Total January

• What is the date when the central government announced the agreement with Argentina's state-owned mining and energy company?

  January 15
• What are the highlights of the deal between KABIL and Argentina?

  • KABIL granted exclusive rights for exploration and development of five lithium brine blocks in Catamarca, Argentina.
  • The lithium blocks cover a total area of 15,703 hectares.
  • KABIL commits Rs 200 crore investment in the project.
  • Plans to establish a branch office for support in lithium exploration and development.

  
• What does KABIL stand for?

  KABIL is a joint venture of NALCO, Hindustan Copper Ltd (HCL), and Mineral Exploration Corporation Ltd (MECL).
• What are the key aspects of Indo-Argentine relations?

  • Diplomatic Ties: Established since 1949 with embassies in each other's capitals.
  • Trade and Economic Cooperation: Fluctuating trade relations with efforts to enhance economic ties.
  • Cultural Exchanges: Strengthened through art, music, and literature exchanges.
  • International Forums: Collaboration on platforms like the United Nations.
  • Scientific and Technological Cooperation: Joint research and development initiatives.

  
• What is the commercial significance of the deal between KABIL and Argentina?

  The deal allows KABIL to evaluate, prospect, explore, and obtain exploitation rights for commercial production of lithium.
• How does the deal with Argentina provide geostrategic advantages for India?

  It reduces reliance on China for lithium imports, facilitating supply chain diversification.
• What is the Minerals Security Partnership (MSP)?


  MSP seeks to offer an alternative to China's dominance in mining and processing critical minerals.
• What research and development opportunities does the deal provide for NALCO, HCL, and MECL?

  It allows them to understand the technical know-how of lithium exploration and extraction.
• What are the importance and applications of lithium?

  • Energy Storage for Renewable Technologies: Crucial for storing energy from renewable sources.
  • Electric Vehicles (EVs): Preferred choice for EV batteries due to high energy density.
  • Consumer Electronics: Widely used in smartphones, laptops, and tablets.
  • Grid Energy Storage: Explored for large-scale energy storage on electrical grids.
  • Environmental Considerations: Sustainable mining practices are essential to minimize impact.
  • Technological Advances: Ongoing research to improve battery technology.

  
• What is the formula for lithium?

  Li
• What is the atomic number of Lithium?

  3
• What does NALCO stand for?

  National Aluminium Company Limited
• Who is the current president of Argentina?

  Javier Milei
• Which country hosted COP 28?

  UAE
• What is the significance of the Aditya-L1 mission?

  It is India's first space-based mission to study the Sun.
• What are the major objectives of the Aditya-L1 mission?

  • Study of Solar Upper Atmospheric Dynamics (Chromosphere and Corona).
  • Development, Dynamics, and Origin of Coronal Mass Ejections (CMEs).
  • Investigate the origin, composition, and dynamics of the solar wind.
  • Enhance India's international leadership in space exploration.
  • Contribute to scientific discovery in solar physics.

  
• What is the distance of the L1 point from Earth?

  1. 5 million kilometers
• What are Lagrange Points?

  They are points in a two-body celestial system where gravitational forces balance, allowing spacecraft to maintain a stable position.
• How many Lagrange points are there in any two-body celestial system?

  Five
• What is the significance of the Solar and Heliospheric Observatory (SOHO)?

  SOHO is stationed at the L1 Lagrange Point and continuously monitors the Sun.
• What are the challenges faced in the Aditya L1 mission?

  • Extreme Space Environment: Exposure to solar radiation and cosmic rays.
  • Communication Lag: Delays due to distance from Earth.
  • Data Transmission and Storage: Need for systems to handle large data volumes.
  • Thermal Management: Managing heat near the Sun.
  • Solar Activity Variability: Challenges in predicting solar flares and CMEs.
  • Spacecraft Navigation and Positioning: Importance of precise navigation for data collection.

  
• Who is the current Chairman of ISRO?

  1. Somanath
• Who is the current Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology?

  Dr Jitendra Singh
• What was ISRO previously known as?

  Indian National Committee for Space Research (INCOSPAR)
• Which NASA program includes the Parker Solar Probe?

  'Living With a Star' program
• What is the purpose of the Parker Solar Probe?

  To study the Sun and its outer atmosphere.
• What is the significance of the Aditya-L1 spacecraft's halo orbit?

  It allows continuous viewing of the Sun without occultation or eclipses.
• What is the name of the Indian aerospace engineer serving as the chairman of ISRO?

  Sreedhara Panicker Somanath
• What significant mission did ISRO carry out under Sreedhara Panicker Somanath's chairmanship?

  The third Indian lunar exploration mission named Chandrayaan-3
• Who took over as the Minister of State for Science and Technology?

  Dr. Jitendra Singh
• What was ISRO previously known as before its current name?

  Indian National Committee for Space Research (INCOSPAR)
• Who suggested the establishment of INCOSPAR in 1962?

  Dr. Vikram Sarabhai
• What is the mission of the Parker Solar Probe launched by NASA?

  To make observations of the outer corona of the Sun
• What will the space telescope team with PRIME study?

  Objects found using gravitational lensing
• When was the peace deal signed between ULFA and the government?

  December 29, 2023
• What are the key elements of the ULFA peace accord?

  • Ceasefire and Dialogue
  • Addressing Core Issues
  • Rehabilitation and Integration
• What does the ULFA agree to do as part of the peace accord?

  Renounce violence, disarm, disband the armed organization, and participate in a peaceful democratic process
• What core issues does the peace pact aim to address?

  Political representation, economic development, and identity preservation
• How are former militants integrated into society according to the peace accord?

  Through rehabilitation programs including education and vocational training
• When was ULFA formed?

  1979