Sodium-ion batteries and India's lithium dependence

1. Question 1Answer D

   Early-February 2026 explainers argued sodium-ion batteries could cut India's dependence on imported what?

   • ANickel
   • BCopper
   • CCobalt
   • DCorrect answer: Lithium

   Core Trigger: Early-February 2026 explainers argued that sodium-ion batteries could cut India's dependence on imported lithium.From Book 1 RATNA, topic 250, point 1

2. Question 2Answer A

   Which of the following is/are correct? 1. Sodium-ion cells are cheaper than lithium-ion cells. 2. They perform worse in cold weather.

   • ACorrect answer: Only 1
   • BOnly 2
   • CBoth 1 and 2
   • DNeither

   Key Advantage: Sodium-ion cells are cheaper and safer than lithium-ion cells, and perform better in cold weather.From Book 1 RATNA, topic 250, point 2

3. Question 3Answer A

   Which Union Ministry runs the National Critical Mineral Mission?

   • ACorrect answer: Ministry of Mines
   • BMinistry of Science and Technology
   • CMinistry of Heavy Industries
   • DMinistry of Power

   Nodal Ministry: The Ministry of Mines runs the National Critical Mineral Mission, which backs upstream mining and refining.From Book 1 RATNA, topic 250, point 3

4. Question 4Answer D

   The Lithium Triangle comprises Argentina, Chile and which country?

   • ABrazil
   • BAustralia
   • CPeru
   • DCorrect answer: Bolivia

   Key Term: The Lithium Triangle is Argentina, Bolivia and Chile; China dominates lithium supply chains.From Book 1 RATNA, topic 250, point 4

5. Question 5Answer C

   The National Critical Mineral Mission, approved in January 2025, has what outlay?

   • ARs 44,300 crore
   • BRs 16,300 crore
   • CCorrect answer: Rs 34,300 crore
   • DRs 24,300 crore

   Mission Data: The Mission was approved in January 2025 with an outlay of Rs 34,300 crore over six years.From Book 1 RATNA, topic 250, point 5

6. Question 6Answer A

   KABIL is a joint venture of NALCO, HCL and which other entity?

   • ACorrect answer: MECL
   • BCoal India
   • CNMDC
   • DSAIL

   Stakeholders: KABIL (Khanij Bidesh India Ltd) is a joint venture of NALCO, HCL and MECL for overseas mineral assets.From Book 1 RATNA, topic 250, point 6

7. Question 7Answer B

   Sodium can be sourced from which domestic material?

   • ASpodumene
   • BCorrect answer: Soda ash
   • CBauxite
   • DMonazite sand

   Resource Base: Sodium can be sourced from domestic materials such as soda ash, avoiding overseas brine supplies.From Book 1 RATNA, topic 250, point 8

8. Question 8Answer C

   KABIL was incorporated in which year?

   • A2021
   • B2015
   • CCorrect answer: 2019
   • D2017

   Founded: KABIL was incorporated in 2019 to secure critical and strategic minerals abroad.From Book 1 RATNA, topic 250, point 9

9. Question 9Answer B

   The MMDR Amendment Act, 2023 let the Centre do what?

   • ACap sodium extraction
   • BCorrect answer: Auction critical mineral blocks
   • CNationalise private mines
   • DBan lithium imports

   Landmark: The MMDR Amendment Act, 2023 let the Centre auction critical mineral blocks, including lithium.From Book 1 RATNA, topic 250, point 10

10. Question 10Answer C

    Which of the following is/are correct? 1. Mines fall under Entry 54, Union List, and Entry 23, State List. 2. The State is trustee of natural resources (public trust).

    • AOnly 1
    • BOnly 2
    • CCorrect answer: Both 1 and 2
    • DNeither

    Articles: Mines and mineral development fall under Entry 54, Union List, and Entry 23, State List, read with Article 246. Doctrine: The public trust doctrine, applied in M.C. Mehta v Kamal Nath (1997), makes the State trustee of natural resources.From Book 1 RATNA, topic 250, point 11, point 12

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