June 1, 2016 Reading Time: 2 minutes
Global renewable energy usage increases. Image credit - urban_light /depositphotos
Reading Time: 2 min read
SLAF to assist UN mission in South Sudan
The Sri Lankan Air Force (SLAF) is to deploy an aviation unit under the United Nations helicopter deployment in South Sudan in June 2016.
The graduation of the aviation unit was held on 30 May 2016 at SLAF Base Katunayake. The deployment will comprise 17 officers and 87 airmen.
London Stock Exchange Group signs agreement with BOI
The Board of Investment (BOI) of Sri Lanka has signed an agreement with the London Stock Exchange Group (LSEG) to set up a global business services branch in Sri Lanka.
The BOI has been working to attract investments in the IT sector, which is seen as an emerging export industry that would create more jobs. LSEG plans to directly employ over 400 people in the IT sector through this initiative.
Siemens signs MoU with Sri Lanka
Siemens, a German electronics and industrial conglomerate, has signed a memorandum of understanding with the Ministry of Megapolis and Western Development to offer smart city solutions to Sri Lanka.
The Ministry aims to develop new cities in Bandaragama, Kadawatha, Kottawa, and Kerawalapitiya as a part of its Megapolis Development Plan.
Philippines President names cabinet
Philippines President-elect Rodrigo Duterte has named his 34 member cabinet, a day after a joint session of Congress declared him the winner of the 9 May presidential elections.
President Duterte reiterated plans to streamline bureaucracy, cut red tape and fight crime. He will be sworn into office on 30 June.
Renewable energy usage rises
According to the Global Status Report, published by the Renewable Energy Policy Network (REN21), 2015 has seen the largest global increase in renewable energy capacity. For the first time, developing nations have spent more than developed nations on renewable power and fuels.
In 2015, investments in renewables were more than double the amount spent on new coal and gas-fired power plants, and despite the significant fall in fossil fuel prices.
EAEU and China to begin trade talks
The Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) will begin negotiations on a trade and economic partnership with China, and the partnership is to be finalised within two years.
The EAEU, comprising Russia, Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan, has also shown interest in cooperating with Serbia and the EU.
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