UPSC Prelims 2013 · GS Paper I
Question 61: Geography
Which of the following is/are the characteristic/characteristics of Indian coal?
- 1.High ash content
- 2.Low sulphur content
- 3.Low ash fusion temperature
Select the correct answer using the codes given below.
AnswerUPSC’s answer is (a).
Indian coal is mostly of Gondwana origin and is typically high in ash, often well above 30 per cent, which lowers its heating value, and low in sulphur, which is good for emissions. Its ash typically fuses at high temperatures, not low ones, so statement 3 is wrong. Statements 1 and 2 are the characteristics usually cited.
- 1. Indian coal has high ash content.
- 2. Indian coal is low in sulphur.
- 3. Indian coal ash has a high fusion temperature.
How you could have got this
- If you were sure statement 1 is correct, (b) goes: it leaves 1 out.
What you needed to know: Indian coal has high ash content.
- Then, if you were sure statement 3 is not correct, (c) and (d) go: each of them includes 3.
What you needed to know: Indian coal ash has a high fusion temperature.
Only (a) is left. You didn’t need statement 2.
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. High ash and low sulphur are typical of Indian coal.
- (b) Wrong. High ash content is also characteristic.
- (c) Wrong. Ash fusion temperature is high, not low.
- (d) Wrong. Statement 3 is false.
Answer: UPSC’s key. Explanation: written by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.
Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2013, General Studies Paper I, Series A. The paper on upsc.gov.in.