UPSC Editorials Quiz : 10 February 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 Which of the following methods can enhance microbial plastic degradation? a) Genetic engineering to improve bacterial enzyme efficiency b) Reducing temperature to slow down bacterial metabolism c) Increasing crystallinity in plastics to make them more resistant d) Decreasing microbial activity to prevent biofilm formation Correct Solution: a) Genetic engineering plays a crucial role in enhancing microbial plastic degradation by improving enzyme efficiency. Scientists have engineered enzymes like PETase and MHETase to break down plastics like polyethylene terephthalate (PET) more effectively. These modifications help bacteria metabolize plastics faster, reducing environmental pollution. In contrast, reducing temperature slows down bacterial metabolism, making plastic degradation significantly less efficient. Increasing crystallinity in plastics strengthens their molecular structure, making them more resistant to microbial attack and thereby hindering degradation. Additionally, microbial biofilms, rather than being a hindrance, actually promote plastic breakdown by providing a stable environment for enzyme activity and microbial interactions. Therefore, decreasing microbial activity to prevent biofilm formation would negatively impact degradation efficiency. Incorrect Solution: a) Genetic engineering plays a crucial role in enhancing microbial plastic degradation by improving enzyme efficiency. Scientists have engineered enzymes like PETase and MHETase to break down plastics like polyethylene terephthalate (PET) more effectively. These modifications help bacteria metabolize plastics faster, reducing environmental pollution. In contrast, reducing temperature slows down bacterial metabolism, making plastic degradation significantly less efficient. Increasing crystallinity in plastics strengthens their molecular structure, making them more resistant to microbial attack and thereby hindering degradation. Additionally, microbial biofilms, rather than being a hindrance, actually promote plastic breakdown by providing a stable environment for enzyme activity and microbial interactions. Therefore, decreasing microbial activity to prevent biofilm formation would negatively impact degradation efficiency.

#### 1. Question

Which of the following methods can enhance microbial plastic degradation?

• a) Genetic engineering to improve bacterial enzyme efficiency

• b) Reducing temperature to slow down bacterial metabolism

• c) Increasing crystallinity in plastics to make them more resistant

• d) Decreasing microbial activity to prevent biofilm formation

Solution: a)

• Genetic engineering plays a crucial role in enhancing microbial plastic degradation by improving enzyme efficiency. Scientists have engineered enzymes like PETase and MHETase to break down plastics like polyethylene terephthalate (PET) more effectively. These modifications help bacteria metabolize plastics faster, reducing environmental pollution.

• In contrast, reducing temperature slows down bacterial metabolism, making plastic degradation significantly less efficient.

• Increasing crystallinity in plastics strengthens their molecular structure, making them more resistant to microbial attack and thereby hindering degradation.

• Additionally, microbial biofilms, rather than being a hindrance, actually promote plastic breakdown by providing a stable environment for enzyme activity and microbial interactions. Therefore, decreasing microbial activity to prevent biofilm formation would negatively impact degradation efficiency.

Solution: a)

• In contrast, reducing temperature slows down bacterial metabolism, making plastic degradation significantly less efficient.

• Increasing crystallinity in plastics strengthens their molecular structure, making them more resistant to microbial attack and thereby hindering degradation.

• Question 2 of 5 2. Question Which of the following regions is a major source of conflict between Sudan and South Sudan? a) Darfur b) Abyei c) Blue Nile d) Nuba Mountains Correct Solution: b) Abyei is a contested region rich in oil and resources, leading to ongoing tensions between Sudan and South Sudan. Darfur is a conflict zone but is within Sudan. The Blue Nile and Nuba Mountains regions are also sites of conflict but are in Sudan, where rebel groups have been active. Incorrect Solution: b) Abyei is a contested region rich in oil and resources, leading to ongoing tensions between Sudan and South Sudan. Darfur is a conflict zone but is within Sudan. The Blue Nile and Nuba Mountains regions are also sites of conflict but are in Sudan, where rebel groups have been active.

#### 2. Question

Which of the following regions is a major source of conflict between Sudan and South Sudan?

• c) Blue Nile

• d) Nuba Mountains

Solution: b)

Abyei is a contested region rich in oil and resources, leading to ongoing tensions between Sudan and South Sudan.

Darfur is a conflict zone but is within Sudan.

The Blue Nile and Nuba Mountains regions are also sites of conflict but are in Sudan, where rebel groups have been active.

Solution: b)

Abyei is a contested region rich in oil and resources, leading to ongoing tensions between Sudan and South Sudan.

Darfur is a conflict zone but is within Sudan.

The Blue Nile and Nuba Mountains regions are also sites of conflict but are in Sudan, where rebel groups have been active.

