UPSC Editorials Quiz : 11 November 2024
Kartavya Desk Staff
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 regarding India’s rights and obligations on the western rivers under the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT): India can use the waters of the western rivers only for irrigation purposes. India is allowed to develop hydroelectric projects on the western rivers. India is obliged to conduct Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs) for all hydroelectric projects on the western rivers. Which of the above statements is/are correct? a) 1 only b) 2 only c) 2 and 3 only d) None of the above Correct Solution: b) Under the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) between India and Pakistan, India has specific rights and obligations concerning the western rivers (Indus, Jhelum, and Chenab). Statement 1 is incorrect because the Treaty does not restrict India’s use of the western rivers solely to irrigation. India can also utilize these waters for hydroelectric generation and domestic use. Statement 2 is correct because India is permitted to develop hydroelectric projects on the western rivers, provided these projects meet certain design and operational restrictions to ensure they do not adversely impact the flow of water into Pakistan. Statement 3 is also incorrect; while conducting Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs) is a recommended global practice, the Treaty does not explicitly mandate them for hydroelectric projects on these rivers. Incorrect Solution: b) Under the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) between India and Pakistan, India has specific rights and obligations concerning the western rivers (Indus, Jhelum, and Chenab). Statement 1 is incorrect because the Treaty does not restrict India’s use of the western rivers solely to irrigation. India can also utilize these waters for hydroelectric generation and domestic use. Statement 2 is correct because India is permitted to develop hydroelectric projects on the western rivers, provided these projects meet certain design and operational restrictions to ensure they do not adversely impact the flow of water into Pakistan. Statement 3 is also incorrect; while conducting Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs) is a recommended global practice, the Treaty does not explicitly mandate them for hydroelectric projects on these rivers.
#### 1. Question
Consider the following statements regarding India’s rights and obligations on the western rivers under the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT):
• India can use the waters of the western rivers only for irrigation purposes.
• India is allowed to develop hydroelectric projects on the western rivers.
• India is obliged to conduct Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs) for all hydroelectric projects on the western rivers.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
• c) 2 and 3 only
• d) None of the above
Solution: b)
• Under the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) between India and Pakistan, India has specific rights and obligations concerning the western rivers (Indus, Jhelum, and Chenab).
• Statement 1 is incorrect because the Treaty does not restrict India’s use of the western rivers solely to irrigation. India can also utilize these waters for hydroelectric generation and domestic use.
• Statement 2 is correct because India is permitted to develop hydroelectric projects on the western rivers, provided these projects meet certain design and operational restrictions to ensure they do not adversely impact the flow of water into Pakistan.
Statement 3 is also incorrect; while conducting Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs) is a recommended global practice, the Treaty does not explicitly mandate them for hydroelectric projects on these rivers.
Solution: b)
• Under the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) between India and Pakistan, India has specific rights and obligations concerning the western rivers (Indus, Jhelum, and Chenab).
• Statement 1 is incorrect because the Treaty does not restrict India’s use of the western rivers solely to irrigation. India can also utilize these waters for hydroelectric generation and domestic use.
• Statement 2 is correct because India is permitted to develop hydroelectric projects on the western rivers, provided these projects meet certain design and operational restrictions to ensure they do not adversely impact the flow of water into Pakistan.
Statement 3 is also incorrect; while conducting Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs) is a recommended global practice, the Treaty does not explicitly mandate them for hydroelectric projects on these rivers.
