UPSC Editorials Quiz : 13 September 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.

#### Quiz-summary

0 of 5 questions completed

Questions:

#### Information

Best of luck! 🙂

You have already completed the quiz before. Hence you can not start it again.

Quiz is loading...

You must sign in or sign up to start the quiz.

You have to finish following quiz, to start this quiz:

0 of 5 questions answered correctly

Your time:

Time has elapsed

You have reached 0 of 0 points, (0)

#### Categories

• Not categorized 0%

• Question 1 of 5 1. Question With regard to the Rare Earth Elements (REEs) sector in India, which of the following statements is/are correct? The Atal Innovation Mission and the National Mineral Policy 2019 are the only government initiatives to promote the REE sector. India is a net exporter of REEs and supplies a significant portion of the global demand. The majority of India’s REE production is managed by a public sector undertaking. Select the correct answer using the code given below: a) 1 and 3 only b) 3 only c) 2 and 3 only d) 1, 2 and 3 Correct Solution: B Statement 1 is incorrect. The Atal Innovation Mission and the National Mineral Policy 2019 are broad initiatives that can support the REE sector, but they are not the only ones. The Department of Atomic Energy (DAE), under which IREL operates, has its own policies and programs for the development of the REE sector. Statement 2 is incorrect. India is heavily import-dependent for REEs, with over 75% of its imports coming from China. It is not a net exporter and does not supply a significant portion of the global demand. Statement 3 is correct. The production of REEs in India is primarily carried out by Indian Rare Earths Ltd. (IREL), a public sector undertaking under the administrative control of the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE). Incorrect Solution: B Statement 1 is incorrect. The Atal Innovation Mission and the National Mineral Policy 2019 are broad initiatives that can support the REE sector, but they are not the only ones. The Department of Atomic Energy (DAE), under which IREL operates, has its own policies and programs for the development of the REE sector. Statement 2 is incorrect. India is heavily import-dependent for REEs, with over 75% of its imports coming from China. It is not a net exporter and does not supply a significant portion of the global demand. Statement 3 is correct. The production of REEs in India is primarily carried out by Indian Rare Earths Ltd. (IREL), a public sector undertaking under the administrative control of the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE).

#### 1. Question

With regard to the Rare Earth Elements (REEs) sector in India, which of the following statements is/are correct?

• The Atal Innovation Mission and the National Mineral Policy 2019 are the only government initiatives to promote the REE sector.

• India is a net exporter of REEs and supplies a significant portion of the global demand.

• The majority of India’s REE production is managed by a public sector undertaking.

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

• a) 1 and 3 only

• c) 2 and 3 only

• d) 1, 2 and 3

Solution: B

• Statement 1 is incorrect. The Atal Innovation Mission and the National Mineral Policy 2019 are broad initiatives that can support the REE sector, but they are not the only ones. The Department of Atomic Energy (DAE), under which IREL operates, has its own policies and programs for the development of the REE sector.

• Statement 2 is incorrect. India is heavily import-dependent for REEs, with over 75% of its imports coming from China. It is not a net exporter and does not supply a significant portion of the global demand.

• Statement 3 is correct. The production of REEs in India is primarily carried out by Indian Rare Earths Ltd. (IREL), a public sector undertaking under the administrative control of the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE).

Solution: B

• Question 2 of 5 2. Question India’s first E-Waste Recycling Eco Park, established in Delhi, is based on which operational model? (a) A fully government-funded and operated model managed by the Municipal Corporation of Delhi. (b) A community-owned model where informal sector workers are trained to manage the facility. (c) A Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model based on the Design, Build, Finance, Operate, Transfer (DBFOT) framework. (d) An international collaboration model funded by the World Bank and operated by a global environmental agency. Correct Solution: C The E-Waste Recycling Eco Park in Holambi Kalan, Delhi, is explicitly designed to be developed and operated under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model. The specific framework for this partnership is DBFOT (Design, Build, Finance, Operate, Transfer). Under this model, a private entity is responsible for designing, constructing, and financing the project. It then operates the facility for a specified concession period (15 years in this case), generating revenue from it. At the end of the period, the ownership and operation are transferred back to the government authority, which is the Delhi State Industrial and Infrastructure Development Corporation (DSIIDC). This model is chosen to leverage private sector efficiency and investment for a public infrastructure project. Incorrect Solution: C The E-Waste Recycling Eco Park in Holambi Kalan, Delhi, is explicitly designed to be developed and operated under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model. The specific framework for this partnership is DBFOT (Design, Build, Finance, Operate, Transfer). Under this model, a private entity is responsible for designing, constructing, and financing the project. It then operates the facility for a specified concession period (15 years in this case), generating revenue from it. At the end of the period, the ownership and operation are transferred back to the government authority, which is the Delhi State Industrial and Infrastructure Development Corporation (DSIIDC). This model is chosen to leverage private sector efficiency and investment for a public infrastructure project.

