Strategic Resource Security & Critical Minerals: UPSC Current Affairs Analysis & Study Strategy

In-Depth Analysis

The Big Picture

India is pivoting from a fossil-fuel-centric energy security model to a mineral-centric technology security framework. This shift is driven by the dual imperatives of the 'Green Transition' and 'Strategic Autonomy,' as the global supply chain for critical minerals remains heavily concentrated in China. The government is responding with a multi-layered strategy involving domestic legislative reforms (Mines Act amendments), international resource diplomacy (Pax Silica, MSP), and cutting-edge maritime exploration (Deep Ocean Mission).

Cross-Theme Insight

Together, these threads reveal that mineral security is no longer just an industrial concern but a core pillar of India's foreign policy and national defense. The integration of high-tech manufacturing (Lithium refineries in Telangana), maritime infrastructure (Polar Research Vessels), and bilateral partnerships (Germany, Russia, Norway) shows that India is building a 'resource-technology-security' nexus. It highlights that self-reliance (Atmanirbhar Bharat) in the 21st century depends as much on securing the 'silicon' and 'lithium' supply chains as it did on 'oil' and 'gas' in the 20th.

Textbook vs Reality Gap

Standard textbooks like Majid Husain (Geography of India, 9th ed., p. 30) focus primarily on 'Rare Earths' through the lens of monazite sands in Kerala for Thorium and Uranium. However, contemporary reality has expanded the 'Critical Mineral' list to 30 elements including Lithium, Cobalt, and Graphite, focusing on 'battery-grade purity' (99.95% for graphite) rather than just raw extraction. While textbooks discuss India as a leading refiner of petroleum (Majid Husain, Ch 8, p. 16), the current gap lies in the 'Critical Mineral Processing Gap' where India mines but lacks the high-end refining capacity for electronics-grade minerals.

How This Theme Is Evolving

The theme has evolved from basic geological mapping (GSI) to active industrial incentivization (Royalty rationalization in 2025) and strategic multilateralism. The trajectory is moving toward 'Deep-Sea and Polar Frontiers,' seeking resources in the global commons to bypass land-based geopolitical bottlenecks.

UPSC Exam Intelligence

Previous Year Question Pattern

UPSC has consistently shifted focus from traditional mining to the geopolitics of rare earths. IAS 2012 (NID: 14920) tested China's export restrictions, while IAS 2021 (NID: 6027) focused on seabed mining licenses in international waters. The most recent IAS 2025 Prelims (NID: 6245) directly tested the Minerals Security Partnership and the 2023 Mines and Minerals Act amendment, showing a high premium on very recent legislative and diplomatic moves.

Probable Prelims Angles

• Difference between Monazite (Thorium) and HREEs (Heavy Rare Earth Elements) like Terbium and Dysprosium.
• The 30 minerals identified as 'critical' by the Ministry of Mines.
• Specifics of the Pax Silica initiative vs. Minerals Security Partnership (MSP).
• Nodes of the National Deep Water Exploration Mission (6000m depth targets).
• Ad valorem royalty rates for graphite, caesium, and rubidium.

Mains Answer Framework

• The global energy transition is shifting the 'geopolitics of energy' from the control of oil wells to the mastery of critical mineral supply chains.
• Strategic Vulnerability: India's 100% import dependence for minerals like Lithium and Cobalt vs. China's 90% processing dominance.. Legislative Enablers: Rationalizing royalty rates and allowing private sector participation in critical mineral mining to boost domestic exploration.. Resource Diplomacy: Leveraging 'China-plus-one' strategies through the Pax Silica initiative and technology-sharing with Germany/Norway.
• India must balance domestic 'National Critical Mineral Missions' with aggressive 'Resource Diplomacy' to ensure its 2070 Net Zero goals are not held hostage to supply chain disruptions.

Essay Connections

• 'Resource Security is National Security' - using India's lithium refinery and deep-sea lab projects as case studies for strategic autonomy.
• 'The New Great Game in the Blue Economy' - discussing the Deep Ocean Mission and seabed mining.

Preparation Strategy

Reading Approach

Start with NCERT/Majid Husain to understand the geological distribution of thorium and traditional minerals. Then, layer the 2025-2026 news items to understand how the definition of 'strategic' has expanded to include lithium, graphite, and deep-sea polymetallic nodules.

