UPSC Prelims 2017 · GS Paper I
Question 73: Science and Technology
Consider the following pairs :
| Commonly used / consumed materials | Unwanted or controversial chemicals likely to be found in them | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lipstick | Lead |
| 2 | Soft drinks | Brominated vegetable oils |
| 3 | Chinese fast food | Monosodium glutamate |
Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched ?
AnswerUPSC’s answer is (d).
Some lipsticks have been found to contain traces of lead, a toxic metal, so pair 1 is right. Brominated vegetable oil was used as an emulsifier in some citrus soft drinks and is controversial because bromine can build up in the body, so pair 2 is right. Monosodium glutamate, a flavour enhancer widely used in Chinese fast food, is a controversial additive for some people, so pair 3 is right. Remember: all three are well-known controversial ingredients.
- 1. Lead has been found in some lipsticks.
- 2. Brominated vegetable oil was used as an emulsifier in some soft drinks.
- 3. MSG is a flavour enhancer common in Chinese fast food.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incomplete: pairs 2 and 3 are also correct.
- (b) Incomplete: lipstick and lead (pair 1) is also correct.
- (c) Incomplete: soft drinks and brominated vegetable oil (pair 2) is also correct.
- (d) Right: all three pairs are correctly matched.
Worth knowing: Brominated vegetable oil has since been phased out of food in the United States; the pairing was correct when the question was set.
Answer: UPSC’s key. Explanation: written by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.
Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2017, General Studies Paper I, Series A. The paper on upsc.gov.in.