Official Answer Key & Detailed Solution
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Correct Answer: Option (A) — 1 only
Concept & Option Breakdown
Standard Reference Verified- Statement 1 is correct: Coal mining was nationalized in phases during 1971–1973 under Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.
- Statement 2 is incorrect: Coal blocks are allocated via transparent competitive e-auctions under the Coal Mines (Special Provisions) Act, 2015, not on a lottery basis.
- Statement 3 is incorrect: India remains heavily dependent on imports for coking coal and high-grade thermal coal.
Statements claiming India has achieved complete 'self-sufficiency' in energy commodities like coal or oil are extreme and historically false.
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