UPSC Editorials Quiz : 12 January 2026
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 With reference to “Eco-Sensitive Zones” (ESZ) in India, consider the following statements: The Supreme Court of India, exercising its powers of “Continuing Mandamus,” has recently modified its earlier directions to allow for case-specific ESZ notifications instead of a blanket ban on development. The declaration of an ESZ is made under the provisions of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972. Which of the above statements are correct? (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 Correct Solution: A Statement 1 is correct. In June 2022, the Supreme Court initially directed a default 10 km ESZ around all Protected Areas, invoking the doctrine of continuing mandamus to ensure environmental protection. However, recognising federal, ecological, and socio-economic complexities, the Court later modified its directions, allowing site-specific, case-by-case ESZ notifications based on local ecological sensitivity, existing habitations, and statutory processes, rather than enforcing a rigid nationwide prohibition on development. Statement 2 is incorrect. Eco-Sensitive Zones are not notified under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. They are declared under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, through notifications issued by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change. Incorrect Solution: A Statement 1 is correct. In June 2022, the Supreme Court initially directed a default 10 km ESZ around all Protected Areas, invoking the doctrine of continuing mandamus to ensure environmental protection. However, recognising federal, ecological, and socio-economic complexities, the Court later modified its directions, allowing site-specific, case-by-case ESZ notifications based on local ecological sensitivity, existing habitations, and statutory processes, rather than enforcing a rigid nationwide prohibition on development. Statement 2 is incorrect. Eco-Sensitive Zones are not notified under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. They are declared under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, through notifications issued by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.
#### 1. Question
With reference to “Eco-Sensitive Zones” (ESZ) in India, consider the following statements:
• The Supreme Court of India, exercising its powers of “Continuing Mandamus,” has recently modified its earlier directions to allow for case-specific ESZ notifications instead of a blanket ban on development.
• The declaration of an ESZ is made under the provisions of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.
Which of the above statements are correct?
• (a) 1 only
• (b) 2 only
• (c) Both 1 and 2
• (d) Neither 1 nor 2
Solution: A
• Statement 1 is correct. In June 2022, the Supreme Court initially directed a default 10 km ESZ around all Protected Areas, invoking the doctrine of continuing mandamus to ensure environmental protection. However, recognising federal, ecological, and socio-economic complexities, the Court later modified its directions, allowing site-specific, case-by-case ESZ notifications based on local ecological sensitivity, existing habitations, and statutory processes, rather than enforcing a rigid nationwide prohibition on development.
• Statement 2 is incorrect. Eco-Sensitive Zones are not notified under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. They are declared under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, through notifications issued by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.
Solution: A
• Statement 1 is correct. In June 2022, the Supreme Court initially directed a default 10 km ESZ around all Protected Areas, invoking the doctrine of continuing mandamus to ensure environmental protection. However, recognising federal, ecological, and socio-economic complexities, the Court later modified its directions, allowing site-specific, case-by-case ESZ notifications based on local ecological sensitivity, existing habitations, and statutory processes, rather than enforcing a rigid nationwide prohibition on development.
• Statement 2 is incorrect. Eco-Sensitive Zones are not notified under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. They are declared under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, through notifications issued by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.
• Question 2 of 5 2. Question Consider the following pairs regarding Hydrogen production and usage: Type (Color) Source/Process Key Characteristic 1. Green Hydrogen Electrolysis using Renewable Energy Zero Carbon Emissions at source 2. Blue Hydrogen Steam Methane Reforming (Natural Gas) Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) is utilized 3. Grey Hydrogen Coal Gasification or Methane Reforming High Carbon footprint; dominant in current industry Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched? (a) 1 only (b) 1 and 2 only (c) 2 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 Correct Solution: D Green hydrogen is produced through electrolysis of water using electricity generated from renewable sources such as solar, wind, or hydro power. Since no fossil fuels are involved in the electricity input, the process results in zero carbon emissions at the point of production, making Pair 1 correctly matched. Blue hydrogen is derived from natural gas, typically through steam methane reforming or autothermal reforming, but with the crucial addition of carbon capture and storage technologies to trap and store the majority of the carbon dioxide generated. While not completely carbon-free, the defining feature of blue hydrogen is the use of CCS, validating Pair 2. Grey hydrogen is the most widely used form globally today and is produced mainly via steam methane reforming of natural gas, and in some contexts via coal gasification. This process releases large amounts of carbon dioxide directly into the atmosphere, giving it a high carbon footprint and making it dominant in current industrial hydrogen use. Therefore, Pair 3 is also correctly matched. Incorrect Solution: D Green hydrogen is produced through electrolysis of water using electricity generated from renewable sources such as solar, wind, or hydro power. Since no fossil fuels are involved in the electricity input, the process results in zero carbon emissions at the point of production, making Pair 1 correctly matched. Blue hydrogen is derived from natural gas, typically through steam methane reforming or autothermal reforming, but with the crucial addition of carbon capture and storage technologies to trap and store the majority of the carbon dioxide generated. While not completely carbon-free, the defining feature of blue hydrogen is the use of CCS, validating Pair 2. Grey hydrogen is the most widely used form globally today and is produced mainly via steam methane reforming of natural gas, and in some contexts via coal gasification. This process releases large amounts of carbon dioxide directly into the atmosphere, giving it a high carbon footprint and making it dominant in current industrial hydrogen use. Therefore, Pair 3 is also correctly matched.
