International Organizations, Defence, Books & Authors, World History

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August 10 is International Biodiesel Day. This day spreads awareness about the benefits of biodiesel as an alternative fuel. Biodiesel is made from renewable sources like vegetable oils and animal fats. It is biodegradable and cleaner for the environment compared to fossil fuels. Celebrating International Biodiesel Day promotes the production and use of this eco-friendly fuel option.

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The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) was founded as a result of the United Nations Conference on the Human Environment in June 1972 and has its headquarters in Nairobi, Kenya. UNEP also has six regional offices and various country offices.

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The first Secretary-General of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) was Josip Broz Tito, the leader of Yugoslavia. The NAM was established in 1961 during the Cold War to promote cooperation among countries that did not want to align with either the Western or Eastern blocs. Tito played a crucial role in its formation, alongside leaders like Jawaharlal Nehru and Gamal Abdul Nasser. The movement aimed to provide a platform for countries seeking independence from colonialism and to advocate for peace and mutual respect among nations.

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The correct answer is G-20. Established in 1999, the G-20 includes major economies that represent about 85% of global GDP. Its role expanded importantly during the 2008 financial crisis, positioning it as a key forum for international economic cooperation. Unlike the G-7, which consists of advanced economies, the G-20 includes emerging markets, enhancing its influence in global economic governance and crisis management, sometimes challenging the traditional dominance of the World Bank and IMF.

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Admiral Vishnu Baghwat is the first and only Chief of Naval Staff of India to be dismissed while in service. He was removed in 1998 due to differences with the government over various issues, including the handling of the Kargil War. This incident marked a important moment in Indian military history, which indicates the tensions between military leadership and political authority.

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The ADMM-Plus (ASEAN Defense Ministers’ Meeting-Plus) conference involves defense ministers from ASEAN and eight partner countries, focusing on regional security and defense cooperation. Established in 2010, it aims to enhance dialogue and collaboration on defense and security issues, addressing challenges like terrorism and maritime security. The “Plus” includes countries like the U.S., China, and India, emphasizing multilateral defense strategies.

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The correct answer is INS Satvahana. It is the premier submarine training establishment of the Indian Navy, located in Visakhapatnam. Established in 1985, INS Satvahana focuses on training personnel in submarine operations and tactics, enhancing India’s underwater warfare capabilities. The name “Satvahana” refers to the ancient Indian dynasty known for its maritime trade and naval prowess.

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Saint Surdas, revered for his intense devotion to Lord Krishna, is the author of Sahitya Ratna. Blind from birth, he belonged to the Saguna School of the Bhakti Kal. Apart from Sahitya Ratna, Surdas has also composed Sur Sagar (Ocean of Melody), and Sur Saravali. His works, primarily centered around his spiritual affection for Lord Krishna, are celebrated for their melodious and devotional undertone.

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The book ‘Savarkar: Echoes from a forgotten past 1883-1924’ has been authored by Bengaluru-based historian Vikram Sampath. It describes the life of freedom fighter and Philosopher Vinayak Damodar Savarkar (Veer Savarkar) from his birth in 1883 to his conditional release to Ratnagiri in 1924.

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• The International Bank for Reconstruction and Development is an international financial institution that offers loans to middle-income developing countries. The IBRD is the first of five member institutions that compose the World Bank Group, and is headquartered in Washington, D.C. in the United States.
• The International Finance Corporation is an international financial institution that offers investment, advisory, and asset-management services to encourage private-sector development in less developed countries. The IFC is a member of the World Bank Group and is headquartered in Washington, D.C. in the United States.
• The International Fund for Agricultural Development is an international financial institution and a specialised agency of the United Nations dedicated to eradicating poverty and hunger in rural areas of developing countries. It is headquartered in Rome, Italy.
• The International Monetary Fund, also known as the Fund, is an international organization headquartered in Washington, D.C., consisting of 189 countries working to foster global monetary cooperation.
• International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) was established in 1977 with the objective to fight rural poverty. Its mission is to “Enable poor rural people to overcome poverty”. The International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD) is one of five institutions that comprise the World Bank Group.