Daily Current Affairs MCQs : 16 July 2023 - Bank Exams MCQ

The Union Cabinet approved the amendment to the Mines and Minerals (Development & Regulation) Act of 1957 to enable the commercial mining of six critical minerals, namely lithium, titanium, beryllium, zirconium, niobium, and tantalum. These minerals are vital components used in various modern technologies such as mobile phones, electric vehicles, solar panels, semiconductors, and wind turbines.

The commercial mining of critical minerals, including lithium and titanium, is significant for industries such as electronics and communication. These minerals are essential for the production of electronic devices, communication systems, and renewable energy technologies.

Australia is the world's leading producer of lithium, a critical mineral used in the manufacturing of batteries for electric vehicles, smartphones, and other electronic devices. The country possesses abundant lithium reserves and plays a crucial role in the global lithium supply chain.

The guidelines for enhancing mountainous road infrastructure in India were developed with the technical assistance of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). JICA has collaborated with the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways (MoRTH) to provide expertise in improving road infrastructure, especially in challenging terrains like hilly areas.

Saudi Arabia recently became the 51st nation to agree to the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation (TAC). The TAC is a peace treaty signed by ASEAN nations in 1976, establishing norms to manage regional inter-state interactions based on mutual respect for sovereignty, territorial integrity, and national identity. Saudi Arabia's accession to the treaty further strengthens regional stability and cooperation.

BITS Pilani's Practice School Division (PIEDS) has partnered with the Reserve Bank Innovation Hub (RBiH) to support and facilitate FinTech and TechFin entities. This collaboration aims to foster innovation, provide a conducive environment for FinTech startups, and promote technological advancements in the financial sector.

Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL) has signed an agreement with General Electric (GE) for the transfer of gas turbine (GT) technology. This collaboration enables BHEL to manufacture and supply GTs designed by GE, contributing to India's energy transition by providing GTs capable of operating with alternative fuels such as hydrogen, methanol, and syngas.

India is currently conducting its third lunar exploration mission known as LVM3 (Lunar Vehicle Mount 3). The mission aims to land a spacecraft near the Moon's South Pole, making India the fourth country to achieve a soft landing on the Moon. This mission is a significant milestone for India's space exploration endeavors.

The NISAR (NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar) satellite mission is a collaborative effort between the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) of the United States. The mission aims to provide consistent global data for understanding changes in forests, wetlands, agricultural lands, and more.

Tata AIG General Insurance has been appointed as the lead insurer for the Maharashtra Insurance Initiative by the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI). This initiative aims to strengthen insurance penetration and coverage in Maharashtra through awareness campaigns, government scheme reach enhancement, and partnerships in various key segments such as motor insurance, health insurance, and crop insurance.