CURRENT AFFAIRS | MARCH 2026
CLAT Relevance
Key points for GK section: Na-ion vs Li-ion comparison, Pax Silica concept, critical minerals, PLI scheme for ACC batteries, India lithium reserves in J&K — tech GK for CLAT.
Key points for GK section: Na-ion vs Li-ion comparison, Pax Silica concept, critical minerals, PLI scheme for ACC batteries, India lithium reserves in J&K — tech GK for CLAT.
Why Sodium-Ion Batteries Matter
- Sodium-ion (Na-ion) batteries use sodium as charge carrier instead of lithium
- Sodium is 1,000x more abundant than lithium in Earth’s crust
- Sodium available in both Earth’s crust (6th most abundant) and seawater
- Na-ion batteries cost 30-40% less than lithium-ion equivalents
- Reduces dependence on China-controlled lithium supply chains
Key Fact: Pax Silica = the emerging era where abundant elements (sodium, silicon, iron) replace rare minerals (lithium, cobalt) in energy storage — a strategic shift for energy security.
Na-ion vs Li-ion — Comparison
| Parameter | Na-ion | Li-ion |
|---|---|---|
| Raw material cost | Very low | High |
| Abundance | Extremely abundant | Scarce, concentrated |
| Energy density | Lower (120-160 Wh/kg) | Higher (200-260 Wh/kg) |
| Best use | Grid storage, low-speed EVs | EVs, phones, laptops |
| Safety | Better thermal stability | Fire risk at high temps |
| Supply chain risk | Minimal | High (China dominance) |
Critical Mineral Dependency — The Problem
- China controls ~60% of global lithium processing
- China also dominates cobalt, graphite, and rare earth supply chains
- India imports 100% of its lithium requirements
- India discovered lithium reserves in Reasi, Jammu & Kashmir (2023) — estimated 5.9 MT
- Geopolitical risk: Supply disruptions could cripple India’s EV and renewable energy plans
CLAT Angle: PLI scheme outlay (Rs 18,100 crore for ACC batteries), lithium reserves in J&K, China’s supply chain dominance, and EV targets (30% by 2030) are high-value GK questions.
India’s Battery Strategy
- PLI for ACC Batteries: Rs 18,100 crore — 50 GWh manufacturing target
- National Mission on Transformative Mobility: EV adoption roadmap
- FAME II (now PM E-DRIVE): Subsidy scheme for electric vehicles
- EV target: 30% penetration by 2030
- Battery Waste Management Rules 2022: EPR-based recycling framework
- KABIL (Khanij Bidesh India Ltd): Overseas critical mineral acquisition
Global Na-ion Developments
- CATL (China): World’s first commercial Na-ion battery (2023)
- Reliance Industries: Investing in Na-ion technology for India
- BYD (China): Na-ion batteries in low-cost EVs
- Faradion (UK, acquired by Reliance): Leading Na-ion R&D company
- IIT Madras, IISc: Indian research on Na-ion prototypes
Quick Revision Points
- Na-ion uses sodium — 1000x more abundant than lithium
- Pax Silica = abundant materials replacing rare minerals in energy
- Na-ion best for: grid-scale storage
- China controls 60% of lithium processing
- India lithium: Reasi, J&K — 5.9 MT
- PLI for ACC: Rs 18,100 crore
- EV target: 30% by 2030
- CATL (China): first commercial Na-ion battery
Source: UPSC Essentials, The Indian Express — March 2026
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