Correct Answer :   Argentina

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The Centre on Monday (15th Jan 2023) signed an agreement to acquire five lithium brine blocks for exploration and development in Argentina. The agreement was signed between Khanij Bidesh India Ltd (KABIL) and Catamarca Minera Y Energética Sociedad Del Estado (CAMYEN), a state-owned mining and energy company in the Argentine province of Catamarca.   

This is the first ever lithium exploration and mining project by a state-owned company. KABIL will start exploration and development of five lithium brine blocks — Cortadera-I, Cortadera-VII, Cortadera-VIII, Cateo-2022-01810132 and Cortadera-VI — covering an area of about 15,703 hectares in the Catamarca province.  

Business Standard reported on the potential deal last month.   

Calling the deal historic for both India and Argentina, Union Coal Minister Pralhad Joshi said: “We are scripting a new chapter in bilateral ties which will not only play a crucial role in driving the energy transition for sustainable future but also ensure a resilient and diversified supply chain for critical and strategic minerals essential for various industries in India.”  

With this agreement, KABIL has obtained exploration and exclusivity rights to evaluate, prospect and explore and subsequent to existence/discovery of lithium mineral exploitation rights for commercial production, the Ministry of Mines said on Monday (15th Jan 2024).

The deal will not only boost India’s quest for sourcing lithium but will also help in bringing in technical and operational experience for brine type lithium exploration, exploitation and extraction.  

Argentina holds 20 per cent of the world’s 98 million tonnes of lithium resources, second only to Bolivia. according to the United States Geological Survey’s (USGS) Lithium Statistics and Information 2023 report.   

The country is also part of the “Lithium Triangle” along with Chile and Bolivia, which together hold more than half of the world’s total lithium resources.  

Argentina has second largest lithium resources, third largest lithium reserves and forth largest production in the world.

India is also engaged in talks with Argentina because its salt-lake lithium provides a cost-effective extraction method compared to hard-rock mining. This makes it commercially appealing and contributes significantly to production.

KABIL is also preparing to set up a branch office at Catamarca, Argentina. The project cost is about 200 crores.

After Australia, this is India’s second attempt to sign a foreign partnership for sourcing critical minerals. In 2022, India signed a memorandum of understanding with Australia's Critical Minerals Facilitation Office (CMFO) to explore five blocks — two dedicated to lithium and three to cobalt.

The deal is aimed at bringing sustainable development of the mining sector, ensuring a resilient and diversified supply chain for critical and strategic minerals essential for various industries.

Currently, the country meets the lithium demand through 100 per cent import. India’s lithium imports in FY23 amounted to roughly $3 billion (approximately ?24,900 crore), marking a 58 per cent increase from FY22, according to the Ministry of Commerce and Industry data. The data also reveals that over 95 per cent of India’s lithium imports originate from China and Hong Kong.

The exploration and development agreement for five lithium blocks will aid India’s objective to attain net-zero emissions by 2070 and establish itself as a manufacturing hub for electric vehicles.

Lithium finds extensive use in various applications, particularly in the manufacturing of lithium-ion batteries. These batteries power a wide array of devices such as smartphones, laptops, electric vehicles (EVs) and energy storage systems for renewable energy sources like solar and wind power. Also, lithium is employed in certain medical treatments, ceramics, and as a component in aerospace technology..

Source : Business Standard

Correct Answer :   Tribal Group

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In continuation of its tribal outreach ahead of Lok Sabha elections, the government will release the first instalment for pucca houses amounting to Rs 540 crore to one lakh beneficiaries from particularly vulnerable tribal groups (PVTGs) on Monday (15th Jan 2024).

The money will be credited directly in their Jan Dhan accounts.

On the occasion, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will virtually interact with the beneficiaries of Pradhan Mantri Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan (PM-JANMAN), the flagship central scheme launched in November 2023 for socio-economic welfare of PVTGs, spread across 18 states and Union Territories.

Simultaneously, in 100 districts, officials from both the Centre and the respective state governments will distribute benefits under the package to gram panchayats and village chiefs, said a statement issued by the Tribal Affairs Ministry on Sunday (14th Jan 2024).

In the two months since the launch of the scheme on November 15, the government has sanctioned projects worth over Rs 4,700 crore through nine ministries under the PM-JANMAN package, said Union Tribal Affairs Minister Arjun Munda.

