UPSC Prelims 2021 · GS Paper I
Question 52: Geography
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?
AnswerUPSC’s answer is (b).
The oil palm is native to West Africa, not Southeast Asia, although Malaysia and Indonesia are now the largest producers. Palm oil is a raw material for cosmetics such as lipsticks and for perfumes and soaps, as well as food products. It can also be processed into biodiesel. Remember: oil palm originates in West Africa; Southeast Asia is where it is mostly grown.
- 1. The oil palm is native to West Africa; Southeast Asia is where it is mainly grown.
- 2. Palm oil is used in lipsticks, perfumes and other cosmetics.
- 3. Palm oil is a biodiesel feedstock.
How you could have got this
- If you were sure statement 1 is not correct, (a), (c) and (d) go: each of them includes 1.
What you needed to know: The oil palm is native to West Africa; Southeast Asia is where it is mainly grown.
Only (b) is left. You didn’t need statements 2 or 3.
Which options go is worked out from UPSC’s key and the options, not by a model.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Wrong: statement 1 is false because the oil palm is native to West Africa.
- (b) Right: statements 2 and 3 are correct.
- (c) Wrong: statement 1 is false.
- (d) Wrong: statement 1 is false.
Answer: UPSC’s key. Explanation: written by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.
Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2021, General Studies Paper I, Series A. The paper on upsc.gov.in.