critical minerals

Deccan Gold Mines has announced a significant discovery of nickel, copper, and palladium mineralisation in Chhattisgarh during initial drilling at its Bhalukona project. This breakthrough could lead to India's first nickel-copper-PGE mine, crucial for the nation's electric vehicle and renewable energy sectors. The company's findings reinforce the project's strategic importance for India's critical minerals ecosystem.

India is set to host a crucial Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad) meeting, with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio expected to attend. This high-level gathering, involving India, the US, Japan, and Australia, is seen as a strategic move to counter China's influence in the Indo-Pacific. The meeting will likely address critical mineral supply chains and regional security concerns.

India and Italy have elevated their ties to a Special Strategic Partnership, fostering deeper cooperation in defence, technology, and trade. A defence roadmap for co-development and co-production of military platforms was agreed upon, alongside an ambitious €20 billion trade target by 2029. Discussions also covered global security, including West Asia and Ukraine, and maritime cooperation.

Mining Must Be Within Green Framework: CM At Review Meet

Prime Minister Modi's five-nation tour secured nearly $40 billion in investment, with over 50 global firms pledging fresh capital and expansion. Key sectors like semiconductors, defence, and energy saw significant commitments. India elevated ties with the UAE, Netherlands, Sweden, and Italy, fostering strategic partnerships and boosting economic cooperation.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented the Union Budget 2026-27 in Parliament on February 1, 2026 with a focus on driving economic growth and making India a developed country by 2047, under the Viksit Bharat vision.

President Trump embarks on a crucial three-day visit to China, set to engage in high-stakes talks with President Xi Jinping. Discussions will span critical global issues including the Middle East conflict, Taiwan, AI, and nuclear weapons. Business leaders are accompanying Trump, signaling a focus on trade and potential new deals, as both nations navigate complex economic and security landscapes.

Union Minister Piyush Goyal strongly criticized Rahul Gandhi and the Congress party for using derogatory language against Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Goyal emphasized India's enhanced global reputation and robust strategic partnerships, citing strong ties with the US and significant investment deals secured during Prime Minister Modi's recent foreign visits. These engagements underscore India's growing influence and trusted partnership status worldwide.

Odisha leads India with 34 operationalized mineral blocks out of a national total of 101 since 2015, showcasing the success of reforms in transparent resource allocation. These operational mines, including significant iron ore and limestone deposits, are boosting domestic output and reducing import dependence.

Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi urged the Odisha Mining Corporation (OMC) to expand its operations nationwide and explore new mining opportunities. He emphasized balancing commercial activities with environmental protection and community welfare. The CM also highlighted the OMC's role in economic development and its potential in extracting critical base metals for future industries.

US Secretary of the Treasury, Scott Bessent, on Wednesday, praised Japan's economic resilience and highlighted the importance of economic security during meetings with senior Japanese leaders on Tuesday as part of his Asia visit. The visit came ahead of US President Donald Trump's upcoming summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing from May 13-15.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni welcomed Narendra Modi to Rome for discussions aimed at elevating bilateral ties to a special strategic partnership. The visit focuses on strengthening cooperation, particularly through the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), and includes plans for annual summits and a trade target of 20 billion euros by 2029.

A diesel shortage, exacerbated by West Asia tensions, has significantly impacted chromite mining in Sukinda Valley, India's primary source of the mineral. Operations have scaled down, affecting thousands of workers and threatening smaller mines with closure due to dwindling fuel stocks. Daily diesel needs are currently unmet, directly reducing output.

Prime Minister Modi wrapped up his tour in Sweden with a monumental advancement in India-Sweden relations, officially turning it into a Strategic Partnership. Highlights of this collaboration include a detailed action plan for the upcoming years (2026-2030) and a groundbreaking partnership on AI and quantum computing.

President Trump's visit to China is overshadowed by the Iran War, which has disrupted global energy supplies and impacted his approval ratings. While trade and Taiwan remain on the agenda, the protracted conflict in Iran presents a significant challenge, with the US struggling to achieve its war aims and facing a decline in superpower status.

The government remains committed to reforms and policy certainty, aiming for macroeconomic stability and global competitiveness, according to Principal Secretary Shaktikanta Das. He urged Indian businesses to build resilience by strengthening balance sheets, diversifying markets, and investing in R&D. Recent FTAs are expected to boost integration into global value chains.

US President Trump's China visit yielded trade and investment pacts, including Boeing aircraft and agricultural deals. Both nations agreed on Iran's nuclear non-proliferation and Strait of Hormuz access. Notably, Taiwan, a key discussion point, was omitted from the White House fact sheet, despite Trump hinting at reconsidering arms sales.