Textbook Roadmap

• Geography of India, Majid Husain (9th ed.), Chapter 7: Resources. Threads 2 & 7. Sections on Monazite sands, Uranium distribution (Jharkhand, Rajasthan), and Mineral Belts.
• NCERT Class X Geography, Chapter 5: Minerals and Energy Resources. Thread 4. Definition of 'placer deposits' and 'oceanic minerals' to understand the baseline of Deep Sea Mining.

Revision Bullets

• India's Rare Earth reserves: ~6% of global total (13.15 million tonnes monazite).
• Graphite Purity Target: 99.95% required for battery-grade (current processing gap).
• Deep Ocean Mission target: 6,000 meters by 2047 (world's deepest lab).
• E-waste growth: 1.75 million tonnes (2023-24), 43% recycling rate.
• Key Mineral Additions for Royalty Rationalization: Graphite, Caesium, Rubidium, Zirconium.
• UCIL Rajasthan Investment: Rs 3,000 crore for uranium mining.

Sub-Themes and News Coverage (7 themes, 38 news items)

India's Strategic Pursuit of Critical Mineral and High-Tech Supply Chain Security

Focus: India's multi-pronged strategy to secure essential raw materials and semiconductor supply chains through domestic exploration, bilateral resource diplomacy, and participation in multilateral tech-security frameworks.

UPSC Value: This grouping illustrates the integration of resource security into India's foreign policy and its 'Strategic Autonomy' goals within the global 'China-plus-one' supply chain shift.

7 news items in this theme:

• 2026-02-21 [International Relations] — India Joins U.S.-Led Pax Silica Initiative
  India has joined the Pax Silica initiative, led by the U.S. Department of State, to build resilient supply chains for critical minerals, semiconductors, electronics, and AI technologies. Pax Silica aims to strengthen secure and trusted supply chains through collaboration among governments, industries, and innovators. The initiative also seeks to address non-market practices and protect critical infrastructure.
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  UPSC Angle: India joins Pax Silica for resilient supply chains of critical technologies.

  Key Facts:

  • Pax Silica is led by the United States Department of State
  • Focus areas: critical minerals, semiconductors, electronics, and AI technologies
  • Aims to align partner countries on long-term technology governance and resilient global economic architecture
• 2026-02-20 [International Relations] — India-U.S. AI Partnership under Pax Silica Declaration
  India and the United States acknowledge a shared vision for their innovation ecosystems, emphasizing the importance of trusted collaboration, economic security, and free enterprise in AI development, building upon the Transforming the Relationship Utilizing Strategic Technologies initiative (TRUST) outlined by Prime Minister Modi and President Trump. They aim to facilitate cross-border venture capital flows, R&D partnerships, and industry investments in next-generation data centers to build an AI future that serves their citizens and reflects their shared values.
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  UPSC Angle: India-U.S. AI partnership under Pax Silica Declaration.

  Key Facts:

  • India and the United States signed the Pax Silica Declaration to strengthen collaboration in AI and critical minerals supply chains.
  • The partnership aims to promote pro-innovation regulation and investment in AI, supporting entrepreneurship, startups, and secure AI ecosystems.
  • Both sides plan to deepen cooperation to support supply chains, including R&D projects for reliable energy infrastructure, critical minerals, skilled workforces, and trusted semiconductor ecosystems.
  • The partnership signals a new era of alignment between the world's oldest and largest democracies in defence of liberty and the pursuit of prosperity and harmony for their peoples.
  • India became the tenth signatory to the Pax Silica initiative.
  • The declaration was signed in New Delhi by U.S. Ambassador Sergio Gor, Under Secretary of State Jacob Helberg, and Indian Secretary Shri S. Krishnan.
  • The initiative aims to secure global tech supply chains, address AI supply chain opportunities and vulnerabilities, and explore joint investment.
  • India joined Pax Silica, a US-led strategic alliance launched in December 2025.
  • The aim is to secure the global AI and semiconductor supply chain and reduce dependence on non-aligned nations.
  • The signing ceremony was attended by Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw and US envoy to India Sergio Gor.
• 2026-01-21 [International Relations] — India Invited to Pax Silica Initiative
  India is set to be invited to join the "Pax Silica" initiative, a multilateral arrangement focused on cooperation in semiconductors, critical minerals, and AI. The initiative aims to reduce coercive dependencies, secure global tech supply chains, address AI supply chain vulnerabilities, and build trusted digital infrastructure.
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  UPSC Angle: India invited to join Pax Silica initiative.

