In India, the use of carbofuran, methyl parathion, phorate and triazophos is viewed with apprehension. These chemicals are used as
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Answer: A. Carbofuran, methyl parathion, phorate and triazophos are highly toxic insecticides used in farming. Their use raises concern over poisoning of farmers and residues in food; several have been banned or restricted.
Watch for: Students who don't know the chemical names guess food adulteration because of food-safety news.
Why the other options are wrong
- B. Wrong because these are not food preservatives.
- C. Wrong because fruit is ripened with ethylene or (illegally) calcium carbide, not these chemicals.
- D. Wrong because these chemicals are not used in cosmetics.
Source to check: Central Insecticides Board and Registration Committee (CIB&RC), Ministry of Agriculture, list of registered and banned pesticides; Anupam Verma Committee report (2015)
Answer from the official UPSC key. Written and fact-checked by AI against the official key. Spotted a mistake? Report it.