Correct answer: (a) pesticides in agriculture
Explanation
- A
pesticides in agriculture
(a) Pesticides in agriculture. Carbofuran, methyl parathion, phorate and triazophos are highly hazardous insecticides/nematicides; India has restricted or banned several of them. That agricultural-pesticide identity is the official key.
- B
preservatives in processed foods
(b) Preservatives in processed foods. These organophosphate/carbamate names are not food preservatives, so this is not the key.
- C
fruit-ripening agents
(c) Fruit-ripening agents. Ripening debates are about calcium carbide or ethylene, not this list, so this is not the key.
- D
moisturizing agents in cosmetics
(d) Moisturising agents in cosmetics. Unrelated chemistry, so this is not the key.
Summary. Official key is (a) pesticides in agriculture. The four names are insecticide actives viewed with apprehension because of toxicity to farmers, birds and aquatic life. They are not preservatives, ripeners or cosmetic humectants. Honour the stored letter (a).
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