PM-JANMAN, with a budget of Rs 24,104 crore, focuses on 11 critical interventions and is aimed at saturating PVTG households and habitations with basic facilities such as safe housing, clean drinking water and sanitation, improved access to education, health and nutrition, electricity, road and telecom connectivity, and sustainable livelihood opportunities.

Munda, who will join the event from Bishnupur in Jharkhand’s Gumla district, said in order to reach out to every household, more than 7,000 camps were organised in PVTG habitations of all 188 districts, to facilitate their Aadhaar cards, Jan Dhan accounts, Ayushman Bharat cards, and enable registration for different schemes under the mission.

During these camps held over the last one month, 72,000 new Aadhaar cards were made, more than 80,000 Ayushman Bharat cards were made, besides ration cards and Kisan Credit Cards, said the ministry statement. Many habitations and people were completely left out of the benefits of flagship schemes, because of remoteness of locations and lack of road and digital connectivity, it said.

Under the PM-JANMAN mission, the government has already sanctioned the building of 1,207-km roads in PVTG habitations; approved schemes to connect all left out PVTG households to the PM Jal Jeevan Mission; and sanctioned 916 anganwadi centres, 816 of which are expected to be operational by the end of this month.

It was in 1960-61 that the Dhebar Commission identified disparities among Scheduled Tribes, leading to the creation of the Primitive Tribal Groups (PTG) category. In 2006, this category was renamed Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs)..

Source : Indian Express

Correct Answer :   USA

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The Thirty Meter Telescope (TMT) project is situated on Mauna Kea, an inactive volcano in Hawaii, USA.

With a 30-meter diameter primary mirror, it is the world’s most advanced ground-based observatory for optical, near-infrared, and mid-infrared observations.

Collaboratively developed by institutions from the USA, Japan, China, Canada, and India, TMT incorporates innovations in precision control, segmented mirror design, and adaptive optics, showcasing global collaboration in advancing astronomical research.

Correct Answer :   January 15

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Every year, India celebrates Army Day on January 15 to commemorate the achievements of the first Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Army, General Kodandera Madappa Cariappa. Later, he went on to become the Field Marshal. For the Indian Army, January 15 is no less than a festival, and they leave no stone unturned to celebrate the day.

Why is Army Day celebrated on January 15 in India?

* The Indian Army, established in 1895, did not have its first Army chief until 1949. On this day, back in 1949, Field Marshal KM Cariappa became the first Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Army after India received independence.

* The country witnessed communal rights after the partition of India and Pakistan in 1947, prompting soldiers to come forward to maintain peace in the country. It was the right time to take over command of the Indian Army from the Britishers. Thus, Field Marshal Cariappa took over charges from General Francis Butcher, the last British Commander-in-Chief.

* Every year on January 15, soldiers mark the highlights and achievements of Field Marshal Cariappa and the Indian Army.

76th Army Day Celebrations :

* As India celebrates its 76th Army Day in 2024, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi shared a post on X, saying, "On Army Day, we honour the extraordinary courage, unwavering commitment and sacrifices of our Army personnel. Their relentless dedication in protecting our nation and upholding our sovereignty is a testament to their bravery. They are pillars of strength and resilience."

* This year, the grand celebrations will happen not in customary locations like Delhi or Bengaluru, but in Lucknow.

* Army Day honours the selflessness, bravery, and steadfast dedication of the Indian Army that protects the nation from external dangers. Indian Army is the guardian and saviour of India and its citizens. Soldiers on the frontline risk their lives without giving it a second thought and guard the country from unprecedented threats.

* Indian Army soldiers celebrate the day with rhythmic foot march, well-coordinated hand swings and loud chanting of war cries.

* Indian Army Chief, General Manoj Pande, conveyed his warm wishes to the Indian Army in an official message. He said, "The Indian Army enjoys a distinct stature in the national mind space. I am sanguine that we shall forever remain steadfast in our resolve to uphold the trust reposed in us by the nation. Let us re-dedicate ourselves to the service of the nation, in the true spirit of our core ethos of 'Naam,' 'Namak' aur 'Nishaan.'"..


Source : WIO News

Correct Answer :   William Lai Ching-te

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* Ruling-party candidate William Lai Ching-te has emerged victorious in Taiwan's presidential election, and his opponents have conceded after ballots were cast at thousands of polling stations in a tight three-way race.

* Lai secured an unprecedented third consecutive term for the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), defeating his conservative rival, Hou Yu-ih of the Kuomintang (KMT), by over 900,000 votes.

