UPSC Editorials Quiz : 14 April 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 Articles of the Indian Constitution mandates the State to ensure that children are not abused and are provided opportunities for healthy development? a) Article 15(3) b) Article 21 c) Article 39(e) and (f) d) Article 47 Correct Solution: c) Article 39(e) and (f) direct the State to protect children from abuse and provide them with opportunities for healthy development. Article 39(e) mandates that children should not be exploited in harmful employment, while Article 39(f) ensures that children grow up with dignity, freedom, and a healthy environment. These provisions are part of the Directive Principles of State Policy, guiding the State to create policies for the welfare and protection of children, although not enforceable in a court of law. Incorrect Solution: c) Article 39(e) and (f) direct the State to protect children from abuse and provide them with opportunities for healthy development. Article 39(e) mandates that children should not be exploited in harmful employment, while Article 39(f) ensures that children grow up with dignity, freedom, and a healthy environment. These provisions are part of the Directive Principles of State Policy, guiding the State to create policies for the welfare and protection of children, although not enforceable in a court of law.

#### 1. Question

Which of the following Articles of the Indian Constitution mandates the State to ensure that children are not abused and are provided opportunities for healthy development?

• a) Article 15(3)

• b) Article 21

• c) Article 39(e) and (f)

• d) Article 47

Solution: c)

• Article 39(e) and (f) direct the State to protect children from abuse and provide them with opportunities for healthy development.

• Article 39(e) mandates that children should not be exploited in harmful employment, while Article 39(f) ensures that children grow up with dignity, freedom, and a healthy environment.

• These provisions are part of the Directive Principles of State Policy, guiding the State to create policies for the welfare and protection of children, although not enforceable in a court of law.

Solution: c)

• Article 39(e) and (f) direct the State to protect children from abuse and provide them with opportunities for healthy development.

• Article 39(e) mandates that children should not be exploited in harmful employment, while Article 39(f) ensures that children grow up with dignity, freedom, and a healthy environment.

• These provisions are part of the Directive Principles of State Policy, guiding the State to create policies for the welfare and protection of children, although not enforceable in a court of law.

• Question 2 of 5 2. Question Match the following monuments in the Mehrauli Archaeological Park with their features: Monument Feature A. Tomb of Balban 1. Reflects the transition from Lodi to Mughal architectural elements B. Jamali Kamali Mosque 2. India’s first true arch and dome C. Rajon Ki Baoli 3. A Mughal-era structure showcasing advanced design D. Gandhak ki Baoli 4. A stepwell reflecting the importance of water management Select the correct option: a) A-3, B-1, C-2, D-4 b) A-1, B-2, C-4, D-3 c) A-2, B-4, C-3, D-1 d) A-2, B-1, C-4, D-3 Correct Solution: d) The Tomb of Balban (A-2) is a significant architectural landmark as it contains India’s first true arch and dome, marking the early use of such features during the Delhi Sultanate period. The Jamali Kamali Mosque (B-1) reflects a stylistic transition between Lodi and Mughal architecture, blending ornate elements like calligraphy, arches, and symmetry—indicative of early Mughal aesthetic influence. Rajon Ki Baoli (C-4) is a well-preserved stepwell, showcasing the traditional importance of water conservation through layered steps, columns, and chambers, serving both utility and social purposes. Gandhak ki Baoli (D-3), attributed to the Mughal period, demonstrates advanced engineering and design for water harvesting, including the use of sulphur-rich water (gandhak) and an effective spatial layout. Incorrect Solution: d) The Tomb of Balban (A-2) is a significant architectural landmark as it contains India’s first true arch and dome, marking the early use of such features during the Delhi Sultanate period. The Jamali Kamali Mosque (B-1) reflects a stylistic transition between Lodi and Mughal architecture, blending ornate elements like calligraphy, arches, and symmetry—indicative of early Mughal aesthetic influence. Rajon Ki Baoli (C-4) is a well-preserved stepwell, showcasing the traditional importance of water conservation through layered steps, columns, and chambers, serving both utility and social purposes. Gandhak ki Baoli (D-3), attributed to the Mughal period, demonstrates advanced engineering and design for water harvesting, including the use of sulphur-rich water (gandhak) and an effective spatial layout.

