UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 18 March 2025

Home / UPSC / Current Affairs / Lithium’s role in energy and medicine

Lithium’s role in energy and medicine

Why in News:

PM’s recent US visit led to a collaborative initiative for lithium recovery and processing.

About Lithium

  • Lithium, symbolized as Li, is a silvery-white alkali metal with atomic number 3.
  • Discovered in 1817 by Swedish chemist Johan August Arfvedson in the mineral petalite, lithium has gained prominence for its diverse applications.
  • From energy storage and pharmaceuticals to industrial and nuclear use, lithium is a critical resource shaping the modern world.

Global Lithium Reserves and India's Position

According to the U.S. Geological Survey (2024), the world’s measured and indicated lithium resources have increased to 105 million tons. The largest lithium reserves are found in:

  • The Lithium Triangle (Bolivia, Argentina, Chile) – South America’s prime lithium region.
  • Australia – The world’s leading producer, extracting lithium from hard-rock spodumene deposits.

In India, lithium deposits have been identified in:

    • Reasi, Jammu & Kashmir (high-grade reserves).
    • Mandya, Karnataka (smaller deposits).
    • Ongoing exploration in Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, and Himachal Pradesh.

Lithium’s Role in Medicine: A Historical Perspective

  • Lithium’s medical journey began in 1859, when Alfred Baring Garrod hypothesized its role in dissolving uric acid crystals, suggesting its use for gout treatment.
  • However, its application remained limited due to toxicity and impractical dosing.
  • The breakthrough in psychiatric use came in 1949, when Australian psychiatrist John Cade discovered lithium’s antimanic properties.
  • Cade’s experiments on guinea pigs revealed lithium carbonate’s calming effects, leading to its clinical application in bipolar disorder.

Mechanism of Action and Therapeutic Challenges

Despite decades of use, lithium’s precise mechanism remains unclear. Some hypotheses suggest:

  • Competing with sodium (Na⁺) ions, altering neuronal excitability and neurotransmission.
  • Influencing neurotransmitter activity, particularly dopamine and serotonin pathways.

Limitations & Risks

  • Narrow therapeutic window (0.6–1.2 mEq/L) – Small deviations can cause toxicity.
  • Delayed onset – Requires weeks to show full effects.
  • Toxicity risks – Can cause neurological, renal, cardiac complications, and hypothyroidism.
  • Contraindications – Not used in pregnancy due to potential risks to fetal development.

Lithium vs. Second-Generation Antipsychotics (SGAs)

  • Lithium stabilizes mood by acting at the root of bipolar disorder, affecting sodium-GPCR protein pumps in neurons.
  • SGAs (e.g., Risperidone, Olanzapine) regulate dopamine and serotonin levels, providing faster symptom control and a better safety profile.
  • SGAs are preferred for acute manic episodes, but lithium remains the gold standard for long-term stabilization and suicide prevention.

Current Status of Lithium Exploration in India

  1. Successful Auction in Chhattisgarh
    • Korba district saw India’s first successful lithium auction in June 2024.
    • Maiki South Mining Pvt Ltd won the bid with a 76.05% premium, indicating strong market interest.
    • Exploration Findings: Hard rock lithium deposits identified, with 168–295 ppm concentrations.
  2. Challenges in Other States
    • Manipur (Kamjong district): Exploration halted due to local resistance.
    • Ladakh (Merak block): Disappointing results → NMET suggests dropping the project.
    • Assam (Dhubri & Kokrajhar): No significant findings, NMET advises against further exploration.

Current Status of Lithium Exploration in India

  • The Lithium Triangle refers to a lithium-rich region in South America, encompassing parts of Bolivia, Argentina, and Chile.
  • This region holds over 54% of the world’s lithium reserves, making it the largest lithium source globally.

Current Status of Lithium Exploration in India

  • Key Industrial & Technological Uses
    • Electric Vehicles (EVs): Lithium is essential for EV batteries to support India’s green mobility goals.
    • Renewable Energy Storage: India needs 27 GW of grid-scale battery storage by 2030.
    • Global Demand Surge: EVs expected to reach 2 billion by 2050, leading to a lithium supply crunch.
  • India’s Dependence on Imports
    • Imports 70–80% of lithium and 70% of lithium-ion batteries from China.
    • Geopolitical risks: Heavy dependence on China could affect supply chains amid political tensions.
  • Global Lithium Reserves & Supply Chain Risks
    • 54% of lithium reserves are in Argentina, Bolivia, and Chile (“Lithium Triangle”).
    • World Economic Forum warns of shortages, making domestic exploration crucial for India.

