On Thursday, the scientists reported that an analysis of rings on a stalagmite from a cave near Jerusalem reveals a drier climate in the region at a time in history when the Roman and Byzantine empires were in decline.
The chemical composition of individual rings as small as one-hundredth of a millimeter across was analyzed by University of Wisconsin geologists, which formed the stalagmite growing up from the floor of the Soreq Cave near Jerusalem between 200 BC and 1100 AD.
“The climate was drier in the eastern Mediterranean between 100 AD and 700 AD, with steep drops in rainfall around 100 AD and 400 AD.; a period of waning Roman and Byzantine power in the region,” said Geologists John Valley and Ian Orland.
Real estate firms are not satisfied with the financial package announced by government to speed up economic growth. Terming it as 'disappointing', the realtors said that reality sector is under huge pressure due to costly credit and low demand following global financial crisis. However, they welcomed the duty cut on steel and cement as it would decrease construction cost and hence increase demand. The real estate companies demanded more measures to provide easy finance for housing.
Export industry has cause to cheer as government has announced Rs 2,000 crore package and incentives for exporters. Labor intensive sectors such as textiles (including handlooms, carpets), handicrafts, leather, gems & jewellery, marine products and SME would also enjoy 2% interest subsidy as a part of relief package. 
The recently announced fiscal package by union government would have positive impact on Indian economy. Analysts feel that it would help to increase local demand and increase spending. The fiscal package and Reserve Bank of India's (RBI) interest rate cuts would mitigate the impact of global slowdown on Indian economy in a long run. Market would enjoy the relaxations in terms of duty cut and additional spending in infrastructure sector.
Auto giant Maruti Suzuki has decided to slash prices of passenger cars following the booster package announced by government to stimulate economic growth. Auto sector is satisfied over the measures taken by government in its recently announced fiscal package. 
The union government has announced Rs 30,700-crore package to propel economic growth of country. The move is aimed to increase local demand in various economic segments including housing, automobile, export and various labor incentive industries. 