  Key Facts:

  • Pax Silica is a U.S.-led multilateral initiative launched in December 2025
  • Aims to secure global supply chains of semiconductors, AI, and critical minerals
  • India is set to be invited to the Pax Silica initiative
  • Multilateral arrangement for cooperation on semiconductors, critical minerals, and AI
  • Aims to reduce coercive dependencies
  • Seeks to secure global tech supply chains
  • Addresses AI supply chain opportunities and vulnerabilities
  • Build trusted digital infrastructure
• 2025-12-13 [International Relations] — India Excluded from US-led Pax Silica Initiative
  India has been excluded from the US-led Pax Silica initiative, a strategic plan to build a secure and innovation-driven silicon supply chain from critical minerals. The initiative includes Japan, Republic of Korea, Singapore, the Netherlands, The United Kingdom, Israel, United Arab Emirates, and Australia.
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  UPSC Angle: India excluded from US-led Pax Silica initiative.

  Key Facts:

  • India excluded from Pax Silica initiative.
  • Pax Silica is a US-led strategic initiative for silicon supply chain.
  • Participants: Japan, Republic of Korea, Singapore, the Netherlands, The United Kingdom, Israel, United Arab Emirates, and Australia.
• 2025-08-08 [International Relations] — India & Russia Deepen Industrial & Technological Cooperation
  India and Russia signed a protocol to deepen industrial and technological cooperation, reaffirming their strategic partnership during the 11th Session of the India-Russia Working Group on Modernization & Industrial Cooperation in New Delhi. Discussions included rare earth elements.
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  UPSC Angle: India and Russia deepen industrial and technological cooperation.

  Key Facts:

  • The Protocol was signed during the 11th Session of the India-Russia Working Group on Modernization & Industrial Cooperation.
  • The session occurred in New Delhi.
  • Amardeep Singh Bhatia, Secretary, DPIIT, MoC&I, and Alexey Gruzdev, Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade were the signatories.
• 2025-08-08 [Economy] — GSI Hosts Conference on Critical Minerals
  The Geological Survey of India (GSI) hosted a national conference in Jabalpur to discuss strategies for exploring and utilizing critical minerals for India's clean energy transition and technological independence. Discussions included the National Critical Mineral Mission and the need for strategic mineral resources amid global competition.
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  UPSC Angle: GSI hosts conference on critical minerals for clean energy transition.

  Key Facts:

  • Conference held in Jabalpur.
  • Objective: Discuss India's strategies for exploring and utilizing critical minerals.
  • Focus on National Critical Mineral Mission.
• 2025-04-01 [International Relations] — India and Chile Launch CEPA Negotiations
  India and Chile announced the launch of negotiations for a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) to enhance cooperation across trade, science and technology, critical minerals, health, agriculture, climate change, and cultural exchanges. Chile has invited Indian companies to bid for lithium deposits to diversify its foreign investment in the mining sector, strengthening ties in mining and mineral exploration.
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  UPSC Angle: India and Chile launch CEPA negotiations.

  Key Facts:

  • India
  • Chile
  • April 1, 2025
  • Launch of CEPA negotiations
  • Cooperation areas: trade, science, technology, critical minerals, health, agriculture, climate change, cultural exchanges
  • Chile invited Indian companies to bid for lithium deposits

Strategic Resource Security & Sourcing Policy

Focus: Government policies, infrastructure projects (SPR, refineries), and agreements aimed at securing long-term energy and mineral supplies.

UPSC Value: Highlights the structural and diplomatic measures taken to ensure India's energy security.

7 news items in this theme:

• 2026-01-29 [Economy] — India to Drive Global Oil Demand Growth
  India will be the largest driver of oil demand growth by 2050, driven by transportation, petrochemicals, and industrial expansion, according to the World Oil Outlook 2025.
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  UPSC Angle: India will be the largest driver of oil demand growth by 2050.

