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Q60 (IAS/2026) Geography › World Human & Economic Geography Official Key

Which of the following statements about Rare Earth Elements (REEs) and Critical Minerals is/are correct?
1. Modern technological innovations including Artificial Intelligence, robotics and space exploration extensively utilise Rare Earth Elements (REEs).
2. China has the highest share in mining of REEs followed by India.
3. The Government of India launched the National Critical Mineral Mission (NCMM) in 2025 to establish a robust framework for self-reliance in the critical mineral sector.
4. Rare Earth Elements are a set of 13 metallic elements.
Select the answer using the code given below:

Result
Your answer: —  ·  Correct: A

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: Rare Earth Elements (REEs) are critical components in modern technologies, including AI hardware, robotics, space exploration, electric vehicles, and clean energy systems.

Statement 2 is incorrect: While China has the highest share in the global mining and processing of REEs (accounting for nearly 70% of mine output), it is followed by countries like the United States, Myanmar, and Australia. India's share in global REE mining remains marginal.

Statement 3 is correct: The Government of India approved the National Critical Mineral Mission (NCMM) in January 2025. It aims to establish a robust framework for self-reliance in the critical mineral sector, encompassing domestic exploration, recycling, and overseas asset acquisition.

Statement 4 is incorrect: REEs are a set of 17 metallic elements, comprising the 15 lanthanides on the periodic table plus scandium and yttrium.

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PROVENANCE & STUDY PATTERN

Guest preview
Don’t just practise – reverse-engineer the question. This panel shows where this PYQ came from (books / web), how the examiner broke it into hidden statements, and which nearby micro-concepts you were supposed to learn from it. Treat it like an autopsy of the question: what might have triggered it, which exact lines in the book matter, and what linked ideas you should carry forward to future questions.
Which of the following statements about Rare Earth Elements (REEs) and Critical Minerals is/are correct? 1. Modern technological innovations…
At a glance
Origin: Mostly Current Affairs Fairness: Low / Borderline fairness Books / CA: 0/10 · 10/10
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This is a classic current affairs-heavy trap disguised as a geography question. It tests your awareness of the newly launched National Critical Mineral Mission (2025) and pairs it with static-but-niche facts about REEs (17 elements, not 13) and global production rankings. You must track major government missions alongside the exact scientific definitions of strategic resources.

How this question is built

This question can be broken into the following sub-statements. Tap a statement sentence to jump into its detailed analysis.

Current-affairs signal
CA salience: high_clustered CA window: 2025-01-29 → 2026-04-16 Strong web sources: 13
Statement 1
Are Rare Earth Elements (REEs) used in Artificial Intelligence, robotics, and space exploration technologies?
Origin: Web / Current Affairs Fairness: CA heavy Web-answerable
Web / Current Affairs
www.oecd.org Standard ref
Presence: 5/5
"Critical Raw Materials are materials which are intensely used in technologies central to the green and digital transition (OECD, 2023[44]) as well as to AI, robotics, defence... Defence and aerospace industries also require large quantities of CRMs, making the latter crucial for a wide range of strategic sectors."
Why this source?
  • Directly links Critical Raw Materials (which include REEs) to the digital transition and specific high-tech sectors.
  • Explicitly mentions that these materials are central to AI and robotics.
  • Identifies these materials as indispensable for strategic sectors including aerospace and defense.
thedocs.worldbank.org Standard ref
Presence: 4/5
Why this source?
  • Connects the development of AI to structural vulnerabilities in critical raw materials.
  • Specifically highlights the reliance on heavy rare earth elements (REE) for AI-driven technological change.
  • Discusses the integration of AI with robotization and the material needs thereof.
www.iea.org Standard ref
Presence: 4/5
"Key Questions on Energy and AI. Read more. Flagship report — 16 April 2026... Rare Earth Elements."
Why this source?
  • The IEA's 2026 analysis portfolio includes specific reports on 'Rare Earth Elements' and 'Key Questions on Energy and AI'.
  • The organization tracks REEs as essential components for the 'digital transition' which encompasses AI and robotics hardware.
  • The 2026 'Global Energy Review' and 'Critical Mineral Traceability' reports link these minerals to futuristic technologies.
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SIMILAR QUESTIONS

IAS · 2025 · Q81 Relevance score: 3.29

Consider the following statements : Statement I : Some rare earth elements are used in the manufacture of flat television screens and computer monitors. Statement II : Some rare earth elements have phosphorescent properties. Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

IAS · 2004 · Q92 Relevance score: 2.48

Consider the following statements: 1. Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research uses fast reactor technology. 2. Atomic Minerals Directorate for Research and Exploration is engaged in heavy water production. 3. Indian Rare Earths Limited is engaged in the manufacture of Zircon for India’s Nuclear Programme beside other rare earth products. Which of the statements given above are correct?

IAS · 2021 · Q86 Relevance score: 1.96

Consider the following statements: 1. The Global Ocean Commission grants licences for seabed exploration and mining in international waters. 2. India has received licences for seabed mineral exploration in international waters. 3. ‘Rare earth minerals’ are present on seafloor in international waters. Which of the statements given above are correct?

IAS · 2022 · Q78 Relevance score: 1.20

With reference to India, consider the following statements : 1. Monazite is a source of rare earths. 2. Monazite contains thorium. 3. Monazite occurs naturally in the entire Indian coastal sands in India. 4. In India, Government bodies only can process or export monazite. Which of the statements given above are correct ?

IAS · 2012 · Q11 Relevance score: 0.14

Recently, there has been a concern over the short supply of a group of elements called “rare earth metals”. Why? 1. China, which is the largest producer of these elements, has imposed some restrictions on their export 2. Other than China, Australia, Canada and Chile, these elements are not found in any country. 3. Rare earth metals are essential for the manufacture of various kinds of electronic items and there is a growing demand for these elements. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?