UPSC Editorials Quiz : 15 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.

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• Question 1 of 5 1. Question Consider the following statements regarding the management of solar waste under the E-Waste (Management) Rules, 2022 in India: Solar panel producers are completely exempt from all obligations under the E-Waste Management Rules. The rules mandate the immediate establishment of a recycling facility for solar waste in every state. The concept of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) is not applicable to solar panel manufacturers. How many of the above statements are correct? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) All three (d) None Correct Solution: D Statement 1 is incorrect. Solar panel producers are not completely exempt from all obligations. While they are exempt from recycling targets until 2034-35, they still have other obligations under the rules. These include registering on the CPCB portal, filing annual returns, maintaining collection systems, and complying with Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). Statement 2 is incorrect. The rules do not contain a mandate for the immediate establishment of a recycling facility in every state. The framework places the onus on producers to manage waste, but the exemption on recycling targets until 2034-35 is specifically to allow time for such infrastructure to be developed gradually. There is no such immediate, state-wise mandate. Statement 3 is incorrect. The concept of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) is applicable to solar panel manufacturers. They fall under the purview of the E-Waste rules. The exemption they receive is only related to meeting specific, quantified recycling targets for a defined period. The overarching principle of EPR still requires them to be responsible for the end-of-life management of their products. Incorrect Solution: D Statement 1 is incorrect. Solar panel producers are not completely exempt from all obligations. While they are exempt from recycling targets until 2034-35, they still have other obligations under the rules. These include registering on the CPCB portal, filing annual returns, maintaining collection systems, and complying with Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). Statement 2 is incorrect. The rules do not contain a mandate for the immediate establishment of a recycling facility in every state. The framework places the onus on producers to manage waste, but the exemption on recycling targets until 2034-35 is specifically to allow time for such infrastructure to be developed gradually. There is no such immediate, state-wise mandate. Statement 3 is incorrect. The concept of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) is applicable to solar panel manufacturers. They fall under the purview of the E-Waste rules. The exemption they receive is only related to meeting specific, quantified recycling targets for a defined period. The overarching principle of EPR still requires them to be responsible for the end-of-life management of their products.

#### 1. Question

Consider the following statements regarding the management of solar waste under the E-Waste (Management) Rules, 2022 in India:

• Solar panel producers are completely exempt from all obligations under the E-Waste Management Rules.

• The rules mandate the immediate establishment of a recycling facility for solar waste in every state.

• The concept of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) is not applicable to solar panel manufacturers.

How many of the above statements are correct?

• (a) Only one

• (b) Only two

• (c) All three

Solution: D

• Statement 1 is incorrect. Solar panel producers are not completely exempt from all obligations. While they are exempt from recycling targets until 2034-35, they still have other obligations under the rules. These include registering on the CPCB portal, filing annual returns, maintaining collection systems, and complying with Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).

• Statement 2 is incorrect. The rules do not contain a mandate for the immediate establishment of a recycling facility in every state. The framework places the onus on producers to manage waste, but the exemption on recycling targets until 2034-35 is specifically to allow time for such infrastructure to be developed gradually. There is no such immediate, state-wise mandate.

Statement 3 is incorrect. The concept of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) is applicable to solar panel manufacturers. They fall under the purview of the E-Waste rules. The exemption they receive is only related to meeting specific, quantified recycling targets for a defined period. The overarching principle of EPR still requires them to be responsible for the end-of-life management of their products.