Geopolitical Significance: Who Controls Lithium?

  • China dominates global lithium processing, controlling nearly 60% of the world’s lithium refining.
  • U.S., EU, and India are seeking alternative supply chains to reduce dependence.
  • The Indo-U.S. initiative reflects India’s strategic push toward domestic lithium production and energy security.

178 Responses

  1. This is really interesting, You are a very skilled blogger. I’ve joined your feed and look forward to seeking more of your excellent post. Also, I’ve shared your website in my social networks!

  2. Having read this I thought it was very informative. I appreciate you taking the time and effort to put this article together. I once again find myself spending way to much time both reading and commenting. But so what, it was still worth it!

  3. Nice post. I was checking constantly this blog and I am impressed! Extremely helpful information specially the last part 🙂 I care for such information a lot. I was looking for this particular info for a very long time. Thank you and good luck.

  4. I’m extremely inspired along with your writing abilities and also with the structure on your blog. Is this a paid subject or did you modify it yourself? Anyway stay up the nice quality writing, it’s rare to peer a great weblog like this one nowadays..

  5. I believe that is one of the so much important information for me. And i am happy studying your article. However want to commentary on few normal things, The web site style is ideal, the articles is actually excellent : D. Excellent activity, cheers

  6. What i don’t understood is in reality how you are now not actually a lot more neatly-liked than you may be now. You are very intelligent. You already know therefore significantly in the case of this matter, produced me personally imagine it from a lot of varied angles. Its like men and women don’t seem to be interested except it is one thing to do with Woman gaga! Your own stuffs nice. At all times care for it up!

  7. Hey! I’m at work browsing your blog from my new iphone 4! Just wanted to say I love reading through your blog and look forward to all your posts! Carry on the great work!

  8. Heya are using WordPress for your site platform? I’m new to the blog world but I’m trying to get started and set up my own. Do you require any coding expertise to make your own blog? Any help would be really appreciated!

  9. I like what you guys are up too. Such intelligent work and reporting! Keep up the excellent works guys I?¦ve incorporated you guys to my blogroll. I think it will improve the value of my website 🙂

  10. It’s the best time to make some plans for the future and it’s time to be happy. I have read this put up and if I may I desire to counsel you few interesting things or advice. Perhaps you could write next articles referring to this article. I wish to learn even more things approximately it!

  11. Hi there! This is kind of off topic but I need some advice from an established blog. Is it very difficult to set up your own blog? I’m not very techincal but I can figure things out pretty quick. I’m thinking about setting up my own but I’m not sure where to start. Do you have any points or suggestions? Thank you

  12. After study a number of of the weblog posts on your website now, and I actually like your way of blogging. I bookmarked it to my bookmark website list and can be checking back soon. Pls take a look at my website as effectively and let me know what you think.

  13. My partner and I stumbled over here from a different page and thought I might check things out. I like what I see so now i’m following you. Look forward to going over your web page repeatedly.

  14. After study a few of the blog posts on your website now, and I truly like your way of blogging. I bookmarked it to my bookmark website list and will be checking back soon. Pls check out my web site as well and let me know what you think.

  15. Somebody essentially help to make seriously articles I would state. This is the very first time I frequented your website page and thus far? I surprised with the research you made to make this particular publish amazing. Fantastic job!

  16. Can I just say what a reduction to search out someone who truly knows what theyre speaking about on the internet. You undoubtedly know the best way to bring a problem to light and make it important. Extra people must read this and understand this side of the story. I cant believe youre no more common because you undoubtedly have the gift.

  17. I’m impressed, I need to say. Actually rarely do I encounter a blog that’s both educative and entertaining, and let me let you know, you could have hit the nail on the head. Your concept is excellent; the problem is something that not sufficient individuals are speaking intelligently about. I am very glad that I stumbled across this in my search for something referring to this.

  18. Thanks for another informative blog. Where else could I get that kind of info written in such a perfect way? I’ve a project that I am just now working on, and I have been on the look out for such information.

