UPSC Editorials Quiz : 13 February 2026

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 the Chhari Dhand Wetland Reserve, consider the following statements: It is a seasonal desert wetland located in the state of Rajasthan. The wetland is ecologically unique due to the interactions between saline and freshwater. It provides a habitat for endangered species like the Dalmatian Pelican and the Indian Skimmer. 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 incorrect because Chhari Dhand is located in Gujarat (Kutch district), not Rajasthan. Statement 2 is correct. Its ecological uniqueness stems from being a saline-freshwater interface. During the monsoon, it is fed by north-flowing rivers and runoff from surrounding hills, creating a swampy environment that attracts a variety of life. Its geographical position between the Banni grasslands (one of Asia’s largest and finest grasslands) and the Great Rann of Kutch makes it a vital corridor for wildlife. Statement 3 is correct. The reserve is a haven for birds, hosting large congregations of Flamingos and Cranes, and supporting endangered species like the Dalmatian Pelican, Oriental Darter, and Indian Skimmer. Beyond birds, it supports desert mammals like the Chinkara, Desert Fox, and the rare Caracal. The designation of Chhari Dhand as a Ramsar site in 2026 highlights the global importance of seasonal desert wetlands in maintaining migratory pathways (Central Asian Flyway). Incorrect Solution: B Statement 1 is incorrect because Chhari Dhand is located in Gujarat (Kutch district), not Rajasthan. Statement 2 is correct. Its ecological uniqueness stems from being a saline-freshwater interface. During the monsoon, it is fed by north-flowing rivers and runoff from surrounding hills, creating a swampy environment that attracts a variety of life. Its geographical position between the Banni grasslands (one of Asia’s largest and finest grasslands) and the Great Rann of Kutch makes it a vital corridor for wildlife. Statement 3 is correct. The reserve is a haven for birds, hosting large congregations of Flamingos and Cranes, and supporting endangered species like the Dalmatian Pelican, Oriental Darter, and Indian Skimmer. Beyond birds, it supports desert mammals like the Chinkara, Desert Fox, and the rare Caracal. The designation of Chhari Dhand as a Ramsar site in 2026 highlights the global importance of seasonal desert wetlands in maintaining migratory pathways (Central Asian Flyway).

#### 1. Question

With reference to the Chhari Dhand Wetland Reserve, consider the following statements:

• It is a seasonal desert wetland located in the state of Rajasthan.

• The wetland is ecologically unique due to the interactions between saline and freshwater.

• It provides a habitat for endangered species like the Dalmatian Pelican and the Indian Skimmer.

How many of the above statements are correct?

• (a) Only one

• (b) Only two

• (c) All three

Solution: B

• Statement 1 is incorrect because Chhari Dhand is located in Gujarat (Kutch district), not Rajasthan.

• Statement 2 is correct. Its ecological uniqueness stems from being a saline-freshwater interface. During the monsoon, it is fed by north-flowing rivers and runoff from surrounding hills, creating a swampy environment that attracts a variety of life. Its geographical position between the Banni grasslands (one of Asia’s largest and finest grasslands) and the Great Rann of Kutch makes it a vital corridor for wildlife.

• Statement 3 is correct. The reserve is a haven for birds, hosting large congregations of Flamingos and Cranes, and supporting endangered species like the Dalmatian Pelican, Oriental Darter, and Indian Skimmer. Beyond birds, it supports desert mammals like the Chinkara, Desert Fox, and the rare Caracal.

• The designation of Chhari Dhand as a Ramsar site in 2026 highlights the global importance of seasonal desert wetlands in maintaining migratory pathways (Central Asian Flyway).

Solution: B

• Statement 1 is incorrect because Chhari Dhand is located in Gujarat (Kutch district), not Rajasthan.

• The designation of Chhari Dhand as a Ramsar site in 2026 highlights the global importance of seasonal desert wetlands in maintaining migratory pathways (Central Asian Flyway).