#### 2. Question

Match the following monuments in the Mehrauli Archaeological Park with their features:

Monument | Feature

A. Tomb of Balban | 1. Reflects the transition from Lodi to Mughal architectural elements

B. Jamali Kamali Mosque | 2. India’s first true arch and dome

C. Rajon Ki Baoli | 3. A Mughal-era structure showcasing advanced design

D. Gandhak ki Baoli | 4. A stepwell reflecting the importance of water management

Select the correct option:

• a) A-3, B-1, C-2, D-4

• b) A-1, B-2, C-4, D-3

• c) A-2, B-4, C-3, D-1

• d) A-2, B-1, C-4, D-3

Solution: d)

• The Tomb of Balban (A-2) is a significant architectural landmark as it contains India’s first true arch and dome, marking the early use of such features during the Delhi Sultanate period.

• The Jamali Kamali Mosque (B-1) reflects a stylistic transition between Lodi and Mughal architecture, blending ornate elements like calligraphy, arches, and symmetry—indicative of early Mughal aesthetic influence.

• Rajon Ki Baoli (C-4) is a well-preserved stepwell, showcasing the traditional importance of water conservation through layered steps, columns, and chambers, serving both utility and social purposes.

• Gandhak ki Baoli (D-3), attributed to the Mughal period, demonstrates advanced engineering and design for water harvesting, including the use of sulphur-rich water (gandhak) and an effective spatial layout.

Solution: d)

• Question 3 of 5 3. Question Consider the following statements about the NAMASTE Programme: It was launched by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment. It aims to empower sanitation workers by turning them into “sanipreneurs.” It focuses on eliminating manual hazardous cleaning practices. How many of the above statements is/are correct? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) All three (d) None Correct Solution: c) The NAMASTE (National Action for Mechanized Sanitation Ecosystem) Programme is a collaborative initiative of the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment (MoSJE) and the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA). It aims to eliminate hazardous manual cleaning of sewers and septic tanks, ensuring sanitation workers no longer face unsafe working conditions. A significant component of the scheme is the transformation of sanitation workers into “sanipreneurs”—entrepreneurs who own and operate mechanized sanitation services. The programme provides training in mechanized cleaning techniques, safety protocols, and business management. It also facilitates access to capital for sanitation workers to purchase machines like jetting machines and suction units. Furthermore, it emphasizes the adoption of mechanization and PPE to protect workers and prevent fatalities. By integrating dignity, safety, and livelihood enhancement, the NAMASTE scheme marks a crucial step toward inclusive sanitation reforms and upholding human rights for one of the most marginalized worker communities. Incorrect Solution: c) The NAMASTE (National Action for Mechanized Sanitation Ecosystem) Programme is a collaborative initiative of the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment (MoSJE) and the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA). It aims to eliminate hazardous manual cleaning of sewers and septic tanks, ensuring sanitation workers no longer face unsafe working conditions. A significant component of the scheme is the transformation of sanitation workers into “sanipreneurs”—entrepreneurs who own and operate mechanized sanitation services. The programme provides training in mechanized cleaning techniques, safety protocols, and business management. It also facilitates access to capital for sanitation workers to purchase machines like jetting machines and suction units. Furthermore, it emphasizes the adoption of mechanization and PPE to protect workers and prevent fatalities. By integrating dignity, safety, and livelihood enhancement, the NAMASTE scheme marks a crucial step toward inclusive sanitation reforms and upholding human rights for one of the most marginalized worker communities.

#### 3. Question

Consider the following statements about the NAMASTE Programme:

• It was launched by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment.

• It aims to empower sanitation workers by turning them into “sanipreneurs.”

• It focuses on eliminating manual hazardous cleaning practices.

How many of the above statements is/are correct?

• (a) Only one

• (b) Only two

• (c) All three

Solution: c)

• The NAMASTE (National Action for Mechanized Sanitation Ecosystem) Programme is a collaborative initiative of the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment (MoSJE) and the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA).

