India-US Sign Critical Minerals Supply Chain Framework on Sidelines of Quad FMs Meeting in New Delhi

Quad, G7 Launch Critical Minerals Initiative; India's NCMM Seeds ₹500 Cr Stockpile

As the world races towards green energy, securing supply chains for critical minerals like lithium, cobalt, and rare earths has become a geopolitical priority. The article explains why India must shift from stockpiling raw ores to processed minerals, and advocates for a multilateral stockpiling platform with dynamic price bands to avoid market shocks.

NDMA Plans Comprehensive Study of Nepal Glacial Collapse; India Achieves 20% Ethanol Blending by 2025-26

A hanging glacier collapse in Nepal triggered a devastating flash flood, killing over 350, prompting NDMA to plan a comprehensive study to reduce GLOF risks in India. Simultaneously, India achieved 20% ethanol blending by 2025-26, five years ahead of schedule, but faces backlash from older vehicle owners; discussions on offering E10 alongside E20 are underway. The Kailash Mansarovar Yatra saw a surge in 2026 after resumption, and India-China special representatives reached an eight-point consensus on border management.

India's Institutional Entrepreneurship in Green Finance: ISA, CDRI, BRICS+ Shape New Global Order

India is leveraging its G20 presidency, Global South summits, and initiatives like ISA, CDRI, and GBA to shape a new multipolar global financial order focused on green development. With climate finance needs surging and traditional MDBs struggling to meet targets, India's 'institutional entrepreneurship' offers a model for the Global South. This is a key topic for UPSC GS2 (International Relations) and GS3 (Economy, Environment).

India's National Critical Mineral Mission Targets 1200 Exploration Projects, 50 Overseas Assets by 2030-31

Critical minerals like lithium, cobalt, rare earths are essential for EVs, solar, defense, and semiconductors. India's National Critical Mineral Mission aims to reduce import dependence by boosting domestic exploration (1200 projects by 2030-31) and acquiring 50 overseas mining assets, as global supply chains remain heavily concentrated in China.

Nepal FM Swarnim Wagle: $5 Billion Reconstruction Need, Reset in India-Nepal Ties, Overflight Rights

Nepal's Finance Minister Swarnim Wagle, in an exclusive interview, signals a reset in India-Nepal ties, seeking $5 billion for flood reconstruction, overflight rights for Pokhara and Bhairahawa airports, and a revised trade treaty. He rejects the old jingoistic equation of Nepali nationalism with anti-Indianism. This is crucial for UPSC IR, disaster management, and India's Neighborhood First policy.

India Raises Concerns on US SRIA Law Allowing 100% Tariff on Russian Oil Buyers

India's External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar met US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and conveyed India's concerns over the newly signed US 'Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act' (SRIA), which authorizes up to 100% tariffs on countries buying Russian oil and gas, including India. India reiterated its commitment to protect its economic interests and ensure energy security.

SRIA Signed: Jaishankar Conveys India's Energy Concerns Over US Tariffs Up to 100% on Russian Oil

In the first official discussion after Trump signed the Russia Sanctions Bill (SRIA), External Affairs Minister Jaishankar met US Secretary of State Rubio in New York and reiterated India's economic and strategic concerns over potential tariffs up to 100% on Russian oil buyers. India, a major importer of Russian crude, stressed its energy security needs for its 1.4 billion people. The meeting came as both nations work on a bilateral trade deal.

Parliamentary Panel Recommends Polar Ambassador & Full Arctic Council Membership for India

A Parliamentary panel has urged India to appoint a dedicated Polar Ambassador and seek full membership of the Arctic Council to strengthen its role in polar diplomacy, especially as Russian research activities pause due to the Ukraine conflict. This move shifts India's Arctic policy from purely scientific to include geopolitics, strategy, and critical mineral extraction.