Question

UPSC Prelims 2021 Question:

With reference to ‘palm oil’, consider the following statements:

The palm oil tree is native to Southeast Asia.

The palm oil is a raw material for some industries producing lipstick and perfumes.

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

Answer (Detailed Solution Below)

Option 2: 2 and 3 only

Detailed Solution

Explanation:

- India is the world’s largest importer of palm oil, with more than 9 million tonnes imported annually mainly from Indonesia and Malaysia.

Palm oil is predominantly cultivated in tropical areas due to required climatic conditions (high rainfall and sufficient sunlight). Though the global market is dominated (84% global oil production) by only two countries: Indonesia and Malaysia, palm oil tree is native to Africa. So, statement 1 is not correct.

Palm oil is a versatile product which has diversified applications:

SI. No.	Application	Salient features
1.	Foods	Over two-thirds (68%) is used in foods ranging from margarine to chocolate, pizzas, breads and cooking oils.
2.	Industrial applications	27% is used in industrial applications and consumer products such as soaps, detergents, cosmetics and cleaning agents. Palm oil is used in cosmetics for its moisturising properties. It is used in lipstick as it holds color well and doesn't melt at high temperatures. So, statement 2 is correct.
3.	Bioenergy	5% is used as biofuels for transport, electricity or heat. In Germany, the largest use of palm oil is for biofuels (42%) than food (41%). So, statement 3 is correct.

Therefore, option (2) is the correct answer.

Relevance: In 2020, New Delhi made a move to restrict imports of refined palm oil and palmolein after Malaysia’s Prime Minister criticised India’s actions in Kashmir and its new citizenship law.

Subject: Geography | Natural Vegetation and Wildlife

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