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Commercial coal mining in India commenced in the year 1774, not around 1800.
Answer: True
Explanation: The source states that commercial coal mining in India began in 1774, not around 1800.
John Sumner and Suetonius Grant Heatly, associated with the East India Company, led the initial commercial coal mining efforts in India.
Answer: True
Explanation: The source identifies John Sumner and Suetonius Grant Heatly as the initial figures leading commercial coal mining efforts in India under the East India Company.
The introduction of steam locomotives in India by 1853 led to an increase in annual coal production to approximately one million metric tons, not ten million.
Answer: True
Explanation: The source indicates that the advent of steam locomotives stimulated coal production to one million metric tons annually by 1853.
When did commercial coal mining begin in India, and who were the initial leaders?
Answer: 1774, led by John Sumner and Suetonius Grant Heatly of the East India Company.
Explanation: Commercial coal mining in India commenced in 1774, led by John Sumner and Suetonius Grant Heatly of the East India Company, beginning operations in the Raniganj Coalfield.
What was the impact of steam locomotives on India's coal production by 1853?
Answer: It led to an increase in annual coal production to one million metric tons.
Explanation: The introduction of steam locomotives significantly stimulated coal production in India, increasing the annual average to one million metric tons by 1853.
Beginning in 1894, Indian communities, including Punjabis and Kutchis, started challenging European monopolies in coal mining.
Answer: True
Explanation: The source confirms that Indian communities, such as Punjabis and Kutchis, began challenging European monopolies in coal mining from 1894 onwards.
Seth Khora Ramji Chawda is recognized as the first Indian to successfully break the British monopoly in the Jharia Coalfields.
Answer: True
Explanation: The source identifies Seth Khora Ramji Chawda as the first Indian to break the British monopoly in the Jharia Coalfields.
Which of the following Indian communities played a pioneering role in coal mining from 1894 onwards?
Answer: Primarily Punjabis, Kutchis, Marwaris, Gujaratis, Bengalis, and Hindustanis.
Explanation: From 1894, Indian communities including Punjabis, Kutchis, Marwaris, Gujaratis, Bengalis, and Hindustanis began challenging European monopolies in coal mining, establishing collieries across Bengal, Bihar, and Odisha.
Who is recognized as the first Indian to break the British monopoly in the Jharia Coalfields?
Answer: Seth Khora Ramji Chawda from Kutch.
Explanation: Seth Khora Ramji Chawda, from Kutch, was the first Indian to break the British monopoly in the Jharia Coalfields, establishing three collieries.
The Indira Gandhi administration nationalized coal mines in phases, not all at once in 1971.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Indira Gandhi administration nationalized coal mines in phases, starting with coking coal mines in 1971-72 and completing the process with non-coking coal mines in 1973.
Nationalization of coal mines was driven by concerns regarding unscientific mining practices and inadequate labor conditions.
Answer: True
Explanation: The source indicates that nationalization was motivated by issues such as unscientific mining practices and poor labor conditions.
The Coal Mines (Nationalization) Act, 1973, was not solely responsible for nationalizing coking coal mines.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Coal Mines (Nationalization) Act, 1973, nationalized all remaining private coal mines, following the Coking Coal Mines (Nationalization) Act, 1972, which specifically targeted coking coal mines.
The Narendra Modi administration permitted private companies to mine coal for captive use starting in 2015, effectively altering the post-nationalization landscape.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Narendra Modi administration allowed private companies to mine coal for captive use from 2015, and later for commercial mining in 2018.
The National Coal Development Corporation (NCDC) was established in 1956 with the objective of systematically developing the coal industry.
Answer: True
Explanation: Established in 1956, the NCDC aimed to ensure the systematic and efficient development of India's coal sector.
The Singareni Collieries Company Ltd. (SCCL) is currently a joint undertaking, but not solely owned by the Government of Telangana.
Answer: True
Explanation: SCCL is a joint undertaking between the Government of Telangana and the Government of India, with equity shared in a 51:49 ratio.
What policy was implemented by the Indira Gandhi administration regarding coal mining?
Answer: Nationalization of coal mining in phases.
