What’s in Today’s article?

• National Critical Minerals Mission Latest News
• Objectives and Key Features of the Mission
• Significance of Critical Minerals 
• Government Strategy and Implementation
• Key Implementation Measures
• Impact on India’s Energy Transition
• Challenges and Way Forward
• Conclusion
• National Critical Minerals Mission FAQs

National Critical Minerals Mission Latest News

• The Indian government has approved the National Critical Minerals Mission (NCMM) with a total outlay of ₹34,300 crore over seven years. 
• The mission aims to reduce import dependence on critical minerals, boost domestic exploration and processing, and accelerate India’s shift towards green energy technologies.

Objectives and Key Features of the Mission

• The NCMM will focus on the following key objectives:
  • Enhancing Domestic Exploration: A significant portion of the mission's funds will be allocated to intensifying mineral exploration across the country and in offshore areas.
  • Reducing Import Dependence: India heavily relies on imports for critical minerals like lithium, cobalt, nickel, and rare earth elements, essential for electric vehicles (EVs), battery manufacturing, and renewable energy technologies. This mission aims to curb that dependence.
  • Developing Processing and Recycling Capabilities: The mission will encourage investment in mineral processing parks, recycling technologies, and research on sustainable extraction methods.
  • Overseas Mineral Acquisitions: Public sector enterprises and private companies will be encouraged to acquire mineral assets abroad to ensure a steady supply of critical minerals.
  • Regulatory and Financial Support: The mission will streamline regulatory approvals and offer financial incentives for mineral exploration and development.

Significance of Critical Minerals 

• Critical minerals such as copper, lithium, nickel, cobalt, and rare earth elements are essential raw materials for modern industries. They are widely used in:
  • Renewable Energy Infrastructure: Wind turbines, solar panels, and electricity networks.
  • Electric Vehicles (EVs): Batteries and charging infrastructure.
  • Electronics & High-Tech Industries: Smartphones, defense equipment, and medical devices.
• As the world transitions to clean energy, demand for these minerals is soaring, making their domestic availability crucial for India’s long-term economic and technological security.

Government Strategy and Implementation

• The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved a government expenditure of ₹16,300 crore, while an additional ₹18,000 crore is expected to be invested by public sector undertakings (PSUs) and private companies.

Key Implementation Measures

• Expedited Mining Approvals: The mission will establish a fast-track regulatory process for mineral mining projects.
• Stockpile Development: A strategic stockpile of critical minerals will be built to safeguard India’s supply chains.
• Policy Reforms: In 2023, the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957 was amended, enabling the auction of 24 strategic mineral blocks.
• Geological Survey of India (GSI) Exploration Projects: Over the past three years, the GSI has initiated 368 mineral exploration projects, with 227 projects planned for 2025-26.
• Import Duty Waivers: The government has removed customs duties on several critical minerals in the FY25 budget to encourage domestic processing and manufacturing.

Impact on India’s Energy Transition

• The NCMM is expected to:
  • Secure mineral supply chains for India’s clean energy sector.
  • Boost domestic manufacturing of EV batteries and renewable energy components.
  • Strengthen India’s position in the global critical minerals market.
  • Attract foreign and private investment in mining and mineral processing.

Challenges and Way Forward

• While the mission is a significant step forward, certain challenges remain:
  • Geopolitical Risks: Acquiring mineral assets overseas can be influenced by global political dynamics.
  • Environmental Concerns: Increased mining activities must balance ecological conservation.
  • Investment Risks: Private sector participation needs strong policy support.
• To address these challenges, the government plans to collaborate with research institutions, industries, and international partners to ensure a sustainable and efficient implementation of the mission.

Conclusion

• The National Critical Minerals Mission is a landmark initiative aimed at reducing import dependence, strengthening domestic mining capabilities, and securing India's clean energy future. 
• By integrating exploration, processing, recycling, and international collaboration, India is taking a strategic step towards self-reliance and global leadership in critical mineral supply chains.

National Critical Minerals Mission FAQs

Q1. What is the objective of the National Critical Minerals Mission?
Ans. The mission aims to boost domestic exploration, reduce import dependence, and ensure a steady supply of critical minerals for India's energy and industrial needs.

Q2. Which minerals are covered under this mission?
Ans. Key minerals include lithium, cobalt, nickel, copper, and rare earth elements, essential for renewable energy and high-tech industries.

Q3. How will this mission impact India’s energy transition?
Ans. By securing a steady supply of critical minerals, the mission will accelerate the development of electric vehicles, batteries, and renewable energy technologies.

Q4. What financial allocation has been made for this mission?
Ans. The mission has a total outlay of ₹34,300 crore, with ₹16,300 crore funded by the government and ₹18,000 crore from PSUs and private investors.

Q5. How will the mission support private sector participation?
Ans. The government will offer financial incentives, ease regulatory approvals, and encourage overseas mineral acquisitions for private companies.

Source: TH

What’s in Today’s article?

