Which of the following statements about Rare Earth Elements (REEs) and Critical Minerals is/are correct?1.Modern technological innovations including Artificial Intelligence, robotics and space exploration extensively utilise Rare Earth Elements (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. Select the answer using the code given below:

1. A

   1 and 3 only

   1 and 3 only. Statement 1 is correct because REEs are essential for modern high-tech applications like AI, robotics, and space technology due to their unique magnetic, phosphorescent, and luminescent properties. Statement 3 is correct as the Government of India launched the National Critical Mineral Mission (NCMM) to secure domestic supply chains and achieve self-reliance in critical minerals.

2. B

   3 only

   This option is incorrect because while Statement 3 is correct, Statement 1 is also correct. REEs are vital for high-tech innovations and are not restricted to just a single sector covered by statement 3.

3. C

   1, 3 and 4

   This option is incorrect because Statement 4 is factually wrong. Rare Earth Elements comprise a set of 17 metallic elements (15 lanthanides plus scandium and yttrium), not 13.

4. D

   1, 2 and 4

   This option is incorrect because Statement 2 is wrong. China leads in REE mining and processing, but India does not hold the second-highest share globally; countries like the US, Australia, and Myanmar have higher production volumes.

Summary. Official key is (a). Statements 1 and 3 are correct because REEs are critical for cutting-edge technologies and the National Critical Mineral Mission was indeed established to secure India's mineral supply chains. Statement 2 is incorrect because India is not the second-highest miner of REEs, and Statement 4 is incorrect because REEs consist of 17 metallic elements, not 13.