UPSC Prelims 2017 · GS Paper I
Question 22: Science and Technology
It is possible to produce algae based biofuels, but what is/are the likely limitation(s) of developing countries in promoting this industry ?
- 1.Production of algae based biofuels is possible in seas only and not on continents.
- 2.Setting up and engineering the algae based biofuel production requires high level of expertise/technology until the construction is completed.
- 3.Economically viable production necessitates the setting up of large scale facilities which may raise ecological and social concerns.
Select the correct answer using the code given below :
AnswerUPSC’s answer is (b).
Algae can be grown in open ponds, closed photobioreactors, wastewater and on land, as well as in the sea, so Statement 1 is wrong. Building a commercial algae-fuel plant demands advanced engineering and technical expertise right up to completion, which developing countries may lack (Statement 2). To be economically viable the production must be large scale, which can raise ecological and social concerns such as land and water use (Statement 3). Remember: algae biofuels are possible on land; the limits are technology and scale.
- 1. Algae can be produced in ponds and reactors on land, not only in seas.
- 2. Setting up such plants needs a high level of technology and expertise.
- 3. Viable production needs large facilities, raising ecological and social concerns.
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: Algae can be produced in ponds and reactors on land, not only in seas.
The red flag in statement 1 is “only”. In UPSC’s papers, statements with “only” were true 27% of the time (82 statements). A hint, not a rule.
- Then, if you were sure statement 2 is correct, (c) goes: it leaves 2 out.
What you needed to know: Setting up such plants needs a high level of technology and expertise.
Only (b) 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) Wrong: statement 1 is false, since algae can be grown on land as well.
- (b) Right: high technology demands and large-scale concerns are the likely limitations.
- (c) Incomplete: the expertise requirement (2) is also a limitation.
- (d) Wrong: statement 1 is false.
Answer: UPSC’s key. Explanation: written by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.
Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2017, General Studies Paper I, Series A. The paper on upsc.gov.in.