📘 IAS Prelims 2025 — GS-I Q.6 | Classroom Explanation

📌 Question

Q.6) Consider the following statements:

I. India has joined the Minerals Security Partnership as a member.
II. India is a resource-rich country in all the 30 critical minerals that it has identified.
III. The Parliament in 2023 has amended the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957 empowering the Central Government to exclusively auction mining lease and composite license for certain critical minerals.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

(a) I and II only
(b) II and III only
(c) I and III only
(d) I, II and III

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✅ Correct Answer: (c) I and III only

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🧑‍🏫 Classroom Explanation

This question integrates current affairs, resource geopolitics, and statutory changes, making it a typical UPSC multi-layer test.

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🔍 Statement-wise Analysis

✅ Statement I: Correct

• India became the 14th member of the Minerals Security Partnership (MSP) in June 2023.

• MSP members include:

• USA, Australia, Canada, Japan, UK, France, Germany, South Korea, EU Commission, etc.

• Objective of MSP:

• Secure and diversify critical mineral supply chains
• Reduce dependence on China-dominated processing
• Support energy transition, EVs, semiconductors, and defence

➡️ Hence, Statement I is correct.

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❌ Statement II: Incorrect

• India identified 30 critical minerals in November 2022 through the Ministry of Mines.

• However:

• India does NOT have proven reserves for all 30
• India remains import-dependent for key minerals such as:
  • Lithium
  • Cobalt
  • Nickel
  • Vanadium
  • Rare Earth elements (partly)

• The identification reflects strategic importance, not domestic abundance.

❌ Hence, Statement II is incorrect.

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✅ Statement III: Correct

• The MMDR (Amendment) Act, 2023 introduced a major reform.

• Key change:

• Central Government empowered to exclusively auction:
  • Mining Leases (ML)
  • Composite Licences (Prospecting Licence-cum-Mining Lease)

• Applicable to:

• Critical and strategic minerals
• Listed under Part D of the First Schedule of the MMDR Act

• Purpose:

• Ensure national-level control over strategic resources
• Strengthen supply security and reduce import dependence

➡️ Hence, Statement III is correct.

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🧮 Final Evaluation

✔️ Statement I: ✅ Correct
✔️ Statement II: ❌ Incorrect
✔️ Statement III: ✅ Correct

➡️ Correct answer: (c)

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🎯 UPSC Elimination Logic

• “Identified” ≠ “Resource-rich”
• Strategic importance ≠ domestic availability
• Recent statutory amendments often indicate centralisation of control

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🔗 Bridge Points (High Shelf-Life Value)

• Expect future questions on:

• India’s critical mineral diplomacy
• MSP vs QUAD vs IPEF supply chains
• Strategic minerals in energy transition
• Central vs State control over natural resources

• Link with:

• EV ecosystem
• Semiconductor manufacturing
• Defence indigenisation
• Net-zero commitments

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📍 GS Mapping

• GS Paper II
• Subject: Indian Economy / Resource Governance
• Theme: Critical minerals, mining law, global partnerships
• Question Nature: Current affairs + static law

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