With reference to 'palm oil', consider the following statements : 1. The palm oil tree is native to Southeast Asia. 2. The palm oil is a raw material for some industries producing lipstick and perfumes. 3. The palm oil can be used to produce biodiesel. Which of the statements given above are correct?
- (a) 1 and 2 only
- (b) 2 and 3 only ✓ UPSC's answer
- (c) 1 and 3 only
- (d) 1, 2 and 3
Why the answer is (b)
• Statement 1 is wrong: the oil palm (Elaeis guineensis) is native to West Africa; Indonesia and Malaysia are today's largest producers but not its origin.
• Statement 2 is correct: palm oil derivatives (palmitic acid, glycerine) are used in lipsticks, soaps, perfumes and many cosmetics.
• Statement 3 is correct: palm oil can be transesterified into biodiesel, and Indonesia mandates palm-based biodiesel blends.
• India is the world's largest importer of palm oil; the National Mission on Edible Oils–Oil Palm (2021) aims to expand domestic cultivation.
• Hence 2 and 3 only, option (b).
Why the other options are wrong
- (a) 1 and 2 only
- Statement 1 is wrong: oil palm is native to West Africa.
- (c) 1 and 3 only
- Statement 1 is wrong; statement 2 is correct.
- (d) 1, 2 and 3
- Statement 1 is wrong, so all three cannot be correct.
Asked in the GS Paper I of the UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination 2021, held on 10 October 2021. Question and answer key: Union Public Service Commission. Explanation: UPSC Answer Check.