  19. Thanks for some other informative website. Where else could I am getting that type of info written in such a perfect means? I have a venture that I am simply now running on, and I have been on the look out for such information.

  20. Excellent post. I used to be checking constantly this weblog and I’m inspired! Extremely helpful information specifically the closing part 🙂 I care for such information much. I was looking for this particular information for a very lengthy time. Thanks and best of luck.

  21. Good day I am so thrilled I found your blog, I really found you by accident, while I was researching on Bing for something else, Regardless I am here now and would just like to say cheers for a incredible post and a all round thrilling blog (I also love the theme/design), I don’t have time to go through it all at the minute but I have book-marked it and also added your RSS feeds, so when I have time I will be back to read a great deal more, Please do keep up the excellent work.

  22. Does your blog have a contact page? I’m having trouble locating it but, I’d like to shoot you an e-mail. I’ve got some suggestions for your blog you might be interested in hearing. Either way, great website and I look forward to seeing it grow over time.

  23. Today, I went to the beach front with my children. I found a sea shell and gave it to my 4 year old daughter and said “You can hear the ocean if you put this to your ear.” She placed the shell to her ear and screamed. There was a hermit crab inside and it pinched her ear. She never wants to go back! LoL I know this is entirely off topic but I had to tell someone!

  24. Do you have a spam problem on this website; I also am a blogger, and I was curious about your situation; many of us have created some nice methods and we are looking to swap strategies with other folks, please shoot me an email if interested.

  25. Thanks for every other fantastic post. Where else may anyone get that kind of information in such a perfect way of writing? I have a presentation subsequent week, and I’m on the search for such info.

  26. Enjoyed examining this, very good stuff, regards. “Hereafter, in a better world than this, I shall desire more love and knowledge of you.” by William Shakespeare.

  27. you are really a good webmaster. The website loading speed is amazing. It seems that you are doing any unique trick. Furthermore, The contents are masterpiece. you’ve done a wonderful job on this topic!

  28. Woah! I’m really loving the template/theme of this blog. It’s simple, yet effective. A lot of times it’s tough to get that “perfect balance” between usability and visual appeal. I must say that you’ve done a awesome job with this. Additionally, the blog loads extremely fast for me on Internet explorer. Outstanding Blog!

  29. Some really good information, Gladiolus I discovered this. “Love consists in this, that two solitudes protect and touch and greet each other.” by Rainer Maria Rilke.

  30. I keep listening to the news talk about receiving free online grant applications so I have been looking around for the finest site to get one. Could you advise me please, where could i find some?

  31. I loved as much as you’ll receive carried out right here. The sketch is tasteful, your authored material stylish. nonetheless, you command get bought an nervousness over that you wish be delivering the following. unwell unquestionably come more formerly again as exactly the same nearly a lot often inside case you shield this increase.

  32. Thank you for sharing superb informations. Your website is very cool. I’m impressed by the details that you have on this site. It reveals how nicely you perceive this subject. Bookmarked this website page, will come back for more articles. You, my pal, ROCK! I found just the info I already searched all over the place and just could not come across. What an ideal website.

  33. It’s really a great and useful piece of information. I’m satisfied that you shared this helpful info with us. Please stay us informed like this. Thank you for sharing.

  34. I¦ve been exploring for a little bit for any high-quality articles or blog posts on this sort of area . Exploring in Yahoo I at last stumbled upon this website. Studying this info So i am happy to convey that I’ve a very just right uncanny feeling I found out exactly what I needed. I most certainly will make sure to do not put out of your mind this web site and provides it a look regularly.

  35. I have been exploring for a little bit for any high-quality articles or weblog posts in this kind of house . Exploring in Yahoo I at last stumbled upon this site. Reading this information So i’m happy to exhibit that I have an incredibly excellent uncanny feeling I found out just what I needed. I most definitely will make certain to do not disregard this website and give it a glance on a relentless basis.

  36. I was wondering if you ever considered changing the page layout of your website? Its very well written; I love what youve got to say. But maybe you could a little more in the way of content so people could connect with it better. Youve got an awful lot of text for only having one or 2 images. Maybe you could space it out better?