#### 2. Question
Consider the following pairs regarding Hydrogen production and usage:
Type (Color) | Source/Process | Key Characteristic
- 1.Green Hydrogen | Electrolysis using Renewable Energy | Zero Carbon Emissions at source
- 2.Blue Hydrogen | Steam Methane Reforming (Natural Gas) | Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) is utilized
- 3.Grey Hydrogen | Coal Gasification or Methane Reforming | High Carbon footprint; dominant in current industry
Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched?
• (a) 1 only
• (b) 1 and 2 only
• (c) 2 and 3 only
• (d) 1, 2 and 3
Solution: D
• Green hydrogen is produced through electrolysis of water using electricity generated from renewable sources such as solar, wind, or hydro power. Since no fossil fuels are involved in the electricity input, the process results in zero carbon emissions at the point of production, making Pair 1 correctly matched.
• Blue hydrogen is derived from natural gas, typically through steam methane reforming or autothermal reforming, but with the crucial addition of carbon capture and storage technologies to trap and store the majority of the carbon dioxide generated. While not completely carbon-free, the defining feature of blue hydrogen is the use of CCS, validating Pair 2.
• Grey hydrogen is the most widely used form globally today and is produced mainly via steam methane reforming of natural gas, and in some contexts via coal gasification. This process releases large amounts of carbon dioxide directly into the atmosphere, giving it a high carbon footprint and making it dominant in current industrial hydrogen use. Therefore, Pair 3 is also correctly matched.
Solution: D
• Green hydrogen is produced through electrolysis of water using electricity generated from renewable sources such as solar, wind, or hydro power. Since no fossil fuels are involved in the electricity input, the process results in zero carbon emissions at the point of production, making Pair 1 correctly matched.
• Blue hydrogen is derived from natural gas, typically through steam methane reforming or autothermal reforming, but with the crucial addition of carbon capture and storage technologies to trap and store the majority of the carbon dioxide generated. While not completely carbon-free, the defining feature of blue hydrogen is the use of CCS, validating Pair 2.
• Grey hydrogen is the most widely used form globally today and is produced mainly via steam methane reforming of natural gas, and in some contexts via coal gasification. This process releases large amounts of carbon dioxide directly into the atmosphere, giving it a high carbon footprint and making it dominant in current industrial hydrogen use. Therefore, Pair 3 is also correctly matched.
• Question 3 of 5 3. Question Consider the following pairs regarding initiatives for Heritage Conservation in India: Initiative/Mechanism Key Feature 1. National Culture Fund (NCF) Provides 100% tax deduction for contributions made by corporates/individuals towards heritage conservation. 2. Adopt a Heritage 2.0 Empowered private “Monument Mitras” to undertake core conservation and structural repairs of protected monuments. 3. AMASR Act, 1958 The primary legislation regulating the conservation of ancient monuments and archaeological sites in India. How many of the above pairs are correctly matched? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) All three (d) None Correct Solution: B Pair 1 is Correct: The National Culture Fund (NCF) was set up to invite private partnership. A key incentive is the 100% tax rebate under the Income Tax Act. The new 2026 policy shift leverages this fund to channel private money into conservation. Pair 2 is Incorrect: The “Adopt a Heritage” scheme (launched 2017) and its 2.0 version allowed private companies (“Monument Mitras”) to manage Amenities (toilets, drinking water, landscaping, illumination). They were explicitly barred from touching the monument’s structure (Core Conservation). The new policy (Jan 2026) is significant precisely because it removes this barrier, allowing private agencies to finally do core conservation. Pair 3 is Correct: The Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains (AMASR) Act, 1958 is the statutory framework governing the ASI and the protection of monuments. Incorrect Solution: B Pair 1 is Correct: The National Culture Fund (NCF) was set up to invite private partnership. A key incentive is the 100% tax rebate under the Income Tax Act. The new 2026 policy shift leverages this fund to channel private money into conservation. Pair 2 is Incorrect: The “Adopt a Heritage” scheme (launched 2017) and its 2.0 version allowed private companies (“Monument Mitras”) to manage Amenities (toilets, drinking water, landscaping, illumination). They were explicitly barred from touching the monument’s structure (Core Conservation). The new policy (Jan 2026) is significant precisely because it removes this barrier, allowing private agencies to finally do core conservation. Pair 3 is Correct: The Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains (AMASR) Act, 1958 is the statutory framework governing the ASI and the protection of monuments.
