(c) Both 1 and 2 statements are correct
Strategic minerals, also known as critical minerals, are minerals that are important for a country’s military, industrial, and technological development. They are often concentrated in a few countries and are vital to the defense industry and other strategic sectors.
Here are some examples of strategic minerals:
Tin, cobalt, lithium, germanium, gallium, indium, niobium, beryllium, tantalum, tungsten, bismuth, and selenium: These minerals are considered strategic by the Ministry of Mines in India.
Coal, iron ore, bitumen, gold, limestone, lead-zinc, and barite: These minerals are considered strategic by the IEA.
Sulphur, lead, petroleum, zinc, mercury, platinum, nickel, graphite, tin, and ferro-tungsten: These minerals are considered strategic in India because they are in short supply.

(d) All are correct
Strategic minerals, also known as critical minerals, are minerals that are important for a country’s military, industrial, and technological development. They are often concentrated in a few countries and are vital to the defense industry and other strategic sectors.
Cobalt is indeed a key material in the production of batteries for electric vehicles due to its high energy density and stability.
Tantalum is crucial for electronic components, especially in capacitors and high-power resistors, due to its ability to store and release energy efficiently.
Rhenium is used in high-temperature superalloys, which are essential for jet engines and gas turbines because of its high melting point and ability to withstand extreme conditions.

(b) Only two statements are correct
The Critical Minerals Summit, held in New Delhi, was organized by the Ministry of Mines in collaboration with CEEW and IISD. (1st Statement is incorrect)
It is designed to foster collaboration, share knowledge, and drive innovation in the field of critical mineral beneficiation and processing.
The summit will bring together a diverse array of Indian and international stakeholders, including industry leaders, startups, government officials, scientists, academics, and policy experts.
It will address the increasing demand for Critical Raw Materials (CRMs) required for renewable energy systems and electric vehicles as part of India’s strategic development goals.
The Ministry of Mines has identified eight key mineralsfor focus at the summit, including Glauconite (Potash), Lithium – Rare Earth Elements (Laterite), Chromium, Platinum Group, Graphite, Tungsten associated with Graphite, Rare Earths (RE), and Vanadium associated with Graphite.
Participants will engage in active dialogue and interactive workshops focused on critical issues such as mineral auction progress, policy incentives for CRMs ecosystem development, and the advancement of commercially viable and environmentally sustainable solutions.
The summit aimed to enhance synergies in mineral extraction, refining, and utilization, particularly in low-carbon technologies. Additionally, it stressed the importance of regulatory clarity, financing structures, and ESG standards to attract investors.

(c) All three statements are correct
The Assam Accord was indeed signed in 1985 between the Government of India and the leaders of the Assam Movement1. Clause 6 of the Accord provides for constitutional, legislative, and administrative safeguards to protect the cultural, social, and linguistic identity of the Assamese people2. Additionally, the Accord mandates the identification and deportation of all foreigners who entered Assam after March 24, 1971.

(d) 1, 2, and 3
All three pairs are correctly matched. Ankasamudra Bird Conservation Reserve in Karnataka was recently designated as a Ramsar Wetland1. Mount Etna in Italy is known for its recent eruptions, which have disrupted air travel1. Dagestan Province in Russia is noted for its ethnic diversity and strategic coastal city.