UPSC Editorials Quiz : 11 April 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: Buddhism spread rapidly in India due to royal patronage and its egalitarian appeal. Statement II: The rejection of caste hierarchy and costly rituals made Buddhism attractive to common people. Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above? 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) Both statements are correct, and Statement II explains Statement I. Buddhism gained traction because of its inclusivity and moral focus, rejecting varna-based hierarchy and Vedic sacrifices. Royal support, particularly from Ashoka, and its monastic institutions helped in institutionalizing the faith. The appeal to merchants, artisans, and women was significant. Incorrect Solution: a) Both statements are correct, and Statement II explains Statement I. Buddhism gained traction because of its inclusivity and moral focus, rejecting varna-based hierarchy and Vedic sacrifices. Royal support, particularly from Ashoka, and its monastic institutions helped in institutionalizing the faith. The appeal to merchants, artisans, and women was significant.

#### 1. Question

Consider the following statements.

Statement I: Buddhism spread rapidly in India due to royal patronage and its egalitarian appeal. Statement II: The rejection of caste hierarchy and costly rituals made Buddhism attractive to common people.

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

• 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)

• Both statements are correct, and Statement II explains Statement I.

• Buddhism gained traction because of its inclusivity and moral focus, rejecting varna-based hierarchy and Vedic sacrifices.

Royal support, particularly from Ashoka, and its monastic institutions helped in institutionalizing the faith. The appeal to merchants, artisans, and women was significant.

Solution: a)

• Both statements are correct, and Statement II explains Statement I.

• Buddhism gained traction because of its inclusivity and moral focus, rejecting varna-based hierarchy and Vedic sacrifices.

Royal support, particularly from Ashoka, and its monastic institutions helped in institutionalizing the faith. The appeal to merchants, artisans, and women was significant.

• Question 2 of 5 2. Question Consider the following statements regarding the functioning of Ice Stupas: The process exploits the concept of latent heat to store water in a frozen state. Water is transported via gravity-fed pipes to higher altitudes where it is released and frozen. Which of the above statements is/are correct? (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 Correct Solution: c) Ice Stupas are artificial glaciers designed to address water scarcity in high-altitude arid regions like Ladakh. The technique ingeniously uses the principle of latent heat, where water in its frozen form (ice) holds thermal energy. This energy remains “stored” until melting, enabling delayed release of water during critical sowing months in spring when natural water sources are scarce. Thus, Statement 1 is correct. The second aspect involves the use of gravity-fed piping systems to transport water from lower streams or rivers to the desired site. At night, when temperatures drop, water is released vertically through nozzles to freeze in the air, forming conical ice structures. These gravity-driven systems eliminate the need for electricity or fuel, making the process eco-friendly and cost-effective. Therefore, Statement 2 is also correct. Incorrect Solution: c) Ice Stupas are artificial glaciers designed to address water scarcity in high-altitude arid regions like Ladakh. The technique ingeniously uses the principle of latent heat, where water in its frozen form (ice) holds thermal energy. This energy remains “stored” until melting, enabling delayed release of water during critical sowing months in spring when natural water sources are scarce. Thus, Statement 1 is correct. The second aspect involves the use of gravity-fed piping systems to transport water from lower streams or rivers to the desired site. At night, when temperatures drop, water is released vertically through nozzles to freeze in the air, forming conical ice structures. These gravity-driven systems eliminate the need for electricity or fuel, making the process eco-friendly and cost-effective. Therefore, Statement 2 is also correct.

#### 2. Question

Consider the following statements regarding the functioning of Ice Stupas:

• The process exploits the concept of latent heat to store water in a frozen state.

• Water is transported via gravity-fed pipes to higher altitudes where it is released and frozen.

Which of the above statements is/are correct?

• (a) 1 only

• (b) 2 only

• (c) Both 1 and 2

• (d) Neither 1 nor 2

Solution: c)

• Ice Stupas are artificial glaciers designed to address water scarcity in high-altitude arid regions like Ladakh. The technique ingeniously uses the principle of latent heat, where water in its frozen form (ice) holds thermal energy. This energy remains “stored” until melting, enabling delayed release of water during critical sowing months in spring when natural water sources are scarce. Thus, Statement 1 is correct.

