Puri will give boost to green economy transition: Ex-UN body chief
Darpan News Desk IANS, 08 Jul, 2021 10:51 AM
New Delhi, July 8 (IANS) Former UN Environment Executive Director Erik Solheim on Thursday hailed the elevation of Hardeep Puri as he takes charge of the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas at a time when India will go through a major transformation to a green economy.
"I know Puri very well. He is a perfect fit for this important portfolio," Solheim told IANS in a message.
"Coming with great international and domestic experience at a time when India will go through a major transformation to a less polluting, green economy. He understands the green shift very well and will prioritise jobs and a people-centred approach. Win-win," he added.
The former Norwegian diplomat, politician and environment minister played a crucial role in 2018 as the UN Environment chief in convincing India to phase out single-use plastics by 2022, a major achievement in his crusade against plastic pollution.
Puri, a former diplomat, said the focus of the ministry under him will be to increase domestic production of crude oil and natural gas and help the country become 'Atmanirbhar'.
He said in line with the vision to create a gas-based economy in the country he would see that its availability and use of clean fuel is encouraged.
A huge milestone for an Indian Air Force member. Dalip Singh Majithia, celebrated his 100th birthday on Monday making him the oldest living IAF fighter pilot.
Spokesperson Anurag Srivastava with the Ministry of External Affiars in India has started a protest with the Pakistan High Commission over alleged attempts to convert a Pakistant gurdwara into a mosque.
After UK broke the news that they have a vaccine that can trigger an immune response, India isn't far behind. India's first coronavirus vaccine COVAXIN human trials are in full swing Monday at the All India Institute of Medical Science (AIIMS), Delhi after its Ethics Committee gave it the go ahead.
