Current affairs June 15(2025-06-15)

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With reference to India’s recent approach towards rare earth minerals, consider the following statements:
1. India has directed IREL to suspend a rare earth export agreement with a Japanese firm to safeguard domestic needs.

2. China is a dominant global player in rare earth processing and has recently restricted its exports.

3. India currently exports neodymium, a key rare earth element used in EV motors, primarily due to a lack of domestic processing capacity.

4. India has already developed sufficient domestic processing infrastructure for rare earths and is self-reliant in rare earth-based technologies.

5. The IREL–Japan export agreement has been in force since 2012, and over one-third of IREL’s production is exported under this agreement.

How many of the above statements are correct?

Researchers recently identified a new species of jumping spiders of the Spartaeinae subfamily in southern India. In this context, which of the following statements are correct?
1. The identified new species was named Spartaeus karigiri, after Karigiri, or Elephant Hill, in Devarayanadurga, Karnataka, where the spiders were first observed.
2. The discovery holds particular significance because Spartaeus and Sonoita have never before been recorded in India. 
3. These spiders, part of the Salticidae family, are known for their keen eyesight and unique hunting methods, often deceiving other spiders by mimicking prey.
 

Which of the following statements are correct?

  1. Global merchant shipping is primarily regulated by the International Maritime Organization (IMO). 
  2. The IMO is among the most powerful agencies as many of its prescriptions and guidelines apply across shipping, given the multinational nature of the industry. 
  3. India is not a member of IMO as it is not a part of the United Nations but signed various conventions that lay down norms regarding pollution, safety, accidents, liabilities and responsibilities.

Which of the following statements are correct?
1. China’s proposed dam project in upper Siang river has the potential to produce hydel electric power up to 60000 MW.
2. India’s proposed dam project in Yarlung Tsangpo river has the potential to produce electric power up to 11000 MW.