UPSC Editorials Quiz : 11 February 2026

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 The Bonded Labour System (Abolition) Act, which marked its 50th anniversary in early 2026, was primarily enacted to give effect to which Article of the Indian Constitution? (a) Article 17 (b) Article 21 (c) Article 23 (d) Article 24 Correct Solution: C The Bonded Labour System (Abolition) Act was passed in 1976 to fulfill the mandate of Article 23(1) of the Constitution, which prohibits human trafficking, “begar,” and other forms of forced labor. Before this national law, there was no specific federal framework to prosecute the offense of forced labor, despite the constitutional prohibition since 1950. The Act defines bonded labor as a condition where a debtor is forced to repay a loan through labor instead of money. On its 50th anniversary, experts noted that while traditional agrarian bondage has declined, modern forms persist in sectors like brick kilns, construction, and harvesting, often affecting vulnerable migrant populations. Incorrect Solution: C The Bonded Labour System (Abolition) Act was passed in 1976 to fulfill the mandate of Article 23(1) of the Constitution, which prohibits human trafficking, “begar,” and other forms of forced labor. Before this national law, there was no specific federal framework to prosecute the offense of forced labor, despite the constitutional prohibition since 1950. The Act defines bonded labor as a condition where a debtor is forced to repay a loan through labor instead of money. On its 50th anniversary, experts noted that while traditional agrarian bondage has declined, modern forms persist in sectors like brick kilns, construction, and harvesting, often affecting vulnerable migrant populations.

#### 1. Question

The Bonded Labour System (Abolition) Act, which marked its 50th anniversary in early 2026, was primarily enacted to give effect to which Article of the Indian Constitution?

• (a) Article 17

• (b) Article 21

• (c) Article 23

• (d) Article 24

Solution: C

• The Bonded Labour System (Abolition) Act was passed in 1976 to fulfill the mandate of Article 23(1) of the Constitution, which prohibits human trafficking, “begar,” and other forms of forced labor.

• Before this national law, there was no specific federal framework to prosecute the offense of forced labor, despite the constitutional prohibition since 1950.

• The Act defines bonded labor as a condition where a debtor is forced to repay a loan through labor instead of money.

• On its 50th anniversary, experts noted that while traditional agrarian bondage has declined, modern forms persist in sectors like brick kilns, construction, and harvesting, often affecting vulnerable migrant populations.

Solution: C

• Before this national law, there was no specific federal framework to prosecute the offense of forced labor, despite the constitutional prohibition since 1950.

• The Act defines bonded labor as a condition where a debtor is forced to repay a loan through labor instead of money.

• Question 2 of 5 2. Question With reference to the Viksit Bharat-Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) (VB-G-RAM-G) Act, 2025, consider the following statements: It enhances the statutory rural employment guarantee from the earlier 100 days to 125 days per financial year. The Act introduces a provision for an aggregated 60-day “employment pause” during peak agricultural seasons to ensure labor availability for farmers. Under the new framework, the funding pattern for all states is uniform at a 90:10 ratio between the Centre and the States. How many of the above statements are correct? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) All three (d) None Correct Solution: B The VB-G-RAM-G Act of 2025 marks a decisive shiftfrom the rights-based “insurance” model of MGNREGA to a “managed investment” model focused on durable asset creation. Statement 1 is correctas the Act officially increases the guaranteed workdays to 125 days, responding to long-standing demands for enhanced income security. Statement 2 is correct; a significant change is the inclusion of a 60-day employment pausealigned with agricultural lean seasons. This aims to prevent the “administrative denial of work” while ensuring that the labor market is not distorted during peak farming periods. However, Statement 3 is incorrect. The Act retains a differentiated funding structure: a 60:40 ratio for general states and a 90:10 ratio for North-Eastern, Himalayan states, and Jammu & Kashmir. The Act also introduces “normative state-wise allocations,” which critics argue may shift more fiscal risk to state governments, potentially leading to the rationing of work during economic distress. Incorrect Solution: B The VB-G-RAM-G Act of 2025 marks a decisive shiftfrom the rights-based “insurance” model of MGNREGA to a “managed investment” model focused on durable asset creation. Statement 1 is correctas the Act officially increases the guaranteed workdays to 125 days, responding to long-standing demands for enhanced income security. Statement 2 is correct; a significant change is the inclusion of a 60-day employment pausealigned with agricultural lean seasons. This aims to prevent the “administrative denial of work” while ensuring that the labor market is not distorted during peak farming periods. However, Statement 3 is incorrect. The Act retains a differentiated funding structure: a 60:40 ratio for general states and a 90:10 ratio for North-Eastern, Himalayan states, and Jammu & Kashmir. The Act also introduces “normative state-wise allocations,” which critics argue may shift more fiscal risk to state governments, potentially leading to the rationing of work during economic distress.