• Question 2 of 5 2. Question With reference to the new inflation series released by the National Statistics Office (NSO) in February 2026, which one of the following statements best describes the primary objective of reducing the weightage of the ‘food and beverages’ category? (a) To align the Indian inflation measurement with the consumer spending patterns of developed Western economies. (b) To reflect the shift in household expenditure toward discretionary goods and services as identified in the 2023-24 survey. (c) To enable the Reserve Bank of India to maintain a higher interest rate regime regardless of agricultural performance. (d) To exclude the impact of global commodity price fluctuations on the domestic Wholesale Price Index. Correct Solution: B The National Statistics Office’s release of the new inflation series on February 12, 2026, marks a significant shift in India’s macroeconomic monitoring. The primary driver for this update is the Household Consumption Expenditure Survey 2023-24, which revealed that Indian households are now allocating a smaller proportion of their total budget to food and beverages, shifting instead toward discretionary spending and services. Consequently, the weight of the food and beverages category in the Consumer Price Index (CPI) has been reduced from 86 per cent to 36.75 per cent. This adjustment is intended to make the headline inflation figure less sensitive to the extreme volatility often seen in food prices, thereby providing the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) with a more accurate and stable reflection of underlying price pressures in the economy. The inclusion of modern items like online streaming services and babysitters further underscores this transition toward a service-oriented consumption basket. Source Incorrect Solution: B The National Statistics Office’s release of the new inflation series on February 12, 2026, marks a significant shift in India’s macroeconomic monitoring. The primary driver for this update is the Household Consumption Expenditure Survey 2023-24, which revealed that Indian households are now allocating a smaller proportion of their total budget to food and beverages, shifting instead toward discretionary spending and services. Consequently, the weight of the food and beverages category in the Consumer Price Index (CPI) has been reduced from 86 per cent to 36.75 per cent. This adjustment is intended to make the headline inflation figure less sensitive to the extreme volatility often seen in food prices, thereby providing the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) with a more accurate and stable reflection of underlying price pressures in the economy. The inclusion of modern items like online streaming services and babysitters further underscores this transition toward a service-oriented consumption basket. Source

#### 2. Question

With reference to the new inflation series released by the National Statistics Office (NSO) in February 2026, which one of the following statements best describes the primary objective of reducing the weightage of the ‘food and beverages’ category?

• (a) To align the Indian inflation measurement with the consumer spending patterns of developed Western economies.

• (b) To reflect the shift in household expenditure toward discretionary goods and services as identified in the 2023-24 survey.

• (c) To enable the Reserve Bank of India to maintain a higher interest rate regime regardless of agricultural performance.

• (d) To exclude the impact of global commodity price fluctuations on the domestic Wholesale Price Index.

Solution: B

• The National Statistics Office’s release of the new inflation series on February 12, 2026, marks a significant shift in India’s macroeconomic monitoring. The primary driver for this update is the Household Consumption Expenditure Survey 2023-24, which revealed that Indian households are now allocating a smaller proportion of their total budget to food and beverages, shifting instead toward discretionary spending and services.

• Consequently, the weight of the food and beverages category in the Consumer Price Index (CPI) has been reduced from 86 per cent to 36.75 per cent. This adjustment is intended to make the headline inflation figure less sensitive to the extreme volatility often seen in food prices, thereby providing the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) with a more accurate and stable reflection of underlying price pressures in the economy. The inclusion of modern items like online streaming services and babysitters further underscores this transition toward a service-oriented consumption basket.

Solution: B

• Question 3 of 5 3. Question With reference to viruses and their biological characteristics, consider the following statements: Viruses can replicate independently in artificial nutrient media if sufficient genetic material is supplied. Some viruses carry their own polymerase enzymes to replicate inside host cells. Bacteriophages are being explored as alternatives to antibiotics in combating antimicrobial resistance. How many of the statements given above are correct? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) All three (d) None Correct Solution: B Statement I is Viruses are obligate intracellular parasites. They lack the cellular machinery—such as ribosomes, metabolic enzymes, and ATP-generating systems—necessary for independent replication. Even if supplied with sufficient genetic material, viruses cannot replicate in artificial nutrient media the way bacteria can. They require a living host cell to provide transcriptional, translational, and metabolic support. This is a fundamental characteristic that distinguishes viruses from prokaryotic and eukaryotic organisms. Statement II is Certain viruses carry their own polymerase enzymes. For example, many RNA viruses possess RNA-dependent RNA polymerase because host cells do not naturally replicate RNA from RNA templates. Retroviruses carry reverse transcriptase to convert RNA into DNA. Some DNA viruses also encode DNA polymerases to aid replication inside host cells. This adaptation enables them to overcome host cellular limitations. Statement III is Correct. Bacteriophages (viruses that infect bacteria) are being studied as potential alternatives to antibiotics, particularly in the context of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Phage therapy involves using specific viruses to target and lyse pathogenic bacteria without affecting human cells. With rising antibiotic resistance globally, phage therapy is receiving renewed scientific and clinical interest. Incorrect Solution: B Statement I is Viruses are obligate intracellular parasites. They lack the cellular machinery—such as ribosomes, metabolic enzymes, and ATP-generating systems—necessary for independent replication. Even if supplied with sufficient genetic material, viruses cannot replicate in artificial nutrient media the way bacteria can. They require a living host cell to provide transcriptional, translational, and metabolic support. This is a fundamental characteristic that distinguishes viruses from prokaryotic and eukaryotic organisms. Statement II is Certain viruses carry their own polymerase enzymes. For example, many RNA viruses possess RNA-dependent RNA polymerase because host cells do not naturally replicate RNA from RNA templates. Retroviruses carry reverse transcriptase to convert RNA into DNA. Some DNA viruses also encode DNA polymerases to aid replication inside host cells. This adaptation enables them to overcome host cellular limitations. Statement III is Correct. Bacteriophages (viruses that infect bacteria) are being studied as potential alternatives to antibiotics, particularly in the context of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Phage therapy involves using specific viruses to target and lyse pathogenic bacteria without affecting human cells. With rising antibiotic resistance globally, phage therapy is receiving renewed scientific and clinical interest.

