State of art totally Indigenously developed Resource adequacy model (STELLAR) launched by Central Electricity Authority

• An indigenously developed Integrated Generation, Transmission and Storage Expansion Planning Model with Demand Response – a vital Resource Adequacy Tool, has been launched on 11.04.2025 by Shri Ghanshyam Prasad, Chairperson, Central Electricity Authority (CEA) in the presence of Sh. Alok Kumar, Ex-Secretary (Power) and partner TLG and various representatives from the State Power Utilities. It is planned to distribute this software model to all the States/ Discoms free of cost.
• The indigenously developed tool is specifically designed to assist the states in carrying out a comprehensive Resource Adequacy plan in line with the resource adequacy guidelines issued by the Ministry of Power in June 2023.
• After the issuance of Resource Adequacy Guidelines, CEA has been carrying out the Resource Adequacy (RA) plans for all the Discoms. To begin with, CEA completed the exercise for all Discoms up to 2032, and now all of them have been updated to 2034-35. CEA has also finished the national level exercise up to 2034-35. Since the plan is dynamic and is mandated to be revised every year, it was thought to develop a common tool for all and share it with them free of cost to play with it. It will also help integrate the studies easily and bring out the optimum solutions for the country.

The model explicitly considers:

• Chronological operation of the power system
• All unit commitment constraints, including technical minimum, minimum up and down times, and ramp-up/ramp-down rates.
• Endogenous demand response
• Ancillary services, and many more.
• The benefits of the tool include:
• Ensuring adequate resource adequacy (neither less nor more) in the electricity grid. Zero load shedding, No stressed capacity and least cost solutions.
• Optimisation of the cost of power system generation expansion and system operation while considering the benefit of demand response.
• Optimisation of energy and ancillary services.
• Optimisation of size and location of storage.
• The software has been developed entirely in India with the active guidance of CEA, ensuring complete transparency. CEA will update and upgrade this tool based on further suggestions from the users (Discoms/ load despatchers) of this software

ICCR celebrates its 75th anniversary

• The Indian Council of Cultural Relations (ICCR) celebrated its 75th anniversary on April 10.
• ICCR is an autonomous organisation under the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).
• Based in New Delhi, the ICCR was established and formally inaugurated in April 1950. 
• Former education minister Maulana Abul Kalam Azad served as its first president from 1950 till 1958.
• Right from its establishment until 1958, the ICCR was under the administrative jurisdiction of the Education Ministry. This arrangement continued till April 22, 1970, when the jurisdiction of the Council was transferred to the Ministry of External Affairs following a decision of the Cabinet Committee on Foreign Affairs. 
• ICCR is promoting Indian culture worldwide through its cultural centres and Missions/Posts abroad. 
• Activities conducted by them include teaching of yoga, dance, music (vocal and instrumental), exchanging visual arts exhibitions, celebrating International Day of Yoga and Indian festivals.
• ICCR has launched an online platform ‘Universalization of Traditional Indian Knowledge Systems’ (UTIKS) for short but specialised courses on Traditional Indian Knowledge as a single window source of an introductory knowledge on Indian culture, ancient Indian texts ranging from vedas & upanishads, a wide range of spiritual, philosophical, scientific, technical and artistic source to the uninitiated as well as help introduce Indian culture in a nuanced manner to those who have already basic understanding but would look for a deeper appreciation of diverse Indian traditions.
• ICCR, in consultation with Indian Missions abroad, establishes Chairs of Indian Studies (Political Science, Philosophy, History, Sociology, Economics, Buddhist Studies & Law) and Indian languages (Sanskrit, Hindi, Urdu & Tamil) in different foreign universities/ institutes across the globe. The Chairs are based on signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).
• ICCR has already signed 52 MoUs with universities in 33 countries.
• ICCR offers a number of scholarships to foreign nationals to pursue higher studies in Indian central/state universities and other recognised institutes of higher education and learning.