• The second aspect involves the use of gravity-fed piping systems to transport water from lower streams or rivers to the desired site. At night, when temperatures drop, water is released vertically through nozzles to freeze in the air, forming conical ice structures. These gravity-driven systems eliminate the need for electricity or fuel, making the process eco-friendly and cost-effective. Therefore, Statement 2 is also correct.

Solution: c)

• Question 3 of 5 3. Question Consider the following statements regarding PM Mudra Yojana (PMMY): PMMY covers both farm and non-farm activities through its Kishor and Tarun categories. Loans under the Shishu category are offered at a fixed government-subsidized interest rate. PMMY aims to promote financial inclusion among marginalized sections such as SCs, STs, and women. How many of the above statements is/are correct? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) All three (d) None Correct Solution: a) Statement 1 is incorrect — PMMY excludes farm activities but includes non-farm income-generating micro-enterprises in manufacturing, processing, trading, and service sectors. Statement 2 is incorrect because PMMY does not offer interest subvention; interest rates are decided by lending institutions within RBI norms and based on borrower profile and credit risk. Statement 3 is correct — the scheme prioritizes underserved groups including SCs, STs, OBCs, women, and minorities. Dedicated targets and simplified loan processing aim to reduce barriers to financial access. Incorrect Solution: a) Statement 1 is incorrect — PMMY excludes farm activities but includes non-farm income-generating micro-enterprises in manufacturing, processing, trading, and service sectors. Statement 2 is incorrect because PMMY does not offer interest subvention; interest rates are decided by lending institutions within RBI norms and based on borrower profile and credit risk. Statement 3 is correct — the scheme prioritizes underserved groups including SCs, STs, OBCs, women, and minorities. Dedicated targets and simplified loan processing aim to reduce barriers to financial access.x

#### 3. Question

Consider the following statements regarding PM Mudra Yojana (PMMY):

• PMMY covers both farm and non-farm activities through its Kishor and Tarun categories.

• Loans under the Shishu category are offered at a fixed government-subsidized interest rate.

• PMMY aims to promote financial inclusion among marginalized sections such as SCs, STs, and women.

How many of the above statements is/are correct?

• (a) Only one

• (b) Only two

• (c) All three

Solution: a)

• Statement 1 is incorrect — PMMY excludes farm activities but includes non-farm income-generating micro-enterprises in manufacturing, processing, trading, and service sectors.

• Statement 2 is incorrect because PMMY does not offer interest subvention; interest rates are decided by lending institutions within RBI norms and based on borrower profile and credit risk.

• Statement 3 is correct — the scheme prioritizes underserved groups including SCs, STs, OBCs, women, and minorities. Dedicated targets and simplified loan processing aim to reduce barriers to financial access.

Solution: a)

• Statement 1 is incorrect — PMMY excludes farm activities but includes non-farm income-generating micro-enterprises in manufacturing, processing, trading, and service sectors.

• Statement 2 is incorrect because PMMY does not offer interest subvention; interest rates are decided by lending institutions within RBI norms and based on borrower profile and credit risk.

• Question 4 of 5 4. Question Consider the following statements about bear markets: Bear markets are always accompanied by a recession. Investor sentiment in bear markets is dominated by risk aversion and fear. Demand for fixed-income securities usually increases during bear markets. Which of the above statements are correct? a) 1 and 2 only b) 2 and 3 only c) 1 and 3 only d) 1, 2 and 3 Correct Solution: b) Statement 1 is incorrect. While bear markets and recessions often co-occur, they are not synonymous. A bear market may arise without a formal recession if investor panic is driven by global tensions or sharp corrections in overvalued sectors. Statement 2 is correct—risk aversion and fear dominate in bear markets, triggering panic selling and reduced exposure to equity assets. Statement 3 is also correct. Investors typically seek safer assets like bonds or gold, which offer more stability during economic downturns. This shift explains why bond yields fall during bear phases due to higher demand. Thus, only statements 2 and 3 are correct. Incorrect Solution: b) Statement 1 is incorrect. While bear markets and recessions often co-occur, they are not synonymous. A bear market may arise without a formal recession if investor panic is driven by global tensions or sharp corrections in overvalued sectors. Statement 2 is correct—risk aversion and fear dominate in bear markets, triggering panic selling and reduced exposure to equity assets. Statement 3 is also correct. Investors typically seek safer assets like bonds or gold, which offer more stability during economic downturns. This shift explains why bond yields fall during bear phases due to higher demand. Thus, only statements 2 and 3 are correct.

