Dede Sophie

 The Papua New Guinea  National Airports Corporation (NAC) will be undergoing a Special Enterprise Review into the affairs of NAC.  In a statement, PNG Minister for Transport & Civil Aviation, Walter Schnaubelt made the announcement of the commencement of a special enterprise review. Minister Schnaubelt  Minister Schnaubelt says as minister responsible he is very serious in his efforts to improve the NAC, and will ensure that the recommendations on corrective actions are implemented in a structured and sustainable way after the review. The Minister says the review is in line with the Marape – Rosso Government’s drive to restore stability and enhance operational efficiency, regulatory compliance, and financial sustainability at NAC. Upon the announcement of the new Acting Managing Director for NAC Joseph Tupiri late last year, Minister Schnaubelt highlighted that NAC needs to undergo a full audit and review to know its organization status. This is now fruitful with the Minister...

It is one of the highest villages in the world . It was once the highest polling station in India, before losing the numero uno position to Tashigang. It is one of the highest motorable villages in the world. Spiti valley’s Kibber holds many such accolades, but the one that makes it really special is the fact that it home to the endangered snow leopard. Located in the high Himalayas of Himachal Pradesh at an altitude of 14, 200 feet, Kibber is primarily an agrarian village. The famous Ki monastery of Spiti valley is located just a few kilometers away and the high altitude villages of Tashigang, Langza , Komic and Hikkim are located close by. Kaza, the main city in the region is located about 20 kms away. To a first timer, Kibber is special for its Tibetan style stone and brick houses, its high altitude landscapes, its pretty little meadows that come to life during the summer months and the star studded night sky.  But, if you look closer, you will see the wild riches of Kibber. Surrou...

Alison McQueen, author of Under The Jeweled Sky Forbidden love set against the backdrop of a maharaja’s palace in post-World War II India is at the center of Alison McQueen’s new novel, Under the Jeweled Sky (Jan 21, 2014; $14.99 U.S.; Fiction; Trade Paper). Sophie Schofield always knew she would return to India. When she does in 1957, she is the new bride of ambitious British diplomat Lucien Granger and part of the glittering expatriate set that called New Delhi home following India’s partition. But it’s not the country she fell in love with 10 years earlier and Sophie is soon confronted with the memory of her first love and its devastating consequences. The past still haunts her – the guilt she carries, the destruction wreaked upon her fragile parents, and the boy with the tourmaline eyes. Join me in reading what Alison McQueen has to say about her research involving declassified diplomatic documents, and her love affair with India while writing this interesting book. Read more...