UPSC – CSE Prelims 2023
GEOGRAPHY – RESOURCES
1. Consider the following statements:
Statement-I: India, despite having uranium deposits, depends on coal for most of its electricity production.
Statement-II: Uranium, enriched to the extent of at least 60%, is required for the production of electricity.
Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?
(a) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is the correct explanation for Statement-I
(b) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is not the correct explanation for Statement-I
(c) Statement-I is correct but Statement-II is incorrect
(d) Statement-I is incorrect but Statement-II is correct
Answer: (c) Statement-I is correct but Statement-II is incorrect.
Statement-I: India, despite having uranium deposits, depends on coal for most of its electricity production: This statement is correct. India does have significant uranium deposits, but its reliance on coal for electricity production is higher compared to uranium. Coal continues to be the primary source of energy for electricity generation in India due to its abundant availability and existing infrastructure.
Statement-II: Uranium, enriched to the extent of at least 60%, is required for the production of electricity: This statement is incorrect. While uranium is used as a fuel for nuclear power generation, the level of enrichment required for electricity production is not fixed at 60%. The enrichment level can vary depending on the type of reactor and its design. Typically, for light-water reactors, the enrichment level is around 3-5% uranium-235, not 60%.
GEOGRAPHY – RESOURCES
2. Ilmenite and rutile, abundantly available in certain coastal tracts of India, are of which one of the rich sources following?
(a) Aluminum
(b) Copper
(c) Iron
(d) Titanium
Ans: D
India is endowed with large resources of heavy minerals which occur mainly along coastal stretches of the country and also in inland placers.
Heavy mineral sands comprise a group of seven minerals, viz, ilmenite, leucoxene (brown ilmenite), rutile, zircon, sillimanite, garnet and monazite. Ilmenite (FeO.TiO2 ) and rutile (TiO2 ) are the two chief minerals of titanium.
Hence, option D is correct.
GEOGRAPHY – RESOURCES
3. Consider the following statements:
- Carbon fibers are used in the Manufacture of components used in automobiles and aircrafts.
- Carbon fibers once used cannot be recycled.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: (a) 1 only
Carbon fibers are used in the manufacture of components used in automobiles and aircraft: This statement is correct. Carbon fibers have excellent strength-to-weight ratio and are widely used in various industries, including automotive and aerospace. They are used to manufacture components such as body panels, frames, wings, and other structural parts in automobiles and aircraft due to their lightweight and high strength properties.
Carbon fibers once used cannot be recycled: This statement is incorrect. Carbon fibers can be recycled, although the recycling process is more complex compared to other materials. The recycling of carbon fiber composites involves methods such as pyrolysis or solvent-based processes to break down the resin matrix and recover the carbon fibers. Recycling carbon fibers helps to reduce waste and environmental impact by reusing the valuable carbon fiber material.
Therefore, only statement 1 is correct, and the Answer : is (a) 1 only.
UPSC – CSE Prelims 2022
GEOGRAPHY – RESOURCES
1. Consider the following States:
- Andhra Pradesh
- Kerala
- Himachal Pradesh
- Tripura
How many of the above are generally known as tea-producing states?
(a) Only one States
(b) Only two States
(c) Only three States
(d) All four States
Ans. C
Context: Tea producing states
Kerala, Tripura and Himachal Pradesh are among top 10 tea producing states in India.
UPSC – CSE Prelims 2020
GEOGRAPHY – RESOURCES
1. Consider the following minerals:
- Bentonite
- Chromite
- Kyanite
- Sillimanite
In India, which of the above is/are officially designated as major minerals?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 4 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 2, 3 and 4 only
Ans: (d)
Explanation:
UPSC – CSE Prelims 2019
GEOGRAPHY – RESOURCES
1. With Reference to the management of minor minerals in India, consider the following statements:
- Sand is a ‘minor mineral’ according to the prevailing law in the country.
- State Governments have the power to grant mining leases of minor minerals, but the powers regarding the formation of rules related to the grant of minor minerals lie with the Central Government.
- State Governments have the power to frame rules to prevent illegal mining of minor minerals.
Which of the Statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 3 only
(b) 2 and 3 Only
(c) 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Ans: (a)