* The result in Taiwan's presidential and parliamentary election will chart the trajectory of relations with China over the next four years. At stake is the peace and stability of the 110-mile-wide strip of water between the Chinese mainland and the self-governed island, which is claimed by China as its own. China had previously called the election a choice between peace and war.

* President Biden said Saturday that the United States does not support Taiwan's independence after being asked by reporters about his reaction to the elections as he was leaving the White House.

* "We do not support independence," Mr. Biden said.

* Lai is the vice president of the island's governing Democratic Progressive Party, or DPP.

* Lai, who also goes by the name William Lai, and incumbent President Tsai Ing-wen reject China's sovereignty claims over Taiwan, a former Japanese colony that split from the mainland amid civil war in 1949. They have, however, offered to speak with Beijing, which has repeatedly refused to hold talks and called them separatists. Beijing has strongly opposed Lai's election.

* "Every election in Taiwan is significant because of the potential for Beijing reacting in a way that could contribute to further instability in the region," Taipei-based political analyst Michael Cole told CBS News ahead of the election.

* U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken congratulated Lai on his election win, and congratulated the "Taiwan people for once again demonstrating the strength of their robust democratic system and electoral process."

* "The United States is committed to maintaining cross-Strait peace and stability, and the peaceful resolution of differences, free from coercion and pressure. The partnership between the American people and the people on Taiwan, rooted in democratic values, continues to broaden and deepen across economic, cultural, and people-to-people ties," Blinken said.

* Mike Johnson, the Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives, congratulated Lai in a statement released Saturday morning. Johnson had met with Taiwan's ambassador to the U.S., Alexander Yui, and conveyed his support for security and democracy in the region.

* Johnson added that he would ask the chairs of relevant House Committees to lead a delegation to Taipei after Lai is inaugurated in May.

* Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi took to X on Saturday to offer congratulations..

Congratulations to President-elect Lai Ching-te & the Taiwanese people on this historic victory which demonstrates the strength of their free & fair elections.

Taiwan's unwavering commitment to peace, freedom & the vibrancy of their democracy remains an inspiration to the world.

— Nancy Pelosi (@SpeakerPelosi) January 13, 2024

Source : CBS News

Correct Answer :   Bikaner

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The Department of Tourism organised the three-day International Camel Festival, which started with a Heritage Walk in the Bikaner district of Rajasthan.

Events in Camel Festival

* On the first day of the festival, both domestic and foreign tourists were seen enjoying the celebration of traditional folk culture.

* The festivities commence at Rampuriya Haveli with beautifully decorated camels, women dressed in colourful traditional costumes and folk artists participating in the Heritage Walk.

* Local artists entertained the crowd with folk songs, Rammats and dances, showcasing the local culture.

* During the heritage walk, city residents extended a warm welcome to the guests by showering flowers and creating rangolis at various places along the way.

* A festive atmosphere filled the city park as a large number of tourists and locals alike arrived early in the morning to witness the heritage walk.

* The procession started from Rampuriya Haveli, passed through the main roads of the city and concluded at Rao Bikaji ki Tekri.

* The Tourism Department organised Rangoli, Mehndi and drawing competitions for the participants at Bikaji ki Tekri, with the winners receiving mementoes in recognition of their skills and talents.

History of Camel Festival

* The Bikaner region is famous for its camels, which are known for their strength, endurance and beauty.

* Camels have always been an integral part of Bikaner's culture and history. The Bikaner army had a Camel corps called "Ganga Risala", which played a vital role in both the World Wars and conflicts in Somaliland, Egypt, and China.

* "Ganga Risala" was the predecessor of the Indian Army's camel unit "Ganga JaisalmerRisala," which saw action in the Indo-Pakistan War of 1965 before disbanding in 1975.

* Today, the Border Security Force's Bikaner Camel Corp still uses camels for patrolling the long international border that Rajasthan shares with Pakistan. Camels also remain a star attraction at the Republic Day Parade.

Correct Answer :   Kirana Gharana

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Legendary classical singer and Padma Vibhushan recipient Prabha Atre, considered the doyenne of the Kirana gharana, passed away on13  January 2024 in Pune, aged 92.

Related to Kirana Gharana :

Famous singer Prabha Atre was associated with the Kirana Gharana of Hindustani classical music. She was honoured with all three prestigious Padma Awards by the Government of India for her contribution to the field of music.

About Prabha Atre :

* Prabha Atre was born on 13 September 1932 in Pune. She was rich in versatile talent. Apart from being a classical singer, she has done notable work in many other fields.
* Prabha Atre also did brilliant work as an educationist, researcher, musician and writer. Prabha Atre, a graduate of science and law, earned a doctorate in music.

