25 July 2024: PIB Summary for UPSC

25 July 2024 PIB
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TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. Discovery of Lithium Resources in Mandya and Yadgiri Districts of Karnataka
2. National Culture Fund (NCF)
3. Exercise Khaan Quest
4. Steel Import Monitoring System 2.0 Portal

1. Discovery of Lithium Resources in Mandya and Yadgiri Districts of Karnataka

Syllabus: GS-3, Economy, S&T

Prelims: Lithium resources in India

Mains: Lithium and its usefulness in achieving net zero emissions

Context:

Discovery of Lithium Resources in Mandya and Yadgiri Districts of Karnataka by Atomic Minerals Directorate for Exploration and Research.

Details:

• The Atomic Minerals Directorate for Exploration and Research (AMD), part of the Department of Atomic Energy, has discovered lithium resources in Karnataka’s Mandya and Yadgiri districts. 
• Preliminary surveys and limited subsurface exploration have been conducted in the Yadgiri district to identify and estimate these resources. 
• AMD has confirmed 1,600 tonnes of lithium resources (G3 stage) in the Marlagalla area of Mandya district.
• Union Minister for Earth Sciences reported that AMD is exploring lithium reserves in Korba District, Chhattisgarh, and highlighted other potential lithium areas in India. 
• He also mentioned a recent survey in Himachal Pradesh that found surface uranium occurrences but clarified that no study had been conducted to establish an atomic energy plant there. 
• Additionally, the minister noted that while the Department of Atomic Energy is studying small modular reactor technologies from around the world, there are no current plans to collaborate with foreign vendors, and no private companies have shown interest in producing these reactors. However, some are interested in deploying them at their sites.

Also read: Lithium Deposits in India

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2. National Culture Fund (NCF)

Syllabus: GS-1, Art & Culture

Prelims: National Culture Fund

Context:

The Government set up the National Culture Fund (NCF) as a Trust in 1996 under the Charitable Endowment Act, 1890 to mobilise extra resources through Public Private Partnerships (PPP) towards promoting, protecting and preserving India’s cultural heritage.

About the National Culture Fund:

• The NCF is managed and administered through a Council chaired by the Minister of Culture and has a maximum strength of 25 Members to decide the policies.
• An Executive Committee headed by the Secretary, the Ministry of Culture with a maximum strength of 11 Members executes those policies.
• Donations to the National Culture Fund are eligible for a 100% tax benefit. 
• Objectives of the NCF:
  • To administer and apply the Fund for conservation, maintenance, promotion, protection, preservation and up gradation of monuments protected or otherwise;
  • For the training and development of a cadre of specialists and cultural administrators
  • Provide additional space in existing museums & construct new museums to accommodate or create new & special galleries.
  • Documentation of cultural expressions and forms that have lost their relevance in contemporary scenarios and are either fading out or facing extinction.

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3. Exercise Khaan Quest

Syllabus: GS-3, Defence & Security; GS-2, International Relations

Prelims: Ex Khaan Quest

Mains: India – Mongolia Relations

Context:

An Indian Army contingent departed for the Multinational Military Exercise KHAAN QUEST. 

About Exercise Khaan Quest:

• The exercise is scheduled to take place from July 27 to August 9, 2024, in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. It will bring together military forces from around the world to collaborate and enhance their peacekeeping capabilities. 
• The last edition of Exercise KHAAN QUEST was held in Mongolia from June 19 to July 2, 2023.
• Initially a bilateral event between the USA and Mongolian Armed Forces in 2003, the exercise evolved into a Multinational Peacekeeping Exercise in 2006. This year marks its 21st iteration.
• The Indian Army contingent, consisting of 40 personnel primarily from a Battalion of the MADRAS REGIMENT, includes a Woman Officer and two Women Soldiers.
• Exercise KHAAN QUEST aims to prepare the Indian Armed Forces for peacekeeping missions in a multinational environment, enhancing interoperability and military readiness in peace support operations under Chapter VII of the United Nations Charter. 
• The exercise will emphasize physical fitness, joint planning, and joint tactical drills.
• Tactical drills will include establishing Static and Mobile Check Points, conducting Cordon and Search Operations, Patrolling, Evacuating Civilians from Hostile Areas, Counter Improvised Explosive Device drills, Combat First Aid, and Casualty Evacuation, among others.
• Exercise KHAAN QUEST will allow participating countries to share best practices in Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures for joint operations. 
• It will foster interoperability, camaraderie, and mutual understanding among soldiers from different nations.

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4. Steel Import Monitoring System 2.0 Portal

Syllabus: GS-3, Economy

Prelims: Steel Import Monitoring System Portal

Context:

The Ministry of Steel launched the ‘Steel Import Monitoring System’ (SIMS) 2.0 portal.

Details:

• Introduced in 2019, SIMS has been vital in providing the domestic industry with detailed steel import data. 
• Based on industry feedback, the Ministry has upgraded the portal to SIMS 2.0, enhancing its effectiveness in monitoring steel imports and supporting the growth of the domestic steel industry. 
• This detailed data aids policymaking and highlights areas for production and growth within the domestic steel sector.
• SIMS 2.0 includes API integration with multiple government portals, improving quality control and streamlining processes for better efficiency and effectiveness. 
• The portal features a robust data entry system, ensuring consistent and reliable data, which promotes transparency and accountability. 
• The integration of various databases allows stakeholders to identify areas of risk, facilitating better risk management. For instance, if an import consignment cites an unlicensed source by BIS, the Ministry can prevent its import. 
• The detailed data will also enable Customs to conduct a more thorough analysis and risk management of steel imports.
• The development of SIMS 2.0 is a collaborative effort, with contributions from the DGFT, BIS, and MSTC Ltd., a CPSE under the Ministry of Steel.

Read previous PIB articles here.

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