• Question 2 of 5 2. Question Consider the following statements about the future revisions and re-fixation of pensions under One Rank One Pension (OROP) Scheme: Pension revisions under OROP are made every two years. Revisions are based on the highest pension rates for individuals of the same rank and service length. The revisions apply retroactively to cover past pension adjustments. How many of the above statements is/are correct? a) Only one b) Only two c) All three d) None Correct Solution: d) Statement 1 is incorrect, as pension revisions under OROP occur every five years. Statement 2 is incorrect because revisions are based on the average of the minimum and maximum pension amounts for the same rank and service length. Statement 3 is incorrect as revisions are not retroactive but prospective. About One Rank One Pension (OROP) Scheme: Definition: OROP ensures that uniform pensions are paid to personnel retiring in the same rank with identical service lengths, regardless of when they retired. Implementation year: The government approved OROP in 2015, with benefits retroactively effective from July 1, 2014. Pension Re-fixation: Pensions are re-fixed based on the average of the minimum and maximum pensions of 2013 retirees of the same rank and service length. Arrears: Arrears are paid in four half-yearly instalments, except for family pensioners and Gallantry awardees, who receive it in one instalment. Future revisions: Pensions will be re-fixed every five years. Nodal agency: Department of Ex-Servicemen Welfare, Ministry of Defence. Payment: Integrated within the standard pension, not a separate component. Exclusions: Personnel discharged voluntarily under specific military rules post-OROP implementation are not eligible. Incorrect Solution: d) Statement 1 is incorrect, as pension revisions under OROP occur every five years. Statement 2 is incorrect because revisions are based on the average of the minimum and maximum pension amounts for the same rank and service length. Statement 3 is incorrect as revisions are not retroactive but prospective. About One Rank One Pension (OROP) Scheme: Definition: OROP ensures that uniform pensions are paid to personnel retiring in the same rank with identical service lengths, regardless of when they retired. Implementation year: The government approved OROP in 2015, with benefits retroactively effective from July 1, 2014. Pension Re-fixation: Pensions are re-fixed based on the average of the minimum and maximum pensions of 2013 retirees of the same rank and service length. Arrears: Arrears are paid in four half-yearly instalments, except for family pensioners and Gallantry awardees, who receive it in one instalment. Future revisions: Pensions will be re-fixed every five years. Nodal agency: Department of Ex-Servicemen Welfare, Ministry of Defence. Payment: Integrated within the standard pension, not a separate component. Exclusions: Personnel discharged voluntarily under specific military rules post-OROP implementation are not eligible.
#### 2. Question
Consider the following statements about the future revisions and re-fixation of pensions under One Rank One Pension (OROP) Scheme:
• Pension revisions under OROP are made every two years.
• Revisions are based on the highest pension rates for individuals of the same rank and service length.
• The revisions apply retroactively to cover past pension adjustments.
How many of the above statements is/are correct?
• a) Only one
• b) Only two
• c) All three
Solution: d)
Statement 1 is incorrect, as pension revisions under OROP occur every five years.
Statement 2 is incorrect because revisions are based on the average of the minimum and maximum pension amounts for the same rank and service length.
Statement 3 is incorrect as revisions are not retroactive but prospective.
About One Rank One Pension (OROP) Scheme:
• Definition: OROP ensures that uniform pensions are paid to personnel retiring in the same rank with identical service lengths, regardless of when they retired.
• Implementation year: The government approved OROP in 2015, with benefits retroactively effective from July 1, 2014.
• Pension Re-fixation: Pensions are re-fixed based on the average of the minimum and maximum pensions of 2013 retirees of the same rank and service length.
• Arrears: Arrears are paid in four half-yearly instalments, except for family pensioners and Gallantry awardees, who receive it in one instalment.
• Future revisions: Pensions will be re-fixed every five years.
• Nodal agency: Department of Ex-Servicemen Welfare, Ministry of Defence.
• Payment: Integrated within the standard pension, not a separate component.
• Exclusions: Personnel discharged voluntarily under specific military rules post-OROP implementation are not eligible.
Solution: d)
Statement 1 is incorrect, as pension revisions under OROP occur every five years.
Statement 2 is incorrect because revisions are based on the average of the minimum and maximum pension amounts for the same rank and service length.
Statement 3 is incorrect as revisions are not retroactive but prospective.
About One Rank One Pension (OROP) Scheme:
• Definition: OROP ensures that uniform pensions are paid to personnel retiring in the same rank with identical service lengths, regardless of when they retired.
• Implementation year: The government approved OROP in 2015, with benefits retroactively effective from July 1, 2014.
• Pension Re-fixation: Pensions are re-fixed based on the average of the minimum and maximum pensions of 2013 retirees of the same rank and service length.
• Arrears: Arrears are paid in four half-yearly instalments, except for family pensioners and Gallantry awardees, who receive it in one instalment.
• Future revisions: Pensions will be re-fixed every five years.
