UPSC Prelims 2016 · CSAT
Question 23: Reading Comprehension
In the context of using biomass, which of the following is/are the characteristic/characteristics of the sustainable production of biofuel ?
- 1.Biomass as a fuel for power generation could meet all the primary energy requirements of the world by 2050
- 2.Biomass as a fuel for power generation does not necessarily disrupt food and forest resources
- 3.Biomass as a fuel for power generation could help in achieving negative emissions, given certain nascent technologies
Select the correct answer using the code given below :
AnswerUPSC’s answer is (c).
Sustainable production means biomass use that stays within limits. The passage says models project about a quarter of world primary energy from biomass by 2050 and that this is probably overestimated, so meeting all primary energy needs is wrong (1). It gives a sustainable potential that does not disrupt food and forests (2 valid). Biomass with carbon capture and storage, still unproven, is relied on by some climate models to reach negative emissions (3 valid). So 2 and 3.
- 1. The projected share is about a quarter of primary energy, and even that is probably overestimated.
- 2. A sustainable potential exists without disrupting food and forest resources.
- 3. Some models rely on biomass with carbon capture, still unproven, for negative emissions.
How you could have got this
- If you were sure statement 1 is not correct, (a) and (d) go: each of them includes 1.
What you needed to know: The projected share is about a quarter of primary energy, and even that is probably overestimated.
- Then, if you were sure statement 2 is correct, (b) goes: it leaves 2 out.
What you needed to know: A sustainable potential exists without disrupting food and forest resources.
Only (c) is left. You didn’t need statement 3.
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) Statement 1 overstates; the projected share is about a quarter and likely overestimated.
- (b) Statement 2 is also valid.
- (c) Right: 2 and 3 are supported.
- (d) Statement 1 is false.
Answer: UPSC’s key. Explanation: written by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.
Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2016, General Studies Paper II (CSAT), Series A. The paper on upsc.gov.in.