UPSC Editorials Quiz : 16 October 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 Forest Rights Act (FRA), 2006: It recognizes both individual and community forest rights, including habitat rights for Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs). Before diversion of forest land for non-forest purposes, recognition and settlement of rights are mandatory. Gram Sabha consent is a procedural requirement but not legally binding. The Act applies only to mainland India and not to Union Territories like the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. How many of the above statements are correct? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) Only three (d) All four Correct Solution: B Statements 1 and 2 are correct. The Forest Rights Act, 2006 recognizes individual, community, and habitat rights for forest dwellers, including PVTGs such as the Shompen in Nicobar. It mandates that before any forest diversion, rights must be settled and Gram Sabha consent must be obtained. Statement 3 is incorrect because Gram Sabha consent is legally binding as affirmed by the Supreme Court in the Niyamgiri judgment. Statement 4 is also incorrect. The FRA, 2006, applies to the entire territory of India where Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers reside, including Union Territories, provided the conditions for recognition of rights are met. Its provisions are applicable in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Incorrect Solution: B Statements 1 and 2 are correct. The Forest Rights Act, 2006 recognizes individual, community, and habitat rights for forest dwellers, including PVTGs such as the Shompen in Nicobar. It mandates that before any forest diversion, rights must be settled and Gram Sabha consent must be obtained. Statement 3 is incorrect because Gram Sabha consent is legally binding as affirmed by the Supreme Court in the Niyamgiri judgment. Statement 4 is also incorrect. The FRA, 2006, applies to the entire territory of India where Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers reside, including Union Territories, provided the conditions for recognition of rights are met. Its provisions are applicable in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

#### 1. Question

Consider the following statements regarding the Forest Rights Act (FRA), 2006:

• It recognizes both individual and community forest rights, including habitat rights for Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs).

• Before diversion of forest land for non-forest purposes, recognition and settlement of rights are mandatory.

• Gram Sabha consent is a procedural requirement but not legally binding.

• The Act applies only to mainland India and not to Union Territories like the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

How many of the above statements are correct?

• (a) Only one

• (b) Only two

• (c) Only three

• (d) All four

Solution: B

• Statements 1 and 2 are correct. The Forest Rights Act, 2006 recognizes individual, community, and habitat rights for forest dwellers, including PVTGs such as the Shompen in Nicobar. It mandates that before any forest diversion, rights must be settled and Gram Sabha consent must be obtained.

• Statement 3 is incorrect because Gram Sabha consent is legally binding as affirmed by the Supreme Court in the Niyamgiri judgment.

• Statement 4 is also incorrect. The FRA, 2006, applies to the entire territory of India where Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers reside, including Union Territories, provided the conditions for recognition of rights are met. Its provisions are applicable in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

Solution: B

• Statement 3 is incorrect because Gram Sabha consent is legally binding as affirmed by the Supreme Court in the Niyamgiri judgment.

• Question 2 of 5 2. Question With regard to the ‘Start-Up & Stand-Up India’ initiative, consider the following statements: The initiative aims to promote entrepreneurship exclusively among women and Scheduled Castes/Scheduled Tribes (SC/ST) communities. Under the Stand-Up India scheme, bank loans are provided for setting up greenfield enterprises. The Start-Up India initiative is implemented by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT). How many of the above statements are correct? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) All three (d) None Correct Solution: B The ‘Start-Up India’ and ‘Stand-Up India’ initiatives are key pillars of the Indian government’s efforts to foster a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship. Statement 1 is incorrect. While a significant proportion of the start-ups (around 40%) are led by women or SC/ST entrepreneurs, the initiative is not exclusively for them. The ‘Start-Up India’ initiative is open to all aspiring entrepreneurs. The ‘Stand-Up India’ scheme, however, specifically facilitates bank loans for setting up new enterprises by SC, ST, and women entrepreneurs. Statement 2 is correct. The Stand-Up India scheme facilitates bank loans between ₹10 lakh and ₹1 Crore to at least one Scheduled Caste (SC) or Scheduled Tribe (ST) borrower and at least one woman borrower per bank branch for setting up a greenfield enterprise. A greenfield enterprise, in this context, refers to the first-time venture of the beneficiary in the manufacturing, services, or trading sector. Statement 3 is correct. The Start-Up India initiative is a flagship initiative of the Government of India, intended to build a strong eco-system for nurturing innovation and Startups in the country. It is being implemented by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce and Industry. Incorrect Solution: B The ‘Start-Up India’ and ‘Stand-Up India’ initiatives are key pillars of the Indian government’s efforts to foster a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship. Statement 1 is incorrect. While a significant proportion of the start-ups (around 40%) are led by women or SC/ST entrepreneurs, the initiative is not exclusively for them. The ‘Start-Up India’ initiative is open to all aspiring entrepreneurs. The ‘Stand-Up India’ scheme, however, specifically facilitates bank loans for setting up new enterprises by SC, ST, and women entrepreneurs. Statement 2 is correct. The Stand-Up India scheme facilitates bank loans between ₹10 lakh and ₹1 Crore to at least one Scheduled Caste (SC) or Scheduled Tribe (ST) borrower and at least one woman borrower per bank branch for setting up a greenfield enterprise. A greenfield enterprise, in this context, refers to the first-time venture of the beneficiary in the manufacturing, services, or trading sector. Statement 3 is correct. The Start-Up India initiative is a flagship initiative of the Government of India, intended to build a strong eco-system for nurturing innovation and Startups in the country. It is being implemented by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce and Industry.