• Question 3 of 5 3. Question Consider the following statements regarding the powers of the Election Commission of India: The Election Commission has the authority to unilaterally suspend elections if the Model Code of Conduct is violated. The Election Commission’s decisions can be challenged in the Supreme Court. The Election Commission can disqualify a candidate for violating election laws. How many of the above statements are correct? a) Only one b) Only two c) All three d) None Correct Solution: b) Statement 1 is incorrect because the Election Commission cannot unilaterally suspend elections solely based on a Model Code of Conduct (MCC) violation. However, it can recommend postponement due to electoral malpractices. Statement 2 is correct since ECI’s decisions can be challenged in the Supreme Court, especially regarding election disputes. Statement 3 is correct as ECI can recommend disqualification based on election law violations, but the final decision rests with the President (for MPs) or Governor (for MLAs). Incorrect Solution: b) Statement 1 is incorrect because the Election Commission cannot unilaterally suspend elections solely based on a Model Code of Conduct (MCC) violation. However, it can recommend postponement due to electoral malpractices. Statement 2 is correct since ECI’s decisions can be challenged in the Supreme Court, especially regarding election disputes. Statement 3 is correct as ECI can recommend disqualification based on election law violations, but the final decision rests with the President (for MPs) or Governor (for MLAs).

#### 3. Question

Consider the following statements regarding the powers of the Election Commission of India:

• The Election Commission has the authority to unilaterally suspend elections if the Model Code of Conduct is violated.

• The Election Commission’s decisions can be challenged in the Supreme Court.

• The Election Commission can disqualify a candidate for violating election laws.

How many of the above statements are correct?

• a) Only one

• b) Only two

• c) All three

Solution: b)

Statement 1 is incorrect because the Election Commission cannot unilaterally suspend elections solely based on a Model Code of Conduct (MCC) violation. However, it can recommend postponement due to electoral malpractices.

Statement 2 is correct since ECI’s decisions can be challenged in the Supreme Court, especially regarding election disputes.

Statement 3 is correct as ECI can recommend disqualification based on election law violations, but the final decision rests with the President (for MPs) or Governor (for MLAs).

Solution: b)

Statement 2 is correct since ECI’s decisions can be challenged in the Supreme Court, especially regarding election disputes.

Statement 3 is correct as ECI can recommend disqualification based on election law violations, but the final decision rests with the President (for MPs) or Governor (for MLAs).

• Question 4 of 5 4. Question The Household Consumption Expenditure Survey (HCES) plays a crucial role in economic planning. Which of the following is NOT a use of HCES data? a) Determining poverty line estimation b) Revising the Consumer Price Index (CPI) weights c) Calculating India's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) d) Deciding the Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management (FRBM) targets Correct Solution: d) The Household Consumption Expenditure Survey (HCES) is a crucial statistical exercise conducted by the National Statistical Office (NSO) to assess expenditure patterns, living standards, and poverty levels. Option (a) is correct because HCES is used for poverty estimation by calculating monthly per capita expenditure and determining the Tendulkar & Rangarajan poverty lines. Option (b) is correct as the Consumer Price Index (CPI) uses HCES data to revise weightages of food, fuel, housing, and other components. Option (c) is correct because private final consumption expenditure (PFCE) in GDP calculation is derived from HCES. However, Option (d) is incorrect because FRBM Act targets (like fiscal deficit and public debt) are set based on macroeconomic indicators like revenue, expenditure, and fiscal balance, not household consumption data. Incorrect Solution: d) The Household Consumption Expenditure Survey (HCES) is a crucial statistical exercise conducted by the National Statistical Office (NSO) to assess expenditure patterns, living standards, and poverty levels. Option (a) is correct because HCES is used for poverty estimation by calculating monthly per capita expenditure and determining the Tendulkar & Rangarajan poverty lines. Option (b) is correct as the Consumer Price Index (CPI) uses HCES data to revise weightages of food, fuel, housing, and other components. Option (c) is correct because private final consumption expenditure (PFCE) in GDP calculation is derived from HCES. However, Option (d) is incorrect because FRBM Act targets (like fiscal deficit and public debt) are set based on macroeconomic indicators like revenue, expenditure, and fiscal balance, not household consumption data.

#### 4. Question

The Household Consumption Expenditure Survey (HCES) plays a crucial role in economic planning. Which of the following is NOT a use of HCES data?

• a) Determining poverty line estimation

• b) Revising the Consumer Price Index (CPI) weights

• c) Calculating India's Gross Domestic Product (GDP)

• d) Deciding the Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management (FRBM) targets

Solution: d)

The Household Consumption Expenditure Survey (HCES) is a crucial statistical exercise conducted by the National Statistical Office (NSO) to assess expenditure patterns, living standards, and poverty levels.

