UPSC Prelims 2003 Q83: Indian Economy – Infrastructure & Industry
- (a) India is the second largest producer of nitrogenous fertilisers in the world
- (b) India is the ninth largest steel producing country in the world
- (c) India is the second largest producer of silk in the world
- (d) India ranks third in the world in coal production
Answer: (a) India is the second largest producer of nitrogenous fertilisers in the world
Explanation
> Note for students: The exam asked which statement is NOT correct. Some keys give (b), but the false statement is (a): India ranked third in nitrogenous fertilisers in 2002. Rankings change with the year, so check the year.
India's rank in production (NOT correct)
| Statement | Verdict |
|---|---|
| a. India is the second largest producer of nitrogenous fertilisers | Not correct — India ranked third (after China and the USA) in 2002 |
| b. India is the ninth largest steel producer | Correct for 2002 |
| c. India is the second largest producer of silk | Correct |
| d. India ranks third in coal production | Correct for 2002 |
The question asks which statement is NOT correct: it is (a), since India was the third largest producer of nitrogenous fertilisers. (The stored stem had dropped NOT and the stored key (b) was wrong; both are corrected.)
Answer: (a) India is the second largest producer of nitrogenous fertilizers in the world.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) CORRECT. India ranked third, not second, in nitrogenous fertilisers.
- (b) Incorrect. India was the ninth largest steel producer.
- (c) Incorrect. India is the second largest producer of silk.
- (d) Incorrect. India ranked third in coal production.
Key point
India (2002): N-fertiliser 3rd, steel 9th, silk 2nd, coal 3rd.
Remember
India was the third largest producer of nitrogenous fertilisers in 2002.
Common mistakes
- Reading the stem as asking for a correct statement.
- Taking India as second in nitrogenous fertilisers.
- Using today's ranks (steel second, coal second).
Exam tip
Check the year of the question: production ranks change over time.
Sources
- Ministry of Finance, Government of India — Economic Survey 2002–03 (Industry)
- International Iron and Steel Institute — World Steel in Figures 2003
- Central Silk Board — Annual Report 2002–03