Approach: Evaluate the statements based on the technological utility, global production statistics, recent Indian policy initiatives, and the scientific definition of Rare Earth Elements (REEs).
- **Correct Answer:** (a) 1 and 3 only
- **Statement 1 is correct:** REEs possess unique magnetic, luminescent, and electrochemical properties, making them indispensable for high-tech applications like AI hardware, robotics, electric vehicle motors, and aerospace components.
- **Statement 3 is correct:** The National Critical Mineral Mission (NCMM) was launched by the Government of India in 2025 to ensure a secure supply chain, promote domestic exploration, and reduce import dependency for minerals critical to the energy transition.
- **Why other statements are incorrect:**
- **Statement 2 is incorrect:** While China is the dominant global producer of REEs, India is not the second-largest producer. Countries like the United States, Australia, and Myanmar hold significantly larger shares of global REE mining output compared to India.
- **Statement 4 is incorrect:** Rare Earth Elements consist of **17 metallic elements**—specifically the 15 lanthanides on the periodic table, plus scandium and yttrium, which share similar chemical properties.
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