#### 4. Question

Consider the following statements about bear markets:

• Bear markets are always accompanied by a recession.

• Investor sentiment in bear markets is dominated by risk aversion and fear.

• Demand for fixed-income securities usually increases during bear markets.

Which of the above statements are correct?

• a) 1 and 2 only

• b) 2 and 3 only

• c) 1 and 3 only

• d) 1, 2 and 3

Solution: b)

• Statement 1 is incorrect. While bear markets and recessions often co-occur, they are not synonymous. A bear market may arise without a formal recession if investor panic is driven by global tensions or sharp corrections in overvalued sectors.

• Statement 2 is correct—risk aversion and fear dominate in bear markets, triggering panic selling and reduced exposure to equity assets.

• Statement 3 is also correct. Investors typically seek safer assets like bonds or gold, which offer more stability during economic downturns. This shift explains why bond yields fall during bear phases due to higher demand. Thus, only statements 2 and 3 are correct.

Solution: b)

• Statement 2 is correct—risk aversion and fear dominate in bear markets, triggering panic selling and reduced exposure to equity assets.

• Question 5 of 5 5. Question Consider the following statements regarding the educational and literary contributions of Buddhism: Buddhist texts were primarily composed in Sanskrit during the Buddha’s lifetime. Nalanda and Vikramshila became global centers of learning under Buddhist patronage. Jataka tales are a collection of stories depicting the past lives of the Buddha. How many of the above statements are incorrect? a) Only one b) Only two c) All three d) None Correct Solution: a) Statements 2 and 3 are correct. Nalanda and Vikramshila were prominent Buddhist monastic universities, attracting scholars from China, Korea, Tibet, and Sri Lanka. They flourished during the Gupta and Pala periods. The Jataka tales are an extensive collection of narratives from the Pali Canon, illustrating the Buddha’s previous births and emphasizing moral values. Statement 1 is incorrect – Early Buddhist texts, especially Theravada scriptures, were composed in Pali and Prakrit, not Sanskrit. Mahayana texts later adopted Sanskrit. Incorrect Solution: a) Statements 2 and 3 are correct. Nalanda and Vikramshila were prominent Buddhist monastic universities, attracting scholars from China, Korea, Tibet, and Sri Lanka. They flourished during the Gupta and Pala periods. The Jataka tales are an extensive collection of narratives from the Pali Canon, illustrating the Buddha’s previous births and emphasizing moral values. Statement 1 is incorrect – Early Buddhist texts, especially Theravada scriptures, were composed in Pali and Prakrit, not Sanskrit. Mahayana texts later adopted Sanskrit.

#### 5. Question

Consider the following statements regarding the educational and literary contributions of Buddhism:

• Buddhist texts were primarily composed in Sanskrit during the Buddha’s lifetime.

• Nalanda and Vikramshila became global centers of learning under Buddhist patronage.

• Jataka tales are a collection of stories depicting the past lives of the Buddha.

How many of the above statements are incorrect?

• a) Only one

• b) Only two

• c) All three

Solution: a)

Statements 2 and 3 are correct. Nalanda and Vikramshila were prominent Buddhist monastic universities, attracting scholars from China, Korea, Tibet, and Sri Lanka. They flourished during the Gupta and Pala periods. The Jataka tales are an extensive collection of narratives from the Pali Canon, illustrating the Buddha’s previous births and emphasizing moral values.

Statement 1 is incorrect – Early Buddhist texts, especially Theravada scriptures, were composed in Pali and Prakrit, not Sanskrit. Mahayana texts later adopted Sanskrit.

Solution: a)

Statement 1 is incorrect – Early Buddhist texts, especially Theravada scriptures, were composed in Pali and Prakrit, not Sanskrit. Mahayana texts later adopted Sanskrit.

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