Q. 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?
a) 1 and 2 only
b) 2 and 3 only
c) 1 and 3 only
d) 1, 2 and 3
Correct Answer: b) 2 and 3 only
Question from UPSC Prelims 2021 GS Paper
Explanation :
Origins of Palm Oil
Contrary to popular belief, the palm oil tree is native to West Africa, not Southeast Asia. Despite this, countries like Malaysia and Indonesia have become the leading producers of palm oil globally.
Industrial Uses of Palm Oil
Palm oil’s versatility extends to various industries. It is a key ingredient in cosmetics, such as lipstick, and is also used in personal care products like soaps and detergents for its conditioning properties and texture consistency.
Palm Oil in Renewable Energy
The use of palm oil is not limited to consumer products; it also plays a significant role in the production of biodiesel, a renewable energy source that is gaining traction as an alternative to fossil fuels.