Solution: D

• Question 2 of 5 2. Question The recent discovery of the lichen Allographa effusosoredica in the Western Ghats is significant for biodiversity science primarily because: (a) It is the first lichen species ever to be discovered in a global biodiversity hotspot. (b) It represents the first instance of an Indian Allographa species being sequenced using molecular markers, advancing integrative taxonomy. (c) It is a composite organism formed by a symbiotic relationship between a fungus and a root system of a higher plant. (d) Its chemical composition includes a novel acid previously unknown to science, which has potent medicinal properties. Correct Solution: B (a) is incorrect. Countless lichen species have been discovered in the Western Ghats and other biodiversity hotspots before this. The significance is more specific. (b) is correct. The key breakthrough is that this discovery marks the first time an Allographa species from India has been characterized using modern molecular (DNA) sequencing tools in addition to traditional methods. This use of “polyphasic taxonomy” (combining morphology, chemistry, and genetics) is crucial for accurately identifying cryptic species and understanding evolutionary relationships, thereby advancing the field of integrative taxonomy in India. (c) is incorrect. Lichens are symbiotic organisms formed between a fungus and a photosynthetic partner, which is typically an alga or cyanobacteria, not the roots of a higher plant (that would be mycorrhiza). (d) is incorrect. The presence of norstictic acid, which is described as a “rare chemical trait within this genus” but not a novel acid unknown to science. It has no proven medicinal properties. Incorrect Solution: B (a) is incorrect. Countless lichen species have been discovered in the Western Ghats and other biodiversity hotspots before this. The significance is more specific. (b) is correct. The key breakthrough is that this discovery marks the first time an Allographa species from India has been characterized using modern molecular (DNA) sequencing tools in addition to traditional methods. This use of “polyphasic taxonomy” (combining morphology, chemistry, and genetics) is crucial for accurately identifying cryptic species and understanding evolutionary relationships, thereby advancing the field of integrative taxonomy in India. (c) is incorrect. Lichens are symbiotic organisms formed between a fungus and a photosynthetic partner, which is typically an alga or cyanobacteria, not the roots of a higher plant (that would be mycorrhiza). (d) is incorrect. The presence of norstictic acid, which is described as a “rare chemical trait within this genus” but not a novel acid unknown to science. It has no proven medicinal properties.

#### 2. Question

The recent discovery of the lichen Allographa effusosoredica in the Western Ghats is significant for biodiversity science primarily because:

• (a) It is the first lichen species ever to be discovered in a global biodiversity hotspot.

• (b) It represents the first instance of an Indian Allographa species being sequenced using molecular markers, advancing integrative taxonomy.

• (c) It is a composite organism formed by a symbiotic relationship between a fungus and a root system of a higher plant.

• (d) Its chemical composition includes a novel acid previously unknown to science, which has potent medicinal properties.

Solution: B

• (a) is incorrect. Countless lichen species have been discovered in the Western Ghats and other biodiversity hotspots before this. The significance is more specific.

• (b) is correct. The key breakthrough is that this discovery marks the first time an Allographa species from India has been characterized using modern molecular (DNA) sequencing tools in addition to traditional methods. This use of “polyphasic taxonomy” (combining morphology, chemistry, and genetics) is crucial for accurately identifying cryptic species and understanding evolutionary relationships, thereby advancing the field of integrative taxonomy in India.

• (c) is incorrect. Lichens are symbiotic organisms formed between a fungus and a photosynthetic partner, which is typically an alga or cyanobacteria, not the roots of a higher plant (that would be mycorrhiza).

(d) is incorrect. The presence of norstictic acid, which is described as a “rare chemical trait within this genus” but not a novel acid unknown to science. It has no proven medicinal properties.

Solution: B

• (a) is incorrect. Countless lichen species have been discovered in the Western Ghats and other biodiversity hotspots before this. The significance is more specific.