• It aims to eliminate hazardous manual cleaning of sewers and septic tanks, ensuring sanitation workers no longer face unsafe working conditions.

• A significant component of the scheme is the transformation of sanitation workers into “sanipreneurs”—entrepreneurs who own and operate mechanized sanitation services.

• The programme provides training in mechanized cleaning techniques, safety protocols, and business management.

• It also facilitates access to capital for sanitation workers to purchase machines like jetting machines and suction units.

• Furthermore, it emphasizes the adoption of mechanization and PPE to protect workers and prevent fatalities.

• By integrating dignity, safety, and livelihood enhancement, the NAMASTE scheme marks a crucial step toward inclusive sanitation reforms and upholding human rights for one of the most marginalized worker communities.

Solution: c)

• It aims to eliminate hazardous manual cleaning of sewers and septic tanks, ensuring sanitation workers no longer face unsafe working conditions.

• A significant component of the scheme is the transformation of sanitation workers into “sanipreneurs”—entrepreneurs who own and operate mechanized sanitation services.

• The programme provides training in mechanized cleaning techniques, safety protocols, and business management.

• It also facilitates access to capital for sanitation workers to purchase machines like jetting machines and suction units.

• Furthermore, it emphasizes the adoption of mechanization and PPE to protect workers and prevent fatalities.

• Question 4 of 5 4. Question What was the primary issue with the Pusa-44 rice variety that contributed to environmental concerns in Northern India? a) High water requirement b) Pest susceptibility c) Low yield d) Long maturation time Correct Solution: d) The Pusa-44 rice variety, though initially introduced for its high yield, has been widely criticized for its long maturation period of over 160 days. This characteristic delays the harvesting of rice, which in turn postpones the sowing of wheat—a crucial winter crop in Northern India. Farmers, constrained by a short sowing window between the two crop cycles, often resort to burning the rice stubble as a quick and cheap way to clear fields for the next crop. This widespread stubble burning, particularly in Punjab and Haryana, has become a major contributor to seasonal air pollution, including the infamous smog episodes in Delhi NCR. While the variety has high yield potential, its environmental cost has led policymakers and agricultural scientists to recommend alternative shorter-duration rice varieties and sustainable practices like Happy Seeder technology and bio-decomposers to mitigate its negative impacts. Incorrect Solution: d) The Pusa-44 rice variety, though initially introduced for its high yield, has been widely criticized for its long maturation period of over 160 days. This characteristic delays the harvesting of rice, which in turn postpones the sowing of wheat—a crucial winter crop in Northern India. Farmers, constrained by a short sowing window between the two crop cycles, often resort to burning the rice stubble as a quick and cheap way to clear fields for the next crop. This widespread stubble burning, particularly in Punjab and Haryana, has become a major contributor to seasonal air pollution, including the infamous smog episodes in Delhi NCR. While the variety has high yield potential, its environmental cost has led policymakers and agricultural scientists to recommend alternative shorter-duration rice varieties and sustainable practices like Happy Seeder technology and bio-decomposers to mitigate its negative impacts.

#### 4. Question

What was the primary issue with the Pusa-44 rice variety that contributed to environmental concerns in Northern India?

• a) High water requirement

• b) Pest susceptibility

• c) Low yield

• d) Long maturation time

Solution: d)

• The Pusa-44 rice variety, though initially introduced for its high yield, has been widely criticized for its long maturation period of over 160 days.

• This characteristic delays the harvesting of rice, which in turn postpones the sowing of wheat—a crucial winter crop in Northern India.

• Farmers, constrained by a short sowing window between the two crop cycles, often resort to burning the rice stubble as a quick and cheap way to clear fields for the next crop.

• This widespread stubble burning, particularly in Punjab and Haryana, has become a major contributor to seasonal air pollution, including the infamous smog episodes in Delhi NCR.

While the variety has high yield potential, its environmental cost has led policymakers and agricultural scientists to recommend alternative shorter-duration rice varieties and sustainable practices like Happy Seeder technology and bio-decomposers to mitigate its negative impacts.

