UPSC CSE Prelims
Question 9
With reference to 'palm oil', consider the following statements:
- The palm oil tree is native to Southeast Asia.
- The palm oil is a raw material for some industries producing lipstick and perfumes.
- The palm oil can be used to produce biodiesel.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
View correct answer and explanation
Correct answer: B
Correct Option: B (2 and 3 only)
Explanation: Oil palm originated in West/Central Africa, not Southeast Asia; processed palm-oil derivatives are used in cosmetics and can be converted into biodiesel.
Statement / Pair / Item-wise Analysis:
1. Incorrect / does not qualify - African oil palm (Elaeis guineensis) is native to West/Central Africa.
2. Correct / qualifies - Palm oil derivatives are ingredients in cosmetics, including lipsticks and fragrance-related products.
3. Correct / qualifies - Palm oil may be transesterified to make biodiesel.
Option-wise Analysis:
A. Incorrect-includes item 1, which is not valid (African oil palm (Elaeis guineensis) is native to West/Central Africa); omits valid item 3 (Palm oil may be transesterified to make biodiesel).
B. Correct-selects exactly the supported statements/items: 2, 3.
C. Incorrect-includes item 1, which is not valid (African oil palm (Elaeis guineensis) is native to West/Central Africa); omits valid item 2 (Palm oil derivatives are ingredients in cosmetics, including lipsticks and fragrance-related products).
D. Incorrect-includes item 1, which is not valid (African oil palm (Elaeis guineensis) is native to West/Central Africa).