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Today in History (December 21st,1898)
On this day in 1898, having recently discovered polonium, future Nobel Prize winners Marie and Pierre Curie discovered the radioactive chemical element radium, a silvery white metal that would be used to treat cancer.
Let’s Revise
1) What are sacred groves primarily dedicated to?
A) Historical figures
B) Local deities
C) National leaders
D) Famous authors
Answer: B)
Explanation: Sacred groves are areas dedicated to local deities, serving as both ecological sanctuaries and places of spiritual reverence.
2) Which of the following activities is usually prohibited in sacred groves?
A) Honey collection
B) Gathering deadwood
C) Hunting
D) Sustainable farming
Answer: C)
Explanation: Hunting and deforestation are generally prohibited in sacred groves to protect biodiversity, while sustainable activities like honey collection and gathering deadwood are permitted.
3) In which Indian state is a sacred grove known as “Devarakadu”?
A) Maharashtra
B) Karnataka
C) Rajasthan
D) Bihar
Answer: B)
Explanation: In Karnataka, sacred groves are called “Devarakadu”.
4) What role do sacred groves play?
A) They are centers for urban development
B) They preserve biodiversity by protecting rare species
C) They are tourist attractions with recreational facilities
D) They are mainly agricultural lands
Answer: B)
Explanation: Sacred groves act as biodiversity repositories by protecting rare plant and animal species.
5) Which village in Rajasthan is known for planting 111 trees for every girl child born?
A) Sarna
B) Dev Van
C) Piplantri
D) Law Kyntang
Answer: C)
Explanation: Piplantri Village in Rajasthan plants 111 trees for every girl child born, which has helped improve local income, reduce female foeticide, and empower women’s self-help groups.
6) Sacred groves in the Western Ghats are known for their:
A) Industrial significance
B) Spiritual festivals
C) Biodiversity and cultural heritage
D) Urban development
Answer: C)
Explanation: Sacred groves in the Western Ghats are recognized for their rich biodiversity and cultural heritage.
7) What significant event prompted the Directorate General of Commercial Intelligence and Statistics (DGCIS) to initiate a detailed examination?
A) A sharp decline in India’s gold imports
B) A record increase in India’s gold imports in November
C) A surge in India’s oil exports
D) A decrease in India’s overall trade balance
Answer: B)
Explanation: The DGCIS began an examination due to the significant increase in India’s gold imports, which reached a record high of $14.8 billion in November, tripling compared to the same period the previous year.
8) When was the Directorate General of Commercial Intelligence and Statistics (DGCIS) established?
A) 1871
B) 1862
C) 1950
D) 1900
Answer: B)
Explanation: The DGCIS was established in 1862 as a statistical branch under the Finance Department of the Indian government.
9) Who was the first Director General of Statistics at the Directorate General of Commercial Intelligence and Statistics (DGCIS)?
A) Sir William W. Hunter
B) Dr. B.R. Ambedkar
C) Jawaharlal Nehru
D) C. Rangarajan
Answer: A)
Explanation: Sir William W. Hunter was appointed the first Director General of Statistics in 1871.
10) Which ministry oversees the operations of the Directorate General of Commercial Intelligence and Statistics (DGCIS)?
A) Ministry of Finance
B) Ministry of Commerce
C) Ministry of External Affairs
D) Ministry of Home Affairs
Answer: B)
Explanation: The DGCIS operates under the Ministry of Commerce of the Government of India.
11) Where is the headquarters of the Directorate General of Commercial Intelligence and Statistics (DGCIS) located?
a) New Delhi
b) Mumbai
c) Kolkata
d) Chennai
Answer: c)
Explanation: The DGCIS is headquartered in Kolkata.
Summary of Today’s News
Pakistan ballistic missile programme is an emerging threat to U.S., says White House
Pakistan’s development of sophisticated missile technology is seen as an emerging threat to the U.S., with capabilities potentially extending beyond South Asia.
• Sanctions: The U.S. imposed sanctions on four Pakistani entities, including the National Development Complex (NDC), for contributing to Pakistan’s ballistic-missile programme.
• Entities Involved: Sanctioned entities include Akhtar and Sons, Affiliates International, and Rockside Enterprise (all based in Karachi), and the NDC (based in Islamabad).
• Biden Administration’s Steps: Implemented measures to counter the development of long-range missile systems, issuing sanctions against non-Pakistani and Pakistani entities involved.
• Sanctions on NDC: First instance of sanctions against a Pakistani state-owned enterprise tied to missile development.
• Ongoing Pressure: The U.S. intends to maintain pressure on Pakistan’s long-range missile programme while seeking diplomatic resolutions.
• Missile Technology: Pakistan’s advancements include long-range ballistic missiles and equipment for testing larger rocket motors.
• Future Threat: Continued trends in Pakistan’s missile technology could enable strikes on targets beyond South Asia, including the U.S., raising concerns about Pakistan’s intentions.
DU undergraduate students will be able to complete a semester at foreign universities
DU students may be able to complete a semester at foreign universities starting next academic year.
• Proposal: The ‘twinning programme’ proposal will be discussed at the Academic Council meeting on December 27.
• Eligible Batches: Undergraduate students from the 2022-2023 batch onwards can complete their third, fifth, or seventh semesters abroad.
• Credit Transfer: Credits earned at foreign institutes will count towards DU degrees.
• Scholarships: Scholarships recommended for meritorious students from economically weaker backgrounds.
• MOUs: DU has around 90 MOUs with foreign institutes for various academic activities.
• International Relations Office: Collaborations with foreign universities will be initiated for the programme.
• New MOUs: At least 30 new MOUs with top institutes worldwide are being considered, focusing on Asian institutes.
• Cost Waivers: Semester fees at foreign institutes will be waived under these MOUs, but students may need to cover accommodation and travel costs.
PM’s visit to Kuwait to strengthen relations
PM Modi’s visit to Kuwait aims to strengthen ties between India and Kuwait, focusing on defence and trade.
• Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC): The visit is expected to boost ties with the GCC, with India’s trade with GCC countries totaling $184.46 billion in FY 2022-23.
Historic Visit:
• This is the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Kuwait in 43 years.
• PM Modi will hold talks with Kuwaiti leadership, visit an Indian labour camp, address the Indian community, and attend the Gulf Cup football tournament opening ceremony. The visit is at the invitation of Kuwaiti Emir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah.
• Bilateral Agreements: Discussions are underway on a bilateral investment treaty and a defence cooperation pact.
• New Chapter: The visit is expected to open a new chapter in India-Kuwait relations, consolidating existing partnerships and exploring new avenues for cooperation.
• Labour Camp Visit: The visit to the labour camp highlights the importance India places on the welfare of its workers abroad.
• Free Trade Pact: India is negotiating a free trade pact with the GCC.
• Tragic Incident: Over 45 Indians were killed in a fire in a building housing foreign workers in Kuwait’s Mangaf locality in June.
