UPSC Editorials Quiz : 12 December 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 is not a feature of the Producer Price Index (PPI)? a) Measures changes in consumer purchasing power b) Includes services sector c) Adheres to the System of National Accounts (SNA) d) Tracks price changes before goods reach consumers Correct Solution: A PPI measures price changes at the producer level and does not focus on consumer purchasing power, which is covered by the Consumer Price Index (CPI). About Producer Price Index (PPI): What it is:The Producer Price Index (PPI) measures the average change in prices received by producers for goods and services, either sold domestically or exported. Types: Output PPI:Tracks prices of goods and services as they leave production sites. Input PPI:Monitors prices of goods and services entering production processes. Advantages of PPI Over WPI: Industry-Centric Inflation Measurement:Captures price changes from the perspective of producers, providing an early signal of inflation trends. Focus on Production Stages:Reflects price shifts before goods and services reach consumers, aiding better policy decisions. International Alignment:Adheres to the System of National Accounts (SNA), making it more suitable for global economic comparisons. Broader Scope:Includes services, unlike WPI, which is restricted to goods. Global Adoption:Has replaced WPI in many countries as a more precise tool for measuring economic activity. Incorrect Solution: A PPI measures price changes at the producer level and does not focus on consumer purchasing power, which is covered by the Consumer Price Index (CPI). About Producer Price Index (PPI): What it is:The Producer Price Index (PPI) measures the average change in prices received by producers for goods and services, either sold domestically or exported. Types: Output PPI:Tracks prices of goods and services as they leave production sites. Input PPI:Monitors prices of goods and services entering production processes. Advantages of PPI Over WPI: Industry-Centric Inflation Measurement:Captures price changes from the perspective of producers, providing an early signal of inflation trends. Focus on Production Stages:Reflects price shifts before goods and services reach consumers, aiding better policy decisions. International Alignment:Adheres to the System of National Accounts (SNA), making it more suitable for global economic comparisons. Broader Scope:Includes services, unlike WPI, which is restricted to goods. Global Adoption:Has replaced WPI in many countries as a more precise tool for measuring economic activity.

#### 1. Question

Which of the following is not a feature of the Producer Price Index (PPI)?

• a) Measures changes in consumer purchasing power

• b) Includes services sector

• c) Adheres to the System of National Accounts (SNA)

• d) Tracks price changes before goods reach consumers

Solution: A

PPI measures price changes at the producer level and does not focus on consumer purchasing power, which is covered by the Consumer Price Index (CPI).

About Producer Price Index (PPI):

• What it is:The Producer Price Index (PPI) measures the average change in prices received by producers for goods and services, either sold domestically or exported.

Types:

• Output PPI:Tracks prices of goods and services as they leave production sites.

• Input PPI:Monitors prices of goods and services entering production processes.

Advantages of PPI Over WPI:

• Industry-Centric Inflation Measurement:Captures price changes from the perspective of producers, providing an early signal of inflation trends.

• Focus on Production Stages:Reflects price shifts before goods and services reach consumers, aiding better policy decisions.

• International Alignment:Adheres to the System of National Accounts (SNA), making it more suitable for global economic comparisons.

• Broader Scope:Includes services, unlike WPI, which is restricted to goods.

• Global Adoption:Has replaced WPI in many countries as a more precise tool for measuring economic activity.

Solution: A

PPI measures price changes at the producer level and does not focus on consumer purchasing power, which is covered by the Consumer Price Index (CPI).

About Producer Price Index (PPI):

• What it is:The Producer Price Index (PPI) measures the average change in prices received by producers for goods and services, either sold domestically or exported.

Types:

• Output PPI:Tracks prices of goods and services as they leave production sites.

• Input PPI:Monitors prices of goods and services entering production processes.

Advantages of PPI Over WPI:

• Industry-Centric Inflation Measurement:Captures price changes from the perspective of producers, providing an early signal of inflation trends.

• Focus on Production Stages:Reflects price shifts before goods and services reach consumers, aiding better policy decisions.

• International Alignment:Adheres to the System of National Accounts (SNA), making it more suitable for global economic comparisons.

• Broader Scope:Includes services, unlike WPI, which is restricted to goods.

• Global Adoption:Has replaced WPI in many countries as a more precise tool for measuring economic activity.

