India finalises ₹5,000 crore incentive scheme for rare earths mineral production
The sops under the proposed scheme will be offered through a reverse auction process, the official said. The decision to offer incentives for rare earths comes after an internal ministerial review flagged the need for diversification in the wake of acute dependence on Chinese imports.
"Fresh steps are being taken to boost domestic availability of critical minerals," he said, adding that at least five large domestic companies had informally expressed keenness to produce these in consultations with the government.
China has a near monopoly of the world's supply of rare earth magnets and has curbs on exports. These critical minerals needed in the manufacture of rare earth magnets are crucial for making cars, electric vehicles (EVs) and the renewable energy infrastructure. Industry, particularly the automobile industry, has flagged the detrimental impact of the Chinese curbs and sought government intervention. Beijing in April made a special export licences mandatory for export of seven rare earth elements and related magnets.
India's EV and wind turbine makers are the largest demand centres for rare earth elements, cornering over half the entire 4010 metric tonne domestic demand in 2025. Overall demand is expected to more than double to 8220 metric tonnes by 2030.
Besides, the government is also planning an amendment to the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act to support the critical mineral mission. Besides regulatory tweaks, the Centre is also expecting commercially viable domestic production of rare earth permanent magnets in small quantities later this year.
The ministry of science and technology had sanctioned funding for
Midwest Advanced Materials Private Ltd
, Hyderabad.
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New Indian Express
9 minutes ago
- New Indian Express
Leniency for convicts, misuse of UAPA draw flak at CPI conference
PATHANAMTHITTA: In a strong critique of the state home department, the district conference of the CPI in Pathanamthitta has raised concerns over the misuse of Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) and the provision of 'lenient conditions' for high-profile jail convicts including Kodi Suni, the prime accused in the T P Chandrasekharan murder. The political report, presented at the three-day meet being held in Konni, asked the ruling front to ensure fairness in the system. CPI state secretary Binoy Viswam, in his address, also took aim at the home department, cautioning the LDF government against the indiscriminate use of UAPA. Referring to the cases of Alan Shuhaib and Taha Fazal, Viswam said: 'Cases can be registered when there are valid reasons, but the government should not appear as one that keeps people in jail indefinitely under UAPA. That is the CPI policy.' He also cited the plight of Maoist leader Roopesh, who reportedly had to go on a hunger strike to publish a book, despite the Supreme Court having affirmed prisoners' right to do so. 'Kerala should not become a state that permanently detains citizens. CPI cannot accept this. UDF and BJP can do it, the Left government should not,' he stressed. The report highlighted that top police officers like ADGP Ajith Kumar are even disregarding ministerial directives. The report further criticised nepotism in Kudumbashree-linked appointments and warned that political welcoming of those accused under the Kerala Anti-Social Activities (Prevention) Act (KAAPA) and even POCSO could trigger public backlash. While acknowledging significant modernisation in the health sector, the CPI report called for better administrative discipline at the senior level. 'Kudumbashree is a major women's empowerment initiative, but placing its members directly in government departments without going through PSC (Public Service Commission) or employment exchange can raise fairness concerns and affect departmental functioning. Strong financial discipline is essential to avoid irregularities,' the report noted. Environmental concerns — including quarrying, soil removal, and paddy field reclamation — were also flagged, with the party calling for tighter vigil. The report also criticised the functioning of the animal husbandry department. On the national front, the CPI accused the RSS of attempting to portray itself as the 'apostles of the country' while glorifying leaders like Vinayak Savarkar 'who apologised to the British six times'. It also warned against Christian priests maintaining ties with the BJP, saying 'wolves in sheep's clothing' must be identified. The district meet will conclude on Saturday.
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First Post
9 minutes ago
- First Post
This Week in Explainers: Does Delhi-NCR have the money to move lakhs of stray dogs to shelters?
