UPSC Editorials Quiz : 12 July 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 Consider the following statements regarding the PM-POSHAN (Pradhan Mantri Poshan Shakti Nirman) scheme: It is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme that has completely replaced the National Programme of Mid-Day Meal in Schools. The scheme mandates the provision of one hot cooked meal to students of Classes 1–8 in all schools across the country, including private unaided schools. The cost of the scheme is shared between the Centre and the States/UTs in a 60:40 ratio for all states. How many of the above statements is/are correct? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) All three (d) None Correct Solution: A Statement 1 is correct. The PM-POSHAN scheme was launched in 2021-22, and it subsumed and replaced the earlier Midday Meal Scheme, which was initiated in 1995. This represents a rebranding and enhancement of the previous programme with a renewed focus on nutritional outcomes. Statement 2 is incorrect. The scheme’s coverage is extensive but not universal across all types of schools. It specifically targets students in government and government-aided schools, along with those in Special Training Centres (STCs) and Madrasas/Maqtabs supported under the Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan. It does not extend to private unaided schools. Statement 3 is incorrect. While the 60:40 cost-sharing ratio is applicable for most states and UTs with legislatures, the pattern varies for North-Eastern states, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and the UT of Jammu & Kashmir, where the ratio is 90:10. For UTs without a legislature, the central government bears 100% of the cost. Incorrect Solution: A Statement 1 is correct. The PM-POSHAN scheme was launched in 2021-22, and it subsumed and replaced the earlier Midday Meal Scheme, which was initiated in 1995. This represents a rebranding and enhancement of the previous programme with a renewed focus on nutritional outcomes. Statement 2 is incorrect. The scheme’s coverage is extensive but not universal across all types of schools. It specifically targets students in government and government-aided schools, along with those in Special Training Centres (STCs) and Madrasas/Maqtabs supported under the Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan. It does not extend to private unaided schools. Statement 3 is incorrect. While the 60:40 cost-sharing ratio is applicable for most states and UTs with legislatures, the pattern varies for North-Eastern states, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and the UT of Jammu & Kashmir, where the ratio is 90:10. For UTs without a legislature, the central government bears 100% of the cost.

#### 1. Question

Consider the following statements regarding the PM-POSHAN (Pradhan Mantri Poshan Shakti Nirman) scheme:

• It is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme that has completely replaced the National Programme of Mid-Day Meal in Schools.

• The scheme mandates the provision of one hot cooked meal to students of Classes 1–8 in all schools across the country, including private unaided schools.

• The cost of the scheme is shared between the Centre and the States/UTs in a 60:40 ratio for all states.

How many of the above statements is/are correct?

• (a) Only one

• (b) Only two

• (c) All three

Solution: A

• Statement 1 is correct. The PM-POSHAN scheme was launched in 2021-22, and it subsumed and replaced the earlier Midday Meal Scheme, which was initiated in 1995. This represents a rebranding and enhancement of the previous programme with a renewed focus on nutritional outcomes.

• Statement 2 is incorrect. The scheme’s coverage is extensive but not universal across all types of schools. It specifically targets students in government and government-aided schools, along with those in Special Training Centres (STCs) and Madrasas/Maqtabs supported under the Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan. It does not extend to private unaided schools.

• Statement 3 is incorrect. While the 60:40 cost-sharing ratio is applicable for most states and UTs with legislatures, the pattern varies for North-Eastern states, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and the UT of Jammu & Kashmir, where the ratio is 90:10. For UTs without a legislature, the central government bears 100% of the cost.

Solution: A

• Question 2 of 5 2. Question Which of the following is/are regulatory powers available to SEBI under Indian law? 1. Impounding of proceeds from fraudulent transactions 2. Banning entities from accessing the securities market 3. Mandating algorithmic trading approval before deployment Select the correct answer using the code below: a) 1 and 2 only b) 2 and 3 only c) 1 and 3 only d) 1, 2 and 3 Correct Solution: D SEBI, under the SEBI Act, 1992 and various associated regulations, wields extensive regulatory powers to ensure market integrity and protect investor interests. First, Section 11(4)(d) of the SEBI Act empowers SEBI to impound and retain proceeds of transactions that are deemed fraudulent or violative of securities laws. Second, under Section 11B, SEBI can restrict entities from accessing the securities market or prohibit them from buying, selling, or otherwise dealing in securities, either pending investigation or as a punitive measure. Third, SEBI has increasingly exercised control over algorithmic or high-frequency trading by issuing circulars and operational guidelines which require mandatory approval of algorithmic trading systems before deployment, especially for brokers and market participants. This ensures that automated systems do not manipulate market prices or create unfair trading environments. Incorrect Solution: D SEBI, under the SEBI Act, 1992 and various associated regulations, wields extensive regulatory powers to ensure market integrity and protect investor interests. First, Section 11(4)(d) of the SEBI Act empowers SEBI to impound and retain proceeds of transactions that are deemed fraudulent or violative of securities laws. Second, under Section 11B, SEBI can restrict entities from accessing the securities market or prohibit them from buying, selling, or otherwise dealing in securities, either pending investigation or as a punitive measure. Third, SEBI has increasingly exercised control over algorithmic or high-frequency trading by issuing circulars and operational guidelines which require mandatory approval of algorithmic trading systems before deployment, especially for brokers and market participants. This ensures that automated systems do not manipulate market prices or create unfair trading environments.