#### 2. Question

With regard to the ‘Start-Up & Stand-Up India’ initiative, consider the following statements:

• The initiative aims to promote entrepreneurship exclusively among women and Scheduled Castes/Scheduled Tribes (SC/ST) communities.

• Under the Stand-Up India scheme, bank loans are provided for setting up greenfield enterprises.

• The Start-Up India initiative is implemented by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT).

How many of the above statements are correct?

• (a) Only one

• (b) Only two

• (c) All three

Solution: B

The ‘Start-Up India’ and ‘Stand-Up India’ initiatives are key pillars of the Indian government’s efforts to foster a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship.

• Statement 1 is incorrect. While a significant proportion of the start-ups (around 40%) are led by women or SC/ST entrepreneurs, the initiative is not exclusively for them. The ‘Start-Up India’ initiative is open to all aspiring entrepreneurs. The ‘Stand-Up India’ scheme, however, specifically facilitates bank loans for setting up new enterprises by SC, ST, and women entrepreneurs.

• Statement 2 is correct. The Stand-Up India scheme facilitates bank loans between ₹10 lakh and ₹1 Crore to at least one Scheduled Caste (SC) or Scheduled Tribe (ST) borrower and at least one woman borrower per bank branch for setting up a greenfield enterprise. A greenfield enterprise, in this context, refers to the first-time venture of the beneficiary in the manufacturing, services, or trading sector.

• Statement 3 is correct. The Start-Up India initiative is a flagship initiative of the Government of India, intended to build a strong eco-system for nurturing innovation and Startups in the country. It is being implemented by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce and Industry.

Solution: B

The ‘Start-Up India’ and ‘Stand-Up India’ initiatives are key pillars of the Indian government’s efforts to foster a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship.

• Question 3 of 5 3. Question Which of the following correctly describes ‘Bio-cultural Rights’? a) A UN treaty focusing on biopiracy and genetic resources. b) Rights allowing genetic modification of biodiversity for economic purposes. c) Rights exclusive to urban communities conserving local flora. d) Rights recognizing the intrinsic connection between biodiversity and indigenous cultural practices. Correct Solution: D Bio-cultural Rights acknowledge that indigenous and local communities maintain and protect ecosystems through their cultural, spiritual, and traditional practices. This concept was first recognized by the Colombian Constitutional Court (2016) in the Atrato River judgment, which affirmed that environmental degradation violates both ecological and cultural rights. Bio-cultural rights go beyond environmental protection to secure the community’s right to self-governance and stewardship of natural resources. They provide a model for India’s tribal forest governance under the Forest Rights Act, especially relevant for Shompen and Nicobarese tribes in Great Nicobar. Incorrect Solution: D Bio-cultural Rights acknowledge that indigenous and local communities maintain and protect ecosystems through their cultural, spiritual, and traditional practices. This concept was first recognized by the Colombian Constitutional Court (2016) in the Atrato River judgment, which affirmed that environmental degradation violates both ecological and cultural rights. Bio-cultural rights go beyond environmental protection to secure the community’s right to self-governance and stewardship of natural resources. They provide a model for India’s tribal forest governance under the Forest Rights Act, especially relevant for Shompen and Nicobarese tribes in Great Nicobar.

#### 3. Question

Which of the following correctly describes ‘Bio-cultural Rights’?

• a) A UN treaty focusing on biopiracy and genetic resources.

