UPSC Editorials Quiz : 11 June 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 best describes the ecological role of Dugongs? (a) They are apex predators that control fish populations in coastal waters. (b) They are known as “gardeners of the sea” because their feeding habits maintain the health of seagrass beds. (c) They primarily feed on coral reefs, helping in the natural pruning and regeneration of corals. (d) They are filter-feeders that improve water quality by consuming plankton and other microorganisms. Correct Solution: b) Option (a) is incorrect. Dugongs are herbivores, not apex predators. Their diet consists almost exclusively of seagrass. Option (b) is correct. Dugongs are “gardeners of the sea.” This is because their primary activity of grazing on seagrass helps maintain healthy seagrass beds. This role is vital for biodiversity and coastal ecosystem stability. Option (c) is incorrect. Dugongs feed on seagrass, not coral reefs. Their feeding mechanism is adapted for grazing on marine vegetation found on the seabed. Option (d) is incorrect. Dugongs are not filter-feeders; they are large herbivorous mammals that actively graze on seagrass. Filter-feeding is a method used by other marine animals like baleen whales and shellfish. Incorrect Solution: b) Option (a) is incorrect. Dugongs are herbivores, not apex predators. Their diet consists almost exclusively of seagrass. Option (b) is correct. Dugongs are “gardeners of the sea.” This is because their primary activity of grazing on seagrass helps maintain healthy seagrass beds. This role is vital for biodiversity and coastal ecosystem stability. Option (c) is incorrect. Dugongs feed on seagrass, not coral reefs. Their feeding mechanism is adapted for grazing on marine vegetation found on the seabed. Option (d) is incorrect. Dugongs are not filter-feeders; they are large herbivorous mammals that actively graze on seagrass. Filter-feeding is a method used by other marine animals like baleen whales and shellfish.

#### 1. Question

Which of the following best describes the ecological role of Dugongs?

• (a) They are apex predators that control fish populations in coastal waters.

• (b) They are known as “gardeners of the sea” because their feeding habits maintain the health of seagrass beds.

• (c) They primarily feed on coral reefs, helping in the natural pruning and regeneration of corals.

• (d) They are filter-feeders that improve water quality by consuming plankton and other microorganisms.

Solution: b)

• Option (a) is incorrect. Dugongs are herbivores, not apex predators. Their diet consists almost exclusively of seagrass.

• Option (b) is correct. Dugongs are “gardeners of the sea.” This is because their primary activity of grazing on seagrass helps maintain healthy seagrass beds. This role is vital for biodiversity and coastal ecosystem stability.

• Option (c) is incorrect. Dugongs feed on seagrass, not coral reefs. Their feeding mechanism is adapted for grazing on marine vegetation found on the seabed.

• Option (d) is incorrect. Dugongs are not filter-feeders; they are large herbivorous mammals that actively graze on seagrass. Filter-feeding is a method used by other marine animals like baleen whales and shellfish.

Solution: b)

• Option (a) is incorrect. Dugongs are herbivores, not apex predators. Their diet consists almost exclusively of seagrass.

• Option (c) is incorrect. Dugongs feed on seagrass, not coral reefs. Their feeding mechanism is adapted for grazing on marine vegetation found on the seabed.

