In News:

In a recent geopolitical development, Pakistan has reportedly discovered a significant deposit of Antimony in the Balochistan region — an area marred by conflict and instability. This finding holds both economic and strategic significance, given the growing global demand for rare and critical minerals.

About Antimony

• Chemical Element: Antimony (Symbol: Sb, Atomic Number: 51) is a metalloid, meaning it exhibits properties of both metals and non-metals.
• Physical Properties:
  • Solid at room temperature.
  • Poor conductor of heat and electricity.
  • Found in commercial forms such as ingots, broken pieces, granules, and cast cakes.

Geological Occurrence

• Primary Ore: The chief ore of Antimony is Stibnite (Sb?S?).
• Mode of Occurrence: Found in volcanic-associated deposits and deep-seated veins, formed under moderate to high temperature and pressure.
• Also commonly obtained as a byproduct from lead-zinc-silver mining operations.

Global Production Landscape

• China is the dominant global producer, accounting for over 88% of world production.
• Other notable producers include Russia, Bolivia, and Tajikistan.
• India currently does not have significant reserves or production of Antimony, making it dependent on imports for industrial use.

Key Industrial and Strategic Uses

• Electronics Industry:Used in manufacturing semiconductors, infrared detectors, and diodes.
• Alloys:
  • Alloyed with lead and other metals to increase hardness and strength.
  • Lead-antimony alloys are extensively used in lead-acid batteries.
• Defense and Printing:Utilized in the production of bullets, type metal for printing, and cable sheathing.
• Flame-Retardants and Ceramics:Antimony compounds are key ingredients in flame-retardant materials, as well as in paints, enamels, glass, and pottery.

In News:

An ancient Sanskrit inscription found in Gilgit (PoK) was decoded by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).

About the Inscription:

• Location:
  • Gilgit (PoK): Written in Brahmi script, dating back to 4th century CE.
  • Peshawar (Pakistan): Written in Sharada script, dating to 10th century CE.
• Details of Gilgit Inscription:
  • Mentions Pushpasingha, who installed a Mahesvaralinga for the merit of his guru.
  • Written in Brahmi script, which was prevalent during the 4th century CE.
  • Religious Context: Indicates significant religious connection, particularly with Shaivism.
• Details of Peshawar Inscription:
  • Fragmentary: Engraved on a slab.
  • Written in Sharada characters (10th century CE).
  • Mentions Buddhist Dharini (chants), particularly referring to Da (Dha) rini in line six.
  • The inscription is partially damaged, and further details are unclear.
• Earlier Discoveries:
  • This is not the first Sanskrit inscription decoded from Pakistan. In the past, Sanskrit inscriptions have been found in various parts of Pakistan.
  • Swat Valley: Known for numerous Buddhist rock inscriptions in Sanskrit using Nagari script, which were part of the Gupta Empire (circa 240–550 CE).
• Religious and Cultural Implications:
  • The Gilgit inscription provides evidence of Shaivism as a prominent religious practice in the region during the 4th century CE.
  • The Peshawar inscription suggests Buddhist influences, particularly related to Buddhist chants and rituals.
  • Swat Valley's Role: The inscriptions found here highlight its importance as a center of Buddhist learning and cultural exchange.