#### 2. Question

Which of the following is/are regulatory powers available to SEBI under Indian law?

1.Impounding of proceeds from fraudulent transactions 2. Banning entities from accessing the securities market 3. Mandating algorithmic trading approval before deployment

Select the correct answer using the code below:

• a) 1 and 2 only

• b) 2 and 3 only

• c) 1 and 3 only

• d) 1, 2 and 3

Solution: D

• SEBI, under the SEBI Act, 1992 and various associated regulations, wields extensive regulatory powers to ensure market integrity and protect investor interests.

• First, Section 11(4)(d) of the SEBI Act empowers SEBI to impound and retain proceeds of transactions that are deemed fraudulent or violative of securities laws.

• Second, under Section 11B, SEBI can restrict entities from accessing the securities market or prohibit them from buying, selling, or otherwise dealing in securities, either pending investigation or as a punitive measure.

• Third, SEBI has increasingly exercised control over algorithmic or high-frequency trading by issuing circulars and operational guidelines which require mandatory approval of algorithmic trading systems before deployment, especially for brokers and market participants. This ensures that automated systems do not manipulate market prices or create unfair trading environments.

Solution: D

• SEBI, under the SEBI Act, 1992 and various associated regulations, wields extensive regulatory powers to ensure market integrity and protect investor interests.

• First, Section 11(4)(d) of the SEBI Act empowers SEBI to impound and retain proceeds of transactions that are deemed fraudulent or violative of securities laws.

• Question 3 of 5 3. Question Consider the following statements regarding the PARAKH Rashtriya Sarvekshan Report: It is a national-level, competency-based student assessment that has replaced the National Achievement Survey (NAS). The survey is conducted by the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT). The primary focus of the assessment is to rank states and union territories based on student performance in rote learning. How many of the above statements is/are correct? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) All three (d) None Correct Solution: B Statements 1 and 2 are correct. The PARAKH Rashtriya Sarvekshan is a national-level, competency-based student assessment that was formerly known as the National Achievement Survey (NAS). It is conducted by the NCERT under the aegis of PARAKH (Performance Assessment, Review, and Analysis of Knowledge for Holistic Development), the national assessment regulator. Statement 3 is incorrect. The fundamental objective of this survey is not to rank states based on rote learning. Instead, it aims to evaluate the holistic development and core competencies of students, moving away from a memory-based education system. It assesses what students have understood and can apply, which is central to the new competency-based framework. The goal is to identify learning gaps and inform policy interventions to improve the quality of education, rather than fostering inter-state competition through simple rankings of rote memorisation skills. Incorrect Solution: B Statements 1 and 2 are correct. The PARAKH Rashtriya Sarvekshan is a national-level, competency-based student assessment that was formerly known as the National Achievement Survey (NAS). It is conducted by the NCERT under the aegis of PARAKH (Performance Assessment, Review, and Analysis of Knowledge for Holistic Development), the national assessment regulator. Statement 3 is incorrect. The fundamental objective of this survey is not to rank states based on rote learning. Instead, it aims to evaluate the holistic development and core competencies of students, moving away from a memory-based education system. It assesses what students have understood and can apply, which is central to the new competency-based framework. The goal is to identify learning gaps and inform policy interventions to improve the quality of education, rather than fostering inter-state competition through simple rankings of rote memorisation skills.

#### 3. Question

Consider the following statements regarding the PARAKH Rashtriya Sarvekshan Report:

• It is a national-level, competency-based student assessment that has replaced the National Achievement Survey (NAS).

• The survey is conducted by the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT).

• The primary focus of the assessment is to rank states and union territories based on student performance in rote learning.

How many of the above statements is/are correct?

• (a) Only one

• (b) Only two

• (c) All three

Solution: B

• Statements 1 and 2 are correct. The PARAKH Rashtriya Sarvekshan is a national-level, competency-based student assessment that was formerly known as the National Achievement Survey (NAS). It is conducted by the NCERT under the aegis of PARAKH (Performance Assessment, Review, and Analysis of Knowledge for Holistic Development), the national assessment regulator.

• Statement 3 is incorrect. The fundamental objective of this survey is not to rank states based on rote learning. Instead, it aims to evaluate the holistic development and core competencies of students, moving away from a memory-based education system. It assesses what students have understood and can apply, which is central to the new competency-based framework.

