Question of the Day – SCHEME TO PROMOTE MANUFACTURING OF SINTERED RARE EARTH PERMANENT MAGNETS (REPM)
QOTD April 25,2026
Consider the following statements regarding the Scheme to Promote Manufacturing of Sintered Rare Earth Permanent Magnets (REPM)
- It aims to reduce India’s dependence on imports of rare earth magnets
- Rare earth permanent magnets are essential for electric vehicles and wind turbines
- The scheme discourages domestic production in favor of imports
Which of the above statements are correct
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (a) 1 and 2 only
Explanation:
Statement 1 is correct
The scheme focuses on building domestic capacity and reducing reliance on imports particularly from limited global suppliers
Statement 2 is correct
REPMs are critical components in EV motors wind turbines and various electronic devices
Statement 3 is incorrect
The scheme promotes domestic manufacturing not imports
Why in news–
India has recently focused on strengthening its critical mineral supply chains and reducing import dependence, especially for rare earth elements used in clean energy and electronics. In this context, the Scheme to Promote Manufacturing of Sintered Rare Earth Permanent Magnets (REPM) has been introduced to boost domestic production, support industries like electric vehicles and renewable energy, and align with initiatives such as Make in India.
There are more questions from this topic that you should practice to make your concepts stronger.
Practice Questions (PQ)
PQ1.Consider the following statements
- Rare earth elements are abundantly available and evenly distributed globally
- Sintered rare earth magnets have high magnetic strength and efficiency
- These magnets are crucial for energy transition technologies
Which of the statements are correct
(a) 2 and 3 only
(b) 1 and 2 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer : (a) 2 and 3 only
Explanation:
Statement 1 is incorrect
Rare earth elements are unevenly distributed and concentrated in a few countries
Statement 2 is correct
Sintered magnets provide strong and stable magnetic properties
Statement 3 is correct
They are widely used in EVs wind energy and other clean technologies
PQ2. Consider the following statements regarding rare earth elements
- They include a group of 17 elements in the periodic table
- They are used in defense electronics and communication systems
- India has no reserves of rare earth elements
Which of the statements are correct
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (a) 1 and 2 only
Explanation:
Statement 1 is correct
Rare earth elements consist of 15 lanthanides along with scandium and yttrium
Statement 2 is correct
They are critical for defense electronics communication and high tech devices
Statement 3 is incorrect
India does possess rare earth reserves though processing capacity is limited
PQ3.Consider the following statements
- Supply chain concentration of rare earths poses strategic risks
- Permanent magnets made from rare earths are used in conventional internal combustion engines only
- Government schemes aim to promote self reliance in critical minerals
Which of the statements are correct
(a) 1 and 3 only
(b) 1 and 2 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (a) 1 and 3 only
Explanation:
Statement 1 is correct
Dependence on a few countries creates geopolitical and economic risks
Statement 2 is incorrect
These magnets are mainly used in EVs wind turbines and electronics not limited to conventional engines
Statement 3 is correct
Government policies emphasize self reliance in critical mineral supply chains
Previous Year Question (UPSC Prelims)
Consider the following statements regarding rare earth elements
- They are essential for manufacturing high technology devices
- They are found only in China
- They are important for renewable energy technologies
Which of the statements are correct
(a) 1 and 3 only
(b) 1 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (a) 1 and 3 only
Explanation:
Statement 1 is correct
Rare earth elements are crucial for electronics magnets and advanced technologies
Statement 2 is incorrect
Although China dominates production rare earths are found in several countries
Statement 3 is correct
They are widely used in clean energy technologies such as wind turbines and EVs