AFRICA INDIA KEY MARITIME ENGAGEMENT (AIKEYME) 2025 INAUGURATION

• The Africa India Key Maritime Engagement (AIKEYME) 2025 was inaugurated on 13 Apr 25 in Dar-es-Salaam, Tanzania, marking a significant step in strengthening maritime cooperation between India and African nations. The ceremony was graced by the presence of Dr. Stergomena Lawrence Tax, Minister of Defence and National Service of Tanzania, Shri Sanjay Seth, India''s Raksha Rajya Mantri (RRM) and Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi. The event also saw the attendance of distinguished military leaders, including the Chief of Defence Force of the Tanzania Peoples'' Defence Force (TPDF).
• Tanzania''s Defence Minister, Dr. Stergomena Lawrence Tax, whilst inaugurating the exercise, stressed the "significance of going along" to tackle maritime threats like piracy and trafficking.
• She called for "collaborative effort towards Maritime security by like-minded partners" and highlighted the aim of building an "enduring framework of maritime security, including innovation and information sharing." She also reaffirmed Tanzania''s commitment to hosting future AIKEYME editions and their broader belief in "collaborative regional cooperation" beyond military affairs.
• In his address, RRM Shri Sanjay Seth emphasised the spirit of collaboration by quoting the African proverb, "If you want to go fast, go alone, If you want to go far, go together." He expressed hope for a "life-long partnership”, invoked India''s maritime vision Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions (MAHASAGAR) and thanked Tanzania for co-hosting AIKEYME 25 alongside India.
• For AIKEYME, the Indian Navy is represented by INS Chennai and INS Kesari. Indian Ocean Ship SAGAR was also present for the inaugural ceremony. The chief guests interacted with the multinational crew from Friendly Foreign Countries(FFCs) from IOS Sagar.
• AIKEYME 25, meaning ‘Unity’ in Sanskrit, will be conducted over six days with participation from Comoros, Djibouti, Kenya, Madagascar, Mauritius, Mozambique, Seychelles and South Africa, alongside India and Tanzania.
• The exercise will include a harbour phase with joint training and exercises focused on piracy and information sharing, followed by a sea phase to enhance maritime security cooperation.
• This initiative aims to develop collaborative solutions to regional maritime challenges, enhance interoperability, and strengthen the friendly relations between India and African nation

Brazil to hold preliminary talks ahead of COP30 climate summit

• Brazil has scheduled the preliminary round of negotiations that help countries prepare for the global climate summit, known as COP30, for October, roughly a month before the main event starts at the Amazonian city of Belem, the government''s special secretary for COP30, Valter Correia da Silva, told Reuters on Wednesday.
• The early negotiations, called the Pre-COP, will take place in Brasilia, the nation''s capital, on Oct. 14 and 15, he said. Despite being a much smaller event, with only the main negotiators, the Pre-COP has gained importance this year because countries are struggling to deliver their new pledges to reduce the greenhouse gas emissions that cause global warming, known as Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs).
• So far, more than 90% of countries have failed to meet the February deadline for submitting their new NDCs, as the world has turned its attention to wars and trade disputes, and financing for climate projects has dried up. The United Nations decided to extend the deadline to September.
• Brazil has informally proposed setting up a Climate Change Council under the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) to improve how the world responds to climate change. The idea is to speed up decision-making, coordinate efforts and improve implementation as many feel the current UN climate process is too slow and complicated.
• Brazil will host and preside over the 30th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP30) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) in November 2025 against the backdrop of several landmarks. 
• COP30 will mark 20 years since the entry into force of the Kyoto Protocol and 10 years of adoption of the Paris Agreement.

What is COP?

• The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) is a multilateral treaty adopted in 1992, shortly after the first assessment report by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) in 1990, to stabilise greenhouse gas concentrations at a level that would prevent dangerous anthropogenic (human-induced) interference with the climate system. 
• Since entering into force in 1994, the UNFCCC has provided the basis for international climate negotiations, including landmark agreements such as the Kyoto Protocol (1997) and the Paris Agreement (2015).
•  The Conference of the Parties (COP) is the main decision-making body of the UNFCCC.
• It brings together 198 countries and the European Union.
•  The inaugural COP gathering took place in Berlin, Germany, in March 1995, and today the COP secretariat is headquartered in Bonn. 
• COPs serve as the formal meeting place each year for the Parties to negotiate and agree on how to tackle climate change, reduce emissions and limit global warming. A primary task at COPs is the examination of national reports and emission inventories submitted by participating countries.
• These reports offer essential insights into each country’s actions and their progress toward achieving the overarching goals of the Convention.
• COPs are meant to be inclusive affairs and, as well as world leaders and government representatives, a diverse range of people from all aspects of society, from business leaders and climate scientists to Indigenous Peoples and youth, are involved, taking part in order to share insights and best practices to strengthen climate action that benefits all.
• COPs are hosted annually in different countries. COP29 was held in Azerbaijan’s capital Baku. 
•  The COP presidency rotates among the five recognised UN regions — Africa, Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean, Central and Eastern Europe and Western Europe and others. This rotation ensures that different corners of the world have the opportunity to host and showcase their commitment to addressing climate challenges.