• Nodal agency: Department of Ex-Servicemen Welfare, Ministry of Defence.
• Payment: Integrated within the standard pension, not a separate component.
• Exclusions: Personnel discharged voluntarily under specific military rules post-OROP implementation are not eligible.
• Question 3 of 5 3. Question Consider the following statements on the no-harm rule in international law: The no-harm rule is an explicit provision in the Indus Waters Treaty. It requires states to prevent all potential harm to neighbouring states from transboundary projects. It is considered a due diligence obligation under customary international law. How many of the above statements is/are correct? a) Only one b) Only two c) All three d) None Correct Solution: a) The no-harm rule in international law is a principle that requires states to exercise due diligence to avoid causing significant harm to other states through activities within their jurisdiction, particularly when these activities have transboundary impacts. Statement 3 is correct as this rule is considered a due diligence obligation under customary international law, meaning states must take reasonable steps to prevent significant harm to neighbouring states. Statement 1 is incorrect because the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) does not explicitly incorporate the no-harm rule; it primarily focuses on water sharing rather than broader environmental obligations. Statement 2 is also incorrect since the no-harm rule does not mandate the prevention of all potential harm, only of “significant harm,” balancing state sovereignty with responsibilities to other states. Incorrect Solution: a) The no-harm rule in international law is a principle that requires states to exercise due diligence to avoid causing significant harm to other states through activities within their jurisdiction, particularly when these activities have transboundary impacts. Statement 3 is correct as this rule is considered a due diligence obligation under customary international law, meaning states must take reasonable steps to prevent significant harm to neighbouring states. Statement 1 is incorrect because the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) does not explicitly incorporate the no-harm rule; it primarily focuses on water sharing rather than broader environmental obligations. Statement 2 is also incorrect since the no-harm rule does not mandate the prevention of all potential harm, only of “significant harm,” balancing state sovereignty with responsibilities to other states.
#### 3. Question
Consider the following statements on the no-harm rule in international law:
• The no-harm rule is an explicit provision in the Indus Waters Treaty.
• It requires states to prevent all potential harm to neighbouring states from transboundary projects.
• It is considered a due diligence obligation under customary international law.
How many of the above statements is/are correct?
• a) Only one
• b) Only two
• c) All three
Solution: a)
• The no-harm rule in international law is a principle that requires states to exercise due diligence to avoid causing significant harm to other states through activities within their jurisdiction, particularly when these activities have transboundary impacts.
• Statement 3 is correct as this rule is considered a due diligence obligation under customary international law, meaning states must take reasonable steps to prevent significant harm to neighbouring states.
• Statement 1 is incorrect because the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) does not explicitly incorporate the no-harm rule; it primarily focuses on water sharing rather than broader environmental obligations.
Statement 2 is also incorrect since the no-harm rule does not mandate the prevention of all potential harm, only of “significant harm,” balancing state sovereignty with responsibilities to other states.
Solution: a)
• The no-harm rule in international law is a principle that requires states to exercise due diligence to avoid causing significant harm to other states through activities within their jurisdiction, particularly when these activities have transboundary impacts.
• Statement 3 is correct as this rule is considered a due diligence obligation under customary international law, meaning states must take reasonable steps to prevent significant harm to neighbouring states.
• Statement 1 is incorrect because the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) does not explicitly incorporate the no-harm rule; it primarily focuses on water sharing rather than broader environmental obligations.
Statement 2 is also incorrect since the no-harm rule does not mandate the prevention of all potential harm, only of “significant harm,” balancing state sovereignty with responsibilities to other states.