Explanation: The Indira Gandhi administration nationalized coal mining in phases, starting with coking coal mines (1971-72) and completing with non-coking coal mines (1973) via the Coal Mines (Nationalization) Act, 1973.
Which act formalized the nationalization of coking coal mines and coke oven plants under Bharat Coking Coal Limited (BCCL)?
Answer: The Coking Coal Mines (Nationalization) Act, 1972.
Explanation: The Coking Coal Mines (Nationalization) Act, 1972, nationalized coking coal mines and coke oven plants under BCCL, while the Coal Mines (Nationalization) Act, 1973, nationalized remaining private mines.
Under what circumstances did the Indian government undertake the nationalization of private coal mines?
Answer: To address unscientific mining practices and improve labor conditions.
Explanation: Nationalization of private coal mines was driven by the need to meet steel industry demands, ensure systematic exploitation of coking coal, address unscientific mining, and improve labor conditions.
How did the Narendra Modi administration change coal mining policy in 2018?
Answer: It allowed private firms to enter the commercial coal mining industry.
Explanation: The Narendra Modi administration allowed private companies to mine coal for captive use (2015) and later for commercial mining (2018), breaking Coal India's monopoly.
The Coal Mines (Special Provisions) Act, 2015, did not exclusively allow the government to allocate coal mines through auctions.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Coal Mines (Special Provisions) Act, 2015, permitted the allocation of coal mines through auctions and also allowed private companies to mine coal for captive use.
The Repealing and Amending (Second) Act, 2017, repealed the nationalization acts for coal mines in 2018.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Repealing and Amending (Second) Act, 2017, officially repealed the nationalization acts for coal mines on January 8, 2018.
Coal India's monopoly on coal mining ended in 2018, not 2015.
Answer: True
Explanation: Coal India's monopoly on coal mining, established after nationalization, ended in February 2018 when private firms were allowed into commercial coal mining.
The Coal Mines (Special Provisions) Act, 2015, did not exclusively allow the government to allocate coal mines through auctions.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Coal Mines (Special Provisions) Act, 2015, permitted the allocation of coal mines through auctions and also allowed private companies to mine coal for captive use.
The Repealing and Amending (Second) Act, 2017, repealed the nationalization acts for coal mines in 2018.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Repealing and Amending (Second) Act, 2017, officially repealed the nationalization acts for coal mines on January 8, 2018.
Coal India's monopoly on coal mining ended in 2018, not 2015.
Answer: True
Explanation: Coal India's monopoly on coal mining, established after nationalization, ended in February 2018 when private firms were allowed into commercial coal mining.
The National Coal Development Corporation (NCDC) was established in 1956 with the objective of systematically developing the coal industry.
Answer: True
Explanation: Established in 1956, the NCDC aimed to ensure the systematic and efficient development of India's coal sector.
The Singareni Collieries Company Ltd. (SCCL) is currently a joint undertaking, but not solely owned by the Government of Telangana.
Answer: True
Explanation: SCCL is a joint undertaking between the Government of Telangana and the Government of India, with equity shared in a 51:49 ratio.
The Coal Mines (Special Provisions) Act, 2015, did not exclusively allow the government to allocate coal mines through auctions.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Coal Mines (Special Provisions) Act, 2015, permitted the allocation of coal mines through auctions and also allowed private companies to mine coal for captive use.
The Repealing and Amending (Second) Act, 2017, repealed the nationalization acts for coal mines in 2018.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Repealing and Amending (Second) Act, 2017, officially repealed the nationalization acts for coal mines on January 8, 2018.
Coal India's monopoly on coal mining ended in 2018, not 2015.
Answer: True
Explanation: Coal India's monopoly on coal mining, established after nationalization, ended in February 2018 when private firms were allowed into commercial coal mining.
The National Coal Development Corporation (NCDC) was established in 1956 with the objective of systematically developing the coal industry.
Answer: True
Explanation: Established in 1956, the NCDC aimed to ensure the systematic and efficient development of India's coal sector.
The Singareni Collieries Company Ltd. (SCCL) is currently a joint undertaking, but not solely owned by the Government of Telangana.
Answer: True
Explanation: SCCL is a joint undertaking between the Government of Telangana and the Government of India, with equity shared in a 51:49 ratio.
