Sat Feb 21 14:59:12 UTC 2026: Headline: India Bolsters Strategic and Economic Security with Focus on Critical Minerals, Domestic Production, and International Partnerships

The Story:
In anticipation of the UPSC CSE Prelims 2026, The Indian Express highlights key current affairs topics, including India’s initiatives to secure its economic and strategic interests. The government is actively promoting domestic production of rare-earth permanent magnets (REPM) and critical minerals by identifying four states – Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, Gujarat, and Maharashtra – for processing plants. Simultaneously, India is engaging in international collaborations, such as joining the US-led Pax Silica declaration, to counter China’s dominance in critical mineral supply chains.

The government is also addressing citizenship issues through the operationalization of the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), offering Indian nationality to persecuted non-Muslim migrants from specified countries. These multifaceted efforts underscore India’s commitment to self-reliance, strategic partnerships, and addressing socio-political issues.

Key Points:

  • REPM Production: India aims to start producing rare-earth permanent magnets by the end of 2026.
  • Critical Mineral Processing: Four states (Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, Gujarat, and Maharashtra) are identified for setting up critical mineral processing plants.
  • CAA Implementation: The Citizenship Amendment Act is being implemented to grant citizenship to persecuted non-Muslim migrants from specified countries, excluding Sri Lanka.
  • Pax Silica: India joined the US-led Pax Silica declaration to counter China’s dominance in critical minerals.
  • Vibrant Villages Programme: The second phase of the Vibrant Villages Programme was launched along the Indo-Bangladesh border, aiming to cover 1,954 villages by 2028-2029.

Critical Analysis:
The news highlights India’s multi-pronged strategy to enhance its economic and strategic security. The focus on domestic REPM production aims to reduce dependence on China, which currently controls over 90% of the global market. Concurrently, joining Pax Silica signals India’s intent to collaborate with other nations to diversify critical mineral supply chains. The implementation of the CAA, though controversial, reflects the government’s commitment to addressing long-standing humanitarian issues. The Vibrant Villages Programme underscores a focus on border infrastructure and development, reflecting national security concerns.

Key Takeaways:

  • India is actively working to diversify its supply chains for critical minerals and reduce reliance on a single dominant player.
  • The government is prioritizing strategic partnerships to counter global imbalances in technology and resource control.
  • Domestic initiatives, such as the Vibrant Villages Programme, are crucial for bolstering border security and regional development.
  • The UPSC Prelims 2026 will likely test candidates on these strategic, economic, and governance-related current affairs.
  • Environmental concerns, as highlighted by the Galathea Bay project controversy, will remain a key area of focus.

Impact Analysis:

These initiatives have significant long-term implications for India’s economic and strategic landscape. Securing access to critical minerals is essential for the growth of key sectors such as electric vehicles, renewable energy, and defense. The success of the Vibrant Villages Programme will contribute to enhanced border security and improved living standards in remote areas. International partnerships like Pax Silica could reshape global supply chains and foster technological innovation. However, balancing economic development with environmental protection, as seen with the Galathea Bay project, will continue to be a critical challenge.

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