2014 GS Paper I, all questions

UPSC Prelims 2014 · GS Paper I

Question 40: Geography

In India, cluster bean (Guar) is traditionally used as a vegetable or animal feed, but recently the cultivation of this has assumed significance. Which one of the following statements is correct in this context?

aThe oil extracted from seeds is used in the manufacture of biodegradable plastics
bThe gum made from its seeds is used in the extraction of shale gas
cThe leaf extract of this plant has the properties of anti-histamines
dIt is a source of high quality biodiesel

AnswerUPSC’s answer is (b).

Guar (cluster bean) seeds give guar gum, a galactomannan that makes water thick and gel-like. The gum is used as a thickener in the hydraulic fracturing fluid used to extract shale gas, which created a large export demand and a price boom. It is also used in food, textiles and cosmetics. Guar is not a source of oil for bioplastics or of biodiesel, and the claim about anti-histamine leaves is not established.

Why each option is right or wrong
  • (a) Wrong. Guar seeds are not used for oil to make biodegradable plastics.
  • (b) Right. Guar gum is used in shale gas extraction.
  • (c) Wrong. Guar leaf extract is not known as an anti-histamine.
  • (d) Wrong. Guar is not a recognised source of biodiesel.

Answer: UPSC’s key. Explanation: written by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.

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Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2014, General Studies Paper I, Series A. The paper on upsc.gov.in.