UPSC Editorials Quiz : 16 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 Consider the following statements regarding Monoclonal antibodies. Assertion (A): Monoclonal antibodies are widely used in targeted therapy. Reason (R): They are identical antibody molecules derived from a single clone of B-cells and bind to a specific epitope. Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements? (a) Both A and R are correct and R explains A (b) Both A and R are correct but R does not explain A (c) A is correct but R is incorrect (d) A is incorrect but R is correct Correct Solution: A Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) are laboratory-produced molecules designed to function like natural antibodies in the immune system. They are generated from a single clone of B-lymphocytes, meaning all antibody molecules are identical and recognize the same specific antigenic epitope. This property gives them extremely high specificity. Because monoclonal antibodies bind to a single, well-defined target—such as a receptor, protein, or antigen expressed on cancer cells—they are extensively used in targeted therapy. In oncology, for instance, they can block growth factor receptors (e.g., HER2), mark tumor cells for immune destruction, or deliver cytotoxic agents directly to malignant cells. This precision minimizes damage to healthy tissues compared to conventional chemotherapy. Thus, the reason correctly explains the assertion: their clonal origin and specificity toward a single epitope make them ideal tools for targeted therapeutic interventions in cancer, autoimmune diseases, and infectious diseases. Incorrect Solution: A Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) are laboratory-produced molecules designed to function like natural antibodies in the immune system. They are generated from a single clone of B-lymphocytes, meaning all antibody molecules are identical and recognize the same specific antigenic epitope. This property gives them extremely high specificity. Because monoclonal antibodies bind to a single, well-defined target—such as a receptor, protein, or antigen expressed on cancer cells—they are extensively used in targeted therapy. In oncology, for instance, they can block growth factor receptors (e.g., HER2), mark tumor cells for immune destruction, or deliver cytotoxic agents directly to malignant cells. This precision minimizes damage to healthy tissues compared to conventional chemotherapy. Thus, the reason correctly explains the assertion: their clonal origin and specificity toward a single epitope make them ideal tools for targeted therapeutic interventions in cancer, autoimmune diseases, and infectious diseases.

#### 1. Question

Consider the following statements regarding Monoclonal antibodies.

Assertion (A): Monoclonal antibodies are widely used in targeted therapy. Reason (R): They are identical antibody molecules derived from a single clone of B-cells and bind to a specific epitope.

Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

• (a) Both A and R are correct and R explains A

• (b) Both A and R are correct but R does not explain A

• (c) A is correct but R is incorrect

• (d) A is incorrect but R is correct

Solution: A

• Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) are laboratory-produced molecules designed to function like natural antibodies in the immune system. They are generated from a single clone of B-lymphocytes, meaning all antibody molecules are identical and recognize the same specific antigenic epitope. This property gives them extremely high specificity.

• Because monoclonal antibodies bind to a single, well-defined target—such as a receptor, protein, or antigen expressed on cancer cells—they are extensively used in targeted therapy. In oncology, for instance, they can block growth factor receptors (e.g., HER2), mark tumor cells for immune destruction, or deliver cytotoxic agents directly to malignant cells. This precision minimizes damage to healthy tissues compared to conventional chemotherapy.

• Thus, the reason correctly explains the assertion: their clonal origin and specificity toward a single epitope make them ideal tools for targeted therapeutic interventions in cancer, autoimmune diseases, and infectious diseases.

