Reserves of lithium, a rare mineral that is used in the manufacture of aircraft, medicines and batteries that power electronic gadgets and electric cars, were discovered in India for the first time. 5.9 million tonnes of lithium were discovered by the Geological Survey of India in the Reasi district of Jammu and Kashmir in February. India has been dependent on Argentina and Australia for the import of the mineral so far. However, this discovery could be beneficial for India as it could ease the shift to the use of electrical vehicles in a bid to reduce carbon emissions.