India is looking to ramp-up its critical mineral play in Africa as it keys resource securitisation and an upsetting of the Chinese apple-cart in the region. There are MoUs in place with at least eight African nations for mining collaborations including access to resources.

Nations include South Africa, Mozambique, Congo, Tanzania, Zambia, Malawi , Republic of Cote d’Ivoire and Zimbabwe. While the key focus continues to be on critical minerals such as copper, cobalt, niobium, graphite, titanium, lithium, among others.

Some of the lobby groups in the USA have pointed out that China currently controls an estimated 8 per cent of Africa’s resources. Numbers have gone up from 2018 estimates, they say.

Source – https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/markets/commodities

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Passage 2

The Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) will now be open to new members and observers after a historic first charter of the grouping came into force recently, the Ministry of External Affairs has announced. With the coming into force of the charter which was adopted in the summit of the BIMSTEC leaders, the grouping has acquired a ‘legal personality’ and will be able to enter into structured diplomatic dialogue with other groupings and countries.

“The entry into force of the BIMSTEC Charter reaffirms India’s commitment to a prosperous, peaceful and sustainable neighbourhood. It is achieved by building on our shared history, culture, vision and mutual respect for each other. BIMSTEC reflects the synthesis of our Neighbourhood First and Act East policies,” said External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar.

Source- https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/bimstec-acquir

28th MAY 2024 CLAT

Name

Mobile

Passage 1

1. Which country is estimated to control over 5% of cobalt processing facilities in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and its companies are estimated to own 80% of the Tenke Fungurume mines, which produce nearly 12% of the world's cobalt resource?

A. USA

B. China

C. Germany

D. India

2. Over what % of the world's critical mineral deposits are found in Africa, presenting an opportunity for African countries to become major global suppliers and trade among themselves?

A. 10

B. 20

C. 30

D. 35

3. As recently as February, India signed an MoU with the for collaboration in the field of geology and mineral resources?

A. Zambia

B. Ghana

C. Mozambique

D. Republic of Cote d’Ivoire

4. India joined the Mineral Security Partnership (MSP) in June 2023, making it the __th member alongside countries like the United States, Australia, Canada, and others.

A. 14th

B. 16th

C. 18th

D. 20th

5. Recently, there has been a concern over the short supply of a group of elements called ‘rare earth metals’. Why? 1. China, which is the largest producer of these elements, has imposed some restrictions on their export. 2. Other than China, Australia, Canada and Chile, these elements are not found in any country. 3. Rare earth metals are essential for the manufacture of various kinds of electronic items and there is a growing demand for these elements. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

A. 1 only

B. 2 and 3 only

C. 1 and 3 only

D. 1, 2 and 3

Passage 2

6. Recently, Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) has recently achieved an important milestone with the charter of the grouping coming into force on __th May 2024.

A. 20TH

B. 22ND

C. 25TH

D. 27TH

7. With the coming into force of the charter which was adopted in which summit of the BIMSTEC leaders, the grouping has acquired a ‘legal personality’ and will be able to enter into structured diplomatic dialogue with other groupings and countries?

A. 3rd

B. 4th

C. 5th

D. 6th

8.Which of this is incorrect?

A. The sub-regional organisation was established in 1995.

B. Initially consisting of 4 Member States, it was known as 'BIST-EC' (Bangladesh, India, Sri-Lanka and Thailand Economic Cooperation).

C. In 1997, it was renamed 'BIMST-EC' after Myanmar joined.

D. The admission of Nepal and Bhutan in 2004 led to another name change to the 'Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation' (BIMSTEC).

9. The BIMSTEC sub-regional organisation was established in 1997 with the adoption of the ______ Declaration.

A. Dhaka

B. Bangkok

C. Colombo

D. Kathmandu

10. BIMSTEC is a regional organisation comprising how many member states?

A. 8

B. 5

C. 6

D. 7