Tag: Critical Minerals

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Discuss the significance of the Quad in strengthening a free, open and resilient Indo-Pacific. How does cooperation in critical minerals expand the scope of the grouping?

Topic: Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests Q4. Discuss the significance of the Quad in strengthening a free, open and resilient Indo-Pacific. How does cooperation in critical minerals expand the scope of the grouping? (10 M) Difficulty Level: Medium Reference: NIE Why the question The growing strategic importance …

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Describe the significance of India’s Deep Ocean Mission. Evaluate its strategic and economic implications.

Topic: Science & Technology Q5. Describe the significance of India’s Deep Ocean Mission. Evaluate its strategic and economic implications. (10 M) Difficulty Level: Medium Reference: InsightsIAS Why the question Growing emphasis on blue economy, critical minerals and ocean governance makes India’s Deep Ocean Mission. Key Demand of the question The question requires highlighting the core …

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Sodium-ion battery technology

Source:  TH Subject:   Science and Technology Context: India is re-evaluating its battery strategy amid rising concerns over critical mineral dependence, import vulnerability, and supply security linked to lithium-ion batteries. About Sodium-ion battery technology: What it is? Sodium-ion batteries (SiBs) are rechargeable batteries that store and release energy using sodium ions (Na⁺) as charge carriers instead …

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Account for India’s critical minerals strategy in the context of geopolitical competition. Explain the role played by plurilateral arrangements. Also identify the principal challenges ahead.

Topic: Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests, Q3. Account for India’s critical minerals strategy in the context of geopolitical competition. Explain the role played by plurilateral arrangements. Also identify the principal challenges ahead. (15 M) Difficulty Level: Medium Reference: IE Why the question Critical minerals have become central …

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Union Budget 2026-27 Highlights (Budget 2026 UPSC): Key Announcements, PDF Download, Tax Changes & Fiscal Numbers

UNION BUDGET 2026-27 | BUDGET 2026 | BUDGET 2026 UPSC Union Budget 2026-27: Complete Analysis, Key Highlights and UPSC Relevance Union Budget 2026-2027 Part A and Part B coverage with fiscal path, revenue–expenditure breakdown, and official PDFs for quick revision (Budget 2026 UPSC). Union budget at a glance pdf Union Budget 2026-27: At a Glance …

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Discuss the geographical significance of critical minerals in the context of energy transition and strategic industries. Explain why India faces challenges in securing them domestically.

Topic: Distribution of key natural resources across the world (including South Asia and the Indian subcontinent) Q1. Discuss the geographical significance of critical minerals in the context of energy transition and strategic industries. Explain why India faces challenges in securing them domestically. (10 M) Difficulty Level: Medium Reference: IE Why the question The global energy …

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The Global Risks Report 2026

Source:  NDTV Subject:  International organisation Context: The World Economic Forum’s Global Risks Report 2026 has ranked geoeconomic confrontation as the world’s top short-term risk, overtaking armed conflict, reflecting rising trade wars, sanctions, and weaponization of economic tools. About The Global Risks Report 2026: What it is? The Global Risks Report 2026 is the 21st annual …

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Pax Silica Initiative

Source:  IE Subject:  International Relations Context: The United States has announced that India will be invited to join the US-led Pax Silica initiative next month as part of efforts to stabilise and deepen India-US strategic and trade ties. Pax Silica aims to secure silicon, semiconductors and AI-critical supply chains amid rising geopolitical and technology competition. …

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Copper

Source:  ET Subject:  Economics Context: Copper prices touched a record high of over USD 12,000 per tonne in 2025, driven by US tariff uncertainty, global supply disruptions and surging demand from AI, clean energy and EVs. About Copper: What it is? Copper (Cu) is a naturally occurring metallic element (Atomic number: 29) known for its …

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Rare-earth elements (REEs)

Source:  TH Subject:   Economics Context: Rare-earth elements are drawing global attention as essential inputs for green technologies, electronics, and defence systems, amid supply-chain vulnerabilities. About Rare-earth elements (REEs): What they are? Rare-earth elements are a group of 17 metallic elements comprising the 15 lanthanides (lanthanum to lutetium) plus scandium and yttrium, known for their unique …

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Energy Policy in the Age of AI and Climate Change

Source:  IE Subject:  Environment Context: India’s energy policy is facing unprecedented challenges as rapid AI expansion and accelerating climate change reshape electricity demand, supply chains and governance needs. About Energy Policy in the Age of AI and Climate Change: Trends in Energy Policy in the Age of AI and Climate Change: India’s energy policy is …

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Geological Survey of India (GSI)

Source:  News on Air Subject:  Polity Context: The Union Minister of Coal & Mines inaugurated GSI’s International Seminar in Jaipur to mark 175 years of the Geological Survey of India (GSI). About Geological Survey of India (GSI): What It Is? GSI is India’s premier national geoscientific organisation, responsible for geological surveys, mineral exploration, and creation …

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Strategic Vulnerabilities of Global Critical Mineral Supply Chains

Source:  WEF Subject:  Strategic Minerals Context: Recent supply disruptions—especially China’s export restrictions on antimony, a key input for semiconductors and defence systems—have highlighted the strategic vulnerabilities of global critical mineral supply chains. About Strategic Vulnerabilities of Global Critical Mineral Supply Chains: What are Critical Minerals? Critical minerals are strategic, non-fuel mineral resources essential for high-tech …

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Cabinet Approves New Royalty Rates for 4 Critical Minerals

Source:  ET Subject: Economy Context: The Union Cabinet has approved the rationalisation of royalty rates for four critical minerals — Graphite, Caesium, Rubidium, and Zirconium — to promote domestic production. About Cabinet Approves New Royalty Rates for 4 Critical Minerals: What is Royalty Rate? It is a charge levied by the government on mineral producers …

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Powering India’s Green Transition and Strategic Self-Reliance

Syllabus: Economy and Minerals  Source:  YT Context: India has launched the National Critical Mineral Mission (2025) to build self-reliance in the exploration, mining, and processing of rare earth and critical minerals that are vital for clean energy, electronics, and defence technologies. About Powering India’s Green Transition and Strategic Self-Reliance: Importance of Rare Earths and Critical …

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“Rare earth elements symbolise the new geography of power”. Explain the spatial distribution and key geological features of rare earth deposits across the world. Analyse the environmental implications of their extraction. Evaluate India’s position and prospects in this global landscape.

Topic: Distribution of key natural resources across the world (including South Asia and the Indian subcontinent) Q2. “Rare earth elements symbolise the new geography of power”. Explain the spatial distribution and key geological features of rare earth deposits across the world. Analyse the environmental implications of their extraction. Evaluate India’s position and prospects in this …

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Geopolitics of Critical Minerals and India’s Strategy

Syllabus: Effect of Policies and Politics of Developed and Developing Countries Source:  STV Context: The geopolitics of rare earths and critical minerals has intensified as India, the U.S., and Australia work to cut dependence on China, which dominates global supply chains. The issue gained traction after a recent S.–Australia pact and India’s renewed push for …

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Map the global distribution of critical minerals and explain their importance in the contemporary industrial landscape.

Topic: Distribution of key natural resources across the world. Q2. Map the global distribution of critical minerals and explain their importance in the contemporary industrial landscape. (10 M) Difficulty Level: Medium Reference: IE Why the question: The spatial distribution of critical minerals globally and their strategic role in shaping modern industries such as clean energy, …

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