#### 2. Question

With reference to the Viksit Bharat-Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) (VB-G-RAM-G) Act, 2025, consider the following statements:

• It enhances the statutory rural employment guarantee from the earlier 100 days to 125 days per financial year.

• The Act introduces a provision for an aggregated 60-day “employment pause” during peak agricultural seasons to ensure labor availability for farmers.

• Under the new framework, the funding pattern for all states is uniform at a 90:10 ratio between the Centre and the States.

How many of the above statements are correct?

• (a) Only one

• (b) Only two

• (c) All three

Solution: B

• The VB-G-RAM-G Act of 2025 marks a decisive shiftfrom the rights-based “insurance” model of MGNREGA to a “managed investment” model focused on durable asset creation.

• Statement 1 is correctas the Act officially increases the guaranteed workdays to 125 days, responding to long-standing demands for enhanced income security.

• Statement 2 is correct; a significant change is the inclusion of a 60-day employment pausealigned with agricultural lean seasons. This aims to prevent the “administrative denial of work” while ensuring that the labor market is not distorted during peak farming periods.

However, Statement 3 is incorrect. The Act retains a differentiated funding structure: a 60:40 ratio for general states and a 90:10 ratio for North-Eastern, Himalayan states, and Jammu & Kashmir. The Act also introduces “normative state-wise allocations,” which critics argue may shift more fiscal risk to state governments, potentially leading to the rationing of work during economic distress.

Solution: B

• The VB-G-RAM-G Act of 2025 marks a decisive shiftfrom the rights-based “insurance” model of MGNREGA to a “managed investment” model focused on durable asset creation.

• Statement 1 is correctas the Act officially increases the guaranteed workdays to 125 days, responding to long-standing demands for enhanced income security.

• Question 3 of 5 3. Question In the context of India’s Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI), the BHASHINI mission is primarily focused on: (a) Providing high-speed satellite internet to rural schools. (b) Developing an AI-led language translation platform. (c) Creating a centralized database for judicial records. (d) Monitoring carbon emissions from major industrial hubs. Correct Solution: B BHASHINI (National Language Translation Mission) is a cornerstone of India’s AI-driven Digital Public Infrastructure. Its primary goal is to bridge the language and literacy barrier by providing real-time translation and voice-based interfaces in Indian languages. Managed by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), it supports voice interactions in 22 languages and text in 36 languages. Notable use cases include real-time Hindi-Tamil translation during the Kashi Tamil Sangamam and the Kumbh Sah’AI’yak chatbot. By making digital services accessible in mother tongues, BHASHINI supports the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 goals of vernacular education and helps reduce the digital divide across India’s linguistically diverse population. Incorrect Solution: B BHASHINI (National Language Translation Mission) is a cornerstone of India’s AI-driven Digital Public Infrastructure. Its primary goal is to bridge the language and literacy barrier by providing real-time translation and voice-based interfaces in Indian languages. Managed by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), it supports voice interactions in 22 languages and text in 36 languages. Notable use cases include real-time Hindi-Tamil translation during the Kashi Tamil Sangamam and the Kumbh Sah’AI’yak chatbot. By making digital services accessible in mother tongues, BHASHINI supports the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 goals of vernacular education and helps reduce the digital divide across India’s linguistically diverse population.

#### 3. Question

In the context of India’s Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI), the BHASHINI mission is primarily focused on:

• (a) Providing high-speed satellite internet to rural schools.

• (b) Developing an AI-led language translation platform.

• (c) Creating a centralized database for judicial records.

• (d) Monitoring carbon emissions from major industrial hubs.

Solution: B

• BHASHINI (National Language Translation Mission) is a cornerstone of India’s AI-driven Digital Public Infrastructure. Its primary goal is to bridge the language and literacy barrier by providing real-time translation and voice-based interfaces in Indian languages.

• Managed by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), it supports voice interactions in 22 languages and text in 36 languages. Notable use cases include real-time Hindi-Tamil translation during the Kashi Tamil Sangamam and the Kumbh Sah’AI’yak chatbot.

• By making digital services accessible in mother tongues, BHASHINI supports the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 goals of vernacular education and helps reduce the digital divide across India’s linguistically diverse population.

