Mains Practice Questions for the Day
- Q. Helium is emerging as a strategic resource for future technologies. Discuss its importance and examine the vulnerabilities in the global helium supply chain in the context of China’s recent export ban.
- Q. Hydrogen-powered trains can contribute to India’s green mobility transition, but their large-scale adoption faces technological and infrastructural challenges. Discuss.
Q. Helium is emerging as a strategic resource for future technologies. Discuss its importance and examine the vulnerabilities in the global helium supply chain in the context of China’s recent export ban.
(UPSC GS Paper III: Science and Technology, Critical Minerals/Strategic Resources)
Introduction:
China’s temporary ban on helium exports in July 2026 has highlighted the growing strategic importance of helium in the global technology economy. Though China produces only around 1.6% of global helium and imports more than 80% of its own requirement, the move comes at a time when global helium supply is already under pressure due to Russian export restrictions and tensions in West Asia.
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Why Helium is Strategically Important
- Critical for future technologies: Helium is essential for semiconductors, quantum computers, MRI machines, optical fibres and space missions.
- Ultra-low cooling: Its boiling point is around -269°C, making it useful for cooling MRI magnets, quantum devices and semiconductor wafers.
- Chemically inert: Since helium does not react easily, it is safe for sensitive scientific and industrial processes.
- Space technology: Agencies such as ISRO, NASA and SpaceX use helium to pressurise rocket fuel tanks.
- Leak detection: Its small atomic size allows it to detect tiny leaks in precision engineering systems.
Global Supply Vulnerabilities
- Concentrated production: The U.S. supplies around 43% of global helium, while Qatar supplies around 33%, especially to Asia.
- Geopolitical risks: Qatar-linked supply is vulnerable because it depends on movement through the Strait of Hormuz, a region affected by West Asian tensions.
- Russian restrictions: Russian helium exports require high-level approval through 2027, adding supply uncertainty.
- Loss of buffer: The U.S. privatised its Federal Helium Reserve in 2024, reducing its ability to stabilise supply shocks.
- China’s export ban: China may be trying to preserve helium for its domestic chip industry and medical sector.
Why Storage and Transport are Difficult
- Helium liquefies only at -269°C, requiring expensive cryogenic systems.
- It can be transported only in vacuum-jacketed stainless-steel vessels, made by very few companies globally.
- If delayed, helium can boil off into the atmosphere, causing wastage.
Conclusion:
- Helium is no longer just an industrial gas; it is a strategic input for technological sovereignty. India must diversify imports, promote helium recycling, explore domestic recovery and build strategic reserves to support its semiconductor, space, healthcare and quantum technology ambitions.
Q. Hydrogen-powered trains can contribute to India’s green mobility transition, but their large-scale adoption faces technological and infrastructural challenges. Discuss.
Introduction:
Hydrogen-powered trains use hydrogen fuel cells to generate electricity by combining hydrogen with oxygen. India’s first hydrogen train on the Jind-Sonipat route marks an important step towards low-emission rail transport and green mobility.
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Significance
- They can reduce dependence on diesel-powered trains.
- They support India’s broader energy transition and clean transport goals.
- Hydrogen trains are useful on routes where full electrification may be costly.
- They produce mainly water vapour and heat, reducing local emissions.
- They can promote India’s emerging hydrogen economy and clean technology ecosystem.
- Domestic participation by companies such as Medha can support Make in India in railway propulsion.
Challenges
- Hydrogen is highly flammable and must be stored at 200–500 bar.
- Fueling stations and storage systems require high investment.
- Green hydrogen production is still limited and costly.
- Fuel cell technology remains expensive and partly import-dependent.
- Hydrogen transportation is technically difficult.
- Electrification may remain cheaper and more efficient on high-traffic routes.
Way Forward
- Use hydrogen trains first on short and non-electrified routes.
- Develop indigenous fuel cells and storage technologies.
- Expand green hydrogen production.
- Frame strict safety standards for hydrogen rail operations.
- Compare life-cycle costs with diesel and electric trains.
Conclusion:
Hydrogen trains are not an immediate replacement for electric railways, but they can become an important clean transport option in selected corridors. Their success will depend on safety, cost reduction, green hydrogen supply and indigenous technology development.
