With reference to Neem tree, consider the following statements : 1. Neem oil can be used as a pesticide to control the proliferation of some species of insects and mites. 2. Neem seeds are used in the manufacture of biofuels and hospital detergents. 3. Neem oil has applications in pharmaceutical industry. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- (a) 1 and 2 only
- (b) 3 only
- (c) 1 and 3 only ✓ UPSC's answer
- (d) 1, 2 and 3
Why the answer is (c)
• Neem oil contains azadirachtin, a natural insecticide and miticide used against many crop pests (statement 1), and has pharmaceutical uses in skin, dental and antimicrobial preparations (statement 3).
• Statement 2 is wrong: neem seeds are used for oil and cake (fertiliser, pesticide) but not for manufacturing biofuels or hospital detergents.
• Hence 1 and 3 only, option (c).
Why the other options are wrong
- (a) 1 and 2 only
- Statement 2 is wrong: no biofuel/detergent manufacture from neem seeds.
- (b) 3 only
- Statement 1 on pesticide use is also correct.
- (d) 1, 2 and 3
- Statement 2 is wrong.
Asked in the GS Paper I of the UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination 2014, held on 24 August 2014. Question and answer key: Union Public Service Commission. Explanation: UPSC Answer Check.