Solution: A

• Question 2 of 5 2. Question Consider the following statements regarding the “Bhashini” initiative of the Government of India: It is a proprietary software developed by a consortium of Indian private tech firms to charge users for real-time translation services. The platform currently provides voice-to-voice conversion services in all 22 Indian scheduled languages plus English. “BhashaDaan” is a mandatory taxation framework where tech companies must donate a portion of their data to the government. 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; Bhashini is a public digital infrastructure (DPI) developed by MeitY under the National Language Translation Mission (NLTM), and it is intended as a public resource. Statement 2 is incorrect; while Bhashini supports text translation in 22+ languages, its more advanced voice-to-voice and voice-to-text tools are currently available in 12 languages (though expansion is planned). Statement 3 is incorrect; BhashaDaan is a citizen participation platform where individuals voluntarily donate voice samples or translate text to help co-create Indian language datasets. It is not a taxation framework. Bhashini is designed to remove language as a barrier to welfare access and digital participation. Source Incorrect Solution: D Statement 1 is incorrect; Bhashini is a public digital infrastructure (DPI) developed by MeitY under the National Language Translation Mission (NLTM), and it is intended as a public resource. Statement 2 is incorrect; while Bhashini supports text translation in 22+ languages, its more advanced voice-to-voice and voice-to-text tools are currently available in 12 languages (though expansion is planned). Statement 3 is incorrect; BhashaDaan is a citizen participation platform where individuals voluntarily donate voice samples or translate text to help co-create Indian language datasets. It is not a taxation framework. Bhashini is designed to remove language as a barrier to welfare access and digital participation. Source

#### 2. Question

Consider the following statements regarding the “Bhashini” initiative of the Government of India:

• It is a proprietary software developed by a consortium of Indian private tech firms to charge users for real-time translation services.

• The platform currently provides voice-to-voice conversion services in all 22 Indian scheduled languages plus English.

• “BhashaDaan” is a mandatory taxation framework where tech companies must donate a portion of their data to the government.

How many of the above statements are correct?

• (a) Only one

• (b) Only two

• (c) All three

Solution: D

• Statement 1 is incorrect; Bhashini is a public digital infrastructure (DPI) developed by MeitY under the National Language Translation Mission (NLTM), and it is intended as a public resource.

• Statement 2 is incorrect; while Bhashini supports text translation in 22+ languages, its more advanced voice-to-voice and voice-to-text tools are currently available in 12 languages (though expansion is planned).

• Statement 3 is incorrect; BhashaDaan is a citizen participation platform where individuals voluntarily donate voice samples or translate text to help co-create Indian language datasets. It is not a taxation framework. Bhashini is designed to remove language as a barrier to welfare access and digital participation.

Solution: D

• Question 3 of 5 3. Question Consider the following environmental applications of microorganisms: Bioremediation of oil spills Bioleaching of metals from ores Nitrogen fixation in agricultural soils Which of the above represent beneficial uses of microbes? (a) I only (b) I and II only (c) II and III only (d) I, II and III Correct Solution: D All three listed applications represent beneficial uses of microorganisms in environmental and agricultural contexts. Bioremediation of oil spills: Certain bacteria such as Pseudomonas and Alcanivorax can degrade hydrocarbons present in crude oil. These microbes metabolize oil components as sources of carbon and energy, converting them into less harmful substances. This natural or enhanced microbial process is widely used to clean marine and terrestrial oil spill sites, reducing ecological damage. Bioleaching of metals from ores: Microorganisms such as Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans are used in biomining. They oxidize metal sulfides and help extract metals like copper, uranium, and gold from low-grade ores. Bioleaching is environmentally preferable to conventional smelting because it requires less energy and produces fewer air pollutants. III. Nitrogen fixation in agricultural soils: Symbiotic bacteria like Rhizobium in legume root nodules convert atmospheric nitrogen into ammonia, a usable form for plants. This enhances soil fertility, reduces dependence on synthetic fertilizers, and supports sustainable agriculture. Incorrect Solution: D All three listed applications represent beneficial uses of microorganisms in environmental and agricultural contexts. Bioremediation of oil spills: Certain bacteria such as Pseudomonas and Alcanivorax can degrade hydrocarbons present in crude oil. These microbes metabolize oil components as sources of carbon and energy, converting them into less harmful substances. This natural or enhanced microbial process is widely used to clean marine and terrestrial oil spill sites, reducing ecological damage. Bioleaching of metals from ores: Microorganisms such as Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans are used in biomining. They oxidize metal sulfides and help extract metals like copper, uranium, and gold from low-grade ores. Bioleaching is environmentally preferable to conventional smelting because it requires less energy and produces fewer air pollutants. III. Nitrogen fixation in agricultural soils: Symbiotic bacteria like Rhizobium in legume root nodules convert atmospheric nitrogen into ammonia, a usable form for plants. This enhances soil fertility, reduces dependence on synthetic fertilizers, and supports sustainable agriculture.

