CV

CHAUDHARY VIPULBHAI KARMANBHAIAIR 115· 2025

Question Q.15GS1GS1

Often called 'white gold', lithium has emerged as a priority metal in achieving the global energy transition. Explain. Also, outline the distribution of lithium in India and the world, and discuss the implications of its uneven availability globally.

Open scan (p.37)

Main Body

In journey of net zero transition, lithium metal has become 'critical and strategic mineral' for entire world.

Importance of lithium in achieving global energy transition:

1Lithium as raw material for electric and semiconductor industry → crucial for electrified vehicle
2Green hydrogen and green technology can be developed with help of lithium battery
3Energy grid and storage → crucial to store renewable energy → can be achieved with help of lithium
4Lithium also helps in "decarbonizing technology" → electricity and transport system
5Battery storage → alternative to existing costly and carbon intensive batteries

Distribution of lithium:

[DIAGRAM: Map showing global lithium distribution with regions marked - USA, Chile, Argentina, Australia, etc. in Western Hemisphere and showing Spodumene forms, Lithium Triangle, and India marked]

Fig. Distribution of lithium + my world [showing major lithium reserves and producing countries]

Implications of uneven distribution:

1Concentrated reserve of lithium → nought of country to dictate norms → import dependency for other country (eg: india is still importing 100%.
2Geopolitical rivalries → disrupt "global supply chain of lithium minerals" → chiefly responsible and dictatorship policy
3Enough of have and have-not → in developing countries → depend on lithium reserve county
4geo-strategic competition where lithium reserve is found → Latin america → become new arena of foreign policy → Argentina cooperation → China's debt trap diplomacy in chile and argentina
5negatively impact on green transition

Study must sustainably explore and exploit lithium reserve found in kashmir region to become 'Hub of lithium manufacture' and champion of green transition

261 words17 paragraphs

Diagram

Map showing global distribution of lithium with marked regions including USA, Chile, Argentina, Australia, and India. Shows Spodumene forms in Rajasthan and Lithium Triangle designation, with major lithium reserves and producing countries labeled.

  • Comprehensive explanation of lithium's role in energy transition
  • Clear structure with labeled sections for importance and implications
  • Includes relevant geopolitical analysis
  • Mentions India-specific context with import dependency
  • Good use of examples (Argentina, Chile, India)
  • Addresses sustainability and manufacturing potential

Topper

CHAUDHARY VIPULBHAI KARMANBHAI

AIR 1152025

Subject & Paper

GS1GS1

Topic

Distribution of Key Natural Resources across the world

Lithium distribution and strategic importance

Lithium as critical mineral for energy transition

Writing Stats

261

Total words

17

Paragraphs

Analytical and formal

Tone