#### 2. Question

India’s first E-Waste Recycling Eco Park, established in Delhi, is based on which operational model?

• (a) A fully government-funded and operated model managed by the Municipal Corporation of Delhi.

• (b) A community-owned model where informal sector workers are trained to manage the facility.

• (c) A Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model based on the Design, Build, Finance, Operate, Transfer (DBFOT) framework.

• (d) An international collaboration model funded by the World Bank and operated by a global environmental agency.

Solution: C

• The E-Waste Recycling Eco Park in Holambi Kalan, Delhi, is explicitly designed to be developed and operated under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model. The specific framework for this partnership is DBFOT (Design, Build, Finance, Operate, Transfer).

Under this model, a private entity is responsible for designing, constructing, and financing the project. It then operates the facility for a specified concession period (15 years in this case), generating revenue from it. At the end of the period, the ownership and operation are transferred back to the government authority, which is the Delhi State Industrial and Infrastructure Development Corporation (DSIIDC). This model is chosen to leverage private sector efficiency and investment for a public infrastructure project.

Solution: C

• Question 3 of 5 3. Question Which one of the following correctly distinguishes the approaches of the Madhav Gadgil Committee (WGEEP) and the Kasturirangan Committee on Western Ghats conservation? (a) The Gadgil committee proposed a ban on all development activities, while the Kasturirangan committee allowed regulated industrial development everywhere. (b) The Gadgil committee recommended a top-down regulatory approach led by the central government, whereas the Kasturirangan committee advocated for state-led implementation. (c) The Gadgil committee recommended a graded system of ecological sensitivity across the entire Ghats with strong community participation, while the Kasturirangan committee suggested a reduced, clearly demarcated ESA with a focus on balancing development. (d) The Gadgil committee focused only on biodiversity conservation, whereas the Kasturirangan committee integrated livelihood concerns of local populations for the first time. Correct Solution: C The Madhav Gadgil Committee (WGEEP) took a holistic and precautionary approach, recommending that the entire Western Ghats be declared an Ecologically Sensitive Area with a graded zoning system (ESA 1, 2, and 3). A cornerstone of its report was the emphasis on a bottom-up, democratic process with the Gram Sabha at its core. In contrast, the Kasturirangan Committee took what was termed a more ‘pragmatic’ or ‘development-friendly’ approach. It rejected the comprehensive zoning and instead recommended that only about 37% of the Western Ghats (identified as ‘natural landscape’) be declared as ESA. This approach was seen as an attempt to balance environmental conservation with developmental needs, thereby diluting the strict protectionist stance and the role of people’s participation advocated by the Gadgil panel. Incorrect Solution: C The Madhav Gadgil Committee (WGEEP) took a holistic and precautionary approach, recommending that the entire Western Ghats be declared an Ecologically Sensitive Area with a graded zoning system (ESA 1, 2, and 3). A cornerstone of its report was the emphasis on a bottom-up, democratic process with the Gram Sabha at its core. In contrast, the Kasturirangan Committee took what was termed a more ‘pragmatic’ or ‘development-friendly’ approach. It rejected the comprehensive zoning and instead recommended that only about 37% of the Western Ghats (identified as ‘natural landscape’) be declared as ESA. This approach was seen as an attempt to balance environmental conservation with developmental needs, thereby diluting the strict protectionist stance and the role of people’s participation advocated by the Gadgil panel.

#### 3. Question

Which one of the following correctly distinguishes the approaches of the Madhav Gadgil Committee (WGEEP) and the Kasturirangan Committee on Western Ghats conservation?

• (a) The Gadgil committee proposed a ban on all development activities, while the Kasturirangan committee allowed regulated industrial development everywhere.

• (b) The Gadgil committee recommended a top-down regulatory approach led by the central government, whereas the Kasturirangan committee advocated for state-led implementation.

• (c) The Gadgil committee recommended a graded system of ecological sensitivity across the entire Ghats with strong community participation, while the Kasturirangan committee suggested a reduced, clearly demarcated ESA with a focus on balancing development.

