Passage 2

Mitigating road transport emissions, 75% of India's transport emissions, is vital for achieving Net Zero by 2070. Electric Vehicles (EVs) play a key role, but their production requires six times more minerals than conventional vehicles, primarily for batteries. India lacks access to many critical minerals, with 24 of 33 identified by the Ministry of Mines at high risk of supply disruption. China dominates global processing of key minerals like Lithium, Cobalt, and Rare Earths. Despite initiatives like FAME, PLI schemes, and KABIL, India’s EV sector remains import-dependent, especially on China. To de-risk supply chains, future policies must focus on R&D in alternate battery technologies (e.g., sodium-ion), battery recycling, IP development, and international technology transfer agreements. Strengthening domestic manufacturing and securing critical inputs is crucial for building a resilient, self-reliant EV ecosystem.

3. Based on the above passage, the following assumptions have been made:

1. Conventional vehicles will be completely phased out in India by 2070 to achieve Net Zero target.

2. Existing domestic mining capacities cannot adequately mitigate geopolitical challenges and supply chain vulnerabilities associated with critical minerals.

Which of the assumptions given above are valid?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Question

Passage 2

Mitigating road transport emissions, 75% of India's transport emissions, is vital for achieving Net Zero by 2070. Electric Vehicles (EVs) play a key role, but their production requires six times more minerals than conventional vehicles, primarily for batteries. India lacks access to many critical minerals, with 24 of 33 identified by the Ministry of Mines at high risk of supply disruption. China dominates global processing of key minerals like Lithium, Cobalt, and Rare Earths. Despite initiatives like FAME, PLI schemes, and KABIL, India&rsquo;s EV sector remains import-dependent, especially on China. To de-risk supply chains, future policies must focus on R&D in alternate battery technologies (e.g., sodium-ion), battery recycling, IP development, and international technology transfer agreements. Strengthening domestic manufacturing and securing critical inputs is crucial for building a resilient, self-reliant EV ecosystem.

3. Based on the above passage, the following assumptions have been made:

1. Conventional vehicles will be completely phased out in India by 2070 to achieve Net Zero target.

2. Existing domestic mining capacities cannot adequately mitigate geopolitical challenges and supply chain vulnerabilities associated with critical minerals.

Which of the assumptions given above are valid?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

ONLiNE UPSC · Accepted Answer

Statement 1 is not correct: The passage does not assume a complete phase-out of conventional vehicles by a specific date before 2070. A "net zero target" means reducing global greenhouse gas emissions to a point where any remaining emissions are balanced by removing an equivalent amount from the atmosphere. In essence, it's about achieving a state of equilibrium. While the target of Net Zero may be achieved, it does not signify that conventional vehicles will be phased out. Achieving Net Zero gives the assumption that the emissions from conventional vehicles may not exceed the amount of gases that are being sequestered.

Statement 2 is correct: The passage highlights India's lack of access to critical minerals, the high risk of supply disruption, and China's dominance in processing. It then proposes R&D in alternatives, recycling, and technology transfer as ways to "de-risk supply chains." This implies an assumption that current methods of direct sourcing or reliance on existing domestic capacities are insufficient or too susceptible to risks to ensure a stable supply for the burgeoning EV sector, hence the need for these alternative strategies to address these vulnerabilities.

Environment

Electric Vehicles and Mineral Resources

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