UPSC Prelims 2021 · Question 52 of 97

UPSC Prelims 2021 question on Palm Oil

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?

  1. 1 and 2 only
  2. 2 and 3 only
  3. 1 and 3 only
  4. 1, 2 and 3
Show answer

Answer: B. 2 and 3 only

Verdict

Correct statements: 2 and 3 only → Option (b).

Statement by statement

Statement 1 – INCORRECT: Palm oil is an edible vegetable oil derived from the mesocarp (reddish pulp) of the fruit of the oil palms. Palm oil tree is native to Africa. Our palm oil trees are grown in Malaysia and Indonesia, which represents 85% of the world's palm oil supply. Hence, statement 1 is not correct.

Statement 2 – CORRECT: Palm oil is a vegetable oil used in cosmetics for its moisturising and texturising properties. Palm oil is used in lipstick as it holds color well, doesn't melt at high temperatures, and has a smooth application and virtually no taste. Also, palm oil makes perfumed and deodorants more effective and helps the fragrance to last longer. Hence, statement 2 is correct.

Statement 3 – CORRECT: Palm oil is considered as an alternative and promising feedstock to further diversified the biodiesel production in the global market. Palm oil contains various phytonutrients that can be separated out prior to biodiesel production. Hence, statement 3 is correct.

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