UPSC Prelims 2020— Question 96

This question tests steel slag applications. The key concept is: Steel slag is a useful industrial by-product that can be processed for road-base construction, soil amendment in appropriate agricultural contexts and cement manufacture. Its use can reduce demand for virgin aggregates and partially substitute conventional materials, subject to quality and environmental standards. The verified answer for the uploaded Set-B paper is option D. Option A — 1 and 2 only: This is not the correct option. The option does not match the verified combination or conclusion. The decisive point is the distinction explained above: Steel slag is a useful industrial by-product that can be processed for road-base construction, soil amendment in appropriate agricultural contexts and cement manufacture. Its use can reduce demand for virgin aggregates and partially substitute conventional materials, subject to quality and environmental standards. Therefore this alternative should be eliminated even if part of its wording appears plausible in isolation. Option B — 2 and 3 only: This is not the correct option. The option does not match the verified combination or conclusion. The decisive point is the distinction explained above: Steel slag is a useful industrial by-product that can be processed for road-base construction, soil amendment in appropriate agricultural contexts and cement manufacture. Its use can reduce demand for virgin aggregates and partially substitute conventional materials, subject to quality and environmental standards. Therefore this alternative should be eliminated even if part of its wording appears plausible in isolation. Option C — 1 and 3 only: This is not the correct option. The option does not match the verified combination or conclusion. The decisive point is the distinction explained above: Steel slag is a useful industrial by-product that can be processed for road-base construction, soil amendment in appropriate agricultural contexts and cement manufacture. Its use can reduce demand for virgin aggregates and partially substitute conventional materials, subject to quality and environmental standards. Therefore this alternative should be eliminated even if part of its wording appears plausible in isolation. Option D — 1, 2 and 3: This is the correct option. It matches the verified conclusion because Steel slag is a useful industrial by-product that can be processed for road-base construction, soil amendment in appropriate agricultural contexts and cement manufacture. Its use can reduce demand for virgin aggregates and partially substitute conventional materials, subject to quality and environmental standards. The wording of the option is consistent with the governing concept tested by the question. For UPSC-style elimination, first identify the exact proposition being tested, then evaluate each statement independently before comparing the answer codes. Avoid treating a broad or absolute statement as correct merely because its general theme is familiar. The precise qualifiers in the question—such as 'all', 'only', 'cannot', 'largest', 'always' or a specific institutional role—often determine the answer. On that basis, option D is the verified answer.