• Question 2 of 5 2. Question Which of the following features are characteristic of the enhanced convective phase of the Madden-Julian Oscillation (MJO)? Increased rainfall Sinking dry air Greater cloud formation Suppressed cyclogenesis Select the correct answer using the code given below: (a) 1 and 3 only (b) 2 and 4 only (c) 1, 3 and 4 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 only Correct Solution: a) The Madden-Julian Oscillation (MJO) is a major intra-seasonal atmospheric phenomenon that influences tropical and even global weather patterns, including the Indian monsoon. It is characterized by an eastward-moving pulse of cloud and rainfall near the equator that typically recurs every 30 to 60 days. The MJO consists of two parts, or phases: one is the enhanced rainfall (or convective) phase and the other is the suppressed rainfall phase. Strong MJO activity often dissects the planet into halves: one half within the enhanced convective phase and the other half in the suppressed convective phase. Statement 1 is correct. This phase is defined by increased rainfall, as rising moist air leads to significant precipitation. Statement 2 is incorrect. Sinking dry air is characteristic of the suppressed convective phase, which follows the enhanced phase. This sinking air inhibits cloud development and leads to clearer skies and reduced rainfall. Statement 3 is correct. The enhanced phase involves greater cloud formation due to rising air (convection) and moisture convergence in the tropics. Statement 4 is incorrect. The active phase of the MJO over the Indian Ocean is known to boost or trigger cyclogenesis (the formation of tropical cyclones), not suppress it. Suppressed conditions would hinder cyclone development. Incorrect Solution: a) The Madden-Julian Oscillation (MJO) is a major intra-seasonal atmospheric phenomenon that influences tropical and even global weather patterns, including the Indian monsoon. It is characterized by an eastward-moving pulse of cloud and rainfall near the equator that typically recurs every 30 to 60 days. The MJO consists of two parts, or phases: one is the enhanced rainfall (or convective) phase and the other is the suppressed rainfall phase. Strong MJO activity often dissects the planet into halves: one half within the enhanced convective phase and the other half in the suppressed convective phase. Statement 1 is correct. This phase is defined by increased rainfall, as rising moist air leads to significant precipitation. Statement 2 is incorrect. Sinking dry air is characteristic of the suppressed convective phase, which follows the enhanced phase. This sinking air inhibits cloud development and leads to clearer skies and reduced rainfall. Statement 3 is correct. The enhanced phase involves greater cloud formation due to rising air (convection) and moisture convergence in the tropics. Statement 4 is incorrect. The active phase of the MJO over the Indian Ocean is known to boost or trigger cyclogenesis (the formation of tropical cyclones), not suppress it. Suppressed conditions would hinder cyclone development.

#### 2. Question

Which of the following features are characteristic of the enhanced convective phase of the Madden-Julian Oscillation (MJO)?

• Increased rainfall

• Sinking dry air

• Greater cloud formation

• Suppressed cyclogenesis

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

• (a) 1 and 3 only

• (b) 2 and 4 only

• (c) 1, 3 and 4 only

• (d) 1, 2 and 3 only

Solution: a)

The Madden-Julian Oscillation (MJO) is a major intra-seasonal atmospheric phenomenon that influences tropical and even global weather patterns, including the Indian monsoon. It is characterized by an eastward-moving pulse of cloud and rainfall near the equator that typically recurs every 30 to 60 days.

The MJO consists of two parts, or phases: one is the enhanced rainfall (or convective) phase and the other is the suppressed rainfall phase. Strong MJO activity often dissects the planet into halves: one half within the enhanced convective phase and the other half in the suppressed convective phase.

• Statement 1 is correct. This phase is defined by increased rainfall, as rising moist air leads to significant precipitation.

• Statement 2 is incorrect. Sinking dry air is characteristic of the suppressed convective phase, which follows the enhanced phase. This sinking air inhibits cloud development and leads to clearer skies and reduced rainfall.

• Statement 3 is correct. The enhanced phase involves greater cloud formation due to rising air (convection) and moisture convergence in the tropics.

• Statement 4 is incorrect. The active phase of the MJO over the Indian Ocean is known to boost or trigger cyclogenesis (the formation of tropical cyclones), not suppress it. Suppressed conditions would hinder cyclone development.

Solution: a)

• Statement 1 is correct. This phase is defined by increased rainfall, as rising moist air leads to significant precipitation.

• Statement 3 is correct. The enhanced phase involves greater cloud formation due to rising air (convection) and moisture convergence in the tropics.

