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UPSC Prelims 2025Question 79International Relations

Consider the following pairs:
In how many of the above rows is the given information correctly matched? Country — Resource-rich in; I. Botswana — Diamond; II. Chile — Lithium; III. Indonesia — Nickel

Options

  1. (a)Only one
  2. (b)Only two
  3. (c)All the three
  4. (d)None
Correct answer: c
Decision rule

In resource-rich-in pairs both the top world producer and the commodity-dependent economy qualify; only a country with no significant deposits breaks the match.

Explanation

Correct Answer:

(c) All the three


Explanation of the Correct Answer

All three countries listed are correctly matched with their prominent natural resources:


Statement-wise Analysis

I. Botswana – Diamond

  • Correct
  • Botswana is one of the world's leading producers of diamonds.
  • The country’s economy is heavily dependent on diamond mining, which constitutes a major part of its GDP and export revenue.

II. Chile – Lithium

  • Correct
  • Chile has some of the world’s largest lithium reserves, particularly in the Atacama Desert.
  • It is one of the top producers of lithium, a critical resource for batteries and electric vehicles.

III. Indonesia – Nickel

  • Correct
  • Indonesia is the world’s largest producer of nickel.
  • Nickel is essential for stainless steel and battery production, and Indonesia has abundant nickel ore deposits.

Why Other Options Are Incorrect

  • (a) Only one – Incorrect: All three pairs are correctly matched.
  • (b) Only two – Incorrect: All three pairs are correct.
  • (c) All the three – Correct: Each country is correctly associated with its resource.
  • (d) None – Incorrect: All matches are accurate.

Relevant Supplementary Information

Table: Countries and Key Resource Production

CountryKey ResourceGlobal Significance
BotswanaDiamondOne of the largest diamond producers; accounts for ~25% of GDP.
ChileLithiumHolds one of the largest lithium brine reserves; top global producer.
IndonesiaNickelWorld's largest nickel ore producer; key supplier for electric vehicle batteries.

Related Concepts or Facts

ResourceUsage / Importance
DiamondUsed in jewelry, industrial cutting tools, and high-precision instruments.
LithiumCritical for rechargeable lithium-ion batteries, used in electronics and EVs.
NickelUsed in stainless steel production, alloys, and batteries (especially nickel-metal hydride and lithium-ion).

Current Relevance

  • Lithium and nickel are vital for the transition to green energy and electric vehicles.
  • Countries with abundant reserves of these minerals play a strategic role in the global supply chain for clean technology.

Table: Related Concepts and Terms – Resource-Rich Countries and Strategic Minerals

Concept / TermExplanation / Relevance
Botswana – DiamondBotswana is one of the top global producers of diamonds; diamonds contribute significantly to its economy and exports.
Diamond MiningExtraction of natural diamonds used in jewelry and industrial applications.
Chile – LithiumChile has one of the largest lithium reserves, especially in the Atacama Desert; critical for battery production.
Lithium Brine DepositsLarge lithium reserves found in salt flats, especially in South America (Chile, Argentina, Bolivia).
Electric Vehicle BatteriesLithium is a key component in lithium-ion batteries used in EVs and portable electronics.
Indonesia – NickelIndonesia is the world’s largest nickel producer, supplying raw materials for stainless steel and batteries.
Nickel OreMined for use in stainless steel production and lithium-ion battery cathodes.
Strategic MineralsMinerals critical for economic and national security, often essential for emerging technologies.
Global Supply ChainCountries rich in minerals like lithium and nickel are crucial for the green energy transition.
Atacama DesertRegion in Chile known for vast lithium reserves in salt flats (salars).
Diamonds in EconomyIn Botswana, diamond mining has driven economic development and infrastructure growth.


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