QOTD April 25,2026

Consider the following statements regarding the Scheme to Promote Manufacturing of Sintered Rare Earth Permanent Magnets (REPM)

1. It aims to reduce India’s dependence on imports of rare earth magnets
2. Rare earth permanent magnets are essential for electric vehicles and wind turbines
3. The scheme discourages domestic production in favor of imports

Which of the above statements are correct
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer: (a) 1 and 2 only

Explanation:

Statement 1 is correct
The scheme focuses on building domestic capacity and reducing reliance on imports particularly from limited global suppliers

Statement 2 is correct
REPMs are critical components in EV motors wind turbines and various electronic devices

Statement 3 is incorrect
The scheme promotes domestic manufacturing not imports

Why in news–

India has recently focused on strengthening its critical mineral supply chains and reducing import dependence, especially for rare earth elements used in clean energy and electronics. In this context, the Scheme to Promote Manufacturing of Sintered Rare Earth Permanent Magnets (REPM) has been introduced to boost domestic production, support industries like electric vehicles and renewable energy, and align with initiatives such as Make in India.

News-https://www.thehindu.com/business/Economy/union-cabinet-approves-rare-earth-permanent-magnet-manufacturing-scheme-worth-7280-crore/article70325652.ece

There are more questions from this topic that you should practice to make your concepts stronger.

Practice Questions (PQ)

PQ1.Consider the following statements

1. Rare earth elements are abundantly available and evenly distributed globally
2. Sintered rare earth magnets have high magnetic strength and efficiency
3. These magnets are crucial for energy transition technologies

Which of the statements are correct
(a) 2 and 3 only
(b) 1 and 2 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer : (a) 2 and 3 only

Explanation:

Statement 1 is incorrect
Rare earth elements are unevenly distributed and concentrated in a few countries

Statement 2 is correct
Sintered magnets provide strong and stable magnetic properties

Statement 3 is correct
They are widely used in EVs wind energy and other clean technologies

PQ2. Consider the following statements regarding rare earth elements

1. They include a group of 17 elements in the periodic table
2. They are used in defense electronics and communication systems
3. India has no reserves of rare earth elements

Which of the statements are correct
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3

 Answer: (a) 1 and 2 only

Explanation:

Statement 1 is correct
Rare earth elements consist of 15 lanthanides along with scandium and yttrium

Statement 2 is correct
They are critical for defense electronics communication and high tech devices

Statement 3 is incorrect
India does possess rare earth reserves though processing capacity is limited

PQ3.Consider the following statements

1. Supply chain concentration of rare earths poses strategic risks
2. Permanent magnets made from rare earths are used in conventional internal combustion engines only
3. Government schemes aim to promote self reliance in critical minerals

Which of the statements are correct
(a) 1 and 3 only
(b) 1 and 2 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer: (a) 1 and 3 only

 Explanation:

Statement 1 is correct
Dependence on a few countries creates geopolitical and economic risks

Statement 2 is incorrect
These magnets are mainly used in EVs wind turbines and electronics not limited to conventional engines

Statement 3 is correct
Government policies emphasize self reliance in critical mineral supply chains

 Previous Year Question (UPSC Prelims)

Consider the following statements regarding rare earth elements

1. They are essential for manufacturing high technology devices
2. They are found only in China
3. They are important for renewable energy technologies

Which of the statements are correct
(a) 1 and 3 only
(b) 1 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer: (a) 1 and 3 only

Explanation:

Statement 1 is correct
Rare earth elements are crucial for electronics magnets and advanced technologies

Statement 2 is incorrect
Although China dominates production rare earths are found in several countries

Statement 3 is correct
They are widely used in clean energy technologies such as wind turbines and EVs