The term 'black mass', discussed at the critical minerals recycling seminar, refers to what?
- A.Coal dust left after washing coal
- B.Residue from crude oil refining
- C.Silt removed from river beds
- D.Material recovered from spent lithium-ion batteries
Correct answer
Explanation
The correct answer is Material recovered from spent lithium-ion batteries. When used lithium-ion batteries are collected, dismantled and shredded, the result is a dark powder called black mass. It contains valuable metals such as lithium, cobalt, nickel and manganese, along with graphite, which can be extracted by further processing. One of the technical sessions at the seminar dealt with lithium-ion battery metal recovery and the export of black mass.
The other options are distractors taken from other industries. Coal dust and refinery residue have nothing to do with critical minerals recycling, and river silt is unrelated. The issue of black mass matters because if it is simply exported, the valuable metals are recovered abroad; processing it within the country keeps those critical minerals in the domestic supply chain, which is the goal of the circular economy approach.
Read the full article: Mines Ministry Launches Concept Paper on Critical Mineral Recycling
Practice Questions
What did the Ministry of Mines launch at the National Seminar on India's Critical Minerals Recycling Ecosystem and Circular Economy on 21 September 2026?
- A.A critical minerals trading exchange
- B.Concept Paper on Critical Mineral Recycling Ecosystem
- C.New E-Waste (Management) Rules
- D.A list of new critical mineral blocks for auction
Show answer
At the seminar in New Delhi, the Union Ministers launched this paper, which outlines a strategic framework for strengthening critical mineral recycling in India.
Read the full explanation →The Ministry of Mines organised the national seminar on critical minerals recycling in collaboration with which body?
- A.Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry
- B.Materials Recycling Association of India
- C.Confederation of Indian Industry
- D.Indian Bureau of Mines
Show answer
The day-long National Seminar on "India's Critical Minerals Recycling Ecosystem and Circular Economy" was organised by the Ministry of Mines in collaboration with MRAI, an industry body of recyclers.
Read the full explanation →Which state received the largest amount in this instalment of tax devolution?
- A.Maharashtra
- B.Bihar
- C.Uttar Pradesh
- D.West Bengal
Show answer
In the state-wise break-up published with the release, Uttar Pradesh was allotted the largest amount of the Rs 1,09,019 crore shared among twenty-eight states, which follows from its being the biggest claimant on the states' share of central taxes.
Read the full explanation →Why did the Union Government advance the November instalment of tax devolution?
- A.Because the Finance Commission's term was ending
- B.In view of the festive season and to help states accelerate capital spending
- C.To offset a shortfall in GST compensation
- D.Because states had failed to meet borrowing limits
Show answer
The Ministry of Finance said the early transfer would also let states finance expenditure related to development and welfare.
Read the full explanation →How much tax devolution did the Union Government release to state governments on 5 November 2026?
- A.Rs 89,086 crore
- B.Rs 1,09,019 crore
- C.Rs 1,78,173 crore
- D.Rs 2,09,019 crore
Show answer
This was the regular instalment of tax devolution that the Union Government transferred to the state governments, and it was released on 5 November 2026.
Read the full explanation →