Awards received by Prabha Atre :

* Singer Prabha Atre was awarded the Padma Vibhushan, the country's second-highest civilian honour, in January 2022.
* Earlier she received the Padma Shri award in 1990.
* She was awarded Padma Bhushan in 2002.
* In the year 1991, she was awarded the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award.
* National Kalidas Award
* Tagore Academy Ratna Award
* Dinanath Mangeshkar Award
* also honored with awards like Hafiz Ali Khan.

Contribution of Prabha Atre to classical singing:

* Prabha Atre made a special contribution to popularizing Indian classical vocal music worldwide.
* She was competent in many musical styles like Khayal, Thumri, Dadra, Ghazal, Geet, Natyasangeet and Bhajan. Prabha Atre took musical training in the guru-shishya style.
* Prabha Atre learned classical music from Sureshbabu Mane and Hirabai Barodekar of Kirana Gharana.

Correct Answer :   Indian Army

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SAMBHAV (Secure Army Mobile Bharat Version) is an end-to-end secure mobile ecosystem developed by the Indian Army.

It operates on 5G technology and aims to provide secure communication and instant connectivity. Command Cyber Operations Support Wings enhance cyber capabilities at operational and tactical levels.

SAMBHAV addresses the vulnerability of mobile networks to eavesdropping, offering end-to-end security.

In the context of the SAMBHAV ecosystem, "35,000 sets are to be configured in two phases, with initial 2,500 sets to be configured by 15th January 2024, and the remaining by May 31, 2024" they added.

The indigenously developed secure applications and operating system mark a"significant step towards Atmanirbhar Bharat", the official said.

SAMBHAV will have multi-layered encryption with a pan-India secure ecosystem. It will ride on a commercial network with inherent security, he added..

Source : India Times

Correct Answer :   January 12

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National Youth Day or Yuva Divas is observed on January 12 to commemorate the birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda, one of India's greatest philosophers and spiritual leaders. The day is celebrated with great joy and enthusiasm in the country.

Swami Vivekananda was born on January 12, 1863, into an affluent Bengali family in Calcutta (now Kolkata). He was one of the eight children of Vishwanath Dutta and Bhuvaneshwari Devi.

Also, he played a key role in introducing the Indian philosophies of Vedanta and Yoga to the Western world.

The National Youth Day celebrates his ideas on how the youth in India should work hard and contribute to the country’s overall development.

National Youth Day 2024 Theme :

National Youth Day 2024 is marked every year on January 12th. It is an occasion that celebrates the birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda. “Arise, Awake, and Realise the Power You Hold” is the theme for National Youth Day 2024.

National Youth Day - History and Significance :

In 1984, the Government of India decided to celebrate Swami Vivekananda's birth anniversary as the National Youth Day.

Since then, the day has been celebrated every year to inspire the youth with Swami Vivekananda's teachings, way of life, and thoughts.

On this occasion, several programmes are organised in different parts of the country, including at the centres of the Ramakrishna Math and Ramakrishna Mission.

At schools, colleges, and other educational institutions, events like debates, competitions, and seminars are held on this day.

Correct Answer :   Pench Tiger Reserve

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Pench Tiger Reserve (PTR) in Maharashtra has earned the title of the first Dark Sky Park in India and fifth in Asia for protecting the night sky and preventing light pollution, making the facility ideal for astronomy enthusiasts.

Recognising the intrinsic value of the night sky as a natural, cultural, and historical resource, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) emphasises the importance of preserving natural darkness for the sake of nature conservation, ecological integrity in protected areas, and the well-being of communities in healthy cities, said Prabhu Nath Shukla, deputy director of PTR Maharashtra.

The escalating global threat of light pollution poses a substantial risk to this invaluable resource, he stated in a release.

The Dark and Quiet Skies for Science and Society Working Group, led by the International Astronomical Union, has recommended the establishment of ’Dark Sky Oases’ by national and local governments, Shukla said.

He said the Dark Sky Place certification focuses on lighting policy, dark sky-friendly retrofits, outreach and education, and monitoring the night sky.

The reserve has inaugurated a night observatory with the district planning committee (DPC) fund, the official said, adding that the area near Bagholi has been earmarked for stargazing.

As part of the measures, more than 100 street and community lights in Wagholi, Sillari, Pipariya and Khapa villages of the Paoni UC Range buffer area have been replaced with lights facing the ground to mitigate light pollution, he said..


Source : News18