• Question 4 of 5 4. Question Consider the following statements regarding the Gujarat Semiconductor Policy 2022-2027: The policy includes provisions for establishing an AI-enabled semiconductor fabrication facility. It primarily focuses on attracting investments in the IT service sector. The policy is limited to the Dholera region only and excludes other areas in Gujarat. Which of the above statements is correct? a) 1 only b) 1 and 2 only c) 2 and 3 only d) None of the above Correct Solution: a) Statement 1 is correct; the AI-enabled semiconductor fabrication facility in Dholera aligns with the policy. Statement 2 is incorrect as the policy focuses on semiconductor manufacturing, not IT services. Statement 3 is incorrect because the policy aims to benefit Gujarat as a whole, not just Dholera. About Commission for Air Quality Management: Origin:Established under the CAQM Act, 2021 for NCR and adjoining areas, replacing the Environment Pollution (Prevention and Control) Authority (EPCA). Aim:Coordinate and oversee efforts to improve air quality, prevent and control air pollution in Delhi-NCR and surrounding states (Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh). Jurisdiction:Delhi-NCR, Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh. Powers: Restrict activities impacting air quality. Conduct research on pollution. Issue binding directions to authorities and individuals. Enforce compliance and take preventive actions. Composition: Chairperson: Secretary/Chief Secretary rank official. Five ex officio members from Delhi, Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, and UP. Three full-time technical members. Members from NGOs and technical bodies like CPCB, ISRO, and NITI Aayog. Incorrect Solution: a) Statement 1 is correct; the AI-enabled semiconductor fabrication facility in Dholera aligns with the policy. Statement 2 is incorrect as the policy focuses on semiconductor manufacturing, not IT services. Statement 3 is incorrect because the policy aims to benefit Gujarat as a whole, not just Dholera. About Commission for Air Quality Management: Origin:Established under the CAQM Act, 2021 for NCR and adjoining areas, replacing the Environment Pollution (Prevention and Control) Authority (EPCA). Aim:Coordinate and oversee efforts to improve air quality, prevent and control air pollution in Delhi-NCR and surrounding states (Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh). Jurisdiction:Delhi-NCR, Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh. Powers: Restrict activities impacting air quality. Conduct research on pollution. Issue binding directions to authorities and individuals. Enforce compliance and take preventive actions. Composition: Chairperson: Secretary/Chief Secretary rank official. Five ex officio members from Delhi, Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, and UP. Three full-time technical members. Members from NGOs and technical bodies like CPCB, ISRO, and NITI Aayog.
#### 4. Question
Consider the following statements regarding the Gujarat Semiconductor Policy 2022-2027:
• The policy includes provisions for establishing an AI-enabled semiconductor fabrication facility.
• It primarily focuses on attracting investments in the IT service sector.
• The policy is limited to the Dholera region only and excludes other areas in Gujarat.
Which of the above statements is correct?
• b) 1 and 2 only
• c) 2 and 3 only
• d) None of the above
Solution: a)
Statement 1 is correct; the AI-enabled semiconductor fabrication facility in Dholera aligns with the policy. Statement 2 is incorrect as the policy focuses on semiconductor manufacturing, not IT services.
Statement 3 is incorrect because the policy aims to benefit Gujarat as a whole, not just Dholera.
About Commission for Air Quality Management:
• Origin:Established under the CAQM Act, 2021 for NCR and adjoining areas, replacing the Environment Pollution (Prevention and Control) Authority (EPCA).
• Aim:Coordinate and oversee efforts to improve air quality, prevent and control air pollution in Delhi-NCR and surrounding states (Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh).
• Jurisdiction:Delhi-NCR, Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh.
Powers:
• Restrict activities impacting air quality.
• Conduct research on pollution.
• Issue binding directions to authorities and individuals.
• Enforce compliance and take preventive actions.
Composition:
• Chairperson: Secretary/Chief Secretary rank official.
• Five ex officio members from Delhi, Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, and UP.
• Three full-time technical members.
• Members from NGOs and technical bodies like CPCB, ISRO, and NITI Aayog.
Solution: a)
Statement 1 is correct; the AI-enabled semiconductor fabrication facility in Dholera aligns with the policy. Statement 2 is incorrect as the policy focuses on semiconductor manufacturing, not IT services.
Statement 3 is incorrect because the policy aims to benefit Gujarat as a whole, not just Dholera.
About Commission for Air Quality Management:
• Origin:Established under the CAQM Act, 2021 for NCR and adjoining areas, replacing the Environment Pollution (Prevention and Control) Authority (EPCA).
• Aim:Coordinate and oversee efforts to improve air quality, prevent and control air pollution in Delhi-NCR and surrounding states (Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh).
• Jurisdiction:Delhi-NCR, Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh.
