Current Affairs - State - Discussion

Rajasthan became the first state in India to issue an exploration licence for a Rare Earth Elements (REE) block on July 30, 2026. The licence was awarded to the Central Mine Planning and Design Institute Ltd (CMPDI) for a 207.6 sq km area in the Nawatala-Devigarh region covering Balotra and Jodhpur districts. Geological surveys identified valuable rare earth elements such as lanthanum, cerium, praseodymium, and neodymium. These strategic minerals are crucial for electric vehicles, semiconductors, aerospace, and telecommunications, supporting India's goal of reducing dependence on imported critical minerals through domestic exploration.