RAS question
India ranks first in the world in the production of which mineral?
Correct answer: (D) Mica (sheet).
India ranks first in the world in the production of sheet mica, especially muscovite mica.
Explanation
India is associated with the world lead in sheet mica production, not with coal, iron ore, or bauxite. The CSIR-CIMFR record on the Nellore mica belt states that India is the leading producer of sheet mica and identifies the Nellore mica belt in Andhra Pradesh as the largest mica-producing area. Major mica regions include the Koderma-Giridih-Hazaribagh belt in Jharkhand, Nellore in Andhra Pradesh, and Bhilwara-Ajmer in Rajasthan. Sheet mica is exam-relevant because muscovite sheets have insulating uses in electrical and electronic industries.
Why the other options are wrong
- (A) China and the USA, not India, are the leaders in coal production.
- (B) Australia and Brazil are ahead of India in iron ore production.
- (C) Australia is the leading producer of bauxite.
Concept
Indian mineral-resource geography links each mineral with its leading producer and major producing belts. RAS repeatedly connects national resource rankings with Rajasthan-linked locations such as the Bhilwara-Ajmer mica region.