CRITICAL MINERALS PROCESSING SCHEME
NPS rule changes from December 1, 2026: PFRDA clarifies how NPS schemes should be named and displayed on PoP platforms
PFRDA has updated its framework governing the classification and presentation of schemes under the National Pension System. The changes will come into effect on December 1, 2026, clarifying scheme naming and display rules.
Government clarifies GPF rules for deceased employee’s claim: Ministry reveals who among family members and nominees get GPF money
GPF for government employees: The government has provided crucial updates on the General Provident Fund (GPF) policies concerning the beneficiaries of deceased government employees. While family nominees will be entitled to the GPF funds, certain stipulations apply. In cases where valid nominees are absent, family members will inherit equal portions of the GPF sum, but exclusions are noted for adult sons and married daughters.
Cabinet clears Rs 3,788 crore to strengthen 850 fast-track courts for rape, POCSO cases
The Union Cabinet approved the continuation of 850 Fast Track Special Courts for quick disposal of cases. The scheme aims to cover additional districts with high numbers of pending rape and POCSO cases. Each court will have a dedicated judicial officer, a special public prosecutor, and support staff. Financial assistance will be provided to states and Union Territories to cover operational costs.
Cabinet approves ₹2,814-crore scheme to promote critical mineral processing
The Union Cabinet has approved a ₹2,814-crore capital expenditure support scheme to promote critical mineral processing and strengthen India’s critical mineral ecosystem. The scheme will be implemented over five years, from FY 2026-27 to FY 2030-31.
India needs indigenous technologies to ensure energy security: Union Minister G Kishan Reddy
At the NIT Raipur convocation, Union Minister G Kishan Reddy emphasized India's need for innovations in energy, mining, and healthcare. He noted significant growth in higher education infrastructure and international rankings over the past decade. Reddy mentioned government initiatives aimed at supporting research and development in technology sectors. He encouraged graduates to tackle real-world challenges in their fields over the next three years.
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NMMS scholarship 2026-27 deadline extended: Check new date, eligibility and application process
The Ministry of Education has extended the NMMS scholarship application deadline for the 2026-27 academic year to November 15. Students can apply through the National Scholarship Portal, while institute-level and district-level verification must be completed by November 30 and December 15, respectively. The scheme provides eligible students with annual financial assistance of Rs 12,000.
Pink rock found in Sahara turns out to be 4.1-billion-year-old Martian meteorite, reveals clues to ancient Mars
A meteorite named Teghaza 001, discovered in the Sahara Desert, reveals insights into ancient Martian geology. Scientists determined it originated on Mars over 4.1 billion years ago and underwent volcanic processes. Detailed analysis of zircon crystals indicated interactions with water, suggesting a more active early environment. Researchers identified potential geological regions on Mars related to the meteorite's origin.
EAM Jaishankar urges Quad to focus on freedom of choice
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar emphasized freedom of choice and resilient supply chains during the Quad meeting. He highlighted countering non-market practices as a key priority for discussions with partner nations. The Quad aims to enhance cooperation in maritime security and counter-terrorism measures. Additionally, over USD 85 million will be extended for AI access across the Indo-Pacific region.
G20 foreign ministers end Atlanta meeting without consensus on key issue, group photo cancelled
Top diplomats from the G20 met in Atlanta, but they could not agree on important global security issues. Tensions, particularly regarding Russia's war in Ukraine, overshadowed the talks and affected the outcomes. The meeting concluded without a joint communique, only a chairman's statement summarizing their discussions. Despite the lack of consensus, efforts were made to strengthen cooperation on supply chains and mineral resources.
Global oil sanctions and chokepoints a means to hold prices hostage: Jaishankar
Addressing the G20 foreign ministers' meeting in Atlanta on Friday (US time), he said the world was facing an energy crisis driven not by a lack of production but by unpredictability, supply disruptions, unaffordable costs and difficulties in access.
Jaishankar calls for deeper Quad cooperation on energy security, counter-terrorism, maritime issues
Participating in the Quad Foreign Ministers' Meeting in Atlanta, Jaishankar said he spoke about countering non-market practices and increased economic stresses in the Indo-Pacific region.
Quad to step up cooperation in AI, critical minerals
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio met External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, Japan's Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi and Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong on the sidelines of the G20 Foreign Ministers' Meeting in Atlanta.
EAM Jaishankar slams sanctions, chokepoints disrupting global energy trade, holding prices hostage
S Jaishankar highlighted the challenges posed by disruptions in global oil supplies during the G20 meeting. He pointed out that the current energy crisis results from unpredictability and significant disruptions. Jaishankar emphasized the need for the G20 to ensure that energy markets remain open and predictable. He also mentioned India's efforts in critical minerals and the necessity for reliable energy supplies.
India-Brazil bilateral trade set to reach $20 bn with focus on critical minerals, AI, defence: Envoy
Brazil's Ambassador to India highlighted growing trade relations, expecting bilateral trade to reach USD 20 billion soon. The partnership encompasses critical sectors such as defence, energy, and pharmaceuticals, promoting economic engagement. Both nations aim to deepen cultural ties, celebrating the centenary of musician Antonio Carlos Jobim in 2027. Recent political visits strengthened commitments toward technological and economic cooperation in multilateral forums.
