2012 GS Paper I, all questions

UPSC Prelims 2012 · GS Paper I

Question 86: Geography

Recently, there has been a concern over the short supply of a group of elements called 'rare earth metals'. Why?

  1. 1.China, which is the largest producer of these elements, has imposed some restrictions on their export.
  2. 2.Other than China, Australia, Canada and Chile, these elements are not found in any country.
  3. 3.Rare earth metals are essential for the manufacture of various kinds of electronic items and there is a growing demand for these elements.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

a1 only
b2 and 3 only
c1 and 3 only
d1, 2 and 3

AnswerUPSC’s answer is (c).

Rare earth metals are 17 elements used in electronics, magnets, batteries and clean-energy equipment. China produces most of them and has restricted exports, while demand keeps growing, so supply is short. They occur in several other countries too, including India, the United States, Russia and Brazil, so the statement that they are found only in China, Australia, Canada and Chile is wrong.

  • 1. China is the largest producer and has imposed export restrictions.
  • 2. Rare earths are found in many other countries, including India.
  • 3. They are essential in electronics and demand is growing.

How you could have got this

  1. If you were sure statement 2 is not correct, (b) and (d) go: each of them includes 2.

    What you needed to know: Rare earths are found in many other countries, including India.

  2. Then, if you were sure statement 3 is correct, (a) goes: it leaves 3 out.

    What you needed to know: They are essential in electronics and demand is growing.

Only (c) is left. You didn’t need statement 1.

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) Incomplete: growing demand for electronics is also a reason.
  • (b) Wrong: statement 2 is false, since the elements occur in other countries too.
  • (c) Correct: Chinese export restrictions and growing demand.
  • (d) Wrong: statement 2 is false.

Answer: UPSC’s key. Explanation: written by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.

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Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2012, General Studies Paper I, Series A. The paper on upsc.gov.in.