  37. Nice read, I just passed this onto a colleague who was doing a little research on that. And he just bought me lunch because I found it for him smile Therefore let me rephrase that: Thanks for lunch! “The guy with the biggest stomach will be the first to take off his shirt at a baseball game.” by Glenn Dickey.

  38. I simply couldn’t depart your site before suggesting that I really enjoyed the usual info a person supply in your visitors? Is gonna be again steadily in order to investigate cross-check new posts.

  39. Good V I should definitely pronounce, impressed with your site. I had no trouble navigating through all the tabs as well as related information ended up being truly simple to do to access. I recently found what I hoped for before you know it at all. Quite unusual. Is likely to appreciate it for those who add forums or anything, site theme . a tones way for your customer to communicate. Excellent task..

  40. Wow, incredible weblog format! How lengthy have you been blogging for? you made running a blog look easy. The total glance of your website is excellent, as well as the content material!

  41. Does your blog have a contact page? I’m having a tough time locating it but, I’d like to shoot you an email. I’ve got some suggestions for your blog you might be interested in hearing. Either way, great blog and I look forward to seeing it expand over time.

  42. Have you heard about ThyraFemme Balance? This natural supplement is becoming a sensation among women worldwide because it provides a real, safe, and natural solution for those struggling with hormonal imbalance, slow metabolism, weight gain, fatigue, and lack of energy.

  43. Nice post. I was checking constantly this blog and I am impressed! Extremely helpful information particularly the last part 🙂 I care for such information a lot. I was seeking this certain info for a very long time. Thank you and good luck.

  44. Thank you for the sensible critique. Me & my neighbor were just preparing to do a little research on this. We got a grab a book from our area library but I think I learned more clear from this post. I’m very glad to see such magnificent information being shared freely out there.

  45. I like what you guys are up too. Such intelligent work and reporting! Carry on the excellent works guys I?¦ve incorporated you guys to my blogroll. I think it will improve the value of my web site 🙂

  46. I?¦ll right away seize your rss as I can’t to find your e-mail subscription hyperlink or e-newsletter service. Do you have any? Please allow me recognize in order that I may subscribe. Thanks.

  47. I just like the helpful information you provide for your articles. I will bookmark your blog and take a look at again here frequently. I’m moderately certain I will be told a lot of new stuff right right here! Good luck for the following!

  48. Pretty part of content. I just stumbled upon your blog and in accession capital to assert that I get actually enjoyed account your blog posts. Anyway I’ll be subscribing on your feeds or even I fulfillment you get admission to persistently rapidly.

  49. Thank you for the sensible critique. Me and my neighbor were just preparing to do a little research about this. We got a grab a book from our area library but I think I learned more clear from this post. I am very glad to see such excellent info being shared freely out there.

  50. What i don’t understood is in truth how you are not actually a lot more smartly-favored than you might be now. You are so intelligent. You already know thus considerably when it comes to this subject, produced me in my opinion imagine it from a lot of varied angles. Its like women and men aren’t involved except it?¦s something to do with Girl gaga! Your own stuffs excellent. Always care for it up!

  51. Hiya, I am really glad I have found this information. Today bloggers publish only about gossips and net and this is really irritating. A good web site with exciting content, this is what I need. Thank you for keeping this web site, I’ll be visiting it. Do you do newsletters? Cant find it.

  52. When I initially commented I clicked the “Notify me when new comments are added” checkbox and now each time a comment is added I get several emails with the same comment. Is there any way you can remove me from that service? Thank you!

  53. I like what you guys are up too. Such clever work and reporting! Keep up the superb works guys I have incorporated you guys to my blogroll. I think it’ll improve the value of my web site :).

  54. It¦s really a great and helpful piece of info. I am glad that you simply shared this helpful information with us. Please stay us up to date like this. Thanks for sharing.

  55. I am not certain the place you are getting your information, however great topic. I needs to spend a while studying more or working out more. Thank you for magnificent info I used to be on the lookout for this information for my mission.

  56. I’ve been exploring for a bit for any high-quality articles or blog posts in this kind of house . Exploring in Yahoo I finally stumbled upon this web site. Reading this info So i’m glad to show that I’ve an incredibly excellent uncanny feeling I came upon exactly what I needed. I so much indisputably will make certain to do not omit this site and give it a look regularly.