#### 3. Question

With reference to viruses and their biological characteristics, consider the following statements:

• Viruses can replicate independently in artificial nutrient media if sufficient genetic material is supplied.

• Some viruses carry their own polymerase enzymes to replicate inside host cells.

• Bacteriophages are being explored as alternatives to antibiotics in combating antimicrobial resistance.

How many of the statements given above are correct?

• (a) Only one

• (b) Only two

• (c) All three

Solution: B

• Statement I is Viruses are obligate intracellular parasites. They lack the cellular machinery—such as ribosomes, metabolic enzymes, and ATP-generating systems—necessary for independent replication. Even if supplied with sufficient genetic material, viruses cannot replicate in artificial nutrient media the way bacteria can. They require a living host cell to provide transcriptional, translational, and metabolic support. This is a fundamental characteristic that distinguishes viruses from prokaryotic and eukaryotic organisms.

• Statement II is Certain viruses carry their own polymerase enzymes. For example, many RNA viruses possess RNA-dependent RNA polymerase because host cells do not naturally replicate RNA from RNA templates. Retroviruses carry reverse transcriptase to convert RNA into DNA. Some DNA viruses also encode DNA polymerases to aid replication inside host cells. This adaptation enables them to overcome host cellular limitations.

Statement III is Correct. Bacteriophages (viruses that infect bacteria) are being studied as potential alternatives to antibiotics, particularly in the context of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Phage therapy involves using specific viruses to target and lyse pathogenic bacteria without affecting human cells. With rising antibiotic resistance globally, phage therapy is receiving renewed scientific and clinical interest.

Solution: B

• Question 4 of 5 4. Question As per the current environmental regulations in India (2025), Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) now apply to which of the following waste streams? Plastic Packaging and Rigid Plastics. Lead-acid and Lithium-ion Batteries. Used Lubricating Oil and Waste Tyres. Solar Photovoltaic Panels and Modules. Select the correct answer using the code given below: (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2, 3 and 4 only (c) 1, 2 and 3 only (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4 Correct Solution: D India has significantly expanded its EPR framework over the last three years. Plastics: PWM Rules cover packaging and rigid plastics. Batteries: The Battery Waste Management Rules 2022 cover everything from portable to EV batteries (Lithium-ion). Oil and Tyres: In 2023 and 2024, the government added EPR rules for Used Oil and Waste Tyres to ensure they are re-refined or converted into high-value products like Recovered Carbon Black. Solar: The E-Waste (Management) Rules 2022 specifically brought Solar Photo-voltaic panels/cells/modules under the EPR ambit for the first time, recognizing the future waste challenge from the renewable energy transition. All four are currently under EPR. Incorrect Solution: D India has significantly expanded its EPR framework over the last three years. Plastics: PWM Rules cover packaging and rigid plastics. Batteries: The Battery Waste Management Rules 2022 cover everything from portable to EV batteries (Lithium-ion). Oil and Tyres: In 2023 and 2024, the government added EPR rules for Used Oil and Waste Tyres to ensure they are re-refined or converted into high-value products like Recovered Carbon Black. Solar: The E-Waste (Management) Rules 2022 specifically brought Solar Photo-voltaic panels/cells/modules under the EPR ambit for the first time, recognizing the future waste challenge from the renewable energy transition. All four are currently under EPR.

#### 4. Question

As per the current environmental regulations in India (2025), Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) now apply to which of the following waste streams?

• Plastic Packaging and Rigid Plastics.

• Lead-acid and Lithium-ion Batteries.

• Used Lubricating Oil and Waste Tyres.

• Solar Photovoltaic Panels and Modules.

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

• (a) 1 and 2 only

• (b) 2, 3 and 4 only

• (c) 1, 2 and 3 only

• (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

Solution: D

India has significantly expanded its EPR framework over the last three years.

• Plastics: PWM Rules cover packaging and rigid plastics.

• Batteries: The Battery Waste Management Rules 2022 cover everything from portable to EV batteries (Lithium-ion).

