India's Critical Minerals Demand Surges Amid Net-Zero Drive

12 Jun 2024 CW Team

India's commitment to achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2070 has spurred a significant uptick in the demand for critical minerals essential for renewable energy technologies. These minerals, including lithium, cobalt, and rare earth elements, are integral to the production of batteries, solar panels, and wind turbines. The transition towards clean energy sources is driving this surge, with the country targeting a substantial increase in renewable power capacity.

According to experts, India's reliance on imported minerals is expected to grow substantially as domestic reserves may not suffice to meet the escalating demand. This shift underscores the need for strategic partnerships and investments in mineral exploration and processing capabilities. Government initiatives such as the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme for battery storage and the National Mission on Transformative Mobility and Battery Storage aim to bolster domestic manufacturing and reduce dependency on imports.

Moreover, addressing the environmental and social impacts of mineral extraction remains crucial. Sustainable mining practices and efforts to mitigate ecological footprint are becoming increasingly prioritised. The challenge lies in balancing economic growth with environmental stewardship, ensuring that India's pursuit of net-zero emissions aligns with global sustainability goals.

In conclusion, India's ambitious net-zero targets are reshaping its energy landscape and driving a surge in critical minerals demand. Strategic planning and international cooperation will be pivotal in meeting these challenges while advancing sustainable development in the energy sector.

Infrastructure Urban

13 Mar 2026

Implementation Status of Jal Jeevan Mission

Since August 2019 the Government has implemented Jal Jeevan Mission to provide assured potable water through household tap connections in rural India. At the start of the mission only 32.3 million (mn) rural households, representing 16.7 per cent, were reported to have tap water connections. States and union territories have reported that 125.8 mn additional rural households have since been provided with tap connections. As a result, of about 193.6 mn rural households roughly 158.2 mn, or 81.71 per cent, are reported to have tap water supply at home.\n\nThe State, district and village level st..

Jal Jeevan Mission Reaches Eighty One Per Cent Rural Coverage

The Government reported substantial progress under the Jal Jeevan Mission, launched in August 2019 to provide tap water to every rural household. At launch only 32.3 million (mn) rural households had tap connections and states and Union territories reported provision of 125.8 mn additional households by March 2026. Consequently, out of about 193.6 mn rural households around 158.2 mn, or 81.71 per cent, are reported to have tap water at home. The Finance Minister announced extension of the mission until 2028 in the 2025-26 budget speech. The Swachh Bharat Mission Grameen, launched in October 20..

Empowering Local Governance for Sustainable Rural Water Supply

The Ministry of Jal Shakti has aligned the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) with the 73rd Amendment to strengthen village level planning and community ownership of water supply. Gram Panchayats, village water and sanitation committees and Pani Samitis are to plan, implement, manage and maintain piped water systems, with gram sabha processes formalising handover and oversight. Implementation support agencies including non government organisations, community based organisations and self help groups have been empanelled to train local committees and promote women participation. Under JJM, the department ..