UPSC Editorials Quiz : 1 September 2025

Introducing QUED – Questions from Editorials (UPSC Editorials Quiz) , an innovative initiative from InsightsIAS. Considering the significant number of questions in previous UPSC Prelims from editorials, practicing MCQs from this perspective can provide an extra edge. While we cover important editorials separately in our Editorial Section and SECURE Initiative, adding QUED (UPSC Editorials Quiz) to your daily MCQ practice alongside Static Quiz, Current Affairs Quiz, and InstaDART can be crucial for better performance. We recommend utilizing this initiative to enhance your preparation, with 5 MCQs posted daily at 11 am from Monday to Saturday on our website under the QUIZ menu.

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• Question 1 of 5 1. Question Consider the following statements. Statement-I: The Ninth Schedule was a response to the judicial invalidation of land reform laws. Statement-II: The insertion of Articles 31A and 31B was aimed at upholding the Directive Principles of State Policy related to the equitable distribution of resources. Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements? (a) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is the correct explanation for Statement-I (b) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is not the correct explanation for Statement-I (c) Statement-I is correct but Statement-II is incorrect (d) Statement-I is incorrect but Statement-II is correct Correct Solution: A Statement-I is correct. The Ninth Schedule was introduced after the Patna High Court invalidated Bihar’s land reform laws. This created a situation where the judiciary and the legislature were at odds, and the Ninth Schedule was seen as a way to protect such laws from judicial scrutiny. Statement-II is also correct. Articles 31A and 31B, along with the Ninth Schedule, were inserted to give effect to the Directive Principles of State Policy, particularly those related to the equitable distribution of material resources of the community (Article 39(b)) and the prevention of the concentration of wealth (Article 39(c)). These principles are central to the idea of social and economic justice, which was the driving force behind land reforms. Statement-II provides the underlying constitutional and philosophical rationale for the actions described in Statement-I. Incorrect Solution: A Statement-I is correct. The Ninth Schedule was introduced after the Patna High Court invalidated Bihar’s land reform laws. This created a situation where the judiciary and the legislature were at odds, and the Ninth Schedule was seen as a way to protect such laws from judicial scrutiny. Statement-II is also correct. Articles 31A and 31B, along with the Ninth Schedule, were inserted to give effect to the Directive Principles of State Policy, particularly those related to the equitable distribution of material resources of the community (Article 39(b)) and the prevention of the concentration of wealth (Article 39(c)). These principles are central to the idea of social and economic justice, which was the driving force behind land reforms. Statement-II provides the underlying constitutional and philosophical rationale for the actions described in Statement-I.

#### 1. Question

Consider the following statements.

Statement-I: The Ninth Schedule was a response to the judicial invalidation of land reform laws.

Statement-II: The insertion of Articles 31A and 31B was aimed at upholding the Directive Principles of State Policy related to the equitable distribution of resources.

Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

• (a) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is the correct explanation for Statement-I

• (b) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is not the correct explanation for Statement-I

• (c) Statement-I is correct but Statement-II is incorrect

• (d) Statement-I is incorrect but Statement-II is correct

Solution: A

• Statement-I is correct. The Ninth Schedule was introduced after the Patna High Court invalidated Bihar’s land reform laws. This created a situation where the judiciary and the legislature were at odds, and the Ninth Schedule was seen as a way to protect such laws from judicial scrutiny.

• Statement-II is also correct. Articles 31A and 31B, along with the Ninth Schedule, were inserted to give effect to the Directive Principles of State Policy, particularly those related to the equitable distribution of material resources of the community (Article 39(b)) and the prevention of the concentration of wealth (Article 39(c)). These principles are central to the idea of social and economic justice, which was the driving force behind land reforms.

• Statement-II provides the underlying constitutional and philosophical rationale for the actions described in Statement-I.

Solution: A

• Statement-II provides the underlying constitutional and philosophical rationale for the actions described in Statement-I.

• Question 2 of 5 2. Question Consider the following statements regarding National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA). Statement-I: The NTCA has statutory powers under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, to regulate projects in tiger reserves and corridors. Statement-II: The primary objective of the NTCA is to balance the needs of conservation with the demands of economic development. Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements? (a) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is the correct explanation for Statement-I (b) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is not the correct explanation for Statement-I (c) Statement-I is correct but Statement-II is incorrect (d) Statement-I is incorrect but Statement-II is correct Correct Solution: C Statement-I is correct. The NTCA derives its powers from Section 38(O) of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, which gives it the authority to issue directions for the protection of tiger reserves and to ensure that projects in and around these areas do not harm wildlife. Statement-II is incorrect. While the NTCA has to consider development projects, its primary mandate is the conservation of tigers and their habitats. The objective of “balancing” conservation with development is a broader goal of environmental governance, but the NTCA’s specific legal mandate is tilted in favour of conservation. Incorrect Solution: C Statement-I is correct. The NTCA derives its powers from Section 38(O) of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, which gives it the authority to issue directions for the protection of tiger reserves and to ensure that projects in and around these areas do not harm wildlife. Statement-II is incorrect. While the NTCA has to consider development projects, its primary mandate is the conservation of tigers and their habitats. The objective of “balancing” conservation with development is a broader goal of environmental governance, but the NTCA’s specific legal mandate is tilted in favour of conservation.

