Explanation
- A
1 only
Option (a) is 1 only. Lipstick can contain lead as a contaminant, but the other two pairs are also valid controversy pairings. Restricting the answer to lipstick alone is incomplete. This option is not the key.
- B
2 and 3 only
Option (b) is 2 and 3 only. It drops the correctly matched lipstick–lead pair. This option is therefore wrong.
- C
1 and 3 only
Option (c) is 1 and 3 only. Brominated vegetable oils have been used as clouding agents in some citrus soft drinks and have been controversial. Omitting pair 2 is wrong. This option is not the key.
- D
1, 2 and 3
All three stem pairs are correctly matched: lead in some lipsticks; brominated vegetable oils in some soft drinks; monosodium glutamate in much Chinese-style fast food (a flavour enhancer that is controversial for some consumers). That is why 1, 2 and 3 is the official key.
Summary. Official key is (d) 1, 2 and 3. The question’s pairs flag unwanted or debated chemicals in everyday products. Lead has been reported in cosmetics; BVO in some sodas; MSG in many Chinese fast-food preparations. None of the three pairings is a mismatch. The full set is therefore correct.
Same topic · past papers
UPSC has asked this before
These previous-year questions sit on the same topic. Open one to practise the earlier ask.
-
2025 · Q15 · General Studies · 2 marks
Fa-hien (Faxian), the Chinese pilgrim, travelled to India during the reign of