Q77 · UPPSC Prelims 2023 · Set A · General Studies

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With reference to mineral resources, which of the following statement(s) is/are correct?(1)Lithium's inferred resources have been found in Reasi district of Jammu & Kashmir.(2)India is import dependent for many minerals like Lithium, Nickel and Cobalt.Select the correct answer from the code given below:

A Only 1
B Only 2
C Both 1 and 2
D Neither 1 nor 2

Correct answer: (c) Both 1 and 2

Explanation

  1. A

    Only 1

    Option (a) claims that only statement 1 is correct. This is incorrect because India's import dependency extends beyond just lithium to other critical minerals like nickel and cobalt, making statement 2 equally true.

  2. B

    Only 2

    Option (b) claims that only statement 2 is correct. This is incorrect because it ignores the significant geological discovery of lithium inferred resources in the Reasi district of Jammu and Kashmir, which validates statement 1.

  3. C

    Both 1 and 2

    Option (c) claims that both statement 1 and statement 2 are correct. This is the key because recent Geological Survey of India explorations confirmed lithium reserves in Jammu and Kashmir's Reasi district, and India historically imports nearly all of its requirements for critical minerals such as lithium, nickel, and cobalt to support its growing clean energy and EV manufacturing sectors.

  4. D

    Neither 1 nor 2

    Option (d) claims that neither statement 1 nor statement 2 is correct. This is incorrect because both statements present factual truths regarding India's domestic mineral discoveries and its heavy reliance on foreign imports for critical energy transition minerals.

Summary. Official key is (c) because both statements regarding mineral resources in India are accurate. Statement 1 is verified by the Geological Survey of India's discovery of lithium inferred resources in the Reasi district of Jammu and Kashmir. Statement 2 correctly highlights India's strategic import dependency for essential critical minerals like lithium, nickel, and cobalt. Therefore, both given assertions are factually correct. Option (c) successfully captures this dual validity, making it the right choice.