#### 3. Question
Consider the following pairs regarding initiatives for Heritage Conservation in India:
Initiative/Mechanism | Key Feature
- 1.National Culture Fund (NCF) | Provides 100% tax deduction for contributions made by corporates/individuals towards heritage conservation.
- 2.Adopt a Heritage 2.0 | Empowered private “Monument Mitras” to undertake core conservation and structural repairs of protected monuments.
- 3.AMASR Act, 1958 | The primary legislation regulating the conservation of ancient monuments and archaeological sites in India.
How many of the above pairs are correctly matched?
• (a) Only one
• (b) Only two
• (c) All three
Solution: B
• Pair 1 is Correct: The National Culture Fund (NCF) was set up to invite private partnership. A key incentive is the 100% tax rebate under the Income Tax Act. The new 2026 policy shift leverages this fund to channel private money into conservation.
• Pair 2 is Incorrect: The “Adopt a Heritage” scheme (launched 2017) and its 2.0 version allowed private companies (“Monument Mitras”) to manage Amenities (toilets, drinking water, landscaping, illumination). They were explicitly barred from touching the monument’s structure (Core Conservation). The new policy (Jan 2026) is significant precisely because it removes this barrier, allowing private agencies to finally do core conservation.
• Pair 3 is Correct: The Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains (AMASR) Act, 1958 is the statutory framework governing the ASI and the protection of monuments.
Solution: B
• Pair 1 is Correct: The National Culture Fund (NCF) was set up to invite private partnership. A key incentive is the 100% tax rebate under the Income Tax Act. The new 2026 policy shift leverages this fund to channel private money into conservation.
• Pair 2 is Incorrect: The “Adopt a Heritage” scheme (launched 2017) and its 2.0 version allowed private companies (“Monument Mitras”) to manage Amenities (toilets, drinking water, landscaping, illumination). They were explicitly barred from touching the monument’s structure (Core Conservation). The new policy (Jan 2026) is significant precisely because it removes this barrier, allowing private agencies to finally do core conservation.
• Pair 3 is Correct: The Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains (AMASR) Act, 1958 is the statutory framework governing the ASI and the protection of monuments.
• Question 4 of 5 4. Question The term “Orinoco Belt,” recently seen in the news in the context of global energy reserves, is located in: (a) The offshore basin of Guyana (b) The southern interior of Venezuela (c) The pre-salt layers of Brazil (d) The shale formations of North Dakota Correct Solution: B The Orinoco Beltis a territory in the southern strip of the eastern Orinoco River Basin in Venezuela. It contains the world’s largest known deposits of extra-heavy crude oil. Guyana (Option a) is a neighboring hotspot (Exxon is active there), but it is the Stabroek Block, not Orinoco. Brazil (Option c) has “Pre-Salt” fields. North Dakota (Option d) is famous for Bakken Shale. Incorrect Solution: B The Orinoco Beltis a territory in the southern strip of the eastern Orinoco River Basin in Venezuela. It contains the world’s largest known deposits of extra-heavy crude oil. Guyana (Option a) is a neighboring hotspot (Exxon is active there), but it is the Stabroek Block, not Orinoco. Brazil (Option c) has “Pre-Salt” fields. North Dakota (Option d) is famous for Bakken Shale.
#### 4. Question
The term “Orinoco Belt,” recently seen in the news in the context of global energy reserves, is located in:
• (a) The offshore basin of Guyana
• (b) The southern interior of Venezuela
• (c) The pre-salt layers of Brazil
• (d) The shale formations of North Dakota
Solution: B
• The Orinoco Beltis a territory in the southern strip of the eastern Orinoco River Basin in Venezuela.
• It contains the world’s largest known deposits of extra-heavy crude oil.
• Guyana (Option a) is a neighboring hotspot (Exxon is active there), but it is the Stabroek Block, not Orinoco.