Option (a) is correct because HCES is used for poverty estimation by calculating monthly per capita expenditure and determining the Tendulkar & Rangarajan poverty lines.

Option (b) is correct as the Consumer Price Index (CPI) uses HCES data to revise weightages of food, fuel, housing, and other components.

Option (c) is correct because private final consumption expenditure (PFCE) in GDP calculation is derived from HCES.

However, Option (d) is incorrect because FRBM Act targets (like fiscal deficit and public debt) are set based on macroeconomic indicators like revenue, expenditure, and fiscal balance, not household consumption data.

Solution: d)

Option (a) is correct because HCES is used for poverty estimation by calculating monthly per capita expenditure and determining the Tendulkar & Rangarajan poverty lines.

Option (b) is correct as the Consumer Price Index (CPI) uses HCES data to revise weightages of food, fuel, housing, and other components.

Option (c) is correct because private final consumption expenditure (PFCE) in GDP calculation is derived from HCES.

• Question 5 of 5 5. Question Consider the following statements regarding the impact of glacier meltdown: Melting of Himalayan glaciers will lead to an initial increase in river flow, followed by a decline over time. The melting of glaciers in Antarctica and Greenland contributes more to sea level rise than the melting of Himalayan glaciers. Glacier melting increases carbon sequestration, reducing atmospheric carbon levels. The melting of permafrost associated with glaciers releases methane, contributing to global warming. How many of the above statements are correct? a) Only one b) Only two c) Only three d) All four Correct Solution: c) Statement 1 is correct because the melting of Himalayan glaciers leads to an initial increase in river flow due to the rapid release of stored ice. However, as glaciers continue to shrink, the long-term water supply diminishes, negatively affecting river-dependent ecosystems and human populations. Statement 2 is also correct, as the glaciers in Antarctica and Greenland hold vast amounts of ice, contributing more substantially to global sea level rise compared to Himalayan glaciers. The latter primarily impacts regional water availability rather than oceanic levels. Statement 3 is incorrect since glacier melting does not enhance carbon sequestration. Instead, it often leads to the release of stored organic material and carbon that had been trapped in ice for millennia, potentially increasing atmospheric carbon levels. Statement 4 is correct, as permafrost thawing associated with glacier melt releases methane, a potent greenhouse gas, further accelerating global warming. Thus, three statements are correct. Incorrect Solution: c) Statement 1 is correct because the melting of Himalayan glaciers leads to an initial increase in river flow due to the rapid release of stored ice. However, as glaciers continue to shrink, the long-term water supply diminishes, negatively affecting river-dependent ecosystems and human populations. Statement 2 is also correct, as the glaciers in Antarctica and Greenland hold vast amounts of ice, contributing more substantially to global sea level rise compared to Himalayan glaciers. The latter primarily impacts regional water availability rather than oceanic levels. Statement 3 is incorrect since glacier melting does not enhance carbon sequestration. Instead, it often leads to the release of stored organic material and carbon that had been trapped in ice for millennia, potentially increasing atmospheric carbon levels. Statement 4 is correct, as permafrost thawing associated with glacier melt releases methane, a potent greenhouse gas, further accelerating global warming. Thus, three statements are correct.

#### 5. Question

Consider the following statements regarding the impact of glacier meltdown:

• Melting of Himalayan glaciers will lead to an initial increase in river flow, followed by a decline over time.

• The melting of glaciers in Antarctica and Greenland contributes more to sea level rise than the melting of Himalayan glaciers.

• Glacier melting increases carbon sequestration, reducing atmospheric carbon levels.

• The melting of permafrost associated with glaciers releases methane, contributing to global warming.

How many of the above statements are correct?

• a) Only one

• b) Only two

• c) Only three

• d) All four

Solution: c)

Statement 1 is correct because the melting of Himalayan glaciers leads to an initial increase in river flow due to the rapid release of stored ice. However, as glaciers continue to shrink, the long-term water supply diminishes, negatively affecting river-dependent ecosystems and human populations.

Statement 2 is also correct, as the glaciers in Antarctica and Greenland hold vast amounts of ice, contributing more substantially to global sea level rise compared to Himalayan glaciers. The latter primarily impacts regional water availability rather than oceanic levels.

Statement 3 is incorrect since glacier melting does not enhance carbon sequestration. Instead, it often leads to the release of stored organic material and carbon that had been trapped in ice for millennia, potentially increasing atmospheric carbon levels.

Statement 4 is correct, as permafrost thawing associated with glacier melt releases methane, a potent greenhouse gas, further accelerating global warming. Thus, three statements are correct.

Solution: c)

Statement 4 is correct, as permafrost thawing associated with glacier melt releases methane, a potent greenhouse gas, further accelerating global warming. Thus, three statements are correct.

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