17 July 2016 Current Affairs
Dabur and DRDO unit tie up for high altitude medicinal plants
Dabur, a leading ayurvedic Fast-moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) firm has tied up with the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO’s) unit Defense Institute of High Altitude Research (DIHAR), Leh, to promote sustainable cultivation of high-altitude medicinal plants in Ladakh. As per this deal, both organizations will educate farmers and help enhance livelihood opportunities in the cold desert area.
Pema Khandu was sworn in as Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh
Pema Khandu was sworn in as the ninth chief minister of Arunachal Pradesh on 17, July 2016 marking the culmination of fast-paced political developments in this north-eastern state. Chowna Mein was sworn in as the deputy chief minister. They both Mr. Khandu and Chowna have administered the oath of office and secrecy by Governor Tathagat Roy at a function in Itanagar. The 37 years old Mr. Khandu is a son of late Chief Minister Dorjee Khandu and represents Moktu assembly constituency in Tawang district.
UNESCO lists Khangchendzonga National Park and Chandigarh’ Capitol Complex in World Heritage Sites
The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), has added Sikkim’s Khangchendzonga National Park (KNP) and Chandigarh’ Capitol Complex in its list of World Heritage Sites. Decision in this regard was taken by the 40th session of the World Heritage Committee (WHC) of UNESCO held in Istanbul in Turkey. The KNP is the first ‘mixed’ heritage site from India to make it to the list. A ‘mixed site’ exhibits qualities of both natural and cultural significance.This is the first time that any country got three sites inscribed in the Word Heritage List at a single session of the committee meeting.
Railway Ministry launches project to install Solar Panels in all Railway Buildings
The Union Railway Ministry has launched a project to install Solar Panels in all Railway Buildings in order to reduce expenditure on electricity As part of the project, Union Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu laid the foundation stone of one Megawatt (MW) solar power plant at Amritsar Railway station in Punjab. The power plant at Amritsar Railway station will be set up with a cost of 8 crore Rupees. It will annually produce 14 lakh units of power. It will save 1.40 crore Rupees for railway. Besides, Union Government is also focusing to produce solar energy from waste materials. This will help to reduce Railways expenditure.
Commerce Ministry starts e-marketplace for goods procurement
The Commerce Ministry has launched an e-marketplace for online purchase of goods and services by various central government ministries and departments which aimed at bringing in more transparency and streamlining the government procurement of goods and services. It was launched by the Union Minister of State (MoS) Commerce and Industry Nirmala Sitharaman in New Delhi. In this regards, the portal has been developed by the Directorate General of Supplies and Disposals (DGS&D) which works under the Commerce Ministry and carries out the procurement.