UPSC Prelims 2023 · GS Paper I
Question 6: Geography
Ilmenite and rutile, abundantly available in certain coastal tracts of India, are rich sources of which one of the following?
AnswerUPSC’s answer is (d).
Ilmenite (iron titanium oxide) and rutile (titanium dioxide) are the main ores of titanium. They occur in heavy-mineral beach sands, with monazite and zircon, along the coasts of Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Odisha and Andhra Pradesh. Titanium is used in aerospace alloys and as a white pigment. Pair the ores correctly: bauxite for aluminium, chalcopyrite for copper, haematite and magnetite for iron.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Aluminium comes mainly from bauxite.
- (b) Copper comes from ores such as chalcopyrite, not beach sands.
- (c) Iron comes from haematite and magnetite; ilmenite is mined for its titanium.
- (d) Correct: ilmenite and rutile are the chief titanium ores.
Answer: UPSC’s key. Explanation: written by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.
Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2023, General Studies Paper I, Series A. The paper on upsc.gov.in.