  57. I’ve been surfing on-line more than 3 hours nowadays, yet I by no means found any interesting article like yours. It is pretty worth enough for me. In my opinion, if all site owners and bloggers made excellent content as you did, the net will be much more helpful than ever before.

  58. I enjoy you because of your entire effort on this site. Ellie delights in participating in investigations and it is obvious why. A lot of people know all about the compelling way you make simple guidelines via the website and even improve participation from other individuals on that issue and my girl is always understanding a lot of things. Take advantage of the rest of the new year. You are always carrying out a good job.

  59. Thanks for the marvelous posting! I actually enjoyed reading it, you’re a great author.I will ensure that I bookmark your blog and will often come back later on. I want to encourage continue your great job, have a nice evening!

  60. I’m still learning from you, as I’m trying to reach my goals. I definitely enjoy reading all that is written on your site.Keep the stories coming. I loved it!

  61. Thanks for ones marvelous posting! I quite enjoyed reading it, you may be a great author.I will ensure that I bookmark your blog and will often come back in the foreseeable future. I want to encourage you to ultimately continue your great job, have a nice evening!

  62. Thanks for the sensible critique. Me & my neighbor were just preparing to do a little research about this. We got a grab a book from our local library but I think I learned more clear from this post. I am very glad to see such excellent info being shared freely out there.

  63. Good day! This is my first comment here so I just wanted to give a quick shout out and say I really enjoy reading your posts. Can you recommend any other blogs/websites/forums that go over the same subjects? Thanks a ton!

  64. It is perfect time to make some plans for the future and it is time to be happy. I have read this post and if I could I desire to suggest you few interesting things or advice. Perhaps you can write next articles referring to this article. I desire to read even more things about it!

  65. Howdy, i read your blog occasionally and i own a similar one and i was just wondering if you get a lot of spam feedback? If so how do you reduce it, any plugin or anything you can recommend? I get so much lately it’s driving me insane so any support is very much appreciated.

  66. Hi just wanted to give you a brief heads up and let you know a few of the images aren’t loading properly. I’m not sure why but I think its a linking issue. I’ve tried it in two different browsers and both show the same outcome.

  67. An interesting discussion is worth comment. I feel that you need to write more on this matter, it may not be a taboo subject but usually persons are not enough to talk on such topics. To the next. Cheers

  68. I really like your blog.. very nice colors & theme. Did you create this website yourself or did you hire someone to do it for you? Plz answer back as I’m looking to design my own blog and would like to know where u got this from. many thanks

  69. Howdy! I know this is kind of off topic but I was wondering if you knew where I could get a captcha plugin for my comment form? I’m using the same blog platform as yours and I’m having trouble finding one? Thanks a lot!

  70. I don’t even know the way I finished up here, but I believed this submit was once great. I do not recognize who you’re but certainly you’re going to a famous blogger if you aren’t already 😉 Cheers!

  71. Hey there! I’ve been following your blog for a while now and finally got the bravery to go ahead and give you a shout out from Dallas Texas! Just wanted to tell you keep up the fantastic job!

  72. I?¦m now not sure where you are getting your information, but good topic. I needs to spend some time studying much more or figuring out more. Thanks for wonderful info I used to be on the lookout for this info for my mission.

  73. Youre so cool! I dont suppose Ive learn something like this before. So nice to search out any person with some authentic thoughts on this subject. realy thank you for beginning this up. this website is one thing that’s needed on the internet, somebody with a bit of originality. useful job for bringing one thing new to the web!

  74. What¦s Going down i’m new to this, I stumbled upon this I’ve discovered It positively useful and it has helped me out loads. I hope to contribute & assist different customers like its helped me. Great job.

  75. With havin so much written content do you ever run into any issues of plagorism or copyright infringement? My website has a lot of completely unique content I’ve either created myself or outsourced but it seems a lot of it is popping it up all over the web without my agreement. Do you know any methods to help prevent content from being stolen? I’d really appreciate it.

  76. I would like to thank you for the efforts you have put in writing this blog. I’m hoping the same high-grade blog post from you in the upcoming as well. In fact your creative writing abilities has encouraged me to get my own blog now. Actually the blogging is spreading its wings fast. Your write up is a great example of it.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Call Us Now !

Copyright © JICE ACADEMY FOR EXCELLENCE PRIVATE LIMITED