Correct answer: (b) Both Statement II and Statement III are correct but only one of them explains Statement I
Explanation
- A
Both Statement II and Statement III are correct and both of them explain Statement I
Both II and III correct and both explain I. The official reading keeps both lines but does not let both explain the cement-CO2 share.
- B
Both Statement II and Statement III are correct but only one of them explains Statement I
Both II and III are correct, but only one explains I. Clay in the raw mix is real kiln chemistry; calcination of limestone to lime is the process-CO2 step that explains cement’s large share of global emissions.
- C
Only one of the Statements II and III is correct and that explains Statement I
Only one of II and III is correct. The paper keys both as true statements.
- D
Neither Statement II nor Statement III is correct
Neither. Both process lines are scored.
Summary. Official Set A key is (b). Cement is a large CO2 source (I). Silica-bearing clay is mixed with limestone in the raw meal (II) — true, but that mixing is not why cement dominates process emissions. In the kiln, limestone is calcined to lime and CO2 (III) — that process gas, plus fuel, is why I holds. So II and III are both correct, and only III (one of them) explains I.
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UPSC has asked this before
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