PIB Summary- 2nd June, 2022 | PIB (Press Information Bureau) Summary - UPSC PDF Download

Government e-Marketplace

Why in News?
The Union Cabinet, chaired by the Prime Minister  has given its approval for expanding the mandate of GeM to allow procurement by Cooperatives as buyers on GeM.

About Government e-Marketplace (GeM)

• The Government e Marketplace (GeM) was launched on August 9, 2016.
• To create an open and transparent procurement platform for Government buyers.
• A Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) by the name of Government e- Marketplace (GeM SPV) was set up as the National Public Procurement Portal.
• It has been developed by Directorate General of Supplies and Disposals (Ministry of Commerce and Industry) with technical support of National e-governance Division (Ministry of Electronic and Information Technology).
• It is a completely paperless, cashless and system driven e-market place that enables procurement of common use goods and services with minimal human interface.
• At present, the platform is open for procurement by all government buyers: central and state ministries, departments, public sector enterprises, autonomous institutions, local bodies, etc.
• As per existing mandate, GeM is not available for use by private sector buyers.
• Suppliers (sellers) can be from across all segments: government or private.

The following are the objectives of the online platform:

• Easier availability of various goods and services for the government buyers.
• Create transparency in public procurement.
• Cost saving on government expenditure.
• Achieve and promote cashless transactions.

NTPC’s Biodiversity Policy

Why in News?
Recently, National Thermal Power Corporation Limited (NTPC Ltd.) has issued a renewed Biodiversity Policy 2022 to establish a comprehensive vision and guiding principle for conservation, restoration, and enhancement of biodiversity.

Objectives of the Policy

• The policy is designed to assist all NTPC Group professionals in contributing to the achievement of the targets set in this field.
• NTPC has always been conscious of avoiding operations in areas with the highest biodiversity value and judiciously selecting project sites.

Mainstreaming the Concept of Biodiversity:

• The fundamental goal is to integrate biodiversity into the NTPC value chain.
• It also seeks to use a cautious approach to biodiversity management in all decision-making processes to ensure the Earth’s diversity of life in and around NTPC’s business units.

Dealing with Local Threats:

• The policy also aims to adopt systematic consideration of local threats to biodiversity beyond the company’s business activities.

National Thermal Power Corporation

• It is an Indian statutory corporation engaged in the generation of electricity and allied activities.
• It is incorporated under the Companies Act 1956 and is under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Power.
• NTPC Ltd. is a central Public Sector Undertaking (PSU) under the Ministry of Power.
• It is India’s largest energy conglomerate with roots planted way back in 1975 to accelerate power development in India.
• Aim: To provide reliable power and related solutions in an economical, efficient and environment-friendly manner, driven by innovation and agility.
• It became a Maharatna company in May 2010.
• It is located in New Delhi.