  Key Facts:

  • India will be largest driver of oil demand growth by 2050
  • Driven by transportation, petrochemicals, and industrial expansion
  • Source: World Oil Outlook 2025
• 2026-01-14 [Science & Technology] — MoU between CSIR-IMMT and Hindustan Copper Limited (HCL)
  A Memorandum of Understanding was signed between CSIR-IMMT and Hindustan Copper Limited (HCL) on 14.01.2026 to jointly leverage their strengths to fast-track recovery of copper and critical minerals with a mission to contribute to India's long-term mineral security and industrial growth.
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  UPSC Angle: CSIR-IMMT and HCL MoU for copper and critical minerals recovery.

  Key Facts:

  • A Memorandum of Understanding was signed between CSIR-IMMT and Hindustan Copper Limited (HCL) on 14.01.2026.
• 2025-12-18 [Economy] — India's First Lithium Refinery in Telangana
  Singareni Collieries Company (SCCL) and Altmin have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to set up the country's first large-scale battery-grade lithium refinery in Hyderabad. This refinery will play a significant role in changing India's import dependence, ensuring the availability of battery-grade lithium for electric vehicles (EVs) and energy storage systems (ESS). This refinery will ensure long-term supplies of raw materials from global resources will strengthen India's energy security.
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  UPSC Angle: India's first lithium refinery in Telangana.

  Key Facts:

  • Singareni Collieries Company (SCCL) and Altmin have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to set up the country's first large-scale battery-grade lithium refinery in Hyderabad.
• 2025-06-29 [Economy] — India doubling down on building new strategic petroleum reserves
  India is planning to build new strategic petroleum reserves (SPR) at six proposed locations. Emergency oil reserves that are stocked up while prices are low and released at times of exigencies are crucial for the world's third-largest energy consumer, which imports 85% of its crude requirements. The government has asked state-run Engineers India Ltd (EIL) to make detailed feasibility reports (DFRs) to build such new reserves at six locations.
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  UPSC Angle: India planning to build new strategic petroleum reserves at six locations.

  Key Facts:

  • India doubling down to build new strategic petroleum reserves at six proposed locations
  • India imports 85% of its crude requirements
  • The government has asked state-run Engineers India Limited to make detailed feasibility reports to build such new reserves at six locations
• 2025-06-17 [Economy] — India to import Crude Oil from cheapest, best-quality non-sanctioned sources.
  India will import crude oil from the cheapest, best-quality non-sanctioned sources. This decision is likely driven by economic considerations, ensuring energy security while optimizing import costs.
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  UPSC Angle: India to import crude oil from cheapest, best-quality non-sanctioned sources.

• 2025-04-24 [International Relations] — India, Saudi Arabia Agree to Enhance Stability of Global Oil Markets
  India and Saudi Arabia have reached an agreement to enhance the stability of global oil markets. This collaboration aims to ensure a balanced and reliable energy supply, which is crucial for both nations' economic growth and global energy security.
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  UPSC Angle: India and Saudi Arabia agree to enhance stability of global oil markets.

  Key Facts:

  • India and Saudi Arabia agree to enhance stability of global oil markets.
• 2025-03-20 [Economy] — India Committed to import Crude Oil from cheapest sources
  India is committed to importing crude oil from the cheapest, best-quality, non-sanctioned sources. Both Houses of Parliament will resume the discussion on the Union Budget 2026-27.
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  UPSC Angle: Not exam-relevant

  Key Facts:

  • India will import Crude Oil from cheapest, best-quality non-sanctioned sources

Strategic Imperatives and Supply Chain Vulnerabilities

Focus: Analysis of the geopolitical and structural reasons driving India's critical mineral push, specifically focusing on import dependence and processing gaps.

UPSC Value: Provides the 'why' behind the policy actions: understanding the link between national security, green transition, and the need to break Chinese dominance.

6 news items in this theme:

• 2026-02-19 [International Relations] — U.S. Launches 'Project Vault' to Stockpile Critical Minerals
  The U.S.A. has launched 'Project Vault' to establish a strategic domestic reserve of critical minerals. The partnership is backed by $10 billion in financing by the Export-Import Bank of the United States (EXIM) and an additional $2 billion in private funds. This initiative aims to reduce dependence on foreign-controlled supply chains.
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  UPSC Angle: U.S. launches 'Project Vault' to stockpile critical minerals.

