UPSC Prelims 2007 Q78: Geography – Economic & Mineral Geography
Consider the following statements :
1. Balaghat is known for its diamond mines.
2. Majhgawan is known for its manganese deposits.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- (a) 1 only
- (b) 2 only
- (c) Both 1 and 2
- (d) Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: (d) Neither 1 nor 2
Explanation
Balaghat and Majhgawan — swapped minerals
| Place | Statement says | Actually known for | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Balaghat (MP) | Diamond mines | Manganese (also copper at Malanjkhand) | FALSE |
| Majhgawan (Panna, MP) | Manganese | Diamond — India's only working diamond mine (NMDC) | FALSE |
UPSC simply swapped the two minerals.
Key manganese belts: Balaghat-Chhindwara (MP), Nagpur-Bhandara (Maharashtra), Keonjhar-Sundargarh (Odisha), Bellary-Sandur (Karnataka).
Answer: (d) Neither 1 nor 2.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. Balaghat is a manganese district, not a diamond one.
- (b) Incorrect. Majhgawan is a diamond mine, not manganese.
- (c) Incorrect. Both statements have the minerals swapped.
- (d) CORRECT. Balaghat = manganese; Majhgawan = diamond. Both statements are wrong.
Key point
Balaghat = manganese (and Malanjkhand copper). Majhgawan (Panna) = diamond. UPSC swapped them.
Remember
Balaghat gives manganese; Majhgawan (Panna) gives diamonds.
Common mistakes
- Missing the swap trick — UPSC often pairs two real places with each other's minerals.
- Thinking Panna's diamonds come from river gravel only — Majhgawan is a kimberlite pipe.
- Forgetting that Malanjkhand (Balaghat) is India's largest copper mine.
Exam tip
In mineral pairs, check for swaps first. Balaghat = 'Bala-Mn' (manganese); Panna = 'Panna-diamond' (Panna means emerald, but it gives diamonds).
Sources
- NCERT Class X — Contemporary India II, Ch 5 (Minerals and Energy Resources)
- Indian Bureau of Mines — Indian Minerals Yearbook
- NMDC — Diamond Mining Project, Panna