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UPSC Prelims 1997 · Indian Geography · Minerals and Energy
Match List-I (Commodities exported from India) with List-II (Countries of destination): A. Iron ore · B. Leather goods · C. Tea · D. Cotton fabrics — 1. Russia · 2. U.S.A · 3. Japan · 4. UK · 5. Canada
- (a) A -5; B- l; C -2; D- 3
- (b) A -3; B- l; C -4; D -2
- (c) A -1; B-5; C - 4; D- 3
- (d) A -3; B - 4; C-1; D -2
Show the answer and explanation
Answer: (b) A -3; B- l; C -4; D -2
Iron ore – Japan · leather goods – Russia · tea – UK · cotton fabrics – USA.
The idea
Trade destinations reflect industrial demand and commercial links, so they can change over time. A 1997 export-matching question must retain its historical market context. A mineral’s destination is not the same as the location of its deposit or its export port.
Why the others are wrong
(a) Sends iron ore to Canada.
(c) Sends iron ore to Russia.
(d) Sends tea to Russia.
The trap
Iron ore–Japan is the sure pair.
Elimination technique
The historical iron ore–Japan link leaves (b) and (d). The tea–UK link used in this 1997 matching question resolves the remaining alternatives.
Also know
Bailadila is a useful iron-ore anchor and Visakhapatnam a related east-coast outlet. Mormugao is associated with Goa’s ore exports. Cotton fabrics are manufactured goods, while iron ore is a raw material; processing changes both value and the likely customer market.
🔒 Iron ore exports: historically Japan, now China.
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