• Brazil (Option c) has “Pre-Salt” fields.
• North Dakota (Option d) is famous for Bakken Shale.
Solution: B
• The Orinoco Beltis a territory in the southern strip of the eastern Orinoco River Basin in Venezuela.
• It contains the world’s largest known deposits of extra-heavy crude oil.
• Guyana (Option a) is a neighboring hotspot (Exxon is active there), but it is the Stabroek Block, not Orinoco.
• Brazil (Option c) has “Pre-Salt” fields.
• North Dakota (Option d) is famous for Bakken Shale.
• Question 5 of 5 5. Question Consider the following statements regarding the “Consolidated Fund of India”: All revenues received by the Government of India, including taxes and loans raised, are credited to this fund. No money can be withdrawn from this fund without the authorization of the Parliament, except for meeting the “Charged Expenditures” which are exempt from any parliamentary vote or discussion. The “Public Account of India” includes funds like Provident Funds and Small Savings, which are also part of the Consolidated Fund but kept under a separate accounting head. How many of the above statements are correct? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) All three (d) None Correct Solution: A Statement 1 is Correct:Article 266(1) defines the Consolidated Fund of India (CFI). All revenues (tax/non-tax), loans raised, and money received in repayment of loans go into the CFI. Statement 2 is Incorrect:While “Charged Expenditures” (like President’s salary, Debt service) do not require a vote in Parliament, they can be discussed. They are not exempt from discussion, only from the voting requirement of the Appropriation Bill. Statement 3 is Incorrect:The Public Account of India (Article 266(2)) is distinct from the Consolidated Fund. It is not “part of” the CFI. It contains money held by the government as a banker/trustee (PF, Small Savings). Payments from the Public Account do not require Parliamentary authorization (executive action is sufficient), unlike the CFI. Incorrect Solution: A Statement 1 is Correct:Article 266(1) defines the Consolidated Fund of India (CFI). All revenues (tax/non-tax), loans raised, and money received in repayment of loans go into the CFI. Statement 2 is Incorrect:While “Charged Expenditures” (like President’s salary, Debt service) do not require a vote in Parliament, they can be discussed. They are not exempt from discussion, only from the voting requirement of the Appropriation Bill. Statement 3 is Incorrect:The Public Account of India (Article 266(2)) is distinct from the Consolidated Fund. It is not “part of” the CFI. It contains money held by the government as a banker/trustee (PF, Small Savings). Payments from the Public Account do not require Parliamentary authorization (executive action is sufficient), unlike the CFI.
#### 5. Question
Consider the following statements regarding the “Consolidated Fund of India”:
• All revenues received by the Government of India, including taxes and loans raised, are credited to this fund.
• No money can be withdrawn from this fund without the authorization of the Parliament, except for meeting the “Charged Expenditures” which are exempt from any parliamentary vote or discussion.
• The “Public Account of India” includes funds like Provident Funds and Small Savings, which are also part of the Consolidated Fund but kept under a separate accounting head.
How many of the above statements are correct?
• (a) Only one
• (b) Only two
• (c) All three
Solution: A
• Statement 1 is Correct:Article 266(1) defines the Consolidated Fund of India (CFI). All revenues (tax/non-tax), loans raised, and money received in repayment of loans go into the CFI.
• Statement 2 is Incorrect:While “Charged Expenditures” (like President’s salary, Debt service) do not require a vote in Parliament, they can be discussed. They are not exempt from discussion, only from the voting requirement of the Appropriation Bill.
• Statement 3 is Incorrect:The Public Account of India (Article 266(2)) is distinct from the Consolidated Fund. It is not “part of” the CFI. It contains money held by the government as a banker/trustee (PF, Small Savings). Payments from the Public Account do not require Parliamentary authorization (executive action is sufficient), unlike the CFI.
Solution: A
• Statement 1 is Correct:Article 266(1) defines the Consolidated Fund of India (CFI). All revenues (tax/non-tax), loans raised, and money received in repayment of loans go into the CFI.
• Statement 2 is Incorrect:While “Charged Expenditures” (like President’s salary, Debt service) do not require a vote in Parliament, they can be discussed. They are not exempt from discussion, only from the voting requirement of the Appropriation Bill.
• Statement 3 is Incorrect:The Public Account of India (Article 266(2)) is distinct from the Consolidated Fund. It is not “part of” the CFI. It contains money held by the government as a banker/trustee (PF, Small Savings). Payments from the Public Account do not require Parliamentary authorization (executive action is sufficient), unlike the CFI.
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