Solution: B

• Question 4 of 5 4. Question With reference to the International Date Line (IDL), which has been in the news due to its role in trans-Pacific logistics, consider the following statements: A person crossing the IDL from West to East gains a day. The IDL deviates from the 180° meridian at several points to avoid dividing landmasses or island groups into two different dates. The thickness of the troposphere is greatest at the poles because of the convergence of meridians at the IDL. 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 correctin isolation (crossing West to East means subtracting a day on the clock but “gaining” a day in the sense of repeating it). Statement 2 is correct; the IDL curves at the Bering Strait and island groups (Polynesia, Kiribati) to maintain administrative date consistency. Statement 3 is incorrect; the troposphere is thickest at the equator (not the poles) due to strong convectional currents and heat expansion. Incorrect Solution: B Statement 1 is correctin isolation (crossing West to East means subtracting a day on the clock but “gaining” a day in the sense of repeating it). Statement 2 is correct; the IDL curves at the Bering Strait and island groups (Polynesia, Kiribati) to maintain administrative date consistency. Statement 3 is incorrect; the troposphere is thickest at the equator (not the poles) due to strong convectional currents and heat expansion.

#### 4. Question

With reference to the International Date Line (IDL), which has been in the news due to its role in trans-Pacific logistics, consider the following statements:

• A person crossing the IDL from West to East gains a day.

• The IDL deviates from the 180° meridian at several points to avoid dividing landmasses or island groups into two different dates.

• The thickness of the troposphere is greatest at the poles because of the convergence of meridians at the IDL.

How many of the above statements are correct?

• (a) Only one

• (b) Only two

• (c) All three

Solution: B

• Statement 1 is correctin isolation (crossing West to East means subtracting a day on the clock but “gaining” a day in the sense of repeating it).

• Statement 2 is correct; the IDL curves at the Bering Strait and island groups (Polynesia, Kiribati) to maintain administrative date consistency.

• Statement 3 is incorrect; the troposphere is thickest at the equator (not the poles) due to strong convectional currents and heat expansion.

Solution: B

• Statement 1 is correctin isolation (crossing West to East means subtracting a day on the clock but “gaining” a day in the sense of repeating it).

• Statement 2 is correct; the IDL curves at the Bering Strait and island groups (Polynesia, Kiribati) to maintain administrative date consistency.

• Statement 3 is incorrect; the troposphere is thickest at the equator (not the poles) due to strong convectional currents and heat expansion.

• Question 5 of 5 5. Question The concept of the “Mineable Self”, discussed recently, refers to the economic shift where: (a) Individuals are encouraged to work in high-tech mineral mines. (b) Human identity and emotions are treated as a commodity for data extraction. (c) The government provides insurance for self-employed rural workers. (d) Personal physical health is used as a metric for calculating GDP. Correct Solution: B The idea of the Mineable Self emerges from discussions on digital capitalism, surveillance economies, and platform-driven business models. It describes a system in which personal data—ranging from online behaviour and preferences to emotions, attention, and identity markers—is continuously extracted, analysed, and monetised by technology companies. Individuals are no longer just users or consumers; they themselves become the raw material. Social media interactions, biometric data, browsing habits, and even psychological traits are mined to generate predictive insights, targeted advertising, and algorithmic control. This reflects a deeper commodification of human experience, where value is derived not from physical labour alone but from lived experience and personal expression. The concept raises ethical concerns related to privacy, consent, autonomy, and the asymmetry of power between digital platforms and individuals. Incorrect Solution: B The idea of the Mineable Self emerges from discussions on digital capitalism, surveillance economies, and platform-driven business models. It describes a system in which personal data—ranging from online behaviour and preferences to emotions, attention, and identity markers—is continuously extracted, analysed, and monetised by technology companies. Individuals are no longer just users or consumers; they themselves become the raw material. Social media interactions, biometric data, browsing habits, and even psychological traits are mined to generate predictive insights, targeted advertising, and algorithmic control. This reflects a deeper commodification of human experience, where value is derived not from physical labour alone but from lived experience and personal expression. The concept raises ethical concerns related to privacy, consent, autonomy, and the asymmetry of power between digital platforms and individuals.

#### 5. Question

The concept of the “Mineable Self”, discussed recently, refers to the economic shift where:

• (a) Individuals are encouraged to work in high-tech mineral mines.

• (b) Human identity and emotions are treated as a commodity for data extraction.

• (c) The government provides insurance for self-employed rural workers.

• (d) Personal physical health is used as a metric for calculating GDP.

Solution: B

• The idea of the Mineable Self emerges from discussions on digital capitalism, surveillance economies, and platform-driven business models. It describes a system in which personal data—ranging from online behaviour and preferences to emotions, attention, and identity markers—is continuously extracted, analysed, and monetised by technology companies. Individuals are no longer just users or consumers; they themselves become the raw material.

• Social media interactions, biometric data, browsing habits, and even psychological traits are mined to generate predictive insights, targeted advertising, and algorithmic control. This reflects a deeper commodification of human experience, where value is derived not from physical labour alone but from lived experience and personal expression.

• The concept raises ethical concerns related to privacy, consent, autonomy, and the asymmetry of power between digital platforms and individuals.

Solution: B

• The concept raises ethical concerns related to privacy, consent, autonomy, and the asymmetry of power between digital platforms and individuals.

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