India's coal production saw a consistent decline throughout the early 20th century, reaching only 18 million metric tons by 1946.
Answer: False
Explanation: Contrary to this statement, India's coal production generally increased in the early 20th century, reaching 30 million metric tons by 1946.
India ranks fourth globally in terms of coal reserves, not fifth.
Answer: True
Explanation: As of April 1, 2021, India held the fourth largest coal reserves in the world.
Jharkhand, Odisha, and Chhattisgarh collectively hold approximately 70% of India's total known coal reserves.
Answer: True
Explanation: The source confirms that Jharkhand, Odisha, and Chhattisgarh account for nearly 70% of India's total known coal reserves.
Tamil Nadu holds the largest reserves of lignite coal within India.
Answer: True
Explanation: The source states that Tamil Nadu possesses the largest portion of India's lignite reserves.
What is India's global ranking in terms of coal reserves as of April 1, 2021?
Answer: Fourth
Explanation: India holds the fourth largest coal reserves globally, estimated at 352.13 billion metric tons as of April 1, 2021.
Which Indian states collectively hold nearly 70% of the country's total known coal reserves?
Answer: Jharkhand, Odisha, and Chhattisgarh.
Explanation: The source confirms that Jharkhand, Odisha, and Chhattisgarh account for nearly 70% of India's total known coal reserves.
What was the estimated total reserve of lignite coal in India as of April 1, 2021?
Answer: Approximately 46 billion metric tons.
Explanation: India's estimated lignite reserves were 46.02 billion metric tons as of April 1, 2021, with the largest portion located in Tamil Nadu.
Which type of coalfields are rich in coal reserves and mainly located in states like Jharkhand and Odisha?
Answer: Gondwana coalfields.
Explanation: India's primary coalfields are Gondwana (rich reserves, eastern/south-central states) and Tertiary (lignite, northeastern states).
What is India's global ranking in coal production?
Answer: Second
Explanation: India is the second largest producer of coal globally.
What was the primary reason for the decline in India's coal production in 2020-21?
Answer: The COVID-19 pandemic disruptions.
Explanation: India's coal production declined by 2.02% in 2020-21 due to COVID-19 pandemic disruptions.
What is the stated target for India's coal production by the fiscal year 2023-24?
Answer: 1,200 million metric tons.
Explanation: India aims to increase coal production to 1,200 million metric tons by fiscal year 2023-24.
As of April 1, 2021, approximately 50% of India's total coal reserves were classified as proven.
Answer: True
Explanation: The classification of India's total coal reserves as of April 1, 2021, indicated that roughly 50% were proven.
As of April 1, 2021, approximately 50% of India's total coal reserves were classified as proven.
Answer: True
Explanation: The classification of India's total coal reserves as of April 1, 2021, indicated that roughly 50% were proven.
Tertiary coalfields, which contain lignite, are not predominantly found only in southern India.
Answer: True
Explanation: While lignite is found in southern India (e.g., Tamil Nadu), Tertiary coalfields are also located in northeastern states like Meghalaya and Assam.
India is the second largest producer of coal globally.
Answer: True
Explanation: India ranks as the second largest producer of coal worldwide.
The COVID-19 pandemic caused a significant decrease, not an increase, in India's coal production in 2020-21.
Answer: True
Explanation: The COVID-19 pandemic led to disruptions that resulted in a decline in India's coal production during the 2020-21 fiscal year.
India aims to increase its coal production to 1,200 million metric tons by the fiscal year 2023-24.
Answer: True
Explanation: The government has set a target to boost India's coal production to 1,200 million metric tons by the fiscal year 2023-24.
Gondwana coalfields, which are rich in reserves, are primarily located in eastern and south-central Indian states.
Answer: True
Explanation: The source confirms that Gondwana coalfields, known for their rich reserves, are predominantly situated in eastern and south-central regions of India.
Tertiary coalfields, which contain lignite, are not predominantly found only in southern India.
Answer: True
Explanation: While lignite is found in southern India (e.g., Tamil Nadu), Tertiary coalfields are also located in northeastern states like Meghalaya and Assam.
India's total coal reserves as of April 1, 2021, were estimated at approximately 352 billion metric tons.
