Correct answer: (d) 3 only
Explanation
- A
1 and 2
(a) 1 and 2. After the MMDR Amendment Act, 2015, State governments auction non-coal major minerals; they do have that power. Andhra Pradesh and Jharkhand do have gold occurrences. Both statements 1 and 2 are false, so this code is not the key.
- B
2 only
(b) 2 only. Gold is found in parts of Andhra Pradesh/Telangana belt and in Jharkhand. Statement 2 is false, so this is not the key.
- C
1 and 3
(c) 1 and 3. Statement 3 is true (Rajasthan has iron ore), but statement 1 is false. This pairing is not the key.
- D
3 only
(d) 3 only. (d) Official key: Rajasthan has iron-ore deposits (for example in Jaipur, Bhilwara and related belts). States can auction non-coal mines, and gold is not absent from Andhra Pradesh and Jharkhand. Only statement 3 is correct.
Summary. Official key is (d) 3 only. Rajasthan has iron ore. Non-coal mine auctions are a State function after MMDR 2015, and gold is not missing from Andhra Pradesh and Jharkhand. Honour the stored letter (d).
Same topic · past papers
UPSC has asked this before
These previous-year questions sit on the same topic. Open one to practise the earlier ask.
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2019 · Q62 · General Studies · 2 marks
With reference to the management of minor minerals in India, consider the following statements: 1. Sand is a 'minor mineral' according to the prevailing law in the country. 2. State Governments have the power to grant mining leases of minor minerals, but the powers regarding the