Solution: d)

• The Pusa-44 rice variety, though initially introduced for its high yield, has been widely criticized for its long maturation period of over 160 days.

• This characteristic delays the harvesting of rice, which in turn postpones the sowing of wheat—a crucial winter crop in Northern India.

• Farmers, constrained by a short sowing window between the two crop cycles, often resort to burning the rice stubble as a quick and cheap way to clear fields for the next crop.

• This widespread stubble burning, particularly in Punjab and Haryana, has become a major contributor to seasonal air pollution, including the infamous smog episodes in Delhi NCR.

• Question 5 of 5 5. Question Regarding thermobaric weapons, consider the following statements: They use the atmosphere’s oxygen to fuel the explosion, creating a powerful blast. These weapons are specifically banned under the Hague Conventions. They are most effective in open fields with large target areas. How many of the above statements is/are incorrect? a) Only one b) Only two c) All three d) None Correct Solution: b) Statement 1 is correct. Thermobaric weapons, also known as fuel-air explosives or vacuum bombs, disperse a cloud of fuel that mixes with atmospheric oxygen and then detonates, resulting in an intense, high-temperature explosion with a long-duration blast wave. This mechanism increases the lethality compared to conventional explosives, especially by causing secondary effects such as vacuum-induced lung trauma. Statement 2 is incorrect. These weapons are not explicitly banned under international treaties like the Hague Conventions. However, their use against civilian populations or non-combatants could be deemed illegal under broader frameworks like the Geneva Conventions and customary international humanitarian law, particularly regarding the principles of distinction and proportionality in warfare. Statement 3 is also incorrect. Thermobaric weapons are more effective in confined spaces, such as caves, tunnels, bunkers, or buildings, where the blast wave and heat are amplified by the enclosure, causing devastating effects. In open fields, the dispersal of fuel and reduced confinement diminish their effectiveness. Incorrect Solution: b) Statement 1 is correct. Thermobaric weapons, also known as fuel-air explosives or vacuum bombs, disperse a cloud of fuel that mixes with atmospheric oxygen and then detonates, resulting in an intense, high-temperature explosion with a long-duration blast wave. This mechanism increases the lethality compared to conventional explosives, especially by causing secondary effects such as vacuum-induced lung trauma. Statement 2 is incorrect. These weapons are not explicitly banned under international treaties like the Hague Conventions. However, their use against civilian populations or non-combatants could be deemed illegal under broader frameworks like the Geneva Conventions and customary international humanitarian law, particularly regarding the principles of distinction and proportionality in warfare. Statement 3 is also incorrect. Thermobaric weapons are more effective in confined spaces, such as caves, tunnels, bunkers, or buildings, where the blast wave and heat are amplified by the enclosure, causing devastating effects. In open fields, the dispersal of fuel and reduced confinement diminish their effectiveness.

#### 5. Question

Regarding thermobaric weapons, consider the following statements:

• They use the atmosphere’s oxygen to fuel the explosion, creating a powerful blast.

• These weapons are specifically banned under the Hague Conventions.

• They are most effective in open fields with large target areas.

How many of the above statements is/are incorrect?

• a) Only one

• b) Only two

• c) All three

Solution: b)

• Statement 1 is correct. Thermobaric weapons, also known as fuel-air explosives or vacuum bombs, disperse a cloud of fuel that mixes with atmospheric oxygen and then detonates, resulting in an intense, high-temperature explosion with a long-duration blast wave. This mechanism increases the lethality compared to conventional explosives, especially by causing secondary effects such as vacuum-induced lung trauma.

• Statement 2 is incorrect. These weapons are not explicitly banned under international treaties like the Hague Conventions. However, their use against civilian populations or non-combatants could be deemed illegal under broader frameworks like the Geneva Conventions and customary international humanitarian law, particularly regarding the principles of distinction and proportionality in warfare.

• Statement 3 is also incorrect. Thermobaric weapons are more effective in confined spaces, such as caves, tunnels, bunkers, or buildings, where the blast wave and heat are amplified by the enclosure, causing devastating effects. In open fields, the dispersal of fuel and reduced confinement diminish their effectiveness.

Solution: b)

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