Critical Minerals
Critical minerals are elements that are the building blocks of essential modern-day technologies, and are at risk of supply chain disruptions.
The lack of availability of these minerals or the concentration of extraction or processing in a few geographical locations could potentially lead to supply chain vulnerabilities and even disruption of supplies.
Different countries have their own unique lists of critical minerals based on their specific circumstances and priorities.
A total of 30 minerals were found to be most critical: Antimony, Beryllium, Bismuth, Cobalt, Copper, Gallium, Germanium, Graphite, Hafnium, Indium, Lithium, Molybdenum, Niobium, Nickel, PGE, Phosphorous, Potash, REE, Rhenium, Silicon, Strontium, Tantalum, Tellurium, Tin, Titanium, Tungsten, Vanadium, Zirconium, Selenium and Cadmium.
Lunarcrete
Lunarcrete is an umbrella term for 'concrete made on the moon'.
It is a proposed construction material made using lunar regolith (Moon soil) as the primary aggregate instead of Earth-based sand and gravel.
Purpose: It supports in-situ resource utilization (ISRU) by enabling construction of habitats, landing pads and roads on the Moon without transporting materials from Earth.
Significance
It can provide radiation shielding, protection from micrometeorites and thermal insulation for long-duration human presence.
It is seen to be crucial for future lunar missions and permanent bases under programmes like Artemis and aligns with emerging space infrastructure technologies.
Satellite Spectrum
Satellite spectrum refers to the radio frequencies used for satellite communications.
These frequencies enable satellite-based systems to transmit data and signals between satellites in orbit and ground stations.
Unlike terrestrial spectrum, satellite spectrum operates without national territorial limits and is managed globally by the International Telecommunications Union (ITU).
Satellite spectrum is divided into different frequency bands, each suited for specific types of communication.
Neurotechnology
It refers to tools that directly interact with the brain by recording or influencing neural activity, enabling new ways to study, repair or enhance brain function.
Central to this field are Brain-Computer Interfaces (BCIs), which decode brain signals to control devices like cursors, wheelchairs or robotic arms through either non-invasive sensors or implanted electrodes.
BCIs support diagnostics, neuroprosthetics and treatments for conditions such as paralysis, depression and Parkinson's disease.
While experiments have shown brain-to-brain communication in animals, human uses remain largely therapeutic, with future enhancement or military applications raising significant ethical concerns.
Nuclear Energy
Nuclear energy is the energy released during nuclear reactions, either through fission (splitting of atomic nuclei) or fusion (merging of atomic nuclei).
In nuclear fission, heavy atomic nuclei, such as those of uranium or plutonium, are split into lighter nuclei, releasing a large amount of energy.
This process is utilized in nuclear power plants to generate electricity.
Rock Cycle
A continuous process through which old rocks are transformed into new ones.
Igneous rocks are primary rocks and other rocks (sedimentary and metamorphic) form from these primary rocks.
Igneous rocks can be changed into metamorphic rocks. Fragments derived out of these rocks form into sedimentary rocks.
Sedimentary rocks themselves can turn into fragments and the fragments can be a source for formation of new sedimentary rocks.
Crustal rocks (igneous, metamorphic and sedimentary) once formed may be carried down into the mantle and the same melt down due to increase in temperature and turn into molten magma, the original source for igneous rocks.