• Question 2 of 5 2. Question What is the primary feature of the Pig-Butchering Scam? a) Scammers steal personal data through phishing emails b) Fake profits are shown to victims on fabricated online trading platforms c) Victims are coerced into smuggling illicit goods d) Victims are lured into fraudulent real estate schemes Correct Solution: B In the Pig-Butchering Scam, scammers lure victims by showing fake profits on fraudulent trading platforms to build trust and encourage larger investments. About Pig-Butchering Scam: What it is: A cybercrime involving organized scammers using fake online trading platforms to defraud investors. The term “pig-butchering” originates from the analogy of “fattening up” victims before stealing their money. How it works: Initial Contact: Scammers approach victims via social media, dating apps, or deceptive advertisements on Google and Facebook. Building Trust: Fraudsters establish a “friendship” and lure victims into investing in fabricated online trading apps, often leveraging the ambiguity of cryptocurrency. The Scam: Victims are shown fake profits to encourage larger investments, but when they try to withdraw funds, their money is stolen. Features of the Scam: Use of fake online trading platforms. Fraudulent blockchain transactions, making recovery nearly impossible. High reliance on victims’ desire for quick returns. Often linked to large-scale money laundering and cyber slavery. Incorrect Solution: B In the Pig-Butchering Scam, scammers lure victims by showing fake profits on fraudulent trading platforms to build trust and encourage larger investments. About Pig-Butchering Scam: What it is: A cybercrime involving organized scammers using fake online trading platforms to defraud investors. The term “pig-butchering” originates from the analogy of “fattening up” victims before stealing their money. How it works: Initial Contact: Scammers approach victims via social media, dating apps, or deceptive advertisements on Google and Facebook. Building Trust: Fraudsters establish a “friendship” and lure victims into investing in fabricated online trading apps, often leveraging the ambiguity of cryptocurrency. The Scam: Victims are shown fake profits to encourage larger investments, but when they try to withdraw funds, their money is stolen. Features of the Scam: Use of fake online trading platforms. Fraudulent blockchain transactions, making recovery nearly impossible. High reliance on victims’ desire for quick returns. Often linked to large-scale money laundering and cyber slavery.

#### 2. Question

What is the primary feature of the Pig-Butchering Scam?

• a) Scammers steal personal data through phishing emails

• b) Fake profits are shown to victims on fabricated online trading platforms

• c) Victims are coerced into smuggling illicit goods

• d) Victims are lured into fraudulent real estate schemes

Solution: B

In the Pig-Butchering Scam, scammers lure victims by showing fake profits on fraudulent trading platforms to build trust and encourage larger investments.

About Pig-Butchering Scam:

• What it is:

• A cybercrime involving organized scammers using fake online trading platforms to defraud investors.

• The term “pig-butchering” originates from the analogy of “fattening up” victims before stealing their money.

How it works:

• Initial Contact: Scammers approach victims via social media, dating apps, or deceptive advertisements on Google and Facebook.

• Building Trust: Fraudsters establish a “friendship” and lure victims into investing in fabricated online trading apps, often leveraging the ambiguity of cryptocurrency.

• The Scam: Victims are shown fake profits to encourage larger investments, but when they try to withdraw funds, their money is stolen.

Features of the Scam:

• Use of fake online trading platforms.

• Fraudulent blockchain transactions, making recovery nearly impossible.

• High reliance on victims’ desire for quick returns.

• Often linked to large-scale money laundering and cyber slavery.

Solution: B

In the Pig-Butchering Scam, scammers lure victims by showing fake profits on fraudulent trading platforms to build trust and encourage larger investments.

About Pig-Butchering Scam:

• What it is:

• A cybercrime involving organized scammers using fake online trading platforms to defraud investors.

• The term “pig-butchering” originates from the analogy of “fattening up” victims before stealing their money.

How it works:

• Initial Contact: Scammers approach victims via social media, dating apps, or deceptive advertisements on Google and Facebook.

• Building Trust: Fraudsters establish a “friendship” and lure victims into investing in fabricated online trading apps, often leveraging the ambiguity of cryptocurrency.

• The Scam: Victims are shown fake profits to encourage larger investments, but when they try to withdraw funds, their money is stolen.