• Oil and Tyres: In 2023 and 2024, the government added EPR rules for Used Oil and Waste Tyres to ensure they are re-refined or converted into high-value products like Recovered Carbon Black.

Solar: The E-Waste (Management) Rules 2022 specifically brought Solar Photo-voltaic panels/cells/modules under the EPR ambit for the first time, recognizing the future waste challenge from the renewable energy transition. All four are currently under EPR.

Solution: D

India has significantly expanded its EPR framework over the last three years.

• Plastics: PWM Rules cover packaging and rigid plastics.

• Batteries: The Battery Waste Management Rules 2022 cover everything from portable to EV batteries (Lithium-ion).

• Question 5 of 5 5. Question With reference to lifestyle disorders and digital health concerns, consider the following statements: Excessive screen exposure is linked to sleep disruption. Algorithm-driven digital platforms are designed to maximize user engagement. Digital overuse has no documented impact on musculoskeletal health. Which of the statements given above are correct? (a) I and II only (b) II and III only (c) I and III only (d) I, II and III Correct Solution: A Statement I is Excessive screen exposure—especially before bedtime—is strongly associated with sleep disruption. Blue light emitted from screens suppresses melatonin secretion, the hormone responsible for regulating circadian rhythms. Additionally, cognitive stimulation from social media, gaming, or streaming increases alertness and delays sleep onset. Numerous public health studies link prolonged digital use to reduced sleep duration, poor sleep quality, and circadian rhythm disturbances. Statement II is Most modern digital platforms operate on algorithm-driven engagement models. Social media platforms, video streaming services, and gaming apps use artificial intelligence and behavioural analytics to maximize user retention, scrolling time, and interaction. Features such as infinite scroll, personalized recommendations, push notifications, and reward-based design are deliberately engineered to sustain attention and increase engagement. Statement III is Digital overuse has documented impacts on musculoskeletal health. Conditions such as “text neck,” repetitive strain injury (RSI), carpal tunnel syndrome, eye strain, and posture-related back pain are increasingly reported among heavy device users. Prolonged sitting and improper ergonomics contribute significantly to these disorders. Incorrect Solution: A Statement I is Excessive screen exposure—especially before bedtime—is strongly associated with sleep disruption. Blue light emitted from screens suppresses melatonin secretion, the hormone responsible for regulating circadian rhythms. Additionally, cognitive stimulation from social media, gaming, or streaming increases alertness and delays sleep onset. Numerous public health studies link prolonged digital use to reduced sleep duration, poor sleep quality, and circadian rhythm disturbances. Statement II is Most modern digital platforms operate on algorithm-driven engagement models. Social media platforms, video streaming services, and gaming apps use artificial intelligence and behavioural analytics to maximize user retention, scrolling time, and interaction. Features such as infinite scroll, personalized recommendations, push notifications, and reward-based design are deliberately engineered to sustain attention and increase engagement. Statement III is Digital overuse has documented impacts on musculoskeletal health. Conditions such as “text neck,” repetitive strain injury (RSI), carpal tunnel syndrome, eye strain, and posture-related back pain are increasingly reported among heavy device users. Prolonged sitting and improper ergonomics contribute significantly to these disorders.

#### 5. Question

With reference to lifestyle disorders and digital health concerns, consider the following statements:

• Excessive screen exposure is linked to sleep disruption.

• Algorithm-driven digital platforms are designed to maximize user engagement.

• Digital overuse has no documented impact on musculoskeletal health.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

• (a) I and II only

• (b) II and III only

• (c) I and III only

• (d) I, II and III

Solution: A

• Statement I is Excessive screen exposure—especially before bedtime—is strongly associated with sleep disruption. Blue light emitted from screens suppresses melatonin secretion, the hormone responsible for regulating circadian rhythms. Additionally, cognitive stimulation from social media, gaming, or streaming increases alertness and delays sleep onset. Numerous public health studies link prolonged digital use to reduced sleep duration, poor sleep quality, and circadian rhythm disturbances.

• Statement II is Most modern digital platforms operate on algorithm-driven engagement models. Social media platforms, video streaming services, and gaming apps use artificial intelligence and behavioural analytics to maximize user retention, scrolling time, and interaction. Features such as infinite scroll, personalized recommendations, push notifications, and reward-based design are deliberately engineered to sustain attention and increase engagement.

• Statement III is Digital overuse has documented impacts on musculoskeletal health. Conditions such as “text neck,” repetitive strain injury (RSI), carpal tunnel syndrome, eye strain, and posture-related back pain are increasingly reported among heavy device users. Prolonged sitting and improper ergonomics contribute significantly to these disorders.

Solution: A

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