RAS question
Rajasthan ranks first in India in production of:
Correct answer: (D) Marble, zinc and lead.
Rajasthan ranks first in India for marble and for lead and zinc concentrates.
Explanation
The official Rising Rajasthan Resource Advantage page marks Rajasthan as the #1 producer of lead and zinc concentrates, with full national share, and separately as the #1 producer of marble. Rajasthan is also the largest producer of marble, zinc, lead, sandstone and several other minerals. The phrase "first in India" refers to a production-rank fact, not to a broad mineral-rich-state statement. Petroleum and natural gas is a tempting distractor because Rising Rajasthan - Resource Advantage calls Rajasthan a #1 on-shore crude-oil producer, but it lists natural gas at #2; only marble, zinc and lead fully fit the first-rank group.
Why the other options are wrong
- (A) Gold and diamond are not the first-rank production group for Rajasthan; Rising Rajasthan - Resource Advantage instead gives first-rank status to marble and to lead-zinc concentrates.
- (B) Coal and iron ore are outside Rajasthan's official first-rank set, which is anchored in marble, lead and zinc production.
- (C) Petroleum and natural gas overstates the grouping: Rising Rajasthan - Resource Advantage lists Rajasthan as #1 for on-shore crude oil but only #2 for natural gas.
Concept
Rajasthan Economy includes state-wise mineral production rankings. RAS repeats such facts because minerals connect Rajasthan's geography with its industrial and economic profile.