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GS Paper IUPSC Prelims 2011
Current Events
Question No. 178Interactive Test Mode
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Q178. In the Union Budget 2011-12, a full exemption from the basic customs duty was extended to the bio-based asphalt (bioasphalt). What is the importance of this material? 1. Unlike traditional asphalt, bio- asphalt is not based on fossil fuels. 2. Bioasphalt can be made from non- renewable resources. 3. Bioasphalt can be made from organic waste materials. 4. It is eco-friendly to use bioasphalt for surfacing of the roads. Which of the statements given above are correct ?

In the Union Budget 2011-12, a full exemption from the basic customs duty was extended to the bio-based asphalt (bioasphalt). What is the importance of this material?

  1. Unlike traditional asphalt, bio- asphalt is not based on fossil fuels.
  2. Bioasphalt can be made from non- renewable resources.
  3. Bioasphalt can be made from organic waste materials.
  4. It is eco-friendly to use bioasphalt for surfacing of the roads. Which of the statements given above are correct ?
Select the correct option below (or cross out options to eliminate)
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Official Answer Key & Detailed Solution

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Official UPSC Answer KeyUPSC Prelims 2011 • International Relations and Current Affairs

Correct Answer: Option (B) — 1. 3 and 4 only

Concept & Option Breakdown

Standard Reference Verified

Statement 1 is correct: Traditional asphalt is derived from crude petroleum (a fossil fuel), whereas bio-asphalt is derived from renewable biological resources. Statement 2 is incorrect: Bio-asphalt is produced from renewable biomass sources, not non-renewable resources. Statement 3 is correct: It can be manufactured using non-petroleum organic waste materials such as agricultural residue, waste cooking oils, and forestry by-products. Statement 4 is correct: Bio-asphalt is eco-friendly because it significantly reduces reliance on fossil fuels, has lower greenhouse gas emissions during production, and reduces the carbon footprint of road surfacing.

Elimination Heuristic & Exam Approach

Statement 1 and Statement 2 are contradictory. Bioasphalt cannot be both non-fossil/renewable and made from non-renewable resources. Eliminating 2 immediately leaves option (b).

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Question Specifications & Syllabus Mapping

Examination & YearUPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination 2011 (Q178)
Paper & Marking SchemeGS Paper I • 2 Marks (-0.66 Negative for incorrect response)
Syllabus Subject & TopicInternational Relations and Current Affairs → Current Events
Official Answer KeyOption (B) — 1. 3 and 4 only

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Frequently Asked Questions — UPSC Prelims 2011 Q178

What is the official answer for UPSC Prelims 2011 GS Paper I Question 178 (International Relations and Current Affairs)?

The official UPSC answer key for this 2011 International Relations and Current Affairs (Current Events) question is Option (B): "1. 3 and 4 only". Correct attempts carry 2 Marks with -0.66 Negative penalty for wrong answers.

Which UPSC Prelims syllabus topic does this 2011 question belong to?

This question belongs to GS Paper I under the subject "International Relations and Current Affairs" and micro-topic "Current Events". You can explore all repeated questions from Current Events in Acme AI's 3D Prelims PYQ Realm or practice 50 full-length and sectional tests in the APT Prelims Test Series.

How can I solve this Current Events UPSC Prelims question using option elimination?

Statement 1 and Statement 2 are contradictory. Bioasphalt cannot be both nonfossil/renewable and made from nonrenewable resources. Eliminating 2 immediately leaves option (b).

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