UPSC Prelims 2019 GS Paper I · Q39 of 100 Environment & Ecology easy

In India, the use of carbofuran, methyl parathion, phorate and triazophos is viewed with apprehension. These chemicals are used as

  1. (a) pesticides in agriculture ✓ UPSC's answer
  2. (b) preservatives in processed foods
  3. (c) fruit-ripening agents
  4. (d) moisturising agents in cosmetics

Why the answer is (a)

• Carbofuran (carbamate), methyl parathion, phorate and triazophos (organophosphates) are highly toxic insecticides used on rice, cotton, sugarcane and vegetables — option (a).

• They are classified as Class I (extremely/highly hazardous) by WHO, cause farmer poisonings (e.g. Yavatmal 2017) and persist in food; the Anupam Verma committee reviewed them and India has banned or restricted several.

• They are not food preservatives (b), ripening agents (c) or cosmetic ingredients (d).

• Hence option (a).

Why the other options are wrong

(b) preservatives in processed foods
These are pesticides, not food preservatives.
(c) fruit-ripening agents
Ripening agents are ethylene/calcium carbide.
(d) moisturising agents in cosmetics
They are not cosmetic ingredients.

Asked in the GS Paper I of the UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination 2019, held on 2 June 2019. Question and answer key: Union Public Service Commission. Explanation: UPSC Answer Check.

Reading the answer is not the same as getting it right under a clock. Practise this question with UPSC's negative marking, and anything you miss goes into an error notebook until you get it right twice.

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