  Key Facts:

  • Backed by $10 billion in financing by the Export-Import Bank of the United States (EXIM)
  • Additional $2 billion in private funds
• 2025-12-24 [Economy] — Critical Minerals for National Security
  Critical minerals are vital for India's national security and technological sovereignty, impacting supply chains and energy transition.
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  UPSC Angle: Critical minerals are vital for India's national security and technological sovereignty.

  Key Facts:

  • Critical minerals
  • National security
  • Technological sovereignty
  • Supply chains
  • Energy transition
• 2025-12-05 [Economy] — India's Critical Mineral Processing Gap
  India mines and processes several critical minerals, but refining capacity lags in both quality and scale. Battery-grade graphite requires 99.95% purity, far above current domestic levels. This gap traps India in low-value roles, exporting raw materials while importing high-value components.
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  UPSC Angle: India's critical mineral processing gap: refining capacity lags in quality and scale.

  Key Facts:

  • 99.95%: Purity required for battery-grade graphite
  • Copper, graphite, silicon, tin, titanium, rare earths, and zirconium: Examples of critical minerals mined and processed in India
• 2025-10-24 [International Relations] — Geopolitics of Critical Minerals
  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. China dominates the global rare earth landscape with ~70% mining and ~90% processing capacity, enabling it to dictate prices and access across industries.
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  UPSC Angle: Geopolitics of rare earths and critical minerals intensifies.

  Key Facts:

  • India, the U.S., and Australia work to cut dependence on China for critical minerals
  • China dominates the global rare earth landscape with ~70% mining
  • China has ~90% processing capacity
• 2025-10-19 [Environment & Ecology] — E-Waste Recycling Data in India
  E-waste in India reached 1.75 million tonnes in 2023–24, a 72.5% increase since 2019–20. The recycling rate improved from 22% (2019–20) to 43% (2023–24). Metals recovered per tonne include Gold: 300 g, Silver: 1 kg (Circular Economy Report, 2023).
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  UPSC Angle: India's e-waste recycling rate improved to 43% in 2023-24.

  Key Facts:

  • E-waste: 1.75 million tonnes (2023–24)
  • Increase: 72.5% since 2019–20
  • Recycling rate: 43% (2023–24)
  • Gold recovered: 300 g/tonne
  • Silver recovered: 1 kg/tonne
  • Circular Economy Report, 2023
• 2025-06-20 [Economy] — Critical Minerals Age and India's Strategic Imperatives
  The 21st century is defined as the critical minerals age, due to the central role of rare minerals in modern technology. Green technologies like EVs, solar, and wind are highly mineral-intensive, with EVs using six times more minerals than conventional vehicles and offshore wind plants consuming nine times more minerals than fossil fuel plants.
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  UPSC Angle: Critical minerals' role in green technologies and strategic importance.

  Key Facts:

  • 21st century: Defined as the critical minerals age
  • EVs use six times more minerals than conventional vehicles
  • Offshore wind plants consume nine times more minerals than fossil fuel plants
  • AI, robotics, big data, digital infrastructure require minerals like Copper, Lithium, cobalt, nickel

Ecosystem Enablers for Critical Mineral Security

Focus: Complementary efforts to the manufacturing policy, including international diplomacy, private sector innovation, R&D infrastructure, and resource mapping.

UPSC Value: Illustrates a multi-pronged approach (Diplomacy, R&D, Innovation) to reducing import dependence beyond just fiscal incentives.

6 news items in this theme:

• 2026-02-04 [Geography] — Rare Earth Element (REE) Availability in India
  India holds around 6% of the world's rare earth reserves, mainly in coastal beach sands and inland alluvium across several states. India holds around 13.15 million tonnes of monazite, containing nearly 7.23 million tonnes of Rare Earth Oxides (REO).
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  UPSC Angle: India holds around 6% of the world's rare earth reserves.

  Key Facts:

  • India's share of world REE reserves: ~6%
  • Monazite reserves: 13.15 million tonnes
  • Rare Earth Oxides (REO): 7.23 million tonnes
• 2025-11-30 [International Relations] — India, Germany discuss rare earth magnet collaboration
  A German delegation visited India in November 2025 to discuss potential collaboration in manufacturing rare-earth magnets, essential for industries like electric mobility and renewable energy. This partnership aims to reduce reliance on China for these critical materials.
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  UPSC Angle: India, Germany discuss rare earth magnet collaboration.