• ISRO 100th launch Latest News
• About NVS-02
• NavIC: India’s Regional Navigation System
• ISRO’s Journey
• Upcoming Developments in ISRO
• ISRO 100th launch FAQs

ISRO 100th launch Latest News

• ISRO achieved its 100th rocket launch with the first launch of 2025, as the GSLV-F15 successfully placed the NVS-02 navigation satellite into orbit.

• The GSLV-F15 is the 17th flight of India’s Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV) and 11th flight with Indigenous Cryo stage. It is the 8th operational flight of GSLV with an indigenous Cryogenic stage. 

About NVS-02

• NVS-02 is one of the five replacement satellites for the Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System, also referred to as NavIC (Navigation with Indian Constellation).
  • It is the second satellite in the NVS series, part of the NavIC system.
  • NVS-01, launched in May 2023, was the first second-gen NavIC satellite and carried India’s first indigenous atomic clock.

Enhanced Features

• Heavier and longer mission life than previous satellites.
• Indigenously developed atomic clock for improved accuracy.
• Enabled with L1 frequency, widely used in the US GPS system, allowing better compatibility with personal trackers and other devices.
• NVS-02 enhances the reliability and accessibility of India's navigation system for both civilian and strategic applications.

NavIC: India’s Regional Navigation System

• NavIC is a seven-satellite regional positioning system that can provide location data on the Indian mainland and up to 1,500 kilometres around.

Coverage and Accuracy

• Provides position accuracy of up to 20 meters under the standard service.
• A restricted service offers even better accuracy for specific users.

Advantages Over GPS

• More accurate in India than GPS due to satellites positioned directly overhead.
• Better signal availability in difficult terrains like valleys and forests, unlike GPS signals, which reach India at an angle.

Global Navigation Systems

• NavIC is the only regional system in the world.
• Japan’s QZSS augments GPS signals but is not independent.
• Four global systems exist:
  • GPS (USA)
  • GLONASS (Russia)
  • Galileo (Europe)
  • Beidou (China)

ISRO’s Journey

Historical Background

• ISRO traces its origins to the Indian National Committee for Space Research (1962) under the Department of Atomic Energy. 
• It was formally established in 1969, the same year the U.S. sent astronauts to the Moon. A dedicated Department of Space was created in 1972.

Advancements in Rockets

• ISRO has developed six generations of launch vehicles, with four currently in operation:
  • PSLV (Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle) – Workhorse rocket with 62 flights, capable of carrying nearly 2,000 kg to Low Earth Orbit (LEO). Only two launches have failed.
  • GSLV (Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle) – Initially used Russian cryogenic engines, later replaced by India's indigenously developed cryogenic stage. The GSLV-F15, used for the 100th launch, is part of this series.
  • GSLV MkIII (LVM3) – India’s heaviest rocket, carrying up to 8,500 kg to LEO. Used for Chandrayaan-2, Chandrayaan-3, and will be adapted for the Gaganyaan human spaceflight mission.
  • SSLV (Small Satellite Launch Vehicle) – Designed for commercial small satellite launches, with three developmental flights so far.

Milestone Achievements

• 100 launches have placed 548 satellites (120 tonnes) into orbit, including 433 foreign satellites (23 tonnes).
• ISRO has launched various communication, earth observation, navigation, and experimental satellites.
• Scientific Missions include AstroSat, Mars Orbiter Mission (Mangalyaan), Chandrayaan 1, 2, and 3, XpoSat, and solar mission Aditya-L1.

Upcoming Developments in ISRO

Ambitious Future Missions

• ISRO is preparing for major space explorations, including:
• A sample return mission from the Moon
• A mission to Venus
• Establishing an Indian space station
• Manned Moon mission

Next Generation Launch Vehicle (NGLV)

• To support these missions, ISRO is developing the Next Generation Launch Vehicle (NGLV):
  • Capable of carrying 30,000 kg to Low Earth Orbit (LEO)
  • Stands 91 meters tall, more than double the 43 meters of LVM3
  • Features a reusable first stage, designed for 15–20 reuses, making launches more cost-effective

New Infrastructure – Third Launch Pad

• Approved by the Indian Cabinet at an estimated cost of ₹3,984.86 crores over four years
• Designed to support NGLV and human spaceflight missions
• Will enhance LVM3 launch capacity, boosting ISRO’s capability for heavy commercial missions

ISRO 100th launch FAQs

Q1. Which is the 100th satellite launched by ISRO?

Ans. The NVS-02 navigation satellite, part of the NavIC system, was launched by ISRO on its 100th mission with GSLV-F15.

Q2. When did India launch its 100th space mission?

Ans. ISRO launched its 100th space mission on January 29, 2025, successfully placing the NVS-02 satellite in orbit using GSLV-F15.

Q3. Which is the first satellite launched by ISRO?

Ans. Aryabhata, India’s first satellite, was launched on April 19, 1975, from the Soviet Union’s Kapustin Yar launch facility. 

Q4. What is the purpose of GSLV-F15?