• (d) The Gadgil committee focused only on biodiversity conservation, whereas the Kasturirangan committee integrated livelihood concerns of local populations for the first time.

Solution: C

• The Madhav Gadgil Committee (WGEEP) took a holistic and precautionary approach, recommending that the entire Western Ghats be declared an Ecologically Sensitive Area with a graded zoning system (ESA 1, 2, and 3). A cornerstone of its report was the emphasis on a bottom-up, democratic process with the Gram Sabha at its core.

In contrast, the Kasturirangan Committee took what was termed a more ‘pragmatic’ or ‘development-friendly’ approach. It rejected the comprehensive zoning and instead recommended that only about 37% of the Western Ghats (identified as ‘natural landscape’) be declared as ESA. This approach was seen as an attempt to balance environmental conservation with developmental needs, thereby diluting the strict protectionist stance and the role of people’s participation advocated by the Gadgil panel.

Solution: C

• Question 4 of 5 4. Question With reference to the Aravalli Range, consider the following statements: It is one of the world’s oldest fold mountain ranges, formed during the Proterozoic Era. The range acts as a natural barrier preventing the eastward expansion of the Thar Desert. Guru Shikhar, its highest peak, is located in the Sambhar–Khetri range section. 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 Aravalli Range is an ancient mountain range, far older than the Himalayas. It was formed during the Proterozoic Era through orogenic processes (folding), making it one of the oldest fold mountain systems in the world. Statement 2 is correct. The Aravalli Range has significant climatic and geographical importance. It runs in a northeast-southwest direction, effectively acting as a natural barrier that checks the spread of the Thar Desert eastwards into the Gangetic plains and the National Capital Region. Degradation of this range is a major environmental concern for this reason. Statement 3 is incorrect. The Aravalli Range is divided into two main sections. Guru Shikhar (1,722 metres), the highest peak, is located in Mount Abu, Rajasthan. This area is part of the Sambhar–Sirohi range, which constitutes the southern part of the Aravallis. The Sambhar–Khetri range is the other section, located further northeast and is characterized by discontinuous ridges. Incorrect Solution: B Statement 1 is correct. The Aravalli Range is an ancient mountain range, far older than the Himalayas. It was formed during the Proterozoic Era through orogenic processes (folding), making it one of the oldest fold mountain systems in the world. Statement 2 is correct. The Aravalli Range has significant climatic and geographical importance. It runs in a northeast-southwest direction, effectively acting as a natural barrier that checks the spread of the Thar Desert eastwards into the Gangetic plains and the National Capital Region. Degradation of this range is a major environmental concern for this reason. Statement 3 is incorrect. The Aravalli Range is divided into two main sections. Guru Shikhar (1,722 metres), the highest peak, is located in Mount Abu, Rajasthan. This area is part of the Sambhar–Sirohi range, which constitutes the southern part of the Aravallis. The Sambhar–Khetri range is the other section, located further northeast and is characterized by discontinuous ridges.

#### 4. Question

With reference to the Aravalli Range, consider the following statements:

• It is one of the world’s oldest fold mountain ranges, formed during the Proterozoic Era.

• The range acts as a natural barrier preventing the eastward expansion of the Thar Desert.

• Guru Shikhar, its highest peak, is located in the Sambhar–Khetri range section.

How many of the above statements are correct?

• (a) Only one

• (b) Only two

• (c) All three

Solution: B

• Statement 1 is correct. The Aravalli Range is an ancient mountain range, far older than the Himalayas. It was formed during the Proterozoic Era through orogenic processes (folding), making it one of the oldest fold mountain systems in the world.

• Statement 2 is correct. The Aravalli Range has significant climatic and geographical importance. It runs in a northeast-southwest direction, effectively acting as a natural barrier that checks the spread of the Thar Desert eastwards into the Gangetic plains and the National Capital Region. Degradation of this range is a major environmental concern for this reason.

Statement 3 is incorrect. The Aravalli Range is divided into two main sections. Guru Shikhar (1,722 metres), the highest peak, is located in Mount Abu, Rajasthan. This area is part of the Sambhar–Sirohi range, which constitutes the southern part of the Aravallis. The Sambhar–Khetri range is the other section, located further northeast and is characterized by discontinuous ridges.