Answer: True
Explanation: The estimated total coal reserves in India reached approximately 352.13 billion metric tons by April 1, 2021.
As of April 1, 2021, approximately 50% of India's total coal reserves were classified as proven.
Answer: True
Explanation: The classification of India's total coal reserves as of April 1, 2021, indicated that roughly 50% were proven.
In India, the energy derived from coal is approximately twice the energy derived from oil.
Answer: True
Explanation: The source indicates that coal provides roughly double the energy derived from oil in India, which contrasts with the global trend where oil provides more energy than coal.
Coal washing is primarily performed to decrease the ash content of raw coal, thereby improving its quality.
Answer: True
Explanation: The purpose of coal washing is to remove impurities, specifically ash content, to enhance the coal's quality for utilization.
As of March 2021, India had 60 operational coal washeries with a combined capacity of over 138 million tonnes per year.
Answer: True
Explanation: The source confirms that as of March 2021, India operated 60 coal washeries with a total installed capacity of 138.58 million tonnes per year.
The electricity sector accounted for nearly 80% of India's total coal consumption in 2020-21.
Answer: True
Explanation: The electricity sector was the largest consumer of raw coal in India during 2020-21, utilizing 79.03% of the total consumed.
India imports high-quality coal primarily because its domestic coal is of superior quality and sufficient quantity.
Answer: False
Explanation: India imports high-quality coal primarily to supplement domestic supply and compensate for the lower quality and higher ash content of its own coal.
Coal is the primary source for electricity generation in India, producing over 73% of the country's electricity in 2020-21.
Answer: True
Explanation: Coal serves as the predominant source for electricity generation in India, accounting for over 73% of the nation's electricity output in 2020-21.
Indian power plants generally use more coal per kWh generated compared to U.S. thermal power plants, due to the lower quality of Indian coal.
Answer: True
Explanation: Indian coal typically has a lower calorific value and higher ash content than coal used in U.S. plants, necessitating higher consumption per unit of energy produced.
Coal gasification converts coal into synthesis gas, which is primarily composed of hydrogen, carbon monoxide, and carbon dioxide, not methane and ethane.
Answer: True
Explanation: Coal gasification produces synthesis gas (syngas), a mixture mainly consisting of hydrogen, carbon monoxide, and carbon dioxide.
Coal gasification offers the potential for India to reduce its reliance on imported natural gas.
Answer: True
Explanation: By converting abundant domestic coal into synthetic natural gas, India can enhance its energy security and decrease dependence on foreign natural gas supplies.
How does the energy derived from coal in India compare to that derived from oil?
Answer: Energy from coal is approximately twice that from oil.
Explanation: The source indicates that coal provides roughly double the energy derived from oil in India, which contrasts with the global trend where oil provides more energy than coal.
What is the primary purpose of coal washing in the production process?
Answer: To remove ash content and improve coal quality.
Explanation: The purpose of coal washing is to remove impurities, specifically ash content, to enhance the coal's quality for utilization.
How much of India's total coal consumption was accounted for by the electricity sector in 2020-21?
Answer: Approximately 79%
Explanation: The electricity sector consumed 79.03% of India's raw coal in 2020-21, making it the largest consumer.
What is the role of coal in India's electricity generation compared to lignite?
Answer: Coal generates over 73% of electricity, while lignite contributes a smaller share.
Explanation: Coal is India's primary electricity source (>73% in 2020-21), while lignite contributed 3.6%.
Why do Indian power plants often need to consume more coal per kWh compared to U.S. plants?
Answer: Indian coal has a lower calorific value and higher ash content.
Explanation: Indian coal typically has a lower calorific value and higher ash content than coal used in U.S. plants, necessitating higher consumption per unit of energy produced.
What is coal gasification, and what is the primary composition of the resulting syngas?
Answer: A process converting coal to syngas; syngas is primarily hydrogen, carbon monoxide, and carbon dioxide.
Explanation: Coal gasification produces synthesis gas (syngas), a mixture mainly consisting of hydrogen, carbon monoxide, and carbon dioxide, which can be processed into synthetic natural gas (SNG).
What potential benefit does coal gasification offer India's energy sector?
