Mauritius bets on satellite data, not satellites
Mauritius wants the view from space without the cost of getting there. The Mauritius Research and Innovation Council (MRIC) on Monday unveiled a Space Strategy 2036 built entirely on satellite data for farming, fishing, land use and the environment, with no plan to build or launch hardware.
"We are too small to get involved in the production of satellites," said Tertiary Education Minister Kaviraj Sukon, whose aim is to put usable readings on a farmer's or fisherman's phone. Whether that reaches a planter in Flacq or stays a slide in Ébène is what the document cannot promise.
Carrots halve in price while lalo blows past Rs 200
Rs 10 to Rs 15. That is what half a kilo of carrots costs now, down from Rs 25 a month ago, after what FALCON, a farmers' group, says is good weather and wider planting. Giraumon and tomatoes eased too.
Not everything followed. Lalo has climbed to Rs 225 the half kilo, chilli has jumped from Rs 40 to Rs 70, and chouchou has doubled, because growers quietly dropped the the crops that take more work. Cheaper basics, pricier extras: the basket evens out less than the carrot drop suggests.
PSEA says no public money has reached Saumtally's new college
On Monday the body that oversees private secondary schools broke its silence. The Private Secondary Education Authority (PSEA) says the Forest-Side Secondary College, run by MP Reza Saumtally, was registered by the book and has drawn no subsidy so far, none due until enrolment tops 150. Education Minister Mahend Gungapersad denies any political favour.
Mauritius gets two months to turn a US-Africa summit into deals
Mauritius hosts the US-Africa Business Summit for the first time, pulling some 3,000 leaders and investors from December 6 to 9. At Monday's reception the US embassy and the Corporate Council on Africa urged local firms to come with real projects, not just applause. A renewed AGOA, the US law behind the island's textile access, strengthens the pitch.
Three thousand guests make a photo; signed projects make it worth the bill.
Shorts
Mauritius host Sri Lanka in the return leg tonight – The match starts 19:00 at Côte-d'Or after the 3-0 win in the first leg, national pride on the line.
Five Terra workers sue over a cut lifeline – They took the state to the Supreme Court after 17 years of seasonal support ended overnight this year.
Homes still dark at Coteau-Raffin, minister visits – Housing Minister Shakeel Mohamed went to see houses left without power and promised to speed up the work.
Fake charity call lands at a policeman's door – A man collecting in Pailles with forged papers knocked, of all homes, at a police inspector's.
Free summer classes for ages 16 and up – Lessons run November 10 to December 18, open to anyone 16 or older who wants to catch up.
|
Share