Set A - UPSC Prelims 2025 Solutions

QQuestion

Consider the following statements : Statement I: In India, State Governments have no power for making rules for grant of concessions in respect of extraction of minor minerals even though such minerals are located in their territories. Statement II: In India, the Central Government has the power to notify minor minerals under the relevant law. Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

OOptions

A) Both Statement I and Statement II are correct and Statement II explains Statement I

B) Both Statement I and Statement II are correct but Statement II does not explain Statement I

C) Statement I is correct but Statement II is not correct

D) Statement I is not correct but Statement II is correct

✓Correct Answer

D) Statement I is not correct but Statement II is correct

DDalvoy Solutions

Statement I: Incorrect. State Governments do have significant powers in making rules for grant of concessions regarding extraction of minor minerals. Under the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, states have substantial authority over minor minerals found in their territories.

Statement II: Correct. The Central Government does have the power to notify and declare what constitutes 'minor minerals' under the relevant mining laws. This classification power helps define the scope of state versus central jurisdiction over different types of minerals.

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SUPSC Prelims Strategy and Tips

For federal mineral rights questions, understand the division of powers between Centre and States. While Centre defines categories, States typically have more operational control over minor minerals.

SUPSC Prelims 2025 Syllabus Analysis

Polity & Governance - Centre-State relations and mineral rights

AUPSC Prelims 2025 Question Analysis

Medium to Hard difficulty - requires understanding of federal division of powers in mining sector

Question 89

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