UPSC Prelims 2016 · GS Paper I
Question 62: Economy and Social Development
What is/are the purpose/purposes of ‘District Mineral Foundations’ in India?
- 1.Promoting mineral exploration activities in mineral-rich districts
- 2.Protecting the interests of the persons affected by mining operations
- 3.Authorizing State Governments to issue licences for mineral exploration
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
AnswerUPSC’s answer is (b).
District Mineral Foundations are non-profit bodies set up in mining districts under the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Act, 2015, to work for the interest and benefit of persons and areas affected by mining operations, funded by contributions from mining lease holders. They do not promote exploration and do not authorise States to grant licences.
- 1. DMFs do not promote exploration.
- 2. They protect the interests of people and areas affected by mining.
- 3. Licensing powers of States come from mining laws, not from DMFs.
How you could have got this
- If you were sure statement 1 is not correct, (a), (c) and (d) go: each of them includes 1.
What you needed to know: DMFs do not promote exploration.
Only (b) is left. You didn’t need statements 2 or 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) Promoting mineral exploration is not a DMF purpose.
- (b) Right: protecting the interests of persons affected by mining is the purpose.
- (c) Neither exploration nor licensing authorisation is a DMF purpose.
- (d) Statements 1 and 3 are not DMF purposes.
Answer: UPSC’s key. Explanation: written by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.
Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2016, General Studies Paper I, Series A. The paper on upsc.gov.in.