Question: How many countries are currently included in the Indian Ocean Coastal Regional Cooperation Association (IORA)?
(a) 18
(b) 20
(c) 21
(d) 25
Answer- (c)
Related Facts:
- On January 26th, 2018, Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR) has entered into a MoU with the Regional Center for Science and Technology Transfer (RCSTT) of Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) for designating Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants, Lucknow (CSIR-CIMAP) as Coordinating Center on Medicinal Plants.
- The MoU was signed by Prof. Anil Kumar Tripathi, Director CSIR-CIMAP and Dr. A. Sedrpousan, Director, IORA-RCSTT.
- The Indian delegation was led by Dr. Girish Sahni, DG, CSIR and Secretary, DSIR.
- The delegation also attended the 31st Khwarizmi International Award Ceremony which was addressed by H.E. Dr. Hassan Rouhani, President of the Islamic Republic of Iran.
- The IORA Center at CSIR-CIMAP will establish a database on the important medicinal plants, their value added products, related experts and industries of the IORA member states and organize meetings and training programmes to promote trade, commerce and scientific exchanges to complement the strength and limitation of the member states.
- The IORA is an association of 21 countries and 7 dialogue partners which have identified 6 areas of cooperation including medicinal plants.
- The signing ceremony was organized in the office of H.E. Mr. Morteza Sarmadi, Vice Minister of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Islamic Republic of Iran, in Tehran in the august presence of H.E. Dr. Nomvuyo Nokwe, Secretary General of IORA headquartered in Mauritius and Dr. Girish Sahni, DG, CSIR and Secretary, DSIR, Government of India. Several eminent people and leaders of Iranian Industry participated in the ceremony.
Reference:
http://pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetail.aspx?PRID=1521771