• Question 3 of 5 3. Question Consider the following statements regarding the Honey Mission in India: The mission is primarily focused on increasing honey production for domestic consumption only. The Central Bee Research and Training Institute (CBRTI) in Pune is the key institution for skill development under this mission. The mission provides holistic support, including processing, marketing, and enabling sales on the Government e-Marketplace (GeM) portal. How many of the above statements is/are correct? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) All three (d) None Correct Solution: b) Statement 1 is incorrect. While meeting domestic demand is important, a significant component of the mission’s success is its contribution to exports. In FY 2024–25, honey exports under KVIC touched ₹25 crore, and India is among the top 10 honey exporters. This shows a clear focus on both domestic and international markets. Statement 2 is correct. More than 50,000 beekeepers have been trained through CBRTI, Pune, in modern apiculture techniques. This identifies CBRTI as the principal training centre for the mission. Statement 3 is correct. The mission employs a holistic model. It doesn’t just focus on production but supports the entire value chain, which includes setting up processing plants, marketing support, and providing digital access for sales, with a specific example of enabling beekeepers to sell their products on the GeM portal. Incorrect Solution: b) Statement 1 is incorrect. While meeting domestic demand is important, a significant component of the mission’s success is its contribution to exports. In FY 2024–25, honey exports under KVIC touched ₹25 crore, and India is among the top 10 honey exporters. This shows a clear focus on both domestic and international markets. Statement 2 is correct. More than 50,000 beekeepers have been trained through CBRTI, Pune, in modern apiculture techniques. This identifies CBRTI as the principal training centre for the mission. Statement 3 is correct. The mission employs a holistic model. It doesn’t just focus on production but supports the entire value chain, which includes setting up processing plants, marketing support, and providing digital access for sales, with a specific example of enabling beekeepers to sell their products on the GeM portal.

#### 3. Question

Consider the following statements regarding the Honey Mission in India:

• The mission is primarily focused on increasing honey production for domestic consumption only.

• The Central Bee Research and Training Institute (CBRTI) in Pune is the key institution for skill development under this mission.

• The mission provides holistic support, including processing, marketing, and enabling sales on the Government e-Marketplace (GeM) portal.

How many of the above statements is/are correct?

• (a) Only one

• (b) Only two

• (c) All three

Solution: b)

• Statement 1 is incorrect. While meeting domestic demand is important, a significant component of the mission’s success is its contribution to exports. In FY 2024–25, honey exports under KVIC touched ₹25 crore, and India is among the top 10 honey exporters. This shows a clear focus on both domestic and international markets.

• Statement 2 is correct. More than 50,000 beekeepers have been trained through CBRTI, Pune, in modern apiculture techniques. This identifies CBRTI as the principal training centre for the mission.

• Statement 3 is correct. The mission employs a holistic model. It doesn’t just focus on production but supports the entire value chain, which includes setting up processing plants, marketing support, and providing digital access for sales, with a specific example of enabling beekeepers to sell their products on the GeM portal.

Solution: b)