 India test-fires laser-directed energy weapon system, joins select group of nations

•  India has successfully conducted its first trial of a high-powered laser weapon, MK-II(A), using directed energy to neutralise an aerial target. The laser-based system, developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), was used to shoot down a drone, marking a major milestone in futuristic defence capabilities.
• The advanced system tracked a drone mid-flight, locked on to the target, and deployed a high-energy laser beam to destroy it. Designed and developed indigenously, this Directed Energy Weapon (DEW) represents a breakthrough for the Indian armed forces, especially in an era where drone warfare is gaining prominence — as seen in ongoing global conflicts such as the war in Ukraine.
• The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) carried out a successful trial of a laser-Directed Energy Weapon (DEW) system at Andhra Pradesh''s Kurnool.
• With this, India joins a select group of nations having the new-age armament used to bring down hostile drones and unmanned aircraft.
• The US, China and Russia are known to have developed directed energy weapon (DEW) systems.
• CHESS DRDO conducted a successful field demonstration of the Land version of Vehicle mounted laser-Directed Weapon (DEW) MK-II(A) at National Open Air Range (NOAR) in Kurnool.

How does Mk-II(A) DEW work?

• During the field test, the Mk-II(A) laser system engaged long-range fixed-wing drones, disrupted coordinated drone attacks, and disabled enemy surveillance devices such as sensors and antennae.
• The laser weapon’s ability to deliver precision, speed, and lethality in seconds makes it one of the most effective counter-drone systems developed so far.
• Once a threat is detected via radar or its electro-optic (EO) sensors, the laser-DEW system can lock on and strike at the speed of light. Its high-intensity laser beam can cause structural failure in drones, or more catastrophic results if it hits explosive components.
• Directed energy weapons like this offer significant advantages over traditional defence systems. They reduce dependence on costly ammunition, limit collateral damage, and are particularly suited to countering low-cost drone swarms — an increasingly common threat. As militaries worldwide look for efficient and cost-effective countermeasures, DEWs are poised to become a cornerstone of next-generation defence strategies

Joining the global elite in laser weaponr

• With this successful demonstration, India joins a select group of countries that possess such high-powered laser DEW systems.
• According to DRDO Chairman Samir V Kamat, only a handful of nations currently have this capability. "As far as I know, it is the United States, Russia and China that have demonstrated this capability. Israel is also working on similar capabilities, I would say we are the fourth or fifth country in the world to demonstrate this system
• DRDO’s Centre for High Energy Systems and Sciences (CHESS), Hyderabad, developed the system.
• The 30-kilowatt laser-based weapon system defeated the fixed wing UAV and swarm drones successfully causing structural damage and disabling the surveillance sensors. 
• The government has been focusing on the development of Directed Energy Weapons (DEWs) and hypersonic weapons to bolster India’s defence prowess.
• This advancement carries substantial strategic implications for national security. 
• The Indian Air Force is already working towards integrating these weapon systems into airborne platforms.