Solution: B

• Question 5 of 5 5. Question Which of the following statements accurately describe different types of carbon pricing mechanisms? A Carbon Tax imposes a direct price on emissions by setting a levy on the carbon content of fossil fuels. An Emissions Trading System (ETS) establishes a market for emission permits, where the price is determined by supply and demand under a fixed emissions cap. A Carbon Crediting Mechanism issues tradeable credits for projects that can prove they have reduced or removed emissions from the atmosphere. In an Emissions Trading System (ETS), the government sets both the price of carbon and the quantity of emissions allowed. How many of the above statements are correct? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) Only three (d) All four Correct Solution: C Statement 1 is correct. A Carbon Tax is a straightforward price-based instrument. The government sets a fixed price (tax) per tonne of CO₂ equivalent, which emitters must pay. It provides certainty about the price of carbon but not about the level of emission reductions. Statement 2 is correct. An Emissions Trading System (ETS) is a quantity-based instrument. A government sets a “cap” (a limit on total emissions), and companies can buy and sell emission allowances or permits. The price of these permits is determined by market dynamics, not fixed by the government. Statement 3 is correct. A Carbon Crediting Mechanism is distinct from a tax or cap-and-trade system. It focuses on creating a supply of carbon credits from specific projects (e.g., afforestation, renewable energy, methane capture) that result in verifiable emission reductions. These credits can then be sold to entities looking to offset their own emissions. Statement 4 is incorrect. In an ETS, the government sets the quantity (the cap on emissions), but the price is determined by the market. In a carbon tax, the government sets the price, but the quantity of emission reductions is determined by how the market responds to that price. A government does not set both in an ETS. Incorrect Solution: C Statement 1 is correct. A Carbon Tax is a straightforward price-based instrument. The government sets a fixed price (tax) per tonne of CO₂ equivalent, which emitters must pay. It provides certainty about the price of carbon but not about the level of emission reductions. Statement 2 is correct. An Emissions Trading System (ETS) is a quantity-based instrument. A government sets a “cap” (a limit on total emissions), and companies can buy and sell emission allowances or permits. The price of these permits is determined by market dynamics, not fixed by the government. Statement 3 is correct. A Carbon Crediting Mechanism is distinct from a tax or cap-and-trade system. It focuses on creating a supply of carbon credits from specific projects (e.g., afforestation, renewable energy, methane capture) that result in verifiable emission reductions. These credits can then be sold to entities looking to offset their own emissions. Statement 4 is incorrect. In an ETS, the government sets the quantity (the cap on emissions), but the price is determined by the market. In a carbon tax, the government sets the price, but the quantity of emission reductions is determined by how the market responds to that price. A government does not set both in an ETS.

#### 5. Question

Which of the following statements accurately describe different types of carbon pricing mechanisms?

• A Carbon Tax imposes a direct price on emissions by setting a levy on the carbon content of fossil fuels.

• An Emissions Trading System (ETS) establishes a market for emission permits, where the price is determined by supply and demand under a fixed emissions cap.

• A Carbon Crediting Mechanism issues tradeable credits for projects that can prove they have reduced or removed emissions from the atmosphere.

• In an Emissions Trading System (ETS), the government sets both the price of carbon and the quantity of emissions allowed.

How many of the above statements are correct?

• (a) Only one

• (b) Only two

• (c) Only three

• (d) All four

Solution: C

• Statement 1 is correct. A Carbon Tax is a straightforward price-based instrument. The government sets a fixed price (tax) per tonne of CO₂ equivalent, which emitters must pay. It provides certainty about the price of carbon but not about the level of emission reductions.

• Statement 2 is correct. An Emissions Trading System (ETS) is a quantity-based instrument. A government sets a “cap” (a limit on total emissions), and companies can buy and sell emission allowances or permits. The price of these permits is determined by market dynamics, not fixed by the government.

• Statement 3 is correct. A Carbon Crediting Mechanism is distinct from a tax or cap-and-trade system. It focuses on creating a supply of carbon credits from specific projects (e.g., afforestation, renewable energy, methane capture) that result in verifiable emission reductions. These credits can then be sold to entities looking to offset their own emissions.

• Statement 4 is incorrect. In an ETS, the government sets the quantity (the cap on emissions), but the price is determined by the market. In a carbon tax, the government sets the price, but the quantity of emission reductions is determined by how the market responds to that price. A government does not set both in an ETS.

Solution: C

Join our Official Telegram Channel HERE for Motivation and Fast Updates

Join our Twitter Channel HERE

Follow our Instagram Channel HERE