Answer: Enhanced energy security by reducing reliance on imported natural gas.
Explanation: By converting abundant domestic coal into synthetic natural gas, India can enhance its energy security and decrease dependence on foreign natural gas supplies.
Indian coal generally has a lower Gross Calorific Value (GCV) compared to Australian coal.
Answer: True
Explanation: Indian coal generally has lower calorific value and higher ash content than Australian coal, requiring Indian power plants to use more coal per kWh (approx. 0.7 kg) than U.S. plants (approx. 0.45 kg).
India imports metallurgical coal primarily to supplement domestic supply and compensate for its lower quality.
Answer: True
Explanation: The primary reasons for India's import of metallurgical coal are to address shortages in domestic supply and to compensate for the lower quality and higher ash content of its own coal.
Lignite consumption in India has experienced a decline, not a significant increase, in the decade leading up to 2020-21.
Answer: True
Explanation: Lignite consumption in India declined at a compound annual growth rate of 1.30% over the decade preceding the 2020-21 fiscal year.
India imports metallurgical coal primarily to supplement domestic supply and compensate for its lower quality.
Answer: True
Explanation: The primary reasons for India's import of metallurgical coal are to address shortages in domestic supply and to compensate for the lower quality and higher ash content of its own coal.
Indian coal generally has a lower Gross Calorific Value (GCV) compared to Australian coal.
Answer: True
Explanation: Indian coal generally has lower calorific value and higher ash content than Australian coal, requiring Indian power plants to use more coal per kWh (approx. 0.7 kg) than U.S. plants (approx. 0.45 kg).
Lignite consumption in India has experienced a decline, not a significant increase, in the decade leading up to 2020-21.
Answer: True
Explanation: Lignite consumption in India declined at a compound annual growth rate of 1.30% over the decade preceding the 2020-21 fiscal year.
India imports metallurgical coal primarily to supplement domestic supply and compensate for its lower quality.
Answer: True
Explanation: The primary reasons for India's import of metallurgical coal are to address shortages in domestic supply and to compensate for the lower quality and higher ash content of its own coal.
Indian coal generally has a lower Gross Calorific Value (GCV) compared to Australian coal.
Answer: True
Explanation: Indian coal generally has lower calorific value and higher ash content than Australian coal, requiring Indian power plants to use more coal per kWh (approx. 0.7 kg) than U.S. plants (approx. 0.45 kg).
Villages situated near coal mines in India exhibit a higher incidence of respiratory illnesses compared to those located farther away.
Answer: True
Explanation: Studies indicate that proximity to coal mining operations and associated pollution correlates with increased respiratory and other health problems in nearby communities.
Underground coal field fires, such as the persistent one in Jharia Coalfield, pose significant long-term environmental and health risks.
Answer: True
Explanation: The ongoing underground fire in the Jharia Coalfield exemplifies the long-term environmental and health hazards associated with coal mining operations.
The 'coal mafia' primarily engages in illegal activities, such as coal pilferage and black market sales, rather than legal trading and transportation.
Answer: True
Explanation: The 'coal mafia' is associated with illicit activities including the diversion of coal to the black market and corrupt practices within the industry.
The activities of the coal mafia have led to erratic coal supplies and adulterated shipments within India.
Answer: True
Explanation: The operations of the 'coal mafia' negatively impact the coal supply chain, causing inconsistencies in supply and the adulteration of shipments with materials like stones.
Particulate matter, sulfur dioxide, and nitrogen dioxide are the main pollutants emitted from coal plants that cause health damages.
Answer: True
Explanation: Emissions such as particulate matter, sulfur dioxide, and nitrogen dioxide from coal plants are primary contributors to adverse health effects.
The Jharia Coalfield fire has been burning for nearly a century and has resulted in the displacement of numerous people.
Answer: True
Explanation: The persistent underground fire in the Jharia Coalfield, burning for approximately a century, has led to significant displacement of local populations.
Coal-fired power plants in India are criticized for not strictly adhering to all environmental laws.
Answer: True
Explanation: The coal industry in India faces criticism regarding its adherence to environmental regulations and its impact on air and water quality.
What health problems are linked to the coal industry in India, according to studies?
