58 Companies Eligible Under ₹1,500 Cr Critical Minerals Recycling Scheme With ₹5,000 Cr Investment

Govt to Launch Lithium-Nickel Scheme; 4 States Identified for Critical Mineral Processing

India is launching a new scheme to process lithium and nickel, critical for EV batteries, with four states identified as hubs. The government has flagged the contradiction of exporting raw minerals while being 100% import-dependent on key minerals, signaling a strategic push toward self-reliance and value addition.

NALCO Sets Up Pilot Plants in Odisha for Rare Earth Recovery from Fly Ash & Red Mud - Critical Minerals Security

India moves towards self-reliance in rare earth elements (REE) critical for defence, electronics, and renewable energy. NALCO's indigenous pilot plants in Odisha recover REE from fly ash and red mud, reducing import dependence and advancing circular economy goals.

Ministry of Mines Notifies 2 Offshore Mineral Blocks Near Great Nicobar for Polymetallic Nodules

India has notified two offshore mineral blocks near Great Nicobar Island for polymetallic nodule and crust exploration, strengthening its critical minerals push under the blue economy framework. This connects directly to the Deep Ocean Mission, Samudra Manthan scheme, UNCLOS, and India's strategic need for deep-sea mineral security. For exams, remember the Act, the minerals, the contracts, and the institutional framework.

UPSC Key: 14 Internal EC Dissents, Tarang Shakti-26 Multinational Exercise, and AI-Driven Semiconductor Supercycle

This Indian Express 'UPSC Key' compilation covers six critical topics: unprecedented internal dissent within the Election Commission (14 objections in 10 months), the second edition of India's largest multinational air exercise Tarang Shakti-26, the Supreme Court's reaffirmation of the Bijoe Emmanuel precedent on Vande Mataram, a new Centre scheme for lithium and nickel processing, the evolution of Yemen's Houthis from a local revivalist movement to a Red Sea power, and the global semiconductor 'supercycle' driven by AI demand. Each story is mapped to UPSC syllabus with previous year questions.

National Critical Mineral Mission: ₹1,500 Cr Urban Mining Scheme Approved (2025-31) to Boost Circular Economy

India's heavy dependence on imported critical minerals (lithium, cobalt, nickel, rare earths) is a strategic vulnerability. Urban mining — recovering materials from e-waste, C&D waste, and end-of-life vehicles — offers a faster, domestic, and environmentally cleaner alternative. The Union Cabinet approved a ₹1,500 crore incentive scheme under the National Critical Mineral Mission (2025-31) to build this capacity, with EPR rules mandating recycled content in new batteries.

India Crosses 300 GW Non-Fossil Fuel Capacity, Targets 60% by 2035 Under Revised NDC

India has crossed 300 GW of non-fossil fuel electricity capacity (July 31, 2026), achieving 60% of its 500 GW target for 2030. The government has also revised its NDCs for 2035, targeting 60% non-fossil capacity and a 47% reduction in emissions intensity. This milestone is critical for UPSC Environment and Economy syllabus.

E20 Ethanol Fuel Used in 4 Crore Vehicles; Flex-Fuel Engines to End ₹22 Lakh Cr Fuel Imports

E20 ethanol-blended petrol is being used in 4 crore four-wheelers and 20 million two-wheelers without harming vehicles and with improved mileage. Union Minister Nitin Gadkari announced that automobile companies will produce flex-fuel engines capable of running on 100% ethanol, potentially saving ₹22 lakh crore in fuel imports and boosting farmers' income through higher maize prices.

Kudankulam Nuclear Reactor Costs Surge 55%: Impact on India's Nuclear Expansion Plans

Cost of four under-construction nuclear reactors at Kudankulam has risen by 55% to ₹1,38,330 crore, driven by Russia-Ukraine war. This poses a challenge to India's ambitious nuclear expansion plans and could increase electricity tariffs, especially as the government opens the sector to private participation.