  Key Facts:

  • German delegation visit to India
  • November 2025
  • Rare-earth magnets manufacturing
  • Windergy India 2025 conference
  • Johann Saathoff
• 2025-11-16 [Economy] — India's EV Push Amid Chinese Export Restrictions on HREEs
  Amid China's tightening export controls on heavy rare earth elements (HREEs), which are critical for EV motors, Indian start-ups like Simple Energy and Chara Technologies are developing rare-earth-free or rare-earth-light electric motors, marking a step toward Atmanirbhar Bharat. India imported 2,270 tonnes of rare earths in 2023–24 (23% rise since 2019–20), with 65% reliance on China.
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  UPSC Angle: Indian start-ups developing rare-earth-free EV motors amid Chinese restrictions.

  Key Facts:

  • China has imposed curbs on exports of key heavy rare earth elements (HREEs).
  • Simple Energy and Chara Technologies are developing rare-earth-free or rare-earth-light electric motors.
  • India imported 2,270 tonnes of rare earths in 2023–24 (23% rise since 2019–20), with 65% reliance on China.
  • Simple Energy developed a heavy rare-earth-free Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor (PMSM).
  • Simple Energy eliminated restricted HREEs by using optimised compound magnets (iron, neodymium, boron, praseodymium, holmium) and employing proprietary algorithms.
  • All current EVs from Simple Energy use restricted-HREE-free motors.
  • Simple Energy sold 1,050 units in October 2025 (highest ever, recording 215% YoY growth).
• 2025-11-15 [International Relations] — India intensifies cooperation on Rare Earth Elements with Germany
  India and Germany are intensifying cooperation on rare earth elements (REEs) amid growing concerns over China's dominance.
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  UPSC Angle: India and Germany intensify cooperation on rare earth elements.

• 2025-08-05 [Science & Technology] — Government Focuses on Critical Minerals
  In August 2025, the Ministry of Mines (MoM) recognized 7 institutes, including 4 IITs and 3 R&D Labs as the Centres of Excellence (CoEs) under the National Critical Minerals Mission (NCMM), to initiate innovative and transformational research to bolster and advance the country's science and technology capability in the area of critical minerals.
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  UPSC Angle: MoM recognizes 7 institutes as CoEs under NCMM for critical minerals.

  Key Facts:

  • The Ministry of Mines (MoM) has recognized 7 institutes as Centres of Excellence (CoEs) under the National Critical Minerals Mission (NCMM) in August 2025.
  • The recognized institutes include 4 Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) and 3 Research & Development (R&D) Labs.
  • The CoEs will work to bolster and advance the country's science and technology capability in the area of critical minerals.
  • Names of 3 R&D Labs: Council of Scientific & Industrial Research- Institute of Minerals and Materials Technology (CSIR-IMMT), Bhubaneswar (Odisha); CSIR-National Metallurgical (NML), Jamshedpur (Jharkhand); and Non-Ferrous Materials Technology Development Centre (NFTDC), Hyderabad (Telangana).
• 2025-06-10 [Economy] — India's Permanent Magnet Imports Doubled Before China's Export Curbs
  Before China curbed the export of rare earth magnets, India's permanent magnet imports nearly doubled in FY25. Despite this, Maruti Suzuki, India's largest automobile company, has not yet experienced any impact from rare earth magnet shortages.
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  UPSC Angle: India's permanent magnet imports doubled before China's export curbs.

  Key Facts:

  • China
  • rare earth magnets
  • India
  • permanent magnet imports
  • FY25
  • Maruti Suzuki

China's Strategic Control of Rare Earth Element Supply Chains

Focus: The items document China's evolving regulatory framework for rare earth exports and the resulting diplomatic and economic pressures on global stakeholders dependent on these critical minerals.

UPSC Value: It highlights the geopolitical risks associated with mineral monopolies and the strategic importance of diversifying supply chains for critical technologies and defense.

5 news items in this theme:

• 2025-12-29 [Science & Technology] — Rare Earth Elements: Global Distribution
  Rare earth elements consist of a group of 17 elements including 15 lanthanides, scandium, and yttrium; they are not necessarily rare in the Earth's crust but are rarely found in concentrated, separable form. Global reserves are distributed among China (~44 million tonnes), Vietnam (~22 million tonnes), Brazil (~21 million tonnes), Russia (~10 million tonnes), and India (~6.9 million tonnes), but processing and refining are highly concentrated in China.
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  UPSC Angle: Rare earth elements: distribution, properties, and strategic importance.