#### 2. Question

Consider the following statements regarding National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA).

Statement-I: The NTCA has statutory powers under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, to regulate projects in tiger reserves and corridors.

Statement-II: The primary objective of the NTCA is to balance the needs of conservation with the demands of economic development.

Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

• (a) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is the correct explanation for Statement-I

• (b) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is not the correct explanation for Statement-I

• (c) Statement-I is correct but Statement-II is incorrect

• (d) Statement-I is incorrect but Statement-II is correct

Solution: C

• Statement-I is correct. The NTCA derives its powers from Section 38(O) of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, which gives it the authority to issue directions for the protection of tiger reserves and to ensure that projects in and around these areas do not harm wildlife.

• Statement-II is incorrect. While the NTCA has to consider development projects, its primary mandate is the conservation of tigers and their habitats. The objective of “balancing” conservation with development is a broader goal of environmental governance, but the NTCA’s specific legal mandate is tilted in favour of conservation.

Solution: C

• Question 3 of 5 3. Question Which of the following countries does not share a border with Uganda? (a) Kenya (b) Ethiopia (c) South Sudan (d) Tanzania Correct Solution: B Uganda is bordered by Kenya to the east, South Sudan to the north, the Democratic Republic of Congo to the west, Rwanda to the southwest, and Tanzania to the south. Ethiopia does not share a border with Uganda. Incorrect Solution: B Uganda is bordered by Kenya to the east, South Sudan to the north, the Democratic Republic of Congo to the west, Rwanda to the southwest, and Tanzania to the south. Ethiopia does not share a border with Uganda.

#### 3. Question

Which of the following countries does not share a border with Uganda?

• (b) Ethiopia

• (c) South Sudan

• (d) Tanzania

Solution: B

Uganda is bordered by Kenya to the east, South Sudan to the north, the Democratic Republic of Congo to the west, Rwanda to the southwest, and Tanzania to the south. Ethiopia does not share a border with Uganda.

Solution: B

• Question 4 of 5 4. Question The establishment of NITI Aayog reflected a paradigm shift from the erstwhile Planning Commission. Which of the following statements best captures this shift? A shift from a centralized planning approach to a cooperative, bottom-up vision. A transition from having financial allocation powers to being a purely advisory body. A change in composition to include Chief Ministers and Lieutenant Governors to better reflect the federal structure. Select the correct answer using the code given below: (a) 1 only (b) 1 and 2 only (c) 2 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 Correct Solution: D Statement 1 is correct. NITI Aayog was explicitly created to act as a platform for cooperative federalism, encouraging states to be active partners in policy formulation and national development, reflecting a “bottom-up” approach. Statement 2 is correct. The Planning Commission had the significant power to allocate plan funds to states, giving it considerable leverage. NITI Aayog has no such financial powers. It is a purely advisory body or a think-tank. The power to allocate funds now rests with the Ministry of Finance. Statement 3 is correct. The primary governing body of the Planning Commission was the National Development Council (NDC). While Chief Ministers were part of the NDC, the creation of the Governing Council in NITI Aayog, with the Prime Minister as chair and all Chief Ministers and LGs as members, was designed to be more inclusive and directly embed the federal structure into the institution’s core, making it a more effective platform for Centre-State deliberation. Incorrect Solution: D Statement 1 is correct. NITI Aayog was explicitly created to act as a platform for cooperative federalism, encouraging states to be active partners in policy formulation and national development, reflecting a “bottom-up” approach. Statement 2 is correct. The Planning Commission had the significant power to allocate plan funds to states, giving it considerable leverage. NITI Aayog has no such financial powers. It is a purely advisory body or a think-tank. The power to allocate funds now rests with the Ministry of Finance. Statement 3 is correct. The primary governing body of the Planning Commission was the National Development Council (NDC). While Chief Ministers were part of the NDC, the creation of the Governing Council in NITI Aayog, with the Prime Minister as chair and all Chief Ministers and LGs as members, was designed to be more inclusive and directly embed the federal structure into the institution’s core, making it a more effective platform for Centre-State deliberation.

#### 4. Question

The establishment of NITI Aayog reflected a paradigm shift from the erstwhile Planning Commission. Which of the following statements best captures this shift?

• A shift from a centralized planning approach to a cooperative, bottom-up vision.

