International Organizations, Defence, Books & Authors, World History

Notes:
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.

Notes:
The United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) was established in 1964. It was meant for the integrated treatment of trade and development and related issues in the areas of investment, finance, technology, enterprise development and sustainable development.

Notes:
The correct answer is G-10. The G-10 is a group of countries that agreed to participate in the General Arrangements to Borrow (GAB) in 1962, which was established to provide supplementary resources to the International Monetary Fund (IMF). Initially, it included 10 countries: Belgium, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the Netherlands, Sweden, the United Kingdom, and the United States. The GAB allows these countries to lend funds to the IMF during times of financial crises, enhancing global financial stability.

Notes:
UNESCO Avicenna Prize for Ethics in Science is awarded every two years to individuals and groups with outstanding achievements in the field of ethics in science. Its purpose is to highlight the importance of ethics in science, to develop a reflection on the issue and to bring it to the attention of scientists and the general public.

Notes:
Rajiv Gandhi Akshay Urja Diwas is observed on August 20 each year, coinciding with the birth anniversary of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi, who was born on August 20, 1944. This day promotes renewable energy and sustainable development in India, reflecting Gandhi’s vision for a modern and environmentally conscious nation.

Notes:
Operation Meghdoot was an Indian armed forces operation launched on 13 April 1984 to capture the Siachen Glacier in Kashmir. The operation was entrusted to one of the Kumaon Battalions, supported by Ladakh Scouts. Initial assault was led by Maj (later Col ) RS Sandhu, VrC. This military operation was unique because it was the first assault launched in world’s highest battlefield.

Notes:
The International Network of Bamboo and Rattan (INBAR) is headquartered in Beijing, China. Established in 1997, INBAR focuses on promoting bamboo and rattan as sustainable resources for economic development and environmental conservation. Bamboo is known for its rapid growth and versatility, making it a key material in sustainable construction and crafts.

Notes:
The United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) developed the Transnationality Index (TNI). The TNI is used to rank multinational corporations. It is calculated as the average of three ratios:

1. The ratio of foreign assets to total assets
2. The ratio of foreign sales to total sales
3. The ratio of foreign employment to total employment

The TNI has been used since 1990 to rank the world’s 100 largest non-financial TNCs. It can be used for comparative analysis with similar surveys conducted in other countries.

The TNI has shown that the average index value for developing economies’ TNCs has increased over time.

Notes:
Statements 1, 2 and 4 are correct: Both EGDI and E-Participation Index are published by UNPAP since 2003. Statement 3 is incorrect as the International Trade Centre does not publish EGDI. These indices assess the e-government development and e-participation of United Nations Member States.

Notes:
Udaipur Declaration is associated with Disaster Management meet at Udaipur, Rajasthan. It was held with mutual support and collaboration among BRICS Countries. BRICS countries resolved to set up a dedicated Joint Task Force for Disaster Risk Management.