UPSC CSE Prelims

Correct Option: D (2, 3 and 4 only) Explanation: Under the applicable Indian mineral classification, chromite, kyanite and sillimanite are major minerals; bentonite was treated as a minor mineral. Statement / Pair / Item-wise Analysis: 1. Incorrect - Bentonite fell within the minor-mineral classification in the exam context. 2. Correct - Chromite is a major mineral, important for chromium and ferroalloys. 3. Correct - Kyanite is a major industrial mineral used in refractories. 4. Correct - Sillimanite is a major refractory-grade industrial mineral. Option-wise Analysis: A. Incorrect-includes incorrect item 1 (Bentonite fell within the minor-mineral classification in the exam context); omits correct item 3 (Kyanite is a major industrial mineral used in refractories); omits correct item 4 (Sillimanite is a major refractory-grade industrial mineral). B. Incorrect-omits correct item 2 (Chromite is a major mineral, important for chromium and ferroalloys); omits correct item 3 (Kyanite is a major industrial mineral used in refractories). C. Incorrect-includes incorrect item 1 (Bentonite fell within the minor-mineral classification in the exam context); omits correct item 2 (Chromite is a major mineral, important for chromium and ferroalloys); omits correct item 4 (Sillimanite is a major refractory-grade industrial mineral). D. Correct-includes all and only valid statements/items 2, 3, 4. Review note: Mineral classification is governed by notification and can change; this is the 2020-exam classification.