• A transition from having financial allocation powers to being a purely advisory body.

• A change in composition to include Chief Ministers and Lieutenant Governors to better reflect the federal structure.

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

• (a) 1 only

• (b) 1 and 2 only

• (c) 2 and 3 only

• (d) 1, 2 and 3

Solution: D

• Statement 1 is correct. NITI Aayog was explicitly created to act as a platform for cooperative federalism, encouraging states to be active partners in policy formulation and national development, reflecting a “bottom-up” approach.

• Statement 2 is correct. The Planning Commission had the significant power to allocate plan funds to states, giving it considerable leverage. NITI Aayog has no such financial powers. It is a purely advisory body or a think-tank. The power to allocate funds now rests with the Ministry of Finance.

• Statement 3 is correct. The primary governing body of the Planning Commission was the National Development Council (NDC). While Chief Ministers were part of the NDC, the creation of the Governing Council in NITI Aayog, with the Prime Minister as chair and all Chief Ministers and LGs as members, was designed to be more inclusive and directly embed the federal structure into the institution’s core, making it a more effective platform for Centre-State deliberation.

Solution: D

• Question 5 of 5 5. Question Consider the map of North Africa. If one were to travel in a straight line from Algiers, the capital of Algeria, to the Ahaggar Mountains in the south, which of the following geographical features would one most likely cross? The Tell Atlas range The Saharan Atlas range The Mediterranean Sea The Chelif River Select the correct answer using the code given below: (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 1, 2 and 4 only (c) 3 and 4 only (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4 Correct Solution: B The journey starts in Algiers, which is located on the Mediterranean coast. 1. The Tell Atlas: Immediately south of the coastal plains where Algiers lies, one would encounter the Tell Atlas mountain range, which runs parallel to the coast. This is the first major geographical barrier to cross. 2. The Saharan Atlas: Further south of the Tell Atlas and the high plateaus separating the two ranges, one would have to cross the Saharan Atlas. This range acts as the northern edge of the Sahara Desert. 3. The Mediterranean Sea: The journey is from north to south, starting from the coast and moving inland. Therefore, one would be travelling away from the Mediterranean Sea, not crossing it. This statement is incorrect. 4. The Chelif River: The Chelif River is the longest river in Algeria. Its basin lies in the region of the Tell Atlas and the high plateaus. A straight-line path from Algiers to the southern Ahaggar Mountains would almost certainly cross the path or basin of this significant wadi system. Incorrect Solution: B The journey starts in Algiers, which is located on the Mediterranean coast. 1. The Tell Atlas: Immediately south of the coastal plains where Algiers lies, one would encounter the Tell Atlas mountain range, which runs parallel to the coast. This is the first major geographical barrier to cross. 2. The Saharan Atlas: Further south of the Tell Atlas and the high plateaus separating the two ranges, one would have to cross the Saharan Atlas. This range acts as the northern edge of the Sahara Desert. 3. The Mediterranean Sea: The journey is from north to south, starting from the coast and moving inland. Therefore, one would be travelling away from the Mediterranean Sea, not crossing it. This statement is incorrect. 4. The Chelif River: The Chelif River is the longest river in Algeria. Its basin lies in the region of the Tell Atlas and the high plateaus. A straight-line path from Algiers to the southern Ahaggar Mountains would almost certainly cross the path or basin of this significant wadi system.

#### 5. Question

Consider the map of North Africa. If one were to travel in a straight line from Algiers, the capital of Algeria, to the Ahaggar Mountains in the south, which of the following geographical features would one most likely cross?

• The Tell Atlas range

• The Saharan Atlas range

• The Mediterranean Sea

• The Chelif River

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

• (a) 1 and 2 only

• (b) 1, 2 and 4 only

• (c) 3 and 4 only

• (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

Solution: B

• The journey starts in Algiers, which is located on the Mediterranean coast.

• 1. The Tell Atlas: Immediately south of the coastal plains where Algiers lies, one would encounter the Tell Atlas mountain range, which runs parallel to the coast. This is the first major geographical barrier to cross.

• 2. The Saharan Atlas: Further south of the Tell Atlas and the high plateaus separating the two ranges, one would have to cross the Saharan Atlas. This range acts as the northern edge of the Sahara Desert.

• 3. The Mediterranean Sea: The journey is from north to south, starting from the coast and moving inland. Therefore, one would be travelling away from the Mediterranean Sea, not crossing it. This statement is incorrect.

• 4. The Chelif River: The Chelif River is the longest river in Algeria. Its basin lies in the region of the Tell Atlas and the high plateaus. A straight-line path from Algiers to the southern Ahaggar Mountains would almost certainly cross the path or basin of this significant wadi system.

Solution: B

• The journey starts in Algiers, which is located on the Mediterranean coast.

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