UPSC Prelims Practice Questions — Rare earth corridors to cut Chinese imports

Q1. In the context of India's Rare Earth Corridors announced in Union Budget 2026-27, which one of the following best describes 'Rare Earth Elements' (REEs)?

  • A. A group of 17 metallic elements comprising the 15 lanthanides along with Scandium and Yttrium
  • B. A group of 15 radioactive actinide elements occurring in monazite sands
  • C. A group of 12 transition metals including platinum-group metals used in catalytic converters
  • D. A group of 17 noble and inert gases used in advanced semiconductor lithography

Q2. With reference to the institutional architecture supporting India's Rare Earth Corridors, consider the following statements: 1. IREL (India) Limited operates under the Department of Atomic Energy. 2. IREL operates a Rare Earth Extraction Plant in Odisha. 3. IREL operates a Rare Earth Refining Unit at Aluva in Kerala. 4. The National Critical Mineral Mission was approved by the Union Cabinet in January 2025. Which of the statements given above are correct?

  1. IREL (India) Limited operates under the Department of Atomic Energy.
  2. IREL operates a Rare Earth Extraction Plant in Odisha.
  3. IREL operates a Rare Earth Refining Unit at Aluva in Kerala.
  4. The National Critical Mineral Mission was approved by the Union Cabinet in January 2025.
  • A. 1, 2 and 3 only
  • B. 1, 3 and 4 only
  • C. 2, 3 and 4 only
  • D. 1, 2, 3 and 4

Q3. Under which one of the following Union Government Departments/Ministries does IREL (India) Limited — the principal public sector enterprise associated with the Rare Earth Corridors — function?

  • A. Department of Atomic Energy
  • B. Ministry of Mines
  • C. Department of Heavy Industry
  • D. Ministry of Earth Sciences

Q4. With reference to the Dedicated Rare Earth Corridors of Union Budget 2026-27 and the National Critical Mineral Mission (NCMM), consider the following statements: 1. Unlike the NCMM which is a pan-India seven-year mission, the Rare Earth Corridors are geographically clustered in four mineral-rich coastal States. 2. The NCMM was approved by the Union Cabinet with a Central outlay of ₹16,300 crore over seven years, whereas the Rare Earth Corridors were announced through the Union Budget 2026-27. 3. Both the NCMM and the Rare Earth Corridors are implemented exclusively by the Ministry of External Affairs through bilateral mineral-security pacts. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  1. Unlike the NCMM which is a pan-India seven-year mission, the Rare Earth Corridors are geographically clustered in four mineral-rich coastal States.
  2. The NCMM was approved by the Union Cabinet with a Central outlay of ₹16,300 crore over seven years, whereas the Rare Earth Corridors were announced through the Union Budget 2026-27.
  3. Both the NCMM and the Rare Earth Corridors are implemented exclusively by the Ministry of External Affairs through bilateral mineral-security pacts.
  • A. 1 only
  • B. 1 and 2 only
  • C. 2 and 3 only
  • D. 1, 2 and 3