• Question 4 of 5 4. Question Which of the following bodies is responsible for recommending the Minimum Support Prices (MSP) for various agricultural crops in India? a) Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare b) NITI Aayog c) Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices (CACP) d) Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) Correct Solution: c) The determination of Minimum Support Prices (MSP) in India follows a two-tier process. The Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices (CACP), an expert body, is entrusted with the primary responsibility of undertaking comprehensive studies of production costs, market trends, and other relevant factors to recommend MSP levels for various crops. The CACP’s recommendations are then submitted to the government. The final decision-making authority rests with the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), chaired by the Prime Minister, which considers the CACP’s report and approves the final MSPs. About Minimum Support Prices (MSP): What is MSP? MSP is the minimum guaranteed price offered by the government to farmers for their crops, even if market prices fall. It protects farmers from distress sales and ensures income stability. Who Determines It? MSP is recommended by the Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices (CACP) and approved by the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA). When was MSP Introduced? First introduced in 1966–67 during the Green Revolution, primarily for wheat and paddy. MSP Calculation Method A2+FL Formula: A2 = Paid-out costs (labour, seeds, irrigation, etc.) FL = Imputed value of family labour Margin: Government ensures 50% or more margin over production costs. Crops Covered Under MSP Kharif Crops: Cereals: Paddy, Jowar, Bajra, Ragi, Maize Pulses: Tur (Arhar), Moong, Urad Oilseeds: Groundnut, Sunflower, Soyabean, Sesamum, Niger-seed Commercial: Cotton Rabi Crops: Wheat, Barley, Gram, Lentil (Masur), Rapeseed & Mustard, Safflower Commercial Crops: Copra, Jute and Toria and De-husked Coconut also covered under related MSPs. Key Features of MSP: Announced Twice Yearly: Declared before the Kharif and Rabi sowing seasons to guide farmers’ planting decisions. Prevents Exploitation: Ensures a minimum guaranteed price to protect farmers from market volatility and distress sales. Encourages Crop Diversification: Offers higher MSPs for pulses and oilseeds to shift focus from water-intensive cereals. Budget 2018–19 Mandate: MSP fixed at 5 times the cost of production (A2+FL) to ensure fair profits for farmers. Promotes Nutritional Crops: Higher MSP for millets and Shree Anna supports healthier diets and climate-resilient farming. Incorrect Solution: c) The determination of Minimum Support Prices (MSP) in India follows a two-tier process. The Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices (CACP), an expert body, is entrusted with the primary responsibility of undertaking comprehensive studies of production costs, market trends, and other relevant factors to recommend MSP levels for various crops. The CACP’s recommendations are then submitted to the government. The final decision-making authority rests with the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), chaired by the Prime Minister, which considers the CACP’s report and approves the final MSPs. About Minimum Support Prices (MSP): What is MSP? MSP is the minimum guaranteed price offered by the government to farmers for their crops, even if market prices fall. It protects farmers from distress sales and ensures income stability. Who Determines It? MSP is recommended by the Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices (CACP) and approved by the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA). When was MSP Introduced? First introduced in 1966–67 during the Green Revolution, primarily for wheat and paddy. MSP Calculation Method A2+FL Formula: A2 = Paid-out costs (labour, seeds, irrigation, etc.) FL = Imputed value of family labour Margin: Government ensures 50% or more margin over production costs. Crops Covered Under MSP Kharif Crops: Cereals: Paddy, Jowar, Bajra, Ragi, Maize Pulses: Tur (Arhar), Moong, Urad Oilseeds: Groundnut, Sunflower, Soyabean, Sesamum, Niger-seed Commercial: Cotton Rabi Crops: Wheat, Barley, Gram, Lentil (Masur), Rapeseed & Mustard, Safflower Commercial Crops: Copra, Jute and Toria and De-husked Coconut also covered under related MSPs. Key Features of MSP: Announced Twice Yearly: Declared before the Kharif and Rabi sowing seasons to guide farmers’ planting decisions. Prevents Exploitation: Ensures a minimum guaranteed price to protect farmers from market volatility and distress sales. Encourages Crop Diversification: Offers higher MSPs for pulses and oilseeds to shift focus from water-intensive cereals. Budget 2018–19 Mandate: MSP fixed at 5 times the cost of production (A2+FL) to ensure fair profits for farmers. Promotes Nutritional Crops: Higher MSP for millets and Shree Anna supports healthier diets and climate-resilient farming.

#### 4. Question

Which of the following bodies is responsible for recommending the Minimum Support Prices (MSP) for various agricultural crops in India?

• a) Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare

• b) NITI Aayog

• c) Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices (CACP)

• d) Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA)

Solution: c)

• The determination of Minimum Support Prices (MSP) in India follows a two-tier process.

• The Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices (CACP), an expert body, is entrusted with the primary responsibility of undertaking comprehensive studies of production costs, market trends, and other relevant factors to recommend MSP levels for various crops. The CACP’s recommendations are then submitted to the government.

• The final decision-making authority rests with the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), chaired by the Prime Minister, which considers the CACP’s report and approves the final MSPs.

About Minimum Support Prices (MSP):

• What is MSP? MSP is the minimum guaranteed price offered by the government to farmers for their crops, even if market prices fall. It protects farmers from distress sales and ensures income stability.

• MSP is the minimum guaranteed price offered by the government to farmers for their crops, even if market prices fall. It protects farmers from distress sales and ensures income stability.