Answer: A higher incidence of respiratory illnesses and other health problems near mines.
Explanation: The coal industry causes serious health issues, with higher incidence of respiratory illnesses, cancer, and other ailments in villages near mines due to air pollution from particulate matter, SO2, and NO2.
What environmental consequence is highlighted regarding the Jharia Coalfield?
Answer: A persistent underground fire burning for nearly a century.
Explanation: The Jharia Coalfield has a persistent underground fire burning for nearly a century, causing displacement and health risks.
What illegal activities are attributed to the 'coal mafia' in India?
Answer: Pilferage, black market sales, and corruption.
Explanation: The 'coal mafia' involves organized criminal elements engaged in illegal activities like coal pilferage and black market sales, reportedly emerging first in Bihar's coal mines (Dhanbad).
How has the coal mafia negatively impacted the Indian coal supply chain?
Answer: By leading to erratic supplies and adulterated shipments.
Explanation: The 'coal mafia' negatively impacts the Indian coal supply chain through erratic supplies and adulterated shipments, often diverting high-quality coal.
Coal-fired power plants in India are criticized for not strictly adhering to all environmental laws.
Answer: True
Explanation: The coal industry in India faces criticism regarding its adherence to environmental regulations and its impact on air and water quality.
Coal-fired power plants in India are criticized for not strictly adhering to all environmental laws.
Answer: True
Explanation: The coal industry in India faces criticism regarding its adherence to environmental regulations and its impact on air and water quality.
Particulate matter, sulfur dioxide, and nitrogen dioxide are the main pollutants emitted from coal plants that cause health damages.
Answer: True
Explanation: Emissions such as particulate matter, sulfur dioxide, and nitrogen dioxide from coal plants are primary contributors to adverse health effects.
The Jharia Coalfield fire has been burning for nearly a century and has resulted in the displacement of numerous people.
Answer: True
Explanation: The persistent underground fire in the Jharia Coalfield, burning for approximately a century, has led to significant displacement of local populations.
What did a 2020 Carbon Tracker report estimate regarding the cost-competitiveness of Indian coal-fired power plants compared to new solar power?
Answer: 17% of coal plants were already more expensive than new solar, with 85% projected to be by 2025.
Explanation: The report projected that 85% of India's coal plants would become more expensive than new solar facilities by 2025.
What specific directive did UN Secretary General António Guterres issue to India in 2020 concerning new coal-fired power stations?
Answer: To cease construction of new coal-fired power stations before the end of the year.
Explanation: UN Secretary General António Guterres called upon India to halt the construction of new coal-fired power stations.
A 2020 Carbon Tracker report estimated that most Indian coal plants would be more expensive than new solar by 2025.
Answer: True
Explanation: The report projected that 85% of India's coal plants would become more expensive than new solar facilities by 2025.
Phasing out coal in India is projected to yield short-term health and environmental benefits that significantly outweigh the associated costs.
Answer: True
Explanation: Studies suggest that the benefits derived from phasing out coal, particularly in terms of health and environment, are expected to exceed the costs involved.
A 2020 Carbon Tracker report estimated that most Indian coal plants would be more expensive than new solar by 2025.
Answer: True
Explanation: The report projected that 85% of India's coal plants would become more expensive than new solar facilities by 2025.
Phasing out coal in India is projected to yield short-term health and environmental benefits that significantly outweigh the associated costs.
Answer: True
Explanation: Studies suggest that the benefits derived from phasing out coal, particularly in terms of health and environment, are expected to exceed the costs involved.
A 2020 Carbon Tracker report estimated that most Indian coal plants would be more expensive than new solar by 2025.
Answer: True
Explanation: The report projected that 85% of India's coal plants would become more expensive than new solar facilities by 2025.
Phasing out coal in India is projected to yield short-term health and environmental benefits that significantly outweigh the associated costs.
Answer: True
Explanation: Studies suggest that the benefits derived from phasing out coal, particularly in terms of health and environment, are expected to exceed the costs involved.
In 2020, UN Secretary General António Guterres urged India to cease the construction of new coal-fired power stations.
Answer: True
Explanation: UN Secretary General António Guterres called upon India to halt the construction of new coal-fired power stations.