UPSC Prelims 2011 · Question 41 of 100

UPSC Prelims 2011 question on Bio Asphalt Benefits

In the Union Budget 2011-12, a full exemption from the basic customs duty was extended to the bio-based asphalt (bioasphalt). What is the importance of this material?

1. Unlike traditional asphalt, bio-asphalt is not based on fossil fuels.

2. Bioasphalt can be made from non-renewable resources.

3. Bioasphalt can be made from organic waste materials.

4. It is eco-friendly to use bioasphalt for surfacing of the roads.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

  1. 1, 2 and 3 only
  2. 1, 3 and 4 only
  3. 2 and 4 only
  4. 1, 2, 3 and 4
Show answer

Answer: B. 1, 3 and 4 only

Verdict

Correct Answer: 1, 3 and 4 only

Analysis

Bio-asphalt is an eco-friendly alternative to conventional petroleum-based asphalt. It is made from renewable biological materials and can also use organic waste.

Statement by statement

1. Unlike traditional asphalt, bio-asphalt is not based on fossil fuels — Correct
Traditional asphalt or bitumen is obtained from crude oil refining. Bio-asphalt replaces petroleum-based binders with materials derived from biological sources such as vegetable oils, lignin, resins or other biomass-based materials.

2. Bio-asphalt can be made from non-renewable resources — Incorrect
Bio-asphalt is called “bio” because it is based on renewable biological sources. If it is made from non-renewable petroleum resources, it would not qualify as bio-asphalt.

3. Bio-asphalt can be made from organic waste materials — Correct
Bio-asphalt can be produced from organic waste such as agricultural residues, molasses, rice husk, corn starch, used cooking oil and other biomass-based waste. This also supports waste-to-resource and circular economy goals.

4. It is eco-friendly to use bio-asphalt for road surfacing — Correct
Bio-asphalt reduces dependence on petroleum bitumen and can lower carbon emissions. It also promotes sustainable road construction by using renewable or waste-based raw materials.

Extra UPSC info

Bio-asphalt is also called bio-bitumen when used as a substitute for bitumen.
Lignin, a natural polymer found in plants, is a promising bio-binder.
It can help reduce dependence on imported petroleum-based bitumen.
Use of agricultural waste for bio-bitumen can also help address stubble burning and air pollution.
Bio-asphalt is relevant for green infrastructure, circular economy and sustainable transport.

How to crack it

Bio-asphalt is a renewable, waste-based and eco-friendly substitute for conventional fossil fuel-based asphalt. Therefore, statements 1, 3 and 4 only are correct.

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