UPSC Prelims 2013 · Question 11 of 99
UPSC Prelims 2013 question on Indian Coal Characteristics
- ExamUPSC CSE
- Year2013
- PaperGeneral Studies Paper I
- SubjectGeography
- TopicIndian Geography
- DifficultyHard
- TypeStatement
Which of the following is/are the characteristic/characteristics of Indian coal?
1. High ash content
2. Low sulphur content
3. Low ash fusion temperature
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
Show answer
Answer: A. 1 and 2 only
Verdict
Correct Answer: 1 and 2 only
Analysis
According to the official UPSC Answer Key for Prelims 2013, the correct option is 1 and 2 only.
Indian coal is generally known for high ash content and low sulphur content. It has a lower calorific value compared to many imported coals.
Statement by statement
1. High ash content — Correct
Indian coal has high ash content, often around 35–45%.
This is because the coal formation process involved mixing of plant matter with sand and silt.
High ash reduces calorific value and increases handling, transport and disposal problems.
2. Low sulphur content — Correct
Indian coal generally has low sulphur content, often less than 0.5%.
This results in relatively lower sulphur oxide emissions during combustion.
It is low in sulphur but not sulphur-free.
3. Low ash fusion temperature — Incorrect
Indian coal generally has high ash fusion temperature, not low.
Ash fusion temperature refers to the temperature at which coal ash melts and forms clinkers.
The statement is reversed.
Extra UPSC info
* Most Indian coal is Gondwana coal, mainly found in Jharkhand, Odisha, Chhattisgarh, West Bengal and Madhya Pradesh.
* Indian coal is mostly bituminous to sub-bituminous in nature.
* High ash content makes coal washing or beneficiation important before use.
* High ash increases transportation cost because more non-combustible material is carried.
* Tertiary coal and lignite are found in regions such as Tamil Nadu, Rajasthan and parts of the North-East.
* Technologies like fluidised bed combustion and IGCC are relevant for using high-ash coal more efficiently.
How to crack it
Indian coal is characterized by high ash content and low sulphur content, but not by low ash fusion temperature.