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Shoham TeberiwalAIR 77· 2023

Question Q15GS1GS1

With the growing demand for rare earth elements, their distribution has become a critical aspect of the global economy. Discuss the distribution of rare earth elements across the world, their uses, and the environmental impact of their extraction.

Open scan (p.33)

Main Body

Rare earth elements (REE) refer to 17 elements which lanthanide series and scandium and yttrium. Their demand has been increasing significantly given their multiplex uses, but constrained supply.

Global distribution:

[Diagram showing world map with distribution of REE across continents]

Major countries include China, Russia, Australia, African countries like

Congo, countries in South America like Chile, Bolivia, Argentina and some parts of North America.

Uses:

1Used in making automobiles, factory equipments, (part of IEC 4.0)
2Significant in telecom and digital revolution with uses in computers, mobiles, sophisticated chip design etc.
3Defence manufacturing also uses PEE
4Useful in medicine sector (eg: useful in MFI, X-ray machines)
5Its magnetic, electrical, thermal properties make them very useful for use across sectors

Environmental impact:

1They are present in small traces in limited quantity, hence their

[End of previous page] limited quantity, hence their extraction causes environmental degradation. Since they are associated with radioactive elements like thorium, their extraction causes pollution and health hazards. Large scale mining causes deforestation, habitat destruction, water pollution leading to ecological imbalance.

2DJ helped to establish a puppet government in form of Mir Jafar
3Got financial resources after winning battle (war indemnity)
4Got zamindari rights in 24 paragana district
5Provision for free trading for company

Battle of Buxar:

Mohd Siraj formed a coalition with Awaleh Siraj and Mir Qasim Mughal emperor, but they failed against British resulting in battle of Allahabad.

5Establishment of dual government
6Even Mughal ruler was defeated & made a mere pensioner
6Awaleh was created as buffer state
6Forced Mughals pay was indemnity
6Mirzamat functions were given to Bengal Nawabs without any other power.

6 forced Mughals pay was indemnity

6 Mirzamat functions were given to Bengal Nawabs without any other power.

Thus, we find that Battle of Buxar strengthened British stronghold over Bengal and eventually over India. After diminishing French in Battle of Wandiwash and major powers in both Bengal, Awaleh & provincial Mughal empire, British turned their face towards south in Mysore, Maratha and finally in Panjab & Sindh to create a all India empire.

355 words7 paragraphs

Diagram

World map showing global distribution of rare earth elements across continents with country labels

  • Clearly defines what rare earth elements are
  • Identifies major producers
  • Acknowledges supply-demand imbalance
  • Comprehensive list of uses across multiple sectors
  • Mentions specific applications and technologies
  • Connects to Industry 4.0 and digital transformation
  • Identifies association with radioactive elements
  • Covers multiple environmental impacts
  • Explains chain reaction of environmental damage
  • Covers multiple key battles and their consequences
  • Lists specific outcomes and agreements
  • Connects political and economic impacts
  • Provides broad overview of British territorial expansion
  • Connects multiple regions and campaigns
  • Shows chronological progression of consolidation

Topper

Shoham Teberiwal

AIR 772023

Subject & Paper

GS1GS1

Topic

Distribution of Key Natural Resources across the world

Distribution of Key Natural Resources across the world

Rare earth elements distribution and uses

Writing Stats

355

Total words

7

Paragraphs

Academic, bullet-point style

Tone