• Who Determines It? MSP is recommended by the Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices (CACP) and approved by the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA).

• MSP is recommended by the Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices (CACP) and approved by the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA).

• When was MSP Introduced? First introduced in 1966–67 during the Green Revolution, primarily for wheat and paddy.

• First introduced in 1966–67 during the Green Revolution, primarily for wheat and paddy.

• MSP Calculation Method A2+FL Formula: A2 = Paid-out costs (labour, seeds, irrigation, etc.) FL = Imputed value of family labour Margin: Government ensures 50% or more margin over production costs.

• A2+FL Formula: A2 = Paid-out costs (labour, seeds, irrigation, etc.) FL = Imputed value of family labour

• A2 = Paid-out costs (labour, seeds, irrigation, etc.)

• FL = Imputed value of family labour

• Margin: Government ensures 50% or more margin over production costs.

• Crops Covered Under MSP Kharif Crops: Cereals: Paddy, Jowar, Bajra, Ragi, Maize Pulses: Tur (Arhar), Moong, Urad Oilseeds: Groundnut, Sunflower, Soyabean, Sesamum, Niger-seed Commercial: Cotton Rabi Crops: Wheat, Barley, Gram, Lentil (Masur), Rapeseed & Mustard, Safflower Commercial Crops: Copra, Jute and Toria and De-husked Coconut also covered under related MSPs. Key Features of MSP: Announced Twice Yearly: Declared before the Kharif and Rabi sowing seasons to guide farmers’ planting decisions. Prevents Exploitation: Ensures a minimum guaranteed price to protect farmers from market volatility and distress sales. Encourages Crop Diversification: Offers higher MSPs for pulses and oilseeds to shift focus from water-intensive cereals. Budget 2018–19 Mandate: MSP fixed at 5 times the cost of production (A2+FL) to ensure fair profits for farmers. Promotes Nutritional Crops: Higher MSP for millets and Shree Anna supports healthier diets and climate-resilient farming.

• Kharif Crops: Cereals: Paddy, Jowar, Bajra, Ragi, Maize Pulses: Tur (Arhar), Moong, Urad Oilseeds: Groundnut, Sunflower, Soyabean, Sesamum, Niger-seed Commercial: Cotton

• Cereals: Paddy, Jowar, Bajra, Ragi, Maize

• Pulses: Tur (Arhar), Moong, Urad

• Oilseeds: Groundnut, Sunflower, Soyabean, Sesamum, Niger-seed

• Commercial: Cotton

• Rabi Crops: Wheat, Barley, Gram, Lentil (Masur), Rapeseed & Mustard, Safflower

• Wheat, Barley, Gram, Lentil (Masur), Rapeseed & Mustard, Safflower

• Commercial Crops: Copra, Jute and Toria and De-husked Coconut also covered under related MSPs.

• Copra, Jute and Toria and De-husked Coconut also covered under related MSPs.

• Key Features of MSP: Announced Twice Yearly: Declared before the Kharif and Rabi sowing seasons to guide farmers’ planting decisions. Prevents Exploitation: Ensures a minimum guaranteed price to protect farmers from market volatility and distress sales. Encourages Crop Diversification: Offers higher MSPs for pulses and oilseeds to shift focus from water-intensive cereals. Budget 2018–19 Mandate: MSP fixed at 5 times the cost of production (A2+FL) to ensure fair profits for farmers. Promotes Nutritional Crops: Higher MSP for millets and Shree Anna supports healthier diets and climate-resilient farming.

• Announced Twice Yearly: Declared before the Kharif and Rabi sowing seasons to guide farmers’ planting decisions.

• Prevents Exploitation: Ensures a minimum guaranteed price to protect farmers from market volatility and distress sales.

• Encourages Crop Diversification: Offers higher MSPs for pulses and oilseeds to shift focus from water-intensive cereals.

• Budget 2018–19 Mandate: MSP fixed at 5 times the cost of production (A2+FL) to ensure fair profits for farmers.

• Promotes Nutritional Crops: Higher MSP for millets and Shree Anna supports healthier diets and climate-resilient farming.