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Which is the world's 2nd largest traded commodity?

Last updated on: July 23, 2004 10:29 IST
Water

Which is the world's 2nd largest traded commodity?
'Water, water everywhere and not a drop to drink'. Well the situation is not that grim right now. But experts say the world's ground water is fast depleting and water conservation requires special attention. Take the Rediff Business Quiz and find out some interesting facts about water.

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1. Which is the world's 2nd largest traded commodity?
a) Oil
b) Water
c) Coffee

Wrong! Try again.
Wrong! The correct answer is oil.
According to OPEC, at the end of 2001, world proven crude oil reserves stood at 1,074,850 million barrels, of which 845,421 million barrels, or 78.7 per cent, was in OPEC Member Countries. Interestingly, water is the largest traded commodity in the world. The size of global trade in water is many times the trade in oil. Coffee is the third largest traded commodity in the world.
Correct!
According to OPEC, at the end of 2001, world proven crude oil reserves stood at 1,074,850 million barrels, of which 845,421 million barrels, or 78.7 per cent, was in OPEC Member Countries. Interestingly, water is the largest traded commodity in the world. The size of global trade in water is many times the trade in oil. Coffee is the third largest traded commodity in the world.

2. French foods giant Danone has a stake in which bottled water brand?
a) Kinley
b) Aquafina
c) Evian

Wrong! Try again..
Wrong! The correct answer is Evian.
France-based Danone Group has a 22% stake in Britannia Industries. Danone has also launched mineral water Evian in the country through its 100% subsidiary Danone India Pvt Ltd. As a special promotion, in January 2001 Danone flew a supply of Evian from France to India for the Kumbh Mela, India's largest Hindu festival, where it slaked the thirsts of such VIPs as Demi Moore and Richard Gere.
Correct!
France-based Danone Group has a 22% stake in Britannia Industries. Danone has also launched mineral water Evian in the country through its 100% subsidiary Danone India Pvt Ltd. As a special promotion, in January 2001 Danone flew a supply of Evian from France to India for the Kumbh Mela, India's largest Hindu festival, where it slaked the thirsts of such VIPs as Demi Moore and Richard Gere.

3. The amount of water that is contained in food or other products needed for their production is called..?
a) Tradeable water
b) Virtual water
c) Water aptitude

Wrong! Try again..
Wrong! The correct answer is Virtual water.
Water is needed to producing most goods and services. `Virtual Water' is the amount of water that is contained in food or other products needed for its production. Trade in virtual water allows water scarce countries to import high water consuming products while exporting low water consuming products and in this way making water available for other purposes. A study by A J Hoekstra, coordinator of a UNESCO-sponsored programme on virtual water, says that there is 1,200 litres of virtual water in a kilo of wheat. In other words, 1,200 litres of water is needed to produce one kilo of wheat.
Correct!
Water is needed to producing most goods and services. `Virtual Water' is the amount of water that is contained in food or other products needed for its production. Trade in virtual water allows water scarce countries to import high water consuming products while exporting low water consuming products and in this way making water available for other purposes. A study by A J Hoekstra, coordinator of a UNESCO-sponsored programme on virtual water, says that there is 1,200 litres of virtual water in a kilo of wheat. In other words, 1,200 litres of water is needed to produce one kilo of wheat.

4. Who is the world's largest exporter of virtual water?
a) India
b) Australia
c) US

Wrong! Try again..
Wrong! The correct answer is US.
The top exporter of virtual water is the US. India is the fifth-largest exporter of water, primarily because it is a big exporter of agricultural commodities. When a country exports foodgrains or agri-products, it also `virtually' exports its water. China, Japan and Sri Lanka are amongst the world's largest importers of virtual water.
Correct!
The top exporter of virtual water is the US. India is the fifth-largest exporter of water, primarily because it is a big exporter of agricultural commodities. When a country exports foodgrains or agri-products, it also `virtually' exports its water. China, Japan and Sri Lanka are amongst the world's largest importers of virtual water.

5. This company also sells Dasani water, Minute Maid, and Barq's. Name it.
a) PepsiCo
b) Coca-Cola
c) Nestle

Wrong! Try again.
Wrong! The correct answer is Coca-Cola.
Coca-Cola is said to be the biggest selling soft drink in history. It was created in Atlanta, Georgia (US) by Dr John S Pemberton. It was registered in 1887 and began selling in the US in 1895. Coca-Cola, today, has over 400 beverages in its portfolio.
Correct!
Coca-Cola is said to be the biggest selling soft drink in history. It was created in Atlanta, Georgia (US) by Dr John S Pemberton. It was registered in 1887 and began selling in the US in 1895. Coca-Cola, today, has over 400 beverages in its portfolio.

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