Extinct for 135 years found in Sikkim Himalayas
- Globba andersonii, declared extinct 135 years ago, has been found in Sikkim Himalayas in eureka moments…
- A team of Botanists from Pune and Kerala “rediscovered” a rare and critically endangered plant.
- The species called Globba andersonii is found near the Teesta river valley region.
Also known as ‘dancing ladies’ or ‘swan flowers’
- The plant is commonly known as ‘dancing ladies’ or ‘swan flowers’.
- Before this the plant was collected between the period 1862 – 70 when it was collected by Scottish botanist Thomas Anderson from Sikkim and Darjeeling.
- 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
- Since the past nine years botanists from Kozhikode have been perfecting this discovery and confirming that this taxon is indeed the Globba andersonii.
- Globba andersonii are characterised by white ?owers, non-appendaged anthers and a “yellowish lip”.
- It has been classified as “critically endangered” and “narrowly endemic”.
- The species is restricted mainly to Teesta River Valley region.
India to ban Chinese companies from highway projects
- Amid border standoff with China, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari said that India will not allow any Chinese company to participate in Highway projects.
- Currently only a few projects which were undertaken much earlier involve some Chinese partners.
- 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
- The govt will give permission to joint ventures that have Chinese partners for road construction.
- 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.
- The new decision will be implemented in current and future tenders.
- If there comes any Chinese company in the bids, rebidding would be done.
Relaxation for Indian companies
- The govt has taken a decision to relax norms for Indian companies to ensure that they qualify in bidding in large projects.
- 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.”
- “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
- The government is initiating path-breaking reforms to help MSMEs and businesses in a bid to make the country self-reliant.
- “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.
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