  Key Facts:

  • Group of 17 elements: 15 lanthanides + scandium + yttrium
  • China: ~44 million tonnes
  • Vietnam: ~22 million tonnes
  • Brazil: ~21 million tonnes
  • Russia: ~10 million tonnes
  • India: ~6.9 million tonnes
• 2025-11-15 [International Relations] — China's Rare Earth Export Restrictions
  China's Rare Earth Export Restrictions were mentioned as a topic of discussion.
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  UPSC Angle: China's Rare Earth Export Restrictions were mentioned as a topic.

• 2025-10-09 [International Relations] — China Imposes New Export Curbs on Rare Earths
  China has introduced new restrictions on the export of rare earths and related technologies. These regulations require foreign companies to obtain special approval for exporting items containing even small traces of rare earth elements sourced from China.
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  UPSC Angle: China imposed new export curbs on rare earths.

  Key Facts:

  • Ministry of Commerce (China)
  • Rare earths export regulations
• 2025-06-17 [International Relations] — Talks with China on rare earths expected to yield positive outcome
  India is hopeful that ongoing discussions with China regarding rare earth minerals will have a positive outcome. Securing access to rare earths is crucial for India's manufacturing and technology sectors.
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  UPSC Angle: India in talks with China on rare earth minerals.

• 2025-04-16 [International Relations] — China Restricts Rare Earth Material Supply
  China is reportedly restricting the supply of rare earth materials, vital for various industries, and is expected to impose sanctions starting April 4. This may cause supply issues for countries like the US, Japan, Vietnam, and Germany that rely on these elements for jet engines, defense equipment and advanced electronics.
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  UPSC Angle: China restricts rare earth material supply.

  Key Facts:

  • China restricting: Rare earth material supply.
  • Sanctions expected: Starting April 4.
  • Affected industries: Jet engines, defense equipment, advanced electronics.
  • Affected countries: US, Japan, Vietnam, Germany.

India's Strategic Mineral Security and Self-Reliance Framework

Focus: Government policy actions, vision documents, and capital investments specifically aimed at boosting domestic production and reducing import dependence for critical and strategic minerals.

UPSC Value: Crucial for analyzing GS Paper 3 topics related to resource security, industrial self-reliance (Atmanirbhar Bharat), and the energy transition's dependence on mineral supply chains.

4 news items in this theme:

• 2025-11-22 [Economy] — Royalty Rationalisation for Critical Minerals
  The Union Cabinet has approved revised ad valorem royalty rates for graphite, caesium, rubidium, and zirconium to boost domestic mining and reduce India's rising import dependence. This decision supports the government's efforts to enhance domestic mining and reduce reliance on imports.
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  UPSC Angle: Cabinet approves revised royalty rates for graphite, caesium, rubidium, zirconium.

  Key Facts:

  • Revised ad valorem royalty rates
  • Graphite
  • Caesium
  • Rubidium
  • Zirconium
• 2025-11-14 [Economy] — PIB News Analysis on Export Promotion and Critical Minerals
  PIB analysis discusses Cabinet approval for initiatives to boost exports and government approval to rationalize royalty rates for four critical minerals. It also notes Punjab as the first state to decrease the digital divide between rural and urban areas and discusses the TB report 2025.
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  UPSC Angle: Cabinet approves initiatives to boost exports and rationalize royalty rates.

  Key Facts:

  • Cabinet approval
  • Export promotion initiatives
  • Rationalization of royalty rates
  • Four critical minerals
  • Punjab
  • First state to decrease digital divide
  • TB report 2025
• 2025-09-10 [Economy] — UCIL to invest in uranium mining project in Rajasthan
  The Uranium Corporation of India Limited (UCIL) will invest nearly Rs 3,000 crore in the uranium mining project in Rajasthan. The development is aimed at improving local employment rates and enhancing the socio-economic status of the area and is expected to create 1,623 direct jobs, with 80 percent of these positions reserved for local residents.
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  UPSC Angle: UCIL to invest in uranium mining project in Rajasthan.