• The goal is to identify learning gaps and inform policy interventions to improve the quality of education, rather than fostering inter-state competition through simple rankings of rote memorisation skills.

Solution: B

• Question 4 of 5 4. Question Which one of the following best describes the “Global South”? (a) It is a strict geographical classification of all countries located south of the Equator. (b) It refers to a group of developing and emerging nations that share common developmental challenges and seek a greater voice in global governance. (c) It is a formal economic alliance of countries that have rejected membership in the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund. (d) It exclusively comprises the member states of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) and the G77. Correct Solution: B The term “Global South” is a geopolitical and developmental concept, not a strict geographical one. It represents a coalition of developing and emerging countries, primarily located in Asia, Africa, and Latin America, that are united by shared experiences of colonialism, economic marginalisation, and similar developmental hurdles. These nations advocate for greater equity and representation in international institutions like the UN, IMF, and World Bank, which have historically been dominated by developed nations (often termed the “Global North”). Incorrect Solution: B The term “Global South” is a geopolitical and developmental concept, not a strict geographical one. It represents a coalition of developing and emerging countries, primarily located in Asia, Africa, and Latin America, that are united by shared experiences of colonialism, economic marginalisation, and similar developmental hurdles. These nations advocate for greater equity and representation in international institutions like the UN, IMF, and World Bank, which have historically been dominated by developed nations (often termed the “Global North”).

#### 4. Question

Which one of the following best describes the “Global South”?

• (a) It is a strict geographical classification of all countries located south of the Equator.

• (b) It refers to a group of developing and emerging nations that share common developmental challenges and seek a greater voice in global governance.

• (c) It is a formal economic alliance of countries that have rejected membership in the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund.

• (d) It exclusively comprises the member states of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) and the G77.

Solution: B

• The term “Global South” is a geopolitical and developmental concept, not a strict geographical one. It represents a coalition of developing and emerging countries, primarily located in Asia, Africa, and Latin America, that are united by shared experiences of colonialism, economic marginalisation, and similar developmental hurdles. These nations advocate for greater equity and representation in international institutions like the UN, IMF, and World Bank, which have historically been dominated by developed nations (often termed the “Global North”).

Solution: B

• Question 5 of 5 5. Question Which of the following best explains why consumption-based Gini coefficients may underestimate inequality in India? a) Consumption surveys include agricultural income only b) Wealth and income of the poor are overestimated c) The rich save more and report less consumption d) Middle-class consumption distorts income measurement Correct Solution: C Consumption-based Gini coefficients may underestimate actual inequality in India primarily because wealthier individuals tend to consume a smaller proportion of their income and often underreport consumption in surveys. Unlike the poor, who typically spend nearly all their income on basic necessities, the rich save a substantial portion and have diversified spending that may go unreported or be underrepresented in household surveys. Additionally, high-income households are less likely to participate fully in consumption surveys or may understate expenditures on luxury goods and services. This creates a bias where the consumption data appears more equal than the underlying income or wealth distribution. As a result, consumption-based measures tend to flatten the inequality curve, especially when compared to income-based Gini coefficients, which better reflect the disparities. Incorrect Solution: C Consumption-based Gini coefficients may underestimate actual inequality in India primarily because wealthier individuals tend to consume a smaller proportion of their income and often underreport consumption in surveys. Unlike the poor, who typically spend nearly all their income on basic necessities, the rich save a substantial portion and have diversified spending that may go unreported or be underrepresented in household surveys. Additionally, high-income households are less likely to participate fully in consumption surveys or may understate expenditures on luxury goods and services. This creates a bias where the consumption data appears more equal than the underlying income or wealth distribution. As a result, consumption-based measures tend to flatten the inequality curve, especially when compared to income-based Gini coefficients, which better reflect the disparities.

#### 5. Question

Which of the following best explains why consumption-based Gini coefficients may underestimate inequality in India?

• a) Consumption surveys include agricultural income only

• b) Wealth and income of the poor are overestimated

• c) The rich save more and report less consumption

• d) Middle-class consumption distorts income measurement

Solution: C

• Consumption-based Gini coefficients may underestimate actual inequality in India primarily because wealthier individuals tend to consume a smaller proportion of their income and often underreport consumption in surveys.

• Unlike the poor, who typically spend nearly all their income on basic necessities, the rich save a substantial portion and have diversified spending that may go unreported or be underrepresented in household surveys.

• Additionally, high-income households are less likely to participate fully in consumption surveys or may understate expenditures on luxury goods and services. This creates a bias where the consumption data appears more equal than the underlying income or wealth distribution.

• As a result, consumption-based measures tend to flatten the inequality curve, especially when compared to income-based Gini coefficients, which better reflect the disparities.

Solution: C

• As a result, consumption-based measures tend to flatten the inequality curve, especially when compared to income-based Gini coefficients, which better reflect the disparities.

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