Consider the following statements: Statement I: Studies indicate that carbon dioxide emissions

Q. Consider the following statements:

UPSC Civil Services Examination (Prelims) 2025 – General Studies Paper I

Statement I: Studies indicate that carbon dioxide emissions from cement industry account for more than 5% of global carbon emissions.

Statement II: Silica-bearing clay is mixed with limestone while manufacturing cement.

Statement III: Limestone is converted into lime during clinker production for cement manufacturing.

Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

(a) Both Statement II and Statement III are correct and both of them explain Statement I

(b) Both Statement II and Statement III are correct but only one of them explains Statement I

(c) Only one of the Statements II and III is correct and that explains Statement I

(d) Neither Statement II nor Statement III is correct

Answer: (b) Both Statement II and Statement III are correct but only one of them explains Statement I

Statement I is true – cement manufacturing contributes significantly (around 5–8%) to global CO₂ emissions.

Statement II is also correct – silica-bearing clay is mixed with limestone to make raw cement material.

Statement III is also correct – limestone is calcined (heated) to form lime and CO₂ in clinker production, which is a major source of CO₂ emissions.

However, only Statement III explains why cement production emits CO₂ (due to limestone decomposition), not the mixing of clay (Statement II).

Answer: (b) Both Statement II and Statement III are correct but only one of them explains Statement I