Rare Earth Elements: Two Common Traps to Avoid (UPSC CSP 2026, GS Paper I)

1. Which of the following statements about Rare Earth Elements (REEs) and Critical Minerals is/are correct? 1. Modern technological innovations including AI, robotics and space exploration extensively utilise REEs. 2. China has the highest share in mining of REEs, followed by India. 3. The Government of India launched the National Critical Mineral Mission (NCMM) in 2025 to establish a robust framework for self-reliance in the critical mineral sector. 4. Rare Earth Elements are a set of 13 metallic elements.