• b) Rights allowing genetic modification of biodiversity for economic purposes.

• c) Rights exclusive to urban communities conserving local flora.

• d) Rights recognizing the intrinsic connection between biodiversity and indigenous cultural practices.

Solution: D

Bio-cultural Rights acknowledge that indigenous and local communities maintain and protect ecosystems through their cultural, spiritual, and traditional practices. This concept was first recognized by the Colombian Constitutional Court (2016) in the Atrato River judgment, which affirmed that environmental degradation violates both ecological and cultural rights.

Bio-cultural rights go beyond environmental protection to secure the community’s right to self-governance and stewardship of natural resources. They provide a model for India’s tribal forest governance under the Forest Rights Act, especially relevant for Shompen and Nicobarese tribes in Great Nicobar.

Solution: D

• Question 4 of 5 4. Question With respect to the National Infrastructure Pipeline (NIP), consider the following statements: It is a static five-year plan outlining specific projects with pre-allocated budgetary resources from the central government. The implementation of NIP projects envisages a significant share of investment from the private sector, in addition to the central and state governments. The NIP is expected to be funded primarily through the proceeds generated from the National Monetisation Pipeline (NMP). How many of the above statements are correct? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) All three (d) None Correct Solution: A Statement 1 is incorrect. The NIP is not a static plan. It is a dynamic and forward-looking pipeline of infrastructure projects. It is periodically updated to reflect changes in project status and the inclusion of new projects. While it was initially for the five-year period of FY20-25, it is a living document. Also, it is not funded solely by pre-allocated central budgetary resources; it is an outlook of projected investment from various sources. Statement 2 is correct. A key feature of the NIP is its emphasis on a collaborative investment model. The projected investment of over ₹111 lakh crore is expected to be financed by different sources. The breakdown envisages a significant role for the private sector. The expected share is Centre (39%), States (40%), and the Private Sector (21%). This highlights the government’s strategy of leveraging private capital and efficiency to meet the country’s vast infrastructure needs. Statement 3 is incorrect. The National Monetisation Pipeline (NMP) is a separate initiative focused on raising resources by monetizing existing, operational public assets (“brownfield” assets). While the resources generated from the NMP are a crucial source of financing for creating new infrastructure (“greenfield” assets), it is not the *primary* source of funding for the entire NIP. The NIP is funded through a combination of budgetary allocations from the Centre and States, borrowings, and private sector investment. The NMP is one of the innovative financing mechanisms to support this, not the main source. Incorrect Solution: A Statement 1 is incorrect. The NIP is not a static plan. It is a dynamic and forward-looking pipeline of infrastructure projects. It is periodically updated to reflect changes in project status and the inclusion of new projects. While it was initially for the five-year period of FY20-25, it is a living document. Also, it is not funded solely by pre-allocated central budgetary resources; it is an outlook of projected investment from various sources. Statement 2 is correct. A key feature of the NIP is its emphasis on a collaborative investment model. The projected investment of over ₹111 lakh crore is expected to be financed by different sources. The breakdown envisages a significant role for the private sector. The expected share is Centre (39%), States (40%), and the Private Sector (21%). This highlights the government’s strategy of leveraging private capital and efficiency to meet the country’s vast infrastructure needs. Statement 3 is incorrect. The National Monetisation Pipeline (NMP) is a separate initiative focused on raising resources by monetizing existing, operational public assets (“brownfield” assets). While the resources generated from the NMP are a crucial source of financing for creating new infrastructure (“greenfield” assets), it is not the *primary* source of funding for the entire NIP. The NIP is funded through a combination of budgetary allocations from the Centre and States, borrowings, and private sector investment. The NMP is one of the innovative financing mechanisms to support this, not the main source.

#### 4. Question

With respect to the National Infrastructure Pipeline (NIP), consider the following statements:

• It is a static five-year plan outlining specific projects with pre-allocated budgetary resources from the central government.

• The implementation of NIP projects envisages a significant share of investment from the private sector, in addition to the central and state governments.

• The NIP is expected to be funded primarily through the proceeds generated from the National Monetisation Pipeline (NMP).

How many of the above statements are correct?

• (a) Only one

• (b) Only two

• (c) All three

Solution: A

• Statement 1 is incorrect. The NIP is not a static plan. It is a dynamic and forward-looking pipeline of infrastructure projects. It is periodically updated to reflect changes in project status and the inclusion of new projects. While it was initially for the five-year period of FY20-25, it is a living document. Also, it is not funded solely by pre-allocated central budgetary resources; it is an outlook of projected investment from various sources.

