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Today in History (December 24th,1986)
In India, on 24th December, the Consumer Protection Act was passed by the Parliament. Therefore, 24 December is celebrated as National Consumer Day in India.
Let’s Revise
Q.1) What is the capital city of Kuwait?
A. Dubai
B. Riyadh
C. Kuwait City
D. Doha
Answer: C)
Explanation: Kuwait City is the capital and largest city of Kuwait, serving as the political, cultural, and economic center of the country.
Q.2) Which body of water borders Kuwait to the east?
A. Red Sea
B. Mediterranean Sea
C. Arabian Sea
D. Persian Gulf
Answer: D)
Explanation: Kuwait is bordered by the Persian Gulf to the east, which provides the country with its coastline and maritime access.
Q.3) What is the official language of Kuwait?
A. English
B. Arabic
C. French
D. Farsi
Answer: B)
Explanation: The official language of Kuwait is Arabic, which is used in government, media, and daily communication.
Q.4) What is the main economic activity in Kuwait?
A. Manufacturing
B. Agriculture
C. Oil production
D. Tourism
Answer: C)
Explanation: Kuwait is renowned for its significant oil reserves and production, which form the backbone of the country’s economy.
Q.5) What type of government does Kuwait have?
A. Absolute monarchy
B. Constitutional monarchy
C. Republic
D. Federal state
Answer: B
Explanation: Kuwait is a constitutional monarchy with an emir who serves as the head of state, and the government operates under a parliamentary system.
Q.6) Which currency is used in Kuwait?
A. Dinar
B. Riyal
C. Dirham
D. Pound
Answer: A)
Explanation: The currency used in Kuwait is the Kuwaiti Dinar (KWD).
Summary of Today’s News
Bangladesh Requests Extradition of Sheikh Hasina
Bangladesh sent a formal diplomatic note (note verbale) to India seeking the extradition of deposed Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) of India confirmed receiving the request.
Background
• Exile: Sheikh Hasina has been living in exile in India since August 5, following her departure from Dhaka.
• Legal Cases: Dozens of cases were filed against her and members of the Awami League government after her departure, including charges related to police crackdowns, kidnapping, and deaths during her 16-year rule.
Ongoing Inquiries
• Investigations: Ms. Hasina is facing inquiries over the Pilkhana killings case of 2009 and the killings in a rally of Hefazat-e-Islam.
• Arrest Warrant: An arrest warrant was issued against her in October, and the legal process is ongoing.
• Previous Extraditions: In 2015, India extradited convicted killer Nur Hossain to Bangladesh. The extradition of Prashanta Kumar Haldar, accused of financial frauds, is still pending.
Diplomatic Relations
• Extradition Treaty: Bangladesh and India have an existing extradition treaty, which is being utilized for the request.
• MEA Statement: The MEA spokesperson stated that the matter is being processed, and no further comments were offered at this time.
Rann Utsav in Gujrat
The Indian Prime Minister has invited the public to partake in the Rann Utsav, which runs until March 2025.
Key Points About Rann Utsav:
Rann Utsav is a yearly cultural festival organized by the Gujarat Tourism Department in the Great Rann of Kutch, India’s largest salt desert. It celebrates the cultural and artistic heritage of Kutch and attracts both domestic and international tourists.
Key Points About the Rann of Kutch:
• The Rann of Kutch is a vast salt marsh straddling the India-Pakistan border, primarily located in the Kutch district of Gujarat with a smaller section in Pakistan’s Sindh province.
Divisions:
• Great Rann of Kutch: This larger portion stretches from east to west, bordered by the Thar Desert to the north and the Kutch Hills to the south.
• Little Rann of Kutch: Positioned southeast of the Great Rann, extending southward to the Gulf of Kutch.
• Geographical Features: Situated near sea level, connected to the Arabian Sea through the Kori Creek (west) and the Gulf of Kutch (east). It is the only large flooded grassland zone in the Indomalayan realm, which spans across South and Southeast Asia.
Climate
• Summer: Average temperatures are around 44°C, reaching up to 50°C.
• Winter: Temperatures can drop to freezing levels or below.
Ecological Significance:
• Flora and Fauna
• Indian Wild Ass (Khur) The Little Rann of Kutch is home to this endangered species.
• Ecosystems: Includes mangroves, desert vegetation, and grass-covered patches (baits), essential for local wildlife.
• The region is part of the Wild Ass Wildlife Sanctuary, India’s largest wildlife sanctuary.
• Unique Biodiversity: The area supports diverse ecosystems with a desert on one side and the sea on the other, fostering unique plant and animal life.
• Historical and Cultural Significance: The Rann has witnessed neolithic settlements and was later a center for the Indus Valley Civilization. It has been part of historic empires such as the Mauryas and Guptas, showcasing its rich historical lineage.
Kutch Desert: Borders:
• Northwest: Sindh (Pakistan)
• Southwest: Arabian Sea
• Northeast: Rajasthan
• Geological and Environmental Diversity: The Kutch Desert showcases examples of Holocene sedimentation, highlighting its geological and environmental diversity.
Green Deposits in India.
These are interest-bearing fixed-term deposits, specifically allocated for green finance projects, and are only denominated in Indian Rupees as per the Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI) framework.
Objectives:
• The funds raised from green deposits are directed towards sustainable and eco-friendly projects such as:
• Renewable energy (solar, wind, biomass, hydropower).
• Energy efficiency and clean transportation.
• Climate change adaptation and sustainable water/waste management.
• Green building development and coastal/marine environment projects.
• Support for certified organic farming.
Key Features:
• Green deposits offer interest and have a fixed tenure similar to regular fixed deposits.
• Fund allocation is subjected to an annual third-party audit to ensure compliance with green finance norms.
• These deposits are insured under the Deposit Insurance and Credit Guarantee Corporation (DICGC) framework.
• Priority Sector Lending (PSL): If the financed green activities/projects comply with PSL guidelines, they can be classified under the priority sector.
Challenges in Adoption:
• Green deposits are struggling to gain traction in India despite their environmental benefits and structured financial safeguards.