#### 3. Question

Consider the following environmental applications of microorganisms:

• Bioremediation of oil spills

• Bioleaching of metals from ores

• Nitrogen fixation in agricultural soils

Which of the above represent beneficial uses of microbes?

• (a) I only

• (b) I and II only

• (c) II and III only

• (d) I, II and III

Solution: D

All three listed applications represent beneficial uses of microorganisms in environmental and agricultural contexts.

• Bioremediation of oil spills: Certain bacteria such as Pseudomonas and Alcanivorax can degrade hydrocarbons present in crude oil. These microbes metabolize oil components as sources of carbon and energy, converting them into less harmful substances. This natural or enhanced microbial process is widely used to clean marine and terrestrial oil spill sites, reducing ecological damage.

• Bioleaching of metals from ores: Microorganisms such as Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans are used in biomining. They oxidize metal sulfides and help extract metals like copper, uranium, and gold from low-grade ores. Bioleaching is environmentally preferable to conventional smelting because it requires less energy and produces fewer air pollutants.

III. Nitrogen fixation in agricultural soils: Symbiotic bacteria like Rhizobium in legume root nodules convert atmospheric nitrogen into ammonia, a usable form for plants. This enhances soil fertility, reduces dependence on synthetic fertilizers, and supports sustainable agriculture.

Solution: D

All three listed applications represent beneficial uses of microorganisms in environmental and agricultural contexts.

• Question 4 of 5 4. Question Consider the following organizations with their functions and parent ministries: Organization Key Function Parent Ministry I. Directorate of Enforcement (ED) Enforcement of Fugitive Economic Offenders Act Ministry of Home Affairs II. Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) Enforcement of the Customs Act, 1962 Ministry of Finance III. D.G. of Systems & Data Management Big data analytics for tax compliance Ministry of Finance Which of the above are correctly matched? (a) I and II (b) II and III (c) I and III (d) All three Correct Solution: B Match I is incorrect. While the ED does enforce the Fugitive Economic Offenders Act, 2018, it works under the Department of Revenue, Ministry of Finance, not the Ministry of Home Affairs. Match II is correct; the DRI is the premier intelligence agency under the CBIC, Department of Revenue, Ministry of Finance, focused on anti-smuggling and customs violations. Match III is correct; the Directorate General of Systems and Data Management is a key technological arm of the Department of Revenue, Ministry of Finance, utilizing big data to assist tax officers in identifying evaders and shaping better tax policy. Incorrect Solution: B Match I is incorrect. While the ED does enforce the Fugitive Economic Offenders Act, 2018, it works under the Department of Revenue, Ministry of Finance, not the Ministry of Home Affairs. Match II is correct; the DRI is the premier intelligence agency under the CBIC, Department of Revenue, Ministry of Finance, focused on anti-smuggling and customs violations. Match III is correct; the Directorate General of Systems and Data Management is a key technological arm of the Department of Revenue, Ministry of Finance, utilizing big data to assist tax officers in identifying evaders and shaping better tax policy.

#### 4. Question

Consider the following organizations with their functions and parent ministries:

Organization | Key Function | Parent Ministry

I. Directorate of Enforcement (ED) | Enforcement of Fugitive Economic Offenders Act | Ministry of Home Affairs

II. Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) | Enforcement of the Customs Act, 1962 | Ministry of Finance

III. D.G. of Systems & Data Management | Big data analytics for tax compliance | Ministry of Finance

Which of the above are correctly matched?

