Sarkari List : Page 11

Rare earth minerals are a group of 17 elements that play a critical role in today’s modern world. From smartphones and electric vehicles to wind turbines and military equipment, these minerals are everywhere. Despite their name, rare earths are not truly "rare," but they are difficult to extract and process in large amounts. As demand for high-tech and green energy technologies grows, so does the importance of rare earth reserves. Currently, China dominates the sector, holding nearly half of the world’s reserves and controlling the majority of global refining capacity. However, several other countries also hold significant reserves that could shape the future of the supply chain. Highlights of Global Rare Earth Reserves Rank Country Reserves (Metric Tons) Key Minerals Major Deposit Type 1 China 44,000,000 Cerium, Lanthanum, Neodymium, Dysprosium, Yttrium Bastnäsite & Ion-Adsorption Clays 2 Brazil 21,000,000 Neodymium, Praseodymium, Dysprosium, Terbium Ionic Clay Deposits 3 India 6,900,000 Cerium, Lanthanum, Neodymium, Samarium, Yttrium Monazite Sands (Coastal) 4 Australia 5,700,000 Cerium, Neodymium, Lanthanum Bastnäsite & Monazite (Hard Rock) 5 Russia 3,800,000 Lanthanum, Cerium, Neodymium Loparite & Apatite Rocks 6 Vietnam 3,500,000 Neodymium, Dysprosium, Terbium Northwest Region Deposits 7 United States 1,900,000 Neodymium, Cerium, Praseodymium Mountain Pass Mine 1. China: The Global Leader China is by far the largest holder of rare earth reserves, with about 44 million metric tons. This represents nearly half of global reserves. Apart from mining, China also dominates the processing and refining stages, controlling more than 90% of global capacity. The government maintains strict production quotas, giving China significant control over international prices and supply. Rare earths from China are vital for industries ranging from electronics to defence equipment worldwide. 2. Brazil: Untapped Potential Brazil comes second with 21 million metric tons of rare earth reserves. However, its production remains very small compared to its potential. Most of Brazil’s deposits are in ionic clays, similar to those in China. If fully developed, Brazil could become a strong alternative supplier, reducing global dependence on China. Many international projects are being planned to unlock this huge potential. 3. India: Rich in Coastal Monazite Sands India has about 6.9 million metric tons of rare earth reserves, mostly located in monazite sands along the coasts. These sands are rich in elements like cerium, neodymium, samarium, and yttrium. Despite its reserves, India currently produces less than 1% of the global output. To change this, the government has launched the National Critical Mineral Mission (2025) to boost mining and processing. If successful, India could become a major global player. 4. Australia: Reliable Supplier Australia holds 5.7 million metric tons of reserves and is already one of the largest producers outside China. The Mount Weld mine in Western Australia is one of the world’s richest rare earth deposits. Australia is actively working with allies like the United States and Japan to create a more secure and diversified rare earth supply chain. Its political stability makes it a trusted supplier. 5. Russia: Large but Restricted Russia has around 3.8 million metric tons of reserves, mainly in loparite and apatite rocks. Its production is controlled by state-owned firms and is focused largely on domestic industries. Due to geopolitical tensions, Russia’s role in the global rare earth market remains limited. However, its reserves still make it an important player in the long run. 6. Vietnam: Rising Contributor Vietnam holds about 3.5 million metric tons of rare earth reserves, mostly in the Northwest region. Although its numbers were revised down from earlier estimates, the country has big plans. Vietnam is actively seeking foreign investment and modern technology to expand production by 2030. If successful, it could join the ...

The Goods and Services Tax (GST) in India is undergoing its biggest reform since 2017. The GST Council has officially announced that the new GST rates will come into effect from September 22, 2025, coinciding with the first day of Navratri. This move introduces a simplified two-tier tax structure, where most goods and services will now fall under either 5% or 18% GST slabs. Essential food items, healthcare products, and household goods have become cheaper, while luxury items, sin goods, and ultra-premium vehicles are placed under the highest slab of 40% GST. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman confirmed that the new rates will not apply to tobacco, gutkha, cigarettes, and related products, which continue to attract the highest tax slab. Highlights of GST Reform 2025 Key Update Details Effective Date September 22, 2025 (Navratri Day 1) Tax Structure Two main slabs: 5% and 18% Ultra-Luxury/ Sin Goods 40% GST Essential Food Items Reduced to 0% and 5% Beverages (Sugary & Aerated) Increased to 40% Automobiles Most vehicles reduced to 18%, luxury vehicles at 40% Healthcare Supplies Reduced to 5% Entertainment Cheaper tickets ≤ ₹100 at 5%, higher-end tickets at 40% New GST Rate on Essential Food Items To provide relief to common households, the government has cut GST rates on essential food products. Many items that earlier attracted 12–18% tax are now taxed at just 5% or 0%. UHT (Ultra High Temperature) Milk – 0% (Earlier 5%) Pre-packaged Paneer, Roti, Khakhra, Pizza bread – 0% Butter, Ghee, Cheese, Dairy spreads – 5% (Earlier 12–18%) Chocolates, Pasta, Namkeens – 5% (Earlier 18%) This step is expected to make daily groceries more affordable for middle-class and rural households. GST Rate on Dry Fruits, Spices & Ingredients Dry fruits, spices, and processed ingredients have also seen a sharp tax reduction: Dried nuts, dried fruits – 5% (Earlier 12–18%) Starches, malt, vegetable extracts – 5% (Earlier 12–18%) Sausages and sugar products – 5% (Earlier 12–18%) GST Rate on Beverages from September 2025 The biggest change is seen in sugary and caffeinated drinks, which now attract the highest 40% slab. Packaged Coconut Water – 40% (Earlier 18–28%) Soya Milk Drinks – 40% (Earlier 18–28%) Carbonated Fruit Drinks, Caffeinated Beverages – 40% (Earlier 28%) This move is aimed at discouraging excessive consumption of sugary beverages. GST Rate on Sin Goods Sin goods like tobacco and pan masala remain in the highest category. Pan Masala – 40% (Earlier 28% + Cess) Cigarettes, Cigars, Tobacco Products – 40% (Earlier 28% + Cess) Bidis – 18% (Earlier 28% + Cess) New GST Rate 2025 on Automobiles & Luxury Vehicles Automobiles have received major relief, especially for common buyers: Motorcycles up to 350cc, Scooters, Small Cars, Bicycles – 18% (Earlier 28%) Motorcycles above 350cc, Luxury Cars, Aircraft, Yachts – 40% GST Rate on Healthcare & Medical Supplies Healthcare has been made more affordable: Medical-grade Oxygen, Diagnostic Kits, Essential Drugs – 5% (Earlier 12%) Surgical supplies & reagents – 5% (Earlier 12%) This is a big boost for hospitals, patients, and the healthcare industry. GST Rate on Lifestyle & Household Goods Daily-use items for homes and personal care have also been made cheaper: Personal Care Items, Toiletries, Furniture, Utensils – 5% (Earlier 12–18%) Toys, Handicrafts, Musical Instruments – 5% (Earlier 12–18%) New GST Rate on Entertainment & Services The entertainment and services sector has seen a mixed impact: Cinema tickets ≤ ₹100 – 5% (Earlier 12%) Cinema tickets > ₹100 – 40% (Earlier 18–28%) Hotels (₹1,001–₹7,500 per night) – 5% (Earlier 12%) Insurance Premiums, Private Tuition, Vocational Courses – 0% (Earlier 18%) Beauty & Wellness Services – 5% (Earlier 18%) This means ...