30 April 2024 : PIB Summary for UPSC

Understanding critical minerals is crucial for India’s economic growth, national security, and low-carbon energy transition, relevant for UPSC exams.

●  Definition: Critical minerals are those minerals that are essential for economic development and national security, the lack of availability of these minerals or concentration of extraction or processing in a few geographical locations may lead to supply chain vulnerabilities and even disruption of supplies. (Source – Ministry Of Mines Website)

●  Essential Components: Critical minerals are natural resources that are vital for various industrial sectors, including technology, defence, energy, and healthcare.

●  High Economic Value: These minerals possess unique properties and play a crucial role in the manufacturing of advanced technologies and products.

●  Limited Availability: Critical minerals are characterised by limited global reserves and concentrated production in a few countries.

●  Strategic Importance: They are essential for national security, economic competitiveness, and sustainable development.

●  Diverse Applications: Critical minerals are used in diverse applications such as electronics, renewable energy, aerospace, and healthcare industries.

Significance for Indian Economy:

●  Industrial Growth: Access to critical minerals promotes industrial growth, innovation, and technological advancement, driving economic development.

●  Reduced Import Dependency: Domestic availability of critical minerals reduces import dependency, enhances supply chain resilience, and strengthens economic sovereignty.

●  Strategic Advantage: Securing a stable supply of critical minerals provides India with a strategic advantage in key sectors and reduces vulnerability to global market fluctuations.

●  Job Creation: Development of critical mineral reserves generates employment opportunities, fosters entrepreneurship, and stimulates economic activity in mining and related industries.

●  Energy Security: Critical minerals are essential for the development of clean energy technologies, contributing to India’s energy security and transition to a sustainable and low-carbon economy.

Understanding arbitration reform is crucial for India’s legal system evolution and its aspiration to become a global arbitration hub.

● Definition: ADR refers to methods of resolving disputes outside of traditional court litigation, providing parties with a more flexible, cost-effective, and expedient means of resolving conflicts.

Types of ADR:

● Mediation: Involves a neutral third party facilitating negotiations between disputing parties to reach a mutually acceptable agreement.

● Arbitration: Involves a neutral arbitrator or panel making a binding decision on the dispute after hearing arguments and evidence from both sides.

● Conciliation: Similar to mediation but with a more active role for the conciliator in proposing solutions and assisting parties in reaching a settlement.

● Negotiation: Direct communication between parties to reach a settlement without third-party involvement.

Significance of ADR:

● Time and Cost Efficiency: ADR processes are generally faster and less expensive than traditional litigation, saving time and resources for all parties involved.

● Preservation of Relationships: ADR allows parties to maintain control over the resolution process, preserving relationships and enabling creative solutions.

● Privacy and Confidentiality: ADR proceedings offer confidentiality, protecting sensitive information from public disclosure.

● Flexibility and Informality: ADR methods provide flexibility and informality, allowing parties to tailor the process to their specific needs and preferences.

Challenges Associated with ADR:

●  Enforcement of Decisions: Ensuring compliance with ADR decisions can be challenging, especially in jurisdictions where enforcement mechanisms are weak.

●  Unequal Bargaining Power: Disparities in bargaining power between parties can undermine the fairness and effectiveness of ADR processes.

●  Lack of Expertise: ADR practitioners may lack the necessary expertise or qualifications to effectively resolve complex disputes.

●  Limited Accessibility: ADR mechanisms may not be readily accessible to all individuals or communities, particularly those in remote or marginalised areas.

● Resistance to Change: Some parties may be resistant to using ADR due to unfamiliarity or distrust of alternative dispute resolution methods, preferring traditional litigation.