• (a) I and II

• (b) II and III

• (c) I and III

• (d) All three

Solution: B

• Match I is incorrect. While the ED does enforce the Fugitive Economic Offenders Act, 2018, it works under the Department of Revenue, Ministry of Finance, not the Ministry of Home Affairs.

• Match II is correct; the DRI is the premier intelligence agency under the CBIC, Department of Revenue, Ministry of Finance, focused on anti-smuggling and customs violations.

• Match III is correct; the Directorate General of Systems and Data Management is a key technological arm of the Department of Revenue, Ministry of Finance, utilizing big data to assist tax officers in identifying evaders and shaping better tax policy.

Solution: B

• Match I is incorrect. While the ED does enforce the Fugitive Economic Offenders Act, 2018, it works under the Department of Revenue, Ministry of Finance, not the Ministry of Home Affairs.

• Match II is correct; the DRI is the premier intelligence agency under the CBIC, Department of Revenue, Ministry of Finance, focused on anti-smuggling and customs violations.

• Question 5 of 5 5. Question The term ‘Hansa-3 (NG)’, recently seen in the news, refers to: (a) An indigenous stealth drone developed by DRDO. (b) A new class of diesel-electric submarines commissioned by the Indian Navy. (c) India’s first indigenous flying trainer aircraft designed by CSIR-NAL. (d) A high-yield variety of wheat developed to withstand heatwaves. Correct Solution: C Hansa-3 (NG) is an upgraded version of the earlier Hansa-3 light aircraft developed by the CSIR-National Aerospace Laboratories (CSIR-NAL), based in Bengaluru. The “NG” stands for “Next Generation.” It is a two-seater, light general aviation aircraft primarily designed as a pilot trainer aircraft. The aircraft is intended for use by flying clubs and aviation training institutes for Commercial Pilot License (CPL) training. It features a glass cockpit, improved aerodynamics, enhanced fuel efficiency, and modern avionics compared to its predecessor. The aircraft aligns with India’s push for indigenous aviation manufacturing under initiatives promoting self-reliance in aerospace technology. It is neither a stealth drone nor a submarine, and it has no relation to agricultural crop development. Incorrect Solution: C Hansa-3 (NG) is an upgraded version of the earlier Hansa-3 light aircraft developed by the CSIR-National Aerospace Laboratories (CSIR-NAL), based in Bengaluru. The “NG” stands for “Next Generation.” It is a two-seater, light general aviation aircraft primarily designed as a pilot trainer aircraft. The aircraft is intended for use by flying clubs and aviation training institutes for Commercial Pilot License (CPL) training. It features a glass cockpit, improved aerodynamics, enhanced fuel efficiency, and modern avionics compared to its predecessor. The aircraft aligns with India’s push for indigenous aviation manufacturing under initiatives promoting self-reliance in aerospace technology. It is neither a stealth drone nor a submarine, and it has no relation to agricultural crop development.

#### 5. Question

The term ‘Hansa-3 (NG)’, recently seen in the news, refers to:

• (a) An indigenous stealth drone developed by DRDO.

• (b) A new class of diesel-electric submarines commissioned by the Indian Navy.

• (c) India’s first indigenous flying trainer aircraft designed by CSIR-NAL.

• (d) A high-yield variety of wheat developed to withstand heatwaves.

Solution: C

• Hansa-3 (NG) is an upgraded version of the earlier Hansa-3 light aircraft developed by the CSIR-National Aerospace Laboratories (CSIR-NAL), based in Bengaluru. The “NG” stands for “Next Generation.”

• It is a two-seater, light general aviation aircraft primarily designed as a pilot trainer aircraft. The aircraft is intended for use by flying clubs and aviation training institutes for Commercial Pilot License (CPL) training. It features a glass cockpit, improved aerodynamics, enhanced fuel efficiency, and modern avionics compared to its predecessor.

• The aircraft aligns with India’s push for indigenous aviation manufacturing under initiatives promoting self-reliance in aerospace technology. It is neither a stealth drone nor a submarine, and it has no relation to agricultural crop development.

Solution: C

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