Kerala emerges as e-governance leader

After its pioneering record in achieving cent-per-cent literacy, Kerala is set to emerge as a role model for the country in computer literacy and e-governance with a host of state-sponsored programmes under way in the state, reports Press Trust of India.

While schemes like 'Akshaya' have been able to impart basic knowledge of computers to a large number of people down the rungs of society, at the government level several projects to create inter-departmental as well as government-public linkage are under way.

"The ultimate aim of these initiatives is to ensure better delivery of service to people. They are going most vibrant," says Kerala's principal IT secretary, Ajay Kumar.

The UK has updated its main regulations governing the environmental disposal of used IT and other tech hardware, states eWeek Europe.

Despite this, cases are still emerging of electronic waste being shipped illegally to developing countries for disposal.

The Department for Business Innovation and Skills says it has updated the UK's Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment laws to help improve the amount of old technology hardware which is recycled and kept out of landfill.

The US and Armenia drew up a new action plan focusing on "good governance, addressing regional issues, and enhancing the business climate in Armenia," according to Armenian Reporter.

The two countries also signed a memorandum of understanding on science and technology cooperation.

The agreements were reached in the US-Armenia Task Force meetings in Washington that were co-chaired by Economics Minister Nerses Yeritsian and the US State Department's coordinator for assistance to Europe and Eurasia, Dan Rosenblum.