Directed Energy Weapons

• Ever since the discovery of laser (light amplification by stimulated emission of radiation) in 1960, the real world has come very close to the science fiction images of bright light beams as the new generation weapon. 
• This has caught the imagination of mankind towards realisation of the ultimate ‘death ray’ weapon that could outmatch all other weapons. 
•  Directed Energy Weapons (DEW) using high power lasers (HPL) are expected to make a major impact on the strategies for future wars and on the ways technological deterrence will play an important role in avoiding future wars.
• Directed Energy Weapons using HPL are a new generation of weapons that travel at the speed of light with unprecedented accuracy. This has opened up very interesting applications hitherto not possible with conventional technologies.
• India is among very few countries which are developing directed energy weapon systems to deal with future security challenges.
• The Mk-II(A) laser system uses a solid-state design with a 30-kilowatt output, powerful enough to engage small aircraft, drones, and sensors. The weapon’s beam control system ensures precision targeting, and adaptive optics help compensate for atmospheric interference, a key challenge in laser operations.
• The system was tested in open-air conditions to simulate real-world battlefield environments. Engineers monitored variables such as beam dispersion, thermal distortion, and weather effects, collecting data to improve operational resilience.
• DRDO has also confirmed the existence of a parallel project: a 300-kilowatt high-energy laser named “Surya,” currently under development. With an estimated effective range of 20 kilometers, Surya aims to target high-speed missiles and drones, offering defense against next-generation aerial threats.
• DRDO plans to induct the Mk-II(A) within two years as a land-based defense system, primarily for border security and critical infrastructure protection. However, future variants will be adapted for use on naval vessels, aircraft, and even satellites.
• Naval Applications:
  Integrating DEWs into warships could significantly enhance India’s maritime defense. Laser systems can neutralize sea-skimming missiles, pirate boats, and reconnaissance drones. The Indian Navy is reportedly in discussions with DRDO for ship-based trials in the coming year.
• Airborne Defense:
  DEWs on fighter jets could provide missile-shielding capabilities, giving pilots a last-resort defense against incoming projectiles. The U.S. Air Force is already pursuing similar goals with its SHiELD project. India could adapt Mk-series lasers into external pods for its Su-30MKI or Tejas aircraft.
• Space-based Potential:
  Satellites equipped with lasers may offer both defensive and offensive capabilities in space—such as disabling enemy satellites or intercepting anti-satellite weapons. While such systems remain controversial, India’s interest reflects a broader strategy to safeguard space assets critical to communication and reconnaissance.
• India’s laser weapons program comes at a time when the nature of threats is shifting dramatically. The increased use of drones, especially by insurgent groups and hostile neighbors, has highlighted vulnerabilities in conventional air defense.
• Conflicts in Ukraine, Syria, and Armenia-Azerbaijan have shown how inexpensive drones can disable tanks, artillery, and radar systems with minimal investment. The ability to counter such threats with a low-cost laser system is an invaluable force multiplier.
• For example, the Mk-II(A) system’s ability to neutralize a swarm of drones was one of the highlights of the Kurnool test. These swarm attacks, involving dozens or even hundreds of drones, can overwhelm traditional systems. A laser, with quick retargeting and low operational cost, is a natural countermeasure.
• India’s success is part of a wider international arms race focused on directed energy. The U.S. Navy has fielded the 150-kilowatt LaWS system on ships, while Israel’s Iron Beam has been touted as a cost-effective supplement to the Iron Dome. China’s Silent Hunter and Russia’s Peresvet are also in advanced stages of deployment.

What sets India apart is its approach to indigenous innovation. ?

• While most countries rely on deep defense-industrial complexes and foreign partnerships, DRDO has spearheaded the laser weapons initiative almost entirely in-house. This not only reduces dependence on foreign suppliers but also offers long-term strategic autonomy.
• Despite the recent success, DEWs are not without their limitations. One of the primary challenges is atmospheric interference. Weather conditions—especially fog, rain, and dust—can scatter or absorb laser beams, reducing their effectiveness. DRDO’s beam control systems are designed to address this, but real-world performance in regions like the Himalayas or Thar Desert remains to be seen.
• Power supply is another bottleneck. High-energy lasers require vast amounts of electricity, making them hard to scale for mobile or airborne platforms. Miniaturizing power generation without compromising effectiveness will be crucial for broader deployment.
• There’s also the issue of durability and countermeasures. Adversaries could begin coating drones or missiles with reflective materials to disperse laser beams. Electronic hardening of guidance systems could blunt microwave-based DEWs. This sets the stage for a new arms race—this time between offensive lasers and defensive materials.
• The deployment of DEWs could transform India’s defense budget structure. With low per-shot costs, DEWs can free up funds previously spent on missiles and interceptors. However, the upfront cost remains significant. The development of the Mk-II(A) and Surya lasers required years of funding, testing, and coordination across multiple agencies.
• Beyond the battlefield, DEWs could serve in civilian roles—particularly in space debris management. With Earth’s orbit cluttered by defunct satellites and debris, lasers could be used to nudge these objects into safer orbits or incinerate them in the atmosphere.
• Another potential application is in disaster response. High-precision lasers could be used to remotely disable explosive devices, control hazardous spills, or cut through debris in rescue operations.
• Looking ahead, DEWs will likely form one layer of a multi-tiered defense system that includes missiles, electronic warfare, and cyber capabilities. The integration of AI for autonomous targeting and power management could make future DEWs even more formidable.
• DRDO has set an ambitious timeline for the induction of the Mk-II(A) into active service by 2027. The agency is also working on power scaling, platform adaptation, and ruggedization for harsh environments. The Surya laser, with ten times the power of the current system, is expected to be operational within the next five years.
• Strategically, this means India could soon deploy DEWs at border posts, naval bases, and even in space. Such capabilities will not only deter adversaries but also position India as a global leader in next-generation defense technology.
• India’s successful test of the Mk-II(A) laser weapon marks more than just a technological triumph—it’s a signal to the world that India is ready to lead in the future of warfare. Directed Energy Weapons are no longer confined to science fiction; they are rapidly becoming central to national security strategies.