Ans. GSLV-F15 is designed to place satellites like NVS-02 into Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit, supporting India’s regional navigation system, NavIC.

Q5. Which is India's first spaceship? 

Ans. India's first satellite, Aryabhata, was launched in 1975.

Source: IE | TH | PIB

What’s in Today’s article?

• India-China relationship Latest News
• Fine print of India - China statements
• Analysis
• India-China relationship FAQs

India-China relationship Latest News

• India and China have taken significant steps to improve their bilateral relations, including resuming the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra this summer, restoring direct flights, issuing visas for journalists and think tanks, and sharing trans-border river data. 
• These decisions followed a meeting between India's Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri and Chinese officials.

Fine print of India - China statements

On the framing of the meeting

• India's Framing of the Meeting
  • India’s statement emphasized the review of the overall state of India-China bilateral relations, with a focus on people-centric steps to stabilize and rebuild ties. 
  • India highlighted the agreed actions from the previous meeting between PM Modi and President Xi Jinping in Kazan, conveying a cautious and nuanced approach to the discussions.
• China's Framing of the Meeting
  • China, on the other hand, framed the discussions as being focused on the improvement and development of bilateral relations, noting that the two sides reached a consensus on specific measures. 
  • Beijing presented a more optimistic assessment of the talks, with a focus on progress and forward-looking outcomes.

Kailash Mansarovar Yatra

• The statements from both India and China are similar regarding the resumption of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, but the Chinese statement reflects more urgency, specifying it will happen "as soon as possible." 
• India stated that the yatra will resume in summer 2025, with discussions on modalities taking place as per existing agreements. 
• China, however, mentioned the visit would be to the Xizang Autonomous Region and emphasized that discussions on arrangements would be initiated quickly.

Direct Flights

• India and China also agreed in principle to resume direct flights, but with slight differences in emphasis. 
• India’s statement highlighted the need for a new pact and for technical authorities from both sides to meet and negotiate an updated framework. 
• China’s statement, meanwhile, connected the resumption of flights with facilitating personnel flows and exchanges of resident journalists.
• Before the flights were suspended due to the pandemic and the Galwan clash in 2020, the two countries had 539 direct flights per month, with a total seat capacity of over 1.25 lakh. 
• Currently, India has only one resident journalist in China, while China has none.

Trans-Border River Cooperation

• India and China have agreed to hold an early meeting of the India-China Expert Level Mechanism to discuss issues related to trans-border rivers, including the sharing of hydrological data. 
• This follows concerns raised by India about China’s construction of the world’s largest dam on the Brahmaputra River, which was cleared in January.
• India stated that the meeting would focus on the resumption of hydrological data provision and other forms of cooperation concerning trans-border rivers. 
• China, similarly, emphasized the advancement of trans-border river cooperation and maintaining communication for an early meeting of the Expert Level Mechanism.

Analysis

India's Approach

• India advocated for a step-by-step approach to address areas of mutual interest and concern, particularly focusing on the border situation. 
• The Indian statement highlighted the resumption of existing dialogues, agreeing to take a gradual approach in addressing each side’s priorities through these mechanisms.

China's Approach

• China maintained its long-term strategy for handling bilateral relations, emphasizing that both sides should view and manage relations based on the fundamental interests of their countries and peoples. 
• The Chinese statement stressed the importance of advancing exchanges and practical cooperation with a constructive attitude, while enhancing mutual trust and managing differences. 
• China called for promoting relations along a sound and stable track from a strategic and long-term perspective.

Trade Concerns

• India raised specific concerns regarding market access and discussed the need for policy transparency and predictability in economic and trade areas. 
• However, the Chinese statement did not address these concerns, leaving the issue unmentioned on their side.

Support for SCO Presidency

• China mentioned that India would extend full support for China’s presidency of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) and actively participate in the meetings under the SCO umbrella. 
• In contrast, India did not comment on this aspect in its statement.

Differing Views on Mutual Relations

• China emphasized the importance of avoiding mutual suspicion, estrangement, and exhaustion in relations between the two countries. 
• This framing contrasts with India’s approach, as outlined by External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, who has described India’s approach as focusing on mutual respect, mutual sensitivity, and mutual interests. 
• The differences in these three mutuals reflect divergent perspectives on the nature of their relationship.

India-China relationship FAQs

Q1. What is India's current relationship with China?

Ans. India and China are improving bilateral ties with steps like resuming Kailash Mansarovar Yatra and facilitating direct flights.

Q2. What is the main cause of conflict between India and China?

Ans. The main conflict stems from border disputes, particularly over regions like Aksai Chin and Arunachal Pradesh, and strategic interests.

Q3. What does China import from India?

Ans. China imports minerals, chemicals, machinery, and organic chemicals, including items like cotton, ores, and raw materials.

Q4. What is India-China border called?

Ans. The India-China border is called the Line of Actual Control (LAC), a disputed boundary that has led to tensions.

Q5. Who guards the India-China border?

Ans. The India-China border is primarily guarded by the Indian Army and the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) of China.

Source: IE