• Question 3 of 5 3. Question Match the following rivers with the cities they flow through: List I (River) List II (City) A. Seine 1. Paris B. Thames 2. London C. Danube 3. Sofia D. Volga 4. Moscow Select the correct answer using the codes given below: a) A-1, B-2, C-4, D-3 b) A-1, B-2, C-3, D-4 c) A-2, B-1, C-3, D-4 d) A-2, B-1, C-4, D-3 Correct Solution: B The Seine River is a major river of northwestern France. It is famous for flowing through the heart of Paris and is a significant commercial waterway. The River Thames is the longest river entirely in England and the second-longest in the United Kingdom. It flows through southern England, including London, and is a major part of the city’s history and identity. The Danube River is Europe’s second-longest river, after the Volga. It flows through 10 countries, and several capital cities are on its banks, including Vienna, Bratislava, Budapest, and Belgrade. However, it only forms the northern border of Bulgaria, and the capital city, Sofia, is located in the Sofia Basin in western Bulgaria, not on the Danube. The Volga River is the longest river in Europe. It flows through central Russia and is widely viewed as the national river of Russia. The Moskva River, a tributary of the Oka River, which in turn is a tributary of the Volga, flows through Moscow. Incorrect Solution: B The Seine River is a major river of northwestern France. It is famous for flowing through the heart of Paris and is a significant commercial waterway. The River Thames is the longest river entirely in England and the second-longest in the United Kingdom. It flows through southern England, including London, and is a major part of the city’s history and identity. The Danube River is Europe’s second-longest river, after the Volga. It flows through 10 countries, and several capital cities are on its banks, including Vienna, Bratislava, Budapest, and Belgrade. However, it only forms the northern border of Bulgaria, and the capital city, Sofia, is located in the Sofia Basin in western Bulgaria, not on the Danube. The Volga River is the longest river in Europe. It flows through central Russia and is widely viewed as the national river of Russia. The Moskva River, a tributary of the Oka River, which in turn is a tributary of the Volga, flows through Moscow.

#### 3. Question

Match the following rivers with the cities they flow through:

List I (River) | List II (City)

A. Seine | 1. Paris

B. Thames | 2. London

C. Danube | 3. Sofia

D. Volga | 4. Moscow

Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

• a) A-1, B-2, C-4, D-3

• b) A-1, B-2, C-3, D-4

• c) A-2, B-1, C-3, D-4

• d) A-2, B-1, C-4, D-3

Solution: B

• The Seine River is a major river of northwestern France. It is famous for flowing through the heart of Paris and is a significant commercial waterway.

• The River Thames is the longest river entirely in England and the second-longest in the United Kingdom. It flows through southern England, including London, and is a major part of the city’s history and identity.

• The Danube River is Europe’s second-longest river, after the Volga. It flows through 10 countries, and several capital cities are on its banks, including Vienna, Bratislava, Budapest, and Belgrade. However, it only forms the northern border of Bulgaria, and the capital city, Sofia, is located in the Sofia Basin in western Bulgaria, not on the Danube.

The Volga River is the longest river in Europe. It flows through central Russia and is widely viewed as the national river of Russia. The Moskva River, a tributary of the Oka River, which in turn is a tributary of the Volga, flows through Moscow.

Solution: B

• The Seine River is a major river of northwestern France. It is famous for flowing through the heart of Paris and is a significant commercial waterway.

• Question 4 of 5 4. Question Consider the following statements about the Eurozone: It is a monetary union of European Union (EU) member states that have adopted the euro as their primary currency. The European Central Bank (ECB) is the central bank for the euro and administers monetary policy within the Eurozone. All member states of the European Union are part of the Eurozone. 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 Eurozone consists of those EU member states that have adopted the euro as their official currency. As of 2025, with the impending entry of Bulgaria, it will comprise 21 of the 27 EU member states. Statement 2 is correct. The European Central Bank (ECB), located in Frankfurt, Germany, is the central institution of the Eurosystem and the Single Supervisory Mechanism. Its primary objective is to maintain price stability in the Eurozone. Statement 3 is incorrect. Not all EU member states are part of the Eurozone. Some countries, like Denmark, have an opt-out clause, while others, such as Sweden, Poland, and Hungary, have not yet met the criteria for euro adoption or have chosen not to join. Incorrect Solution: B Statement 1 is correct. The Eurozone consists of those EU member states that have adopted the euro as their official currency. As of 2025, with the impending entry of Bulgaria, it will comprise 21 of the 27 EU member states. Statement 2 is correct. The European Central Bank (ECB), located in Frankfurt, Germany, is the central institution of the Eurosystem and the Single Supervisory Mechanism. Its primary objective is to maintain price stability in the Eurozone. Statement 3 is incorrect. Not all EU member states are part of the Eurozone. Some countries, like Denmark, have an opt-out clause, while others, such as Sweden, Poland, and Hungary, have not yet met the criteria for euro adoption or have chosen not to join.