Features of the Scam:

• Use of fake online trading platforms.

• Fraudulent blockchain transactions, making recovery nearly impossible.

• High reliance on victims’ desire for quick returns.

• Often linked to large-scale money laundering and cyber slavery.

• Question 3 of 5 3. Question Consider the following statements about the Southern Nicobarese Tribe: They are classified as a Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG). They practice shifting cultivation as their primary livelihood. Their traditions emphasize sustainable use of natural resources. 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 Correct. The Southern Nicobarese are classified as a PVTG, indicating their socio-economic vulnerability. Statement 2 is Incorrect. They rely on sustainable practices rather than shifting cultivation. Statement 3 is Correct. Their traditions focus on sustainable resource use in harmony with nature. Tribes in News Shompen Tribe:A Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG), dependent on hunting and foraging, facing displacement due to the proposed sanctuaries and mega-projects. Southern Nicobarese Tribe:Indigenous custodians of the islands, reliant on sustainable use of resources guided by spiritual beliefs and traditional knowledge. Proposed Wildlife Sanctuaries: Coral Sanctuary:Meroë Island. Megapode Sanctuary:Menchal Island. Leatherback Turtle Sanctuary:Little Nicobar Island. Incorrect Solution: B Statement 1 is Correct. The Southern Nicobarese are classified as a PVTG, indicating their socio-economic vulnerability. Statement 2 is Incorrect. They rely on sustainable practices rather than shifting cultivation. Statement 3 is Correct. Their traditions focus on sustainable resource use in harmony with nature. Tribes in News Shompen Tribe:A Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG), dependent on hunting and foraging, facing displacement due to the proposed sanctuaries and mega-projects. Southern Nicobarese Tribe:Indigenous custodians of the islands, reliant on sustainable use of resources guided by spiritual beliefs and traditional knowledge. Proposed Wildlife Sanctuaries: Coral Sanctuary:Meroë Island. Megapode Sanctuary:Menchal Island. Leatherback Turtle Sanctuary:Little Nicobar Island.

#### 3. Question

Consider the following statements about the Southern Nicobarese Tribe:

• They are classified as a Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG).

• They practice shifting cultivation as their primary livelihood.

• Their traditions emphasize sustainable use of natural resources.

How many of the above statements are correct?

• (a) Only one

• (b) Only two

• (c) All three

Solution: B

Statement 1 is Correct. The Southern Nicobarese are classified as a PVTG, indicating their socio-economic vulnerability.

Statement 2 is Incorrect. They rely on sustainable practices rather than shifting cultivation.

Statement 3 is Correct. Their traditions focus on sustainable resource use in harmony with nature.

Tribes in News

• Shompen Tribe:A Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG), dependent on hunting and foraging, facing displacement due to the proposed sanctuaries and mega-projects.

• Southern Nicobarese Tribe:Indigenous custodians of the islands, reliant on sustainable use of resources guided by spiritual beliefs and traditional knowledge.

Proposed Wildlife Sanctuaries:

• Coral Sanctuary:Meroë Island.

• Megapode Sanctuary:Menchal Island.

• Leatherback Turtle Sanctuary:Little Nicobar Island.

Solution: B

Statement 1 is Correct. The Southern Nicobarese are classified as a PVTG, indicating their socio-economic vulnerability.

Statement 2 is Incorrect. They rely on sustainable practices rather than shifting cultivation.

Statement 3 is Correct. Their traditions focus on sustainable resource use in harmony with nature.

Tribes in News

• Shompen Tribe:A Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG), dependent on hunting and foraging, facing displacement due to the proposed sanctuaries and mega-projects.

• Southern Nicobarese Tribe:Indigenous custodians of the islands, reliant on sustainable use of resources guided by spiritual beliefs and traditional knowledge.

Proposed Wildlife Sanctuaries:

• Coral Sanctuary:Meroë Island.

• Megapode Sanctuary:Menchal Island.

• Leatherback Turtle Sanctuary:Little Nicobar Island.

