ALL EXAM QUIZ 09.01.2024

Explanation:

• US Department of Energy has discovered the world's largest lithium deposit beneath California's Salton Sea, containing an estimated 18 million tons of lithium.
• Total resources in the Salton Sea area could produce more than 3,400 kilotons of lithium, valued at upto $540 billion.
• This is enough to manufacture more than 375 million batteries for electric vehicles (EVs).
• This discovery will greatly benefit the United States as the United States currently has limited capabilities to extract, refine and produce domestically obtained lithium. It typically imports about half of its lithium from Chile and Argentina.

Salton Sea

• It is a shallow, brackish lake located in the lower Colorado Desert of Southern California (USA).
• It is a geological depression located between mountain ranges and below sea level.
• The present lake was formed in 1905 by the flow of water from the Colorado River.
• It is currently 228 feet below sea level.
• It has an area of 970 km² and includes 130 miles of coastline.
• Its average depth is 29.9 feet and the maximum depth is 51 feet.
• Its salinity (about 45 parts per thousand) is much higher than seawater.
• The Salton Sea is an important stopover point for migratory waterbirds and serves as an important habitat for birds moving south to Mexico and Central America.

Explanation:

• The President of India has appointed Justice Sanjiv Khanna, the senior-most judge of the Supreme Court, as the acting Chairman of NALSA, replacing Justice SK Kaul, who retired on December 25.
• In a significant development, the President of India has appointed Justice Sanjiv Khanna as the acting Chairman of the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA).
• Justice Khanna, the senior-most judge of the Supreme Court, replaces Justice SK Kaul, who retired on December 25. This appointment follows the tradition of appointing the second senior most judge of the Supreme Court to the important post of Executive Chairman of NALSA.

National Legal Services Authority

• National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) is a statutory body established under the Legal Services Authorities Act of 1987.
• This organization plays an important role in providing free legal services to the weaker sections of the society and aims to organize Lok Adalats for amicable resolution of disputes.

Explanation:

• Punjab has become the first Indian state to comprehensively map all 784 accident-prone areas as 'black spots' on the navigation system Mappls app. The announcement was made by Punjab Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav on January 1, 2024.
• Navigation system Mappls App developed by MapMyIndia.
• This initiative has been launched as part of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann's flagship project, 'Road Safety Force'.

How will the Mappls app work

• The app provides voice alerts in Punjabi, warning passengers about upcoming black spots.
• Passengers will get this alert even before the black spot is 100 meters away.
• It aims to enhance road safety by alerting drivers in advance by using the Mappls App, a 100% indigenous app designed for Indian roads.

Punjab Road Safety Force

• 'Road Safety Force' is a collaborative effort between Punjab Police and MapmyIndia.
• This force has been entrusted with the responsibility of monitoring reckless driving, ensuring smooth movement of vehicles on the roads and other tasks.
• 1,300 policemen will be recruited in the first phase.
• Initially 144 vehicles were launched for the force, of which 116 are Isuzu vehicles and 28 are SUVs equipped with speed radar.
• Each vehicle included in the road safety force will cover an area of 30 kilometres.

Global State of Road Safety 2023

• Recently, the World Health Organization released a report titled Global State of Road Safety 2023. The report presents important findings and insights into road traffic deaths and safety measures around the world.

Explanation:

• Central Government has allocated approximately Rs 4,797 crore for the PRITHVI VIGYAN scheme.
• The scheme consists of five ongoing sub-schemes, including Atmosphere and Climate Research-Modeling Observational Systems and Services (ACROSS), Ocean Services, Modeling Applications, Resources and Technology (O-SMART), etc.
• The objective of the Prithvi scheme is to enhance long-term observations of the atmosphere and ocean.

Explanation:

• Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar inaugurated the NCC Republic Day Camp 2024 in Delhi Cantt.
• On this occasion, he said that NCC cadets are a symbol of dynamism of youth and reflect the established discipline of the organization.
• He further said that during the upcoming Republic Day, the women cadets will march on the 'Path of Duty' in two distinct contingents with two women bands.

Explanation:

• Union Sports Minister Anurag Thakur inaugurated the 'Beach Games' organized at Ghoghala Beach in the Union Territory of Diu.
• On this occasion, he said that due to these games, 'Beach Games' will be promoted in other states and union territories of the country also.
• Before this, he participated in the 'Mera Bharat' program at Malala Auditorium in Diu.
• He further said that so far 45 lakh youth have registered their names on the 'Mera Bharat' platform.

Ghoghla Beach

• Ghoghla beach is located in Ghoghla village, about 15 kilometers from the main city of Diu. This beach is a popular tourist destination with necessary facilities like food and accommodation.
• Considered to be one of the most beautiful beaches in Diu district, this beach has a tourism complex that provides all the basic facilities.
• Parasailing and water scooters are two of the most popular recreational activities at this beach. It is one of the first Blue Flag beaches in India.

Explanation:

• As a part of the National GI Drive Mission, 'Kadiyal Sarees' of West Bengal have been granted the Geographical Indication (GI) tag.
• Along with this, some other products of West Bengal have been given GI tag which include Sundarban honey, Black Nunia rice from Jalpaiguri district and Tangail, and Gorod.
• West Bengal Forest Development Corporation Limited has applied for a special GI tag for Sundarban honey.

Explanation:

• Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports has announced the Rashtriya Khel Protsahan Puruskar 2023.
• Odisha Mining Corporate Limited has been honored in the category of Promotion of Sports through Corporate Social Responsibility.
• Jain Deemed University, Bengaluru has been honored for identifying and nurturing emerging and young talent.
• President Draupadi Murmu will honor the winners at Rashtrapati Bhavan on 9th of this month.

Explanation:

• Canara Bank Chief General Manager P Santosh has been appointed as the new Managing Director of National Asset Reconstruction Company (NARCL).
• He has replaced Natarajan Sundar who recently resigned from the post. Canara Bank is the sponsor bank of NARCL with more than 10 percent stake.
• Public sector banks are the major shareholders of NARCL. NARCL is a government unit, it was established in the year 2021.

Explanation:

• Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has banned Odisha cricketer Sumit Sharma for two years.
• This ban has been imposed on Sumit Sharma for giving multiple birth certificates.
• Sharma had gone to Baroda with the team to play his first Ranji Trophy match of the season where the governing body's disciplinary committee handed him a suspension letter.