UPSC CSE Prelims 2010
Which of the Statements given above is, are correct?
Statement 1: Pongamia pinnata, also known as Karanj, is a hardy and drought-resistant tree species. It grows naturally across many arid and semi-arid regions of India and is well-adapted to poor, saline, or degraded soils. This adaptability makes it suitable for large-scale cultivation on marginal lands without competing with food crops.
Statement 2: The seeds of Pongamia pinnata are rich in lipid content. A significant proportion, approximately half, of this lipid content is oleic acid, which is a monounsaturated fatty acid. This specific fatty acid profile is highly desirable for the efficient production of high-quality biodiesel.
Options (a) and (b) are incorrect because both Statement 1 and Statement 2 are factually accurate and relevant to the suitability of Pongamia pinnata for biodiesel production.
Option (d) is incorrect as both given statements are correct, making the option 'Neither 1 nor 2' invalid.