 Indian-origin scientist discovers signs of alien life outside Solar System

• In a potential landmark discovery, scientists using the James Webb Space Telescope have obtained what they call the strongest signs yet of possible life beyond our solar system, detecting in an alien planet''s atmosphere the chemical fingerprints of gases that on Earth are produced only by biological processes.
• The two gases - dimethyl sulphide, or DMS, and dimethyl disulphide, or DMDS - involved in Webb''s observations of the planet named K2-18 b are generated on Earth by living organisms, primarily microbial life such as marine phytoplankton - algae.
• This suggests the planet may be teeming with microbial life, the researchers said. They stressed, however, that they are not announcing the discovery of actual living organisms but rather a possible biosignature - an indicator of a biological process - and that the findings should be viewed cautiously, with more observations needed.
• Nonetheless, they voiced excitement. These are the first hints of an alien world that is possibly inhabited.
• "This is a transformational moment in the search for life beyond the solar system, where we have demonstrated that it is possible to detect biosignatures in potentially habitable planets with current facilities. We have entered the era of observational astrobiology," 
• there are various efforts underway searching for signs of life in our solar system, including various claims of environments that might be conducive to life in places like Mars, Venus and various icy moons.
• K2-18 b is 8.6 times as massive as Earth and has a diameter about 2.6 times as large as our planet.
• It orbits in the "habitable zone" - a distance where liquid water, a key ingredient for life, can exist on a planetary surface - around a red dwarf star smaller and less luminous than our sun, located about 124 light-years from Earth in the constellation Leo. A light-year is the distance light travels in a year, 9.5 trillion km. One other planet also has been identified orbiting this star

A ''HYCEAN WORLD''

• About 5,800 planets beyond our solar system, called exoplanets, have been discovered since the 1990s. Scientists have hypothesised the existence of exoplanets called hycean worlds - covered by a liquid water ocean habitable by microorganisms and with a hydrogen-rich atmosphere.
• Earlier observations by Webb, which was launched in 2021 and became operational in 2022, had identified methane and carbon dioxide in K2-18 b''s atmosphere, the first time that carbon-based molecules were discovered in the atmosphere of an exoplanet in a star''s habitable zone.
• "The only scenario that currently explains all the data obtained so far from JWST (James Webb Space Telescope), including the past and present observations, is one where K2-18 b is a hycean world teeming with life," Madhusudhan said. "However, we need to be open and continue exploring other scenarios."
• DMS and DMDS, both from the same chemical family, have been predicted as important exoplanet biosignatures. Webb found that one or the other, or possibly both, were present in the planet''s atmosphere at a 99.7 per cent confidence level, meaning there is still a 0.3 per cent chance of the observation being a statistical fluke.
• The gases were detected at atmospheric concentrations of more than 10 parts per million by volume.
• "For reference, this is thousands of times higher than their concentrations in the Earth''s atmosphere, and cannot be explained without biological activity based on existing knowledge," 