  Key Facts:

  • Uranium Corporation of India Limited (UCIL)
  • Investment: Rs 3,000 crore
  • Uranium mining project
  • 1,623 direct jobs
  • 80 percent of positions reserved for local residents
• 2025-07-05 [Economy] — Aluminium Vision Document: India as a Global Hub by 2047
  The Union Coal and Mines Minister unveiled the Aluminium Vision Document at the International Conference on Sustainable and Responsible Mining in Hyderabad, outlining a strategic policy roadmap to transform India's aluminium industry for self-reliance, clean energy transition, and global competitiveness, with the aim of positioning India as a global aluminium production hub by 2047. To meet demand, production must rise from 4.5 MTPA to 37 MTPA by 2047, requiring over ₹20 lakh crore in investment.
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  UPSC Angle: Aluminium Vision Document aims to make India a global hub by 2047.

  Key Facts:

  • Objective: Position India as a global aluminium production hub by 2047
  • Production target: Rise from 4.5 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) to 37 MTPA by 2047
  • Investment Required: ₹20 lakh crore

Strategic Deep-Sea and Polar Infrastructure

Focus: Major state-led initiatives developing physical infrastructure and specific missions for deep-ocean and polar resource exploration.

UPSC Value: Highlights India's strategic push for energy security and scientific presence in the global commons (oceans and poles).

3 news items in this theme:

• 2025-11-15 [Science & Technology] — India to Build Deepest Underwater Lab
  India plans to build the world's deepest underwater lab at a depth of 6,000 metres by 2047, marking a global first in deep-sea exploration. The project will begin with a 500-metre demonstrator module for short-term underwater habitation before scaling to the full-depth habitat.
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  UPSC Angle: India to build world's deepest underwater lab by 2047.

  Key Facts:

  • India plans to build the world's deepest underwater lab at a depth of 6,000 metres by 2047
  • Project will begin with a 500-metre demonstrator module
• 2025-08-16 [Schemes & Programs] — National Deep Water Exploration Mission
  The Prime Minister announced the National Deep Water Exploration Mission on Independence Day to explore oil and gas reserves beneath India's seabed. The mission aims to reduce dependence on crude oil and natural gas imports and strengthen India's long-term energy security, promoting Aatmanirbhar Bharat in the energy sector. The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas will be the nodal ministry, supported by the Directorate General of Hydrocarbons (DGH) and allied research institutions.
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  UPSC Angle: National Deep Water Exploration Mission to explore oil and gas reserves.

  Key Facts:

  • Announced on 79th Independence Day
  • Targets areas like the Andaman Sea and deep waters off the Andhra coast
  • Aims to reduce India's current 88% crude oil import reliance and 50% gas import dependence
  • Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas
  • Supported by Directorate General of Hydrocarbons (DGH) and allied research institutions
  • National Deep Water Exploration Mission announced on August 15, 2025.
  • Targets offshore oil and gas discovery in the Andaman Sea and off the Andhra coast.
  • Aims to reduce dependence on crude oil and natural gas imports.
• 2025-06-04 [Science & Technology] — India & Norway Collaborate on Polar Research Vessel
  India will construct its first indigenous Polar Research Vessel (PRV) through a collaboration between Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE) and Norway's Kongsberg, with design expertise from Kongsberg and alignment with the National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCOPR) requirements. The vessel will be equipped with advanced scientific instruments for deep-ocean research, marine ecosystem studies, and climate change exploration, boosting India's maritime and research capabilities. This project will enhance India's shipbuilding strength and promote the 'Make in India' initiative.
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  UPSC Angle: India & Norway Collaborate on Polar Research Vessel.

  Key Facts:

  • India signed an MoU with Norway's Kongsberg to develop its first indigenous Polar Research Vessel (PRV).
  • PRV is designed for navigating polar waters, deep-sea research, marine biodiversity studies, and climate monitoring.
  • MoU signed with Kongsberg Oslo (Norway)
  • Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers Limited (GRSE) signed the MoU
  • Vessel equipped with advanced research technologies
  • Supports deep-sea exploration and marine ecosystem studies
  • MoU signed between Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE) and Norway's Kongsberg
  • First indigenous Polar Research Vessel (PRV) to be built by India
  • Design expertise from Kongsberg
  • Requirements of the National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCOPR)
  • Advanced scientific instruments for deep-ocean research, marine ecosystem studies, and climate change exploration