat catchers - at the rate of one rupee one per rat.