TRANSIT METHOD

• K2-18 b is part of the "sub-Neptune" class of planets, with a diameter greater than Earth''s but less than that of Neptune, our solar system''s smallest gas planet.
• To ascertain the chemical composition of an exoplanet''s atmosphere, astronomers analyse the light from its host star as the planet passes in front of it from the perspective of Earth, called the transit method. As the planet transits, Webb can detect a decrease in stellar brightness, and a small fraction of starlight passes through the planetary atmosphere before being detected by the telescope. This lets scientists determine the constituent gases of the planet''s atmosphere.
• Webb''s previous observations of this planet provided a tentative hint of DMS. Its new observations used a different instrument and a different wavelength range of light.
• The "Holy Grail" of exoplanet science, Madhusudhan said, is to find evidence of life on an Earth-like planet beyond our solar system. Madhusudhan said that our species for thousands of years has wondered "are we alone" in the universe, and now might be within just a few years of detecting possible alien life on a hycean world.
• First we need to repeat the observations two to three times to make sure the signal we are seeing is robust and to increase the detection significance" to the level at which the odds of a statistical fluke are below roughly one in a million, Madhusudhan said.
• "Second, we need more theoretical and experimental studies to make sure whether or not there is another abiotic mechanism (one not involving biological processes) to make DMS or DMDS in a planetary atmosphere like that of K2-18 b. Even though previous studies have suggested them (as) robust biosignatures even for K2-18 b, we need to remain open and pursue other possibilities.

Will Mehul Choksi be extradited? What the India-Belgium Treaty says

• The arrest of fugitive diamond businessman Mehul Choksi in Belgium has turned the spotlight on a crucial question- can India now bring him back to face justice in the ₹13,850 crore Punjab National Bank (PNB) loan fraud case?
•  The 2020 extradition treaty between India and Belgium may hold the answer.
• Choksi, 65, had been evading Indian authorities since early 2018. After Interpol revoked its Red Notice - a request to global law enforcement to locate and provisionally arrest a person - against him in March 2023, agencies like the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) intensified efforts to trace and extradite him
• Earlier this year, Belgian authorities confirmed that Choksi and his wife, Preeti, had relocated from Antigua and Barbuda to Belgium 

India-Belgium extradition treaty of 2020

• India and Belgium signed and ratified an extradition treaty in March 2020, which came into force following the exchange of instruments of ratification. The treaty replaces the outdated pre-Independence agreement (1901) between Great Britain and Belgium, which had limited scope, procedural inefficiencies, and outdated laws
• The treaty provides a clear legal framework for extraditing individuals accused or convicted of serious crimes, including economic offences like the one Choksi is implicated in.

Who can be extradited?

• Under the treaty, India and Belgium have agreed to extradite any person found in its territory who is accused or convicted of an offence that is punishable under the laws of both nations by imprisonment of one year or more
• These include a broad range of crimes, including those related to taxation and economic fraud. In Choksi''s case, charges of fraud, money laundering, criminal breach of trust, and conspiracy are likely to meet the extradition threshold.

Can Belgium extradite non-nationals to India?

• This is discretionary. Belgium may choose to extradite its nationals, but is not obligated to do so. Choksi, an Antiguan citizen with recent residency in Belgium, may argue that he is no longer an Indian national, which could complicate matters.

Are there any grounds for refusal to extradite?

• Extradition can be denied if the alleged offence is political, military, discriminatory in motive (based on race, religion, nationality, etc), or time-barred under law
• Moreover, if the offence is punishable by death in India, Belgium can demand assurances that capital punishment will not be carried out. The charges against Choksi do not involve capital punishment.

What does this mean for Choksi?

• While Choksi''s arrest has renewed India’s hopes of bringing him back, the extradition process is far from straightforward. His legal team is expected to oppose the move, citing his medical condition as he is reportedly undergoing treatment for blood cancer.
• While India has a strong case, Belgium’s discretionary power over extraditing non-nationals and the possibility of lengthy legal proceedings mean that the process may take time.
• Additionally, due to his health conditions, Choksi may need medical clearance confirming he is fit to travel.

What was the PNB Scam?

• Mehul Choksi, along with his nephew Nirav Modi, is accused of orchestrating a massive fraud at the PNB’s Brady House branch in Mumbai. From 2014 to 2017, the duo allegedly colluded with bank officials to issue fraudulent Letters of Undertaking (LoUs) that enabled their companies to access overseas credit without proper collateral or oversight

China restricts exports of rare earths: What will be the impact?

