Extinct for 135 years found in Sikkim Himalayas

1. Globba andersonii, declared extinct 135 years ago, has been found in Sikkim Himalayas in eureka moments…
2. A team of Botanists from Pune and Kerala “rediscovered” a rare and critically endangered plant.
3. The species called Globba andersonii is found near the Teesta river valley region.

Also known as ‘dancing ladies’ or ‘swan flowers’

1. The plant is commonly known as ‘dancing ladies’ or ‘swan flowers’.
2. Before this the plant was collected between the period 1862 – 70 when it was collected by Scottish botanist Thomas Anderson from Sikkim and Darjeeling.
3. The last occasion known was in 1875, when the British botanist Sir George King, had collected this taxon from the Sikkim Himalayas.

9 years of confirmation

1. Since the past nine years botanists from Kozhikode have been perfecting this discovery and confirming that this taxon is indeed the Globba andersonii.
2. Globba andersonii are characterised by white ?owers, non-appendaged anthers and a “yellowish lip”.
3. It has been classified as “critically endangered” and “narrowly endemic”.
4. The species is restricted mainly to Teesta River Valley region.

India to ban Chinese companies from highway projects

1. Amid border standoff with China, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari said that India will not allow any Chinese company to participate in Highway projects.
2. Currently only a few projects which were undertaken much earlier involve some Chinese partners.
3. Mr. Gadakri also said that China will be kept out of  various sectors like Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).

Joint ventures also not allowed

1. The govt will give permission to joint ventures that have Chinese partners for road construction.
2. The Road Transport, Highways and MSME minister, Nitin Gadkari said a policy will be out soon banning Chinese firms and relaxing norms for Indian companies.
3. The new decision will be implemented in current and future tenders.
4. If there comes any Chinese company in the bids, rebidding would be done.

Relaxation for Indian companies

1. The govt has taken a decision to relax norms for Indian companies to ensure that they qualify in bidding in large projects.
2. Mr. Gadkari said, “Construction norms are not good so I have asked to change it. We are changing it so that we can encourage Indian companies.”
3. “Even if we have to go for foreign joint venture in the areas of technology, consultancy or design, we will not allow Chinese,” the Minister said.

Way to Self-Reliant India

1. The government is initiating path-breaking reforms to help MSMEs and businesses in a bid to make the country self-reliant.
2. “It is a good step. The imports from China will be discouraged and the country will take large strides towards self-reliance,” the Minister said.