UPSC CSE Prelims
Question 50
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 ?
- Unlike traditional asphalt, bio-asphalt is not based on fossil fuels.
- Bioasphalt can be made from non-renewable resources.
- Bioasphalt can be made from organic waste materials.
- It is eco-friendly to use bioasphalt for surfacing of the roads.
Which of the statements given above are correct ?
View correct answer and explanation
Correct answer: B
Correct Option: B
Explanation: Bioasphalt substitutes renewable biological feedstocks for petroleum-derived bitumen and may use agricultural residues or organic wastes, reducing fossil dependence.
Statement / Item-wise Analysis:
1: Correct - Correct: bio-based binders can replace some fossil bitumen.
2: Incorrect - Incorrect: the “bio” feedstocks sought in this context are renewable, not non-renewable.
3: Correct - Correct: lignin and other organic wastes can supply bioasphalt material.
4: Correct - Correct as a general intention: substituting waste/biomass may reduce environmental burdens.
Option-wise Analysis:
A: Incorrect - includes unsupported item 2; omits supported item 4.
B: Correct - includes the supported statements and excludes the unsupported ones.
C: Incorrect - includes unsupported item 2; omits supported items 1, 3.
D: Incorrect - includes unsupported item 2.
Review Note: Environmental benefit depends on the source materials, lifecycle emissions and road performance; “eco-friendly” is not automatic.