• China announced restrictions on the export of seven “rare earths” on April 4, soon after US President Donald Trump decided to impose tariffs on most of the country’s trade partners earlier this month.
• These elements are crucial for manufacturing high-value goods, including in the fields of defence and clean energy, as well as everyday items like smartphones and electronic displays.
• Since the 1990s, China has held an unrivalled dominance over rare earths, supplying 85 to 95 per cent of the world’s demand.
• Several shipments of rare earths have come to a halt in recent days, sources told Reuters. Amid a rapidly changing global trade landscape, several Western media reports have warned that prolonged delays and restrictions could have major repercussions for multiple industries. Here is what to know.

What are rare earths?

• Rare Earth Elements or Rare Earth Metals are a set of 17 chemical elements in the periodic table — cerium (Ce), dysprosium (Dy), erbium (Er), europium (Eu), gadolinium (Gd), holmium (Ho), lanthanum (La), lutetium (Lu), neodymium (Nd), praseodymium (Pr), promethium (Pm), samarium (Sm), scandium (Sc), terbium (Tb), thulium (Tm), ytterbium (Yb), and yttrium (Y). All have similar chemical properties and appear silver-coloured.
• According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), most REEs are not as rare as their name suggests.
• “They were named “rare-earth elements” because most were identified during the 18th and 19th centuries as “earths” (originally defined as materials that could not be changed further by heat) and in comparison to other “earths,” such as lime or magnesia, they were relatively rare.”
• While nearly all REEs are more abundant on average in the Earth’s crust than silver, gold, or platinum, it is unusual to find concentrated and economically mineable deposits. China holds expertise in the refining of rare earths more than any other country.
• Ironically, even as REEs are being used to build electric vehicles and wind turbines, all part of the push for “clean energy”, their mining process results in significant environmental damage. For instance, rare earth ores contain arsenic and cadmium, which are allowed in the open air during the refining process. These elements can harm human health and contaminate water sources.
• However, REEs’ unique magnetic and optical properties lend them to a multiplicity of uses, including making phosphors, or substances that emit luminescence, for making digital displays and screens.
• Increasingly, REEs are being used to build powerful magnets, with uses in parts of automobile manufacturing — power steering, electric windows, power seats, and audio speakers.

Why has China restricted rare earth exports?

• Ores of rare earth oxide are found in China, Russia, the United States, India, and Australia (in descending order), but China dwarfs others in production and refining.
• REEs have been found across China, such as in the Jiangxi and Guangdong provinces in southeast China, Hubei in central China, Sichuan in the southwest, and the Xinjiang autonomous region in the northwest.
• In the 1990s, China’s government declared rare earths to be a “protected and strategic mineral”. Since then, it has periodically ordered restrictions on their extraction based on changing domestic and global demand, as well as during disputes with other countries. In 2010, following Japan’s detention of a Chinese fishing trawler captain, rare earths exports were blocked for some time.
• In 2022, China threatened to stop exporting rare earth materials to the US amid the trade war between the countries during the first Trump administration.
• This time, China’s Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) and the General Administration of Customs (GAC) announced export controls on seven rare earths — samarium, gadolinium, terbium, dysprosium, lutetium, scandium, and yttrium. This was “to better safeguard national security and interests and fulfill non-proliferation and other international obligations”.

What happens now?

• China’s central role in the sector means notable impacts would become visible soon enough. “Prices would rise fast, as buyers began to stockpile. Neha Mukherjee of Benchmark Minerals, a research firm, reckons dysprosium prices would hit $300 per kilogram, from $230 now,”.
• Many of the restricted REEs, such as Dysprosium, are also hard to replace but have critical end-use, including in magnets that power offshore wind turbines, jets and spacecraft.
• Ultimately, other sources would have to be tapped. For instance, during the 2010 dispute, Japan quickly moved to stockpile REEs, develop and acquire mines in countries such as Australia, and promote their recycling. According to the World Economic Forum, this resulted in its dependence on Chinese rare earths dropping from 90% at the time to 60% in 2023. This is still a high share, but the response showed an attempt to diversify and reduce vulnerability even in a lopsided market.
• Such a strategy has been echoed in concepts like “de-risking”, which argue for diversifying supply chains away from China while maintaining trade relations with it. Increasing globalisation in recent decades makes this complicated, but the ongoing tariff war has underlined the need for it.
• Concurrently, several Western analysts believe that years of investments in critical industries, alongside the promotion of science and tech education, have allowed China to get around US restrictions.