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Today in History (December 20th,1942)
In 1942, the bombers of the Japanese Army Air Force bombed the Indian city of Calcutta (Kolkata) for the first time.
Let’s Revise
1. What does OPEC stand for?
a) Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries
b) Organization of Prime Exporting Countries
c) Oil Producing and Exporting Countries
d) Organization of Primary Energy Countries
Answer: a)
Rationale: OPEC stands for “Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries”. OPEC is a coalition of major oil-producing countries that coordinate policies to stabilize oil markets.
2. Which country is not a member of OPEC?
a) Saudi Arabia
b) Nigeria
c) Norway
d) Iran
Answer: c)
Explanation: Norway is a significant oil producer but is not a member of OPEC.
3) When was OPEC founded?
a) 1945
b) 1950
c) 1960
d) 1973
Answer: c)
Explanation: OPEC was established in 1960 to unify and coordinate petroleum policies among its member countries.
4) What is OPEC+?
a) A new OPEC treaty
b) An extended group of oil producers including OPEC and non-OPEC countries
c) A subsidiary organization of OPEC
d) An environmental coalition against oil production
Answer: b)
Rationale: OPEC+ includes OPEC members and additional oil-producing nations that collaborate on oil production and pricing policies.
5) Which of the following is a primary goal of OPEC?
a) Increase production costs
b) Stabilize oil prices
c) Promote renewable energy
d) Regulate natural gas prices
Answer: b)
Explanation: OPEC aims to stabilize oil prices by coordinating the petroleum policies of its member countries.
Summary of Today’s News
RS Deputy Chairman rejects no-trust notice against Dhankhar by Opposition
• The Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, Harivansh, rejected the Opposition’s no-confidence motion against Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar.
• The notice was deemed an act of impropriety aimed at tarnishing the Vice-President’s reputation.
• Reasons for rejection included the misspelling of Mr. Dhankhar’s name.
• The notice was not addressed to any specific authority and was publicized by the Congress party.
• Harivansh criticized the notice for being flawed and lacking bona fides.
• He described it as a calculated attempt to garner publicity and undermine the Vice-President.
• The Vice-President, Jagdeep Dhankhar, is noted as the first from the agricultural community to hold this office in Independent India.
Sacred Groves
Context:
The Supreme Court of India has directed the Union government to formulate a comprehensive policy for managing sacred groves across the country.
• Ecological and Spiritual Sanctuaries: These areas, dedicated to local deities, are both ecological sanctuaries and places of spiritual reverence.
• Biodiversity Repositories: They preserve biodiversity by protecting rare plant and animal species.
• Prohibitions and Permissible Activities: Hunting and deforestation are usually banned, while sustainable activities like honey collection and gathering deadwood are allowed.
• Sacred Groves in India: These groves are found across India, especially in the Western Ghats, the Himalayas, the northeastern hill regions, and Central India.
Regional Names for Sacred Groves:
• Sarna in Bihar
• Dev Van in Himachal Pradesh
• Devarakadu in Karnataka
• Kavu or Sarpa Kavu in Kerala
• Devrai or Deorai in Maharashtra
• Law Kyntang or Asong Khosi in Meghalaya
• Oran in Rajasthan
• Success Story: Piplantri Village in Rajasthan plants 111 trees for every girl child born, improving local income, reducing female foeticide, and empowering women’s self-help groups.
Detailed Examination of Gold Import Surge by DGCIS
The Directorate General of Commercial Intelligence and Statistics (DGCIS) has initiated a detailed examination following reports of a significant increase in India’s gold imports, which reached a record high of $14.8 billion in November, tripling compared to the same period last year.
About the DGCIS:
• The DGCIS is the leading agency of the Indian government responsible for the collection, compilation, and dissemination of trade statistics and commercial information.
Historical Background:
• Established in 1862 as a statistical branch under the Finance Department, the organization has a long history.
• Sir William W. Hunter, appointed in 1871, was the first Director General of Statistics.
Functions:
• The DGCIS is tasked with collecting, compiling, and publishing trade statistics and various commercial information essential for policymakers, researchers, importers, exporters, traders, and international buyers.
• It is the primary data processing body for export and import data in India.
• Additionally, it compiles and releases inland trade statistics, covering inter-state movements of goods by rail, river, and air annually.
• The organization is headed by the Director General, a senior officer from the Indian Statistical Services (ISS).
Nodal Ministry and Headquarters:
• The DGCIS operates under the Ministry of Commerce.
• Its headquarters are located in Kolkata.