Powers:
• Restrict activities impacting air quality.
• Conduct research on pollution.
• Issue binding directions to authorities and individuals.
• Enforce compliance and take preventive actions.
Composition:
• Chairperson: Secretary/Chief Secretary rank official.
• Five ex officio members from Delhi, Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, and UP.
• Three full-time technical members.
• Members from NGOs and technical bodies like CPCB, ISRO, and NITI Aayog.
• Question 5 of 5 5. Question The 2010 International Court of Justice (ICJ) ruling in the Pulp Mills on the Uruguay river case established which of the following principles related to transboundary projects? a) The need for prior approval from all affected riparian states b) The necessity to conduct transboundary Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs) c) Compensation to affected states for potential damages d) A strict prohibition on any cross-border environmental impact Correct Solution: b) The 2010 ruling by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in the Pulp Mills on the River Uruguay case was a landmark decision in transboundary environmental law. The court held that states undertaking projects with potential cross-border environmental impacts are obligated to conduct Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs) as part of their due diligence under customary international law. This ruling highlighted that EIAs are necessary to identify, assess, and mitigate potential adverse effects on neighboring states, thereby promoting transparency and cooperative management of shared resources. Option (b) is correct because the ICJ’s decision established the requirement for transboundary EIAs in such cases, recognizing it as an emerging standard in international law. However, the ruling did not require prior approval from all riparian states, mandate compensation for potential damages, or impose a strict prohibition on any cross-border impact, making transboundary EIAs the key principle affirmed by the ICJ in this case. Incorrect Solution: b) The 2010 ruling by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in the Pulp Mills on the River Uruguay case was a landmark decision in transboundary environmental law. The court held that states undertaking projects with potential cross-border environmental impacts are obligated to conduct Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs) as part of their due diligence under customary international law. This ruling highlighted that EIAs are necessary to identify, assess, and mitigate potential adverse effects on neighboring states, thereby promoting transparency and cooperative management of shared resources. Option (b) is correct because the ICJ’s decision established the requirement for transboundary EIAs in such cases, recognizing it as an emerging standard in international law. However, the ruling did not require prior approval from all riparian states, mandate compensation for potential damages, or impose a strict prohibition on any cross-border impact, making transboundary EIAs the key principle affirmed by the ICJ in this case.
#### 5. Question
The 2010 International Court of Justice (ICJ) ruling in the Pulp Mills on the Uruguay river case established which of the following principles related to transboundary projects?
• a) The need for prior approval from all affected riparian states
• b) The necessity to conduct transboundary Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs)
• c) Compensation to affected states for potential damages
• d) A strict prohibition on any cross-border environmental impact
Solution: b)
The 2010 ruling by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in the Pulp Mills on the River Uruguay case was a landmark decision in transboundary environmental law. The court held that states undertaking projects with potential cross-border environmental impacts are obligated to conduct Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs) as part of their due diligence under customary international law. This ruling highlighted that EIAs are necessary to identify, assess, and mitigate potential adverse effects on neighboring states, thereby promoting transparency and cooperative management of shared resources.
Option (b) is correct because the ICJ’s decision established the requirement for transboundary EIAs in such cases, recognizing it as an emerging standard in international law. However, the ruling did not require prior approval from all riparian states, mandate compensation for potential damages, or impose a strict prohibition on any cross-border impact, making transboundary EIAs the key principle affirmed by the ICJ in this case.
Solution: b)
The 2010 ruling by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in the Pulp Mills on the River Uruguay case was a landmark decision in transboundary environmental law. The court held that states undertaking projects with potential cross-border environmental impacts are obligated to conduct Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs) as part of their due diligence under customary international law. This ruling highlighted that EIAs are necessary to identify, assess, and mitigate potential adverse effects on neighboring states, thereby promoting transparency and cooperative management of shared resources.
Option (b) is correct because the ICJ’s decision established the requirement for transboundary EIAs in such cases, recognizing it as an emerging standard in international law. However, the ruling did not require prior approval from all riparian states, mandate compensation for potential damages, or impose a strict prohibition on any cross-border impact, making transboundary EIAs the key principle affirmed by the ICJ in this case.
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