UPSC Prelims 2006 Q112: Current Affairs – Business & Economy
Which one of the following companies is associated with the exploration and commercial
production of oil in Barmer - Sanchore basin of Rajasthan?
- (a) Cairn Energy
- (b) Unocal Corporation
- (c) Reliance Energy Ventures
- (d) ONGC
Answer: (a) Cairn Energy
Explanation
Oil in the Barmer-Sanchore basin, Rajasthan
| Company | Association |
|---|---|
| Cairn Energy | Discovered and developed the Mangala and Bhagyam oil fields in the Barmer basin |
| Unocal Corporation | Not linked to this basin |
| Reliance Energy Ventures | Not the main operator here |
| ONGC | Present in other blocks, not the Barmer discovery |
Cairn Energy made the large oil discoveries in Rajasthan's Barmer-Sanchore basin and began commercial production there.
Answer: (a) Cairn Energy.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) CORRECT. Cairn Energy explored and developed oil in the Barmer-Sanchore basin.
- (b) Incorrect. Unocal is not associated with this basin.
- (c) Incorrect. Reliance Energy Ventures is not the operator for this basin.
- (d) Incorrect. ONGC is not credited with the Barmer discoveries.
Key point
Cairn Energy explored and produced oil in Rajasthan's Barmer-Sanchore basin.
Remember
Barmer-Sanchore basin oil: Cairn Energy.
Common mistakes
- Assuming ONGC, the state explorer, was the operator.
- Not knowing Cairn's Mangala field discovery in 2004.
- Confusing Rajasthan's oil with Gujarat's Cambay basin.
Exam tip
Barmer (Rajasthan) = Cairn India; Krishna-Godavari = Reliance and ONGC.
Sources
- Cairn India — Rajasthan Block RJ-ON-90/1: Mangala, Bhagyam and Aishwariya fields (Barmer basin)
- Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Government of India — Annual Report 2005–06 (Exploration and Production)