Days before US unveiled 90-day military readiness plan, mysterious freezer malfunctions hit bases. What we know
Investigators are investigating recent freezer failures at US military commissaries that may have resulted from cyberattacks, raising concerns about food safety. In France, similar issues involved the deliberate alteration of refrigeration temperatures, leading to food spoilage. The US military is consulting with French authorities about these strange events as they might be connected.
In 1862, gold drew thousands of miners to Florence, Idaho; much of the richest ground was worked out that year, and old diggings remain
Florence, Idaho, surged to fame in 1862 amid a major gold rush that saw a flood of miners flocking to the area. The initial excitement transformed the town into a lively mining community, albeit briefly. By year-end, however, the gold deposits were largely depleted, prompting many miners to leave in search of greener pastures. Today, Florence stands as a testament to the fleeting fortunes of American mining towns.
Odisha refunds Rs 69.23 crore in admission fees to 1.11 lakh college students
Odisha has refunded Rs 69.23 crore in college admission fees to over 1.11 lakh students. This refund is part of the Gyanodaya - Shiksha Ru Samruddhi scheme implemented for the 2026-27 academic session. Higher Education Minister Suryabanshi Suraj advised students to check their bank accounts for the refund. Students who did not receive the money can update their bank details for transfer.
Denmark to launch new work permit scheme in 2027; sets DKK 322,000 as the minimum salary
Denmark is set to roll out a fresh work permit scheme for international workers from January 1, 2027. To be eligible, foreign workers must hold jobs that adhere to sanctioned collective agreements and fulfill salary standards. Employers are required to gain certification to join this initiative and affirm compliance with said agreements.
'2026 resembles 1991': CEA Nageswaran says India is at a critical economic inflection point
Chief Economic Advisor V Anantha Nageswaran emphasized that 2025-26 could be a significant inflection point for India's economy. He mentioned the challenges posed by global shocks and supply-side disruptions in recent years. The reliance on imported crude oil adds to India's vulnerability to fluctuating international energy prices. Strengthening resilience to external disruptions is crucial for managing such risks effectively.
India climate-tech funding may reach USD 1.9 billion in 2026 as growth capital expands: Report
India's climate-tech and deep-tech sectors are expected to attract new investments by 2027 due to various factors. The report indicates that funding has been heavily focused on larger transactions, which raises concerns regarding smaller companies. Opportunities for investment exist in diverse areas such as deep technology and energy storage, highlighting potential for growth. Government initiatives are increasingly supporting this transition, as they disburse significant funding for projects.
Lula’s Brazil election win: How he thwarted Trump’s Latin America ambitions
Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva won Brazil’s presidential election against Flávio Bolsonaro, stopping a conservative streak in Latin America. This victory challenges U.S. influence in the region and complicates President Trump's strategies. Lula's administration may seek collaboration with Washington while maintaining Brazil's independent foreign policy. Domestic congressional dynamics present challenges for Lula as he pursues reforms amidst conservative opposition.
Amid supply chain issues, India's strategic mining in critical state
India's mining sector remains underdeveloped due to high import dependence and severe execution bottlenecks. Challenges include land acquisition difficulties, uncoordinated state-level regulations, and environmental concerns related to mining activities. The Centre has urged states to improve the operationalisation of mines, with only a fraction currently active. Various stages of clearances have delayed the progress of numerous mining projects in different regions.
NAN GreenMet, Chile's Enaex collaborate to set up Rs 750-cr explosives manufacturing facility
NAN GreenMet has partnered with Enaex to create an integrated explosives manufacturing plant in India. This venture involves an investment of Rs 750 crore and aims to begin commercial operations in 2027. The facility will cater to the rising demand in India's explosives market, projected to grow significantly in the coming years. The joint venture plans to provide a range of advanced blasting solutions for mining and infrastructure projects.
Diversification plan: NMDC scouts for mining assets across four continents
NMDC is actively seeking mining assets worldwide, including critical minerals to support various industries. The company aims to earn 20 percent of revenues from minerals other than iron ore. This expansion aligns with government initiatives to secure raw material supplies and decrease import dependency. NMDC's strategy is expected to enhance its role in India's manufacturing sectors. Industries such as automotive, renewable energy, and electronics will benefit from these efforts.
US designates helium as a critical material, citing its importance for semiconductors
The U.S. remains the largest producer of helium globally, with production primarily from natural gas processing. Helium is crucial for semiconductors, medical imaging, and renewable energy technologies.
Union Minister G Kishan Reddy to visit Australia to strengthen bilateral cooperation in critical minerals
During his visit to Sydney and Melbourne, the Minister will participate in various programmes and hold extensive discussions with government representatives, mining companies, research institutions and industry leaders from Australia and other countries.
Government to review 2019 mineral policy amid new sector priorities
The Centre is initiating a review of the National Mineral Policy, 2019, to address current sector demands. A nine-member committee will review the policy to reflect recent developments, especially in critical minerals. The committee is expected to submit recommendations within two months after its formation. Experts emphasize the need for a revised policy to enhance India's mineral potential and investment.
From rocks to riches: India’s unfinished critical minerals story
India's manufacturing industry is significantly affected by its heavy reliance on imported critical minerals like lithium and cobalt. The recent supply disruptions from China have highlighted weaknesses in India's domestic capacity for refining these minerals. Efforts to enhance mineral processing and create integrated production facilities are underway to reduce import dependence.
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