UPSC Prelims 2003 · General Studies
Question 23: Economy and Social Development
Consider the following statements:
- 1.Molasses is a by-product of sugar production process.
- 2.Bagasse obtained in the sugar mills is used as a fuel in the boilers to generate steam for the sugar factories.
- 3.Sugar can only be produced from sugarcane as the raw material.
Which of these statements are correct?
AnswerThe answer is (a).
Molasses is the thick syrup left after the sugar crystals are separated, so it is a by-product of sugar making. Bagasse, the fibrous residue of crushed cane, is burned in mill boilers to raise steam and power the factory. Sugar is not made only from sugarcane: sugar beet is the other major source, and much of Europe's sugar comes from it. So statements 1 and 2 are right and 3 is wrong.
- 1. Molasses is left over after sugar crystallisation.
- 2. Bagasse is burned in the mill's boilers to make steam.
- 3. Sugar beet is also a raw material for sugar.
How you could have got this
- If you were sure statement 3 is not correct, (b), (c) and (d) go: each of them includes 3.
What you needed to know: Sugar beet is also a raw material for sugar.
The red flag in statement 3 is “only”. In UPSC’s papers, statements with “only” were true 27% of the time (82 statements). A hint, not a rule.
Only (a) is left. You didn’t need statements 1 or 2.
This follows an unofficial answer: UPSC has not published its key for this year, and if that answer is wrong, so is this path.
Which options go is worked out from UPSC’s key and the options, not by a model.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Correct: statements 1 and 2.
- (b) Statement 3 is false because sugar beet also yields sugar.
- (c) Statement 3 is false, so 1 and 3 cannot be right.
- (d) Statement 3 is false; sugar also comes from beet.
Explanation: written by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.
Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2003, General Studies. UPSC's own paper isn't online; the words are from a published compilation. The paper on upsc.gov.in.