• Question 4 of 5 4. Question Consider the following statements regarding Harappan script. Statement-I: The Harappan script is primarily undeciphered with no confirmed linguistic connections. Statement-II: It appears only on seals depicting animal motifs like unicorns and bulls. Select the correct answer code: 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: C Statement-I is correct as the Harappan script remains undeciphered. However, Statement-II is incorrect because the script is not limited to seals; it is also found on pottery, clay impressions, and copper tablets. The motifs extend beyond animals, including humans and symbolic figures. About Harappan Script: What it is: The writing system of the Indus Valley Civilization (c. 2600-1900 BCE), featuring undeciphered symbols with no confirmed linguistic association. Material used: Found on steatite seals, clay impressions, pottery, bronze tools, stoneware bangles, shells, ivory, and small copper tablets. Seals were often square, about 2.54 cm, and occasionally made of materials like silver, faience, and calcite. Features of the script: Short inscriptions averaging five symbols, with the longest known being 26 symbols. Early forms appeared during the Ravi and Kot Diji phases (c. 3500-2700 BCE). The script appears to have fully developed by the Urban period (c. 2600-1900 BCE). Motifs found on script: Animal motifs such as unicorns, bulls, tigers, elephants, and mythical creatures. Depictions of human figures, often in symbolic or narrative contexts, including combat or ritual scenes. Incorrect Solution: C Statement-I is correct as the Harappan script remains undeciphered. However, Statement-II is incorrect because the script is not limited to seals; it is also found on pottery, clay impressions, and copper tablets. The motifs extend beyond animals, including humans and symbolic figures. About Harappan Script: What it is: The writing system of the Indus Valley Civilization (c. 2600-1900 BCE), featuring undeciphered symbols with no confirmed linguistic association. Material used: Found on steatite seals, clay impressions, pottery, bronze tools, stoneware bangles, shells, ivory, and small copper tablets. Seals were often square, about 2.54 cm, and occasionally made of materials like silver, faience, and calcite. Features of the script: Short inscriptions averaging five symbols, with the longest known being 26 symbols. Early forms appeared during the Ravi and Kot Diji phases (c. 3500-2700 BCE). The script appears to have fully developed by the Urban period (c. 2600-1900 BCE). Motifs found on script: Animal motifs such as unicorns, bulls, tigers, elephants, and mythical creatures. Depictions of human figures, often in symbolic or narrative contexts, including combat or ritual scenes.

#### 4. Question

Consider the following statements regarding Harappan script.

Statement-I: The Harappan script is primarily undeciphered with no confirmed linguistic connections. Statement-II: It appears only on seals depicting animal motifs like unicorns and bulls.

Select the correct answer code:

• 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: C

Statement-I is correct as the Harappan script remains undeciphered.

However, Statement-II is incorrect because the script is not limited to seals; it is also found on pottery, clay impressions, and copper tablets. The motifs extend beyond animals, including humans and symbolic figures.

About Harappan Script:

• What it is: The writing system of the Indus Valley Civilization (c. 2600-1900 BCE), featuring undeciphered symbols with no confirmed linguistic association.

• The writing system of the Indus Valley Civilization (c. 2600-1900 BCE), featuring undeciphered symbols with no confirmed linguistic association.

• Material used: Found on steatite seals, clay impressions, pottery, bronze tools, stoneware bangles, shells, ivory, and small copper tablets. Seals were often square, about 2.54 cm, and occasionally made of materials like silver, faience, and calcite.

• Found on steatite seals, clay impressions, pottery, bronze tools, stoneware bangles, shells, ivory, and small copper tablets.

• Seals were often square, about 2.54 cm, and occasionally made of materials like silver, faience, and calcite.

• Features of the script: Short inscriptions averaging five symbols, with the longest known being 26 symbols. Early forms appeared during the Ravi and Kot Diji phases (c. 3500-2700 BCE). The script appears to have fully developed by the Urban period (c. 2600-1900 BCE).

• Short inscriptions averaging five symbols, with the longest known being 26 symbols.

• Early forms appeared during the Ravi and Kot Diji phases (c. 3500-2700 BCE).

• The script appears to have fully developed by the Urban period (c. 2600-1900 BCE).

• Motifs found on script: Animal motifs such as unicorns, bulls, tigers, elephants, and mythical creatures. Depictions of human figures, often in symbolic or narrative contexts, including combat or ritual scenes.

• Animal motifs such as unicorns, bulls, tigers, elephants, and mythical creatures.

• Depictions of human figures, often in symbolic or narrative contexts, including combat or ritual scenes.