The Supreme Court order to round up and relocate all stray dogs in Delhi and NCR has triggered a debate. Are there enough shelters to accommodate nearly 10 lakh canines, and how much could this cost? We answer these questions and discuss other big stories from India in this roundup The Supreme Court has reserved its order on pleas challenging the August 11 ruling to relocate all stray dogs in Delhi and NCR. According to estimates, the national capital could have as many as 10 lakh strays. File photo/Reuters It's the Independence Day weekend in India, and there is a lot to cheer and take pride in. What an exhilarating 78 years. Today, India's economy continues to be a bright spot in a bleak world. In a shifting world order, the country leads by example. We are in the age of hectic geopolitics, and India stands its ground. Its relationship with the US is strained at the moment, as Donald Trump has slapped 50 per cent tariffs on goods exported from the country. However, New Delhi is not one to give up, as efforts are on to crack a trade deal with America. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Amid tariff threats, ties with China appear to be thawing, and those with Russia are ever-evolving. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi will visit India on August 18 (Monday) to hold border talks, and India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar will be travelling to Moscow. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is heading to China by August end and Russia's Putin is expected in India by the end of the year. As far as Pakistan goes, it has been ruffled by India's growing power. Operation Sindoor taught the neighbour a lesson, yet its leaders continue to threaten India… now over the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty. However, none of this could hamper India's I-Day celebrations. Sticking to tradition, Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivered a passionate speech from the ramparts of the Red Fort, speaking about Operation Sindoor and delivering a warning message to Pakistan. Prime Minister Narendra Modi addresses the nation from the ramparts of the Red Fort during India's Independence Day celebrations in New Delhi, India, on Friday. AP One of the other big stories from India is the Supreme Court ruling on stray dogs, ordering the removal of all canines from Delhi-NCR. It has triggered a massive debate, with animal lovers and activists opposing the judgment. Following the outcry, Chief Justice BR Gavai intervened, and the matter was heard by a new bench, which reserved the interim order. In heartbreaking news, a massive cloudburst hit a village in Jammu and Kashmir's Kishtwar, claiming more than 30 lives. We talk about all this and more in our weekly wrap, and revisit stories about India and its independence. 1. Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivered his longest yet address on India's 79th Independence Day, speaking for 103 minutes. He spoke about Operation Sindoor and delivered a strong message to Pakistan. Atmanibhar Bharat featured often as the PM spoke of India's growing self-reliance. He also had a wish list for India for the near future. Here are the big takeaways from the address. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Addressing the nation on Independence Day. — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 15, 2025 2. Independence Day is a time to look back at history. After the freedom struggle came the Partition, which gave birth to two nations – India and Pakistan. But do you know how the borders were drawn? We revisit the chapter that changed the subcontinent. 3. India is a country of diversity… it is also one of many names. While we cheer 'India, India' when our sportspersons emerge victorious, we also chant 'Bharat Mata ki Jai' when gripped in patriotic fervour. Often, we refer to it as Hindustan. This is a tale of the country's many names. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD A giant screen displays Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the International Media Centre, as he sits behind the country tag that reads 'Bharat', during the G20 summit in New Delhi, India, September 9, 2023. Reuters 4. Stray dogs have been a big conversation in India this week. The Supreme Court, on August 11, directed the Delhi government, civic bodies, and authorities to start collecting these canines and shift them to shelters. Following the outrage, Chief Justice BR Gavai withdrew the case from the earlier bench and posted it for hearing before a three-judge special bench. It did not grant a stay on the directions issued to the municipal authorities. But why does the country's top court want stray dogs to be rounded up from the streets? How will the Capital go about this, and how much could it cost? 5. 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Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi will visit India on Monday ahead of External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar's visit to Moscow. File photo/AP 7. The American dream is becoming more and more distant. A major change in the US immigration policy, which came into effect on August 15, could affect thousands of children. Those born to Green Card holders may lose their protected immigration status once they turn 21. Indians are worried about the change. We tell you why. 8. Tragedy struck a remote village in Jammu and Kashmir's Kishtwar district on Thursday (14 August). A massive cloud burst in Chasoti, the last motorable village on the way to the Machail Mata temple, claimed more than 60 lives, with dozens still missing. But what's a cloud burst, and why was the one that hit the J&K village so deadly? This story answers the questions. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Household goods are strewn around next to buildings damaged by flash floods in Chositi village, Kishtwar district of Kashmir, on Friday. AP That is all from us this week. If you are hooked to the news, you will find more such explainers here.
United News of India
20 minutes ago
- United News of India
Orissa HC takes strong exception to misuse of National Emblem
Bhubaneswar, Aug16 (UNI) Taking strong exception to the misuse of the national emblem, the Orissa High Court has called for greater awareness among the general public, including government officials, regarding the proper use of the State Emblem of India. The Court was hearing a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by a civil society group from Ganjam district, which highlighted multiple instances of blatant and apparent misuse of the emblem. A Division Bench comprising Chief Justice Harish Tandon and Justice Murahari Sri Raman took serious note of the matter. The PIL raised concerns over the rampant misuse and violations of the State Emblem of India (Prohibition of Improper Use) Act, 2005, which strictly prohibits the improper use of the national emblem for professional and commercial purposes. The State Emblem of India, an adaptation of the Lion Capital of Ashoka dating back to 280 BCE during the Maurya Empire, serves as the national emblem and is used by the Union Government, State Governments, and other government agencies. 'There is no fetter on the part of the Court in passing a direction for initiation of a proceeding against the persons, who violate any of the provisions of the said Act or misuses the State Emblem of India but this Court feels that the larger issue is required to be addressed so that the misuse of such Act can be prevented and there should be a spreading of awareness into a common citizenry of the State, including the officials while using the State Emblem of India', the Division Bench ruled in a order pronounced on 12 August. 'We, therefore, appoint Manoj Kumar Mishra, Senior Advocate, the President of the Orissa High Court Bar Association and Subir Palit, Senior Advocate to act as Amicus Curiae to assist the Court in achieving the main object, more particularly, the prevention of misuse of the State Emblem of India and spreading of awareness amongst the people of the society throughout the country', the Division Bench said in a ruling. The court then fixed September 2 as the next hearing date. UNI XC AAB
