India Launches First-Ever State Mining Readiness Index

Current Context: On 16 Oct 2025, the Ministry of Mines launched India’s first State Mining Readiness Index (SMRI), announced in the Union Budget 2025–26.

• It benchmarks states on auction performance, mine operationalisation, exploration, sustainability, and governance.
• States are grouped into Category A, B, and C based on mineral endowment.
• Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Gujarat topped Category A; Goa, UP, Assam led Category B; Uttarakhand, Punjab, Tripura topped Category C.
• Top states in each category will receive ₹100 crore incentives under SASCI 2025–26.
• The index aims to boost reforms, transparency, and competitiveness in India’s mining sector.

Question:

Q.1 Which states topped Category A in the State Mining Readiness Index (SMRI) 2025–26?
a) Goa, UP, Assam
b) Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Gujarat
c) Uttarakhand, Punjab, Tripura
d) Maharashtra, Bihar, Odisha

Answer: b) Category A includes states with rich mineral endowments. Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Gujarat were top performers in SMRI 2025–26 for mining performance and governance.