Question 76 from UPSC CSE 2019 - Current Affairs

Question

Recently, there was a growing awareness in our country about the importance of Himalayan nettle (Girardinia diversifolia) because it is found to be a sustainable source of

IASCODEX · Accepted Answer

Correct Option: D. textile fibre

Strategy: For questions about a 'sustainable source' plant like Himalayan nettle, match it to its most prominent, well-documented use. Prioritize traditional and modern applications highlighted in media and research, such as eco-friendly textile production, and discard less relevant options like anti-malarial drugs, biodiesel, or paper pulp.

Key Info: **Girardinia diversifolia (Himalayan Nettle)**

A perennial herbaceous plant native to the Himalayan region, including India, Nepal, and Bhutan. It is renowned for its long, strong fibres.

**Key Uses and Properties:**
- **Primary Use:** Fibres are traditionally extracted from stems for weaving textiles, ropes, and nets.
- **Modern Application:** Increasingly valued as an eco-friendly fibre in textile manufacturing, offering livelihood potential for remote communities.
- **Fibre Qualities:** The fibre is biodegradable, strong, durable, and serves as a sustainable substitute for synthetic and cotton fibres.
- **Other Applications:** There is no significant evidence or traditional use for anti-malarial drugs or biodiesel. While it can be used for low-grade paper pulp, it is specifically prized for its textile fibre.

IASCODEX · Answer

Option A: anti-malarial drug

IASCODEX · Answer

Option B: biodiesel

IASCODEX · Answer

Option C: pulp for paper industry