• Statement 2 is correct. A key feature of the NIP is its emphasis on a collaborative investment model. The projected investment of over ₹111 lakh crore is expected to be financed by different sources. The breakdown envisages a significant role for the private sector. The expected share is Centre (39%), States (40%), and the Private Sector (21%). This highlights the government’s strategy of leveraging private capital and efficiency to meet the country’s vast infrastructure needs.

• Statement 3 is incorrect. The National Monetisation Pipeline (NMP) is a separate initiative focused on raising resources by monetizing existing, operational public assets (“brownfield” assets). While the resources generated from the NMP are a crucial source of financing for creating new infrastructure (“greenfield” assets), it is not the *primary* source of funding for the entire NIP. The NIP is funded through a combination of budgetary allocations from the Centre and States, borrowings, and private sector investment. The NMP is one of the innovative financing mechanisms to support this, not the main source.

Solution: A

• Question 5 of 5 5. Question Regarding the implementation structure of the Shram Shakti Niti 2025, consider the following statements: The policy will be implemented through a centralized, single-tier structure managed directly by the Prime Minister’s Office. It establishes a three-tier institutional structure involving National, State, and District Labour Missions. The performance of the policy will be tracked using an annual Labour & Employment Policy Evaluation Index (LEPEI). How many of the above statements are correct? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) All three (d) None Correct Solution: B The Shram Shakti Niti 2025 is the draft National Labour & Employment Policy of India, released by the Ministry of Labour & Employment for public consultation. It is a comprehensive strategic blueprint aimed at transforming India’s labour governance from a predominantly regulatory role to a facilitative, inclusive, and technology-driven ecosystem, aligning with the vision of Viksit Bharat @ 2047. Statement 1 is incorrect. The policy emphasizes cooperative federalism and a decentralized approach. It establishes a three-tier institutional structure, not a centralized one. This makes statement 2 correct, as the structure involves National, State, and District Labour Missions to ensure effective implementation and coordination at all levels of governance. Statement 3 is also correct. To ensure accountability and data-driven governance, the policy introduces the Labour & Employment Policy Evaluation Index (LEPEI), an annual index to track the performance and progress of policy implementation across states and districts. Incorrect Solution: B The Shram Shakti Niti 2025 is the draft National Labour & Employment Policy of India, released by the Ministry of Labour & Employment for public consultation. It is a comprehensive strategic blueprint aimed at transforming India’s labour governance from a predominantly regulatory role to a facilitative, inclusive, and technology-driven ecosystem, aligning with the vision of Viksit Bharat @ 2047. Statement 1 is incorrect. The policy emphasizes cooperative federalism and a decentralized approach. It establishes a three-tier institutional structure, not a centralized one. This makes statement 2 correct, as the structure involves National, State, and District Labour Missions to ensure effective implementation and coordination at all levels of governance. Statement 3 is also correct. To ensure accountability and data-driven governance, the policy introduces the Labour & Employment Policy Evaluation Index (LEPEI), an annual index to track the performance and progress of policy implementation across states and districts.

#### 5. Question

Regarding the implementation structure of the Shram Shakti Niti 2025, consider the following statements:

• The policy will be implemented through a centralized, single-tier structure managed directly by the Prime Minister’s Office.

• It establishes a three-tier institutional structure involving National, State, and District Labour Missions.

• The performance of the policy will be tracked using an annual Labour & Employment Policy Evaluation Index (LEPEI).

How many of the above statements are correct?

• (a) Only one

• (b) Only two

• (c) All three

Solution: B

The Shram Shakti Niti 2025 is the draft National Labour & Employment Policy of India, released by the Ministry of Labour & Employment for public consultation. It is a comprehensive strategic blueprint aimed at transforming India’s labour governance from a predominantly regulatory role to a facilitative, inclusive, and technology-driven ecosystem, aligning with the vision of Viksit Bharat @ 2047.

• Statement 1 is incorrect. The policy emphasizes cooperative federalism and a decentralized approach. It establishes a three-tier institutional structure, not a centralized one. This makes statement 2 correct, as the structure involves National, State, and District Labour Missions to ensure effective implementation and coordination at all levels of governance.

• Statement 3 is also correct. To ensure accountability and data-driven governance, the policy introduces the Labour & Employment Policy Evaluation Index (LEPEI), an annual index to track the performance and progress of policy implementation across states and districts.

Solution: B

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