#### 4. Question

Consider the following statements about the Eurozone:

• It is a monetary union of European Union (EU) member states that have adopted the euro as their primary currency.

• The European Central Bank (ECB) is the central bank for the euro and administers monetary policy within the Eurozone.

• All member states of the European Union are part of the Eurozone.

How many of the above statements are correct?

• (a) Only one

• (b) Only two

• (c) All three

Solution: B

• Statement 1 is correct. The Eurozone consists of those EU member states that have adopted the euro as their official currency. As of 2025, with the impending entry of Bulgaria, it will comprise 21 of the 27 EU member states.

• Statement 2 is correct. The European Central Bank (ECB), located in Frankfurt, Germany, is the central institution of the Eurosystem and the Single Supervisory Mechanism. Its primary objective is to maintain price stability in the Eurozone.

Statement 3 is incorrect. Not all EU member states are part of the Eurozone. Some countries, like Denmark, have an opt-out clause, while others, such as Sweden, Poland, and Hungary, have not yet met the criteria for euro adoption or have chosen not to join.

Solution: B

• Question 5 of 5 5. Question Which of the following new powers has been granted to the Foreigners Tribunals under the Immigration and Foreigners Act, 2025? (a) The power to grant Indian citizenship to declared foreigners. (b) The power to issue arrest warrants for non-appearance of suspected individuals. (c) The power to deport declared foreigners to their country of origin. (d) The power to review and amend the National Register of Citizens (NRC). Correct Solution: B The new Immigration and Foreigners Act, 2025 has expanded the powers of the Foreigners Tribunals, granting them authority equivalent to that of a first-class judicial magistrate. Among the new powers, the most significant is the ability to issue arrest warrants for individuals who fail to appear before the tribunal when summoned. This power is intended to ensure compliance with the legal process and prevent suspected illegal immigrants from evading scrutiny. While the tribunals can declare a person a foreigner and send them to a detention centre for deportation, the actual act of deportation is carried out by the executive branch of the government. The tribunals do not have the power to grant citizenship or review the NRC. Incorrect Solution: B The new Immigration and Foreigners Act, 2025 has expanded the powers of the Foreigners Tribunals, granting them authority equivalent to that of a first-class judicial magistrate. Among the new powers, the most significant is the ability to issue arrest warrants for individuals who fail to appear before the tribunal when summoned. This power is intended to ensure compliance with the legal process and prevent suspected illegal immigrants from evading scrutiny. While the tribunals can declare a person a foreigner and send them to a detention centre for deportation, the actual act of deportation is carried out by the executive branch of the government. The tribunals do not have the power to grant citizenship or review the NRC.

#### 5. Question

Which of the following new powers has been granted to the Foreigners Tribunals under the Immigration and Foreigners Act, 2025?

• (a) The power to grant Indian citizenship to declared foreigners.

• (b) The power to issue arrest warrants for non-appearance of suspected individuals.

• (c) The power to deport declared foreigners to their country of origin.

• (d) The power to review and amend the National Register of Citizens (NRC).

Solution: B

• The new Immigration and Foreigners Act, 2025 has expanded the powers of the Foreigners Tribunals, granting them authority equivalent to that of a first-class judicial magistrate. Among the new powers, the most significant is the ability to issue arrest warrants for individuals who fail to appear before the tribunal when summoned.

This power is intended to ensure compliance with the legal process and prevent suspected illegal immigrants from evading scrutiny. While the tribunals can declare a person a foreigner and send them to a detention centre for deportation, the actual act of deportation is carried out by the executive branch of the government. The tribunals do not have the power to grant citizenship or review the NRC.

Solution: B

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