UPSC Editorials Quiz : 17 April 2025
Kartavya Desk Staff
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 are likely consequences of India revoking the 2020 transshipment facility for Bangladesh? India’s customs and port congestion could be eased. Bangladesh may become more dependent on Chinese infrastructure investments. BIMSTEC regional integration could be negatively affected. India’s border states may see reduced logistical traffic and revenue. Select the correct answer using the code below: a) 1 and 2 only b) 1, 2 and 3 only c) 2, 3 and 4 only d) 1, 2, 3 and 4 Correct Solution: d) Each of these is a plausible consequence: Statement 1 is correct because the facility involved routing Bangladeshi goods through Indian ports and roadways, particularly the Siliguri corridor and Kolkata port—removing this would ease congestion and customs processing at these points. Statement 2 is correct, as Bangladesh may increasingly turn to Chinese-funded infrastructure projects, such as those under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), to diversify its transit and trade dependencies. Statement 3 is correct because such a policy reversal undermines BIMSTEC’s vision of seamless regional connectivity and integration, affecting trust and cooperation. Finally, Statement 4 is correct, as Indian states like West Bengal and Assam, which benefitted economically through logistics, warehousing, and transit fees, may experience reduced commercial traffic and revenue losses. Incorrect Solution: d) Each of these is a plausible consequence: Statement 1 is correct because the facility involved routing Bangladeshi goods through Indian ports and roadways, particularly the Siliguri corridor and Kolkata port—removing this would ease congestion and customs processing at these points. Statement 2 is correct, as Bangladesh may increasingly turn to Chinese-funded infrastructure projects, such as those under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), to diversify its transit and trade dependencies. Statement 3 is correct because such a policy reversal undermines BIMSTEC’s vision of seamless regional connectivity and integration, affecting trust and cooperation. Finally, Statement 4 is correct, as Indian states like West Bengal and Assam, which benefitted economically through logistics, warehousing, and transit fees, may experience reduced commercial traffic and revenue losses.
#### 1. Question
Which of the following are likely consequences of India revoking the 2020 transshipment facility for Bangladesh?
• India’s customs and port congestion could be eased.
• Bangladesh may become more dependent on Chinese infrastructure investments.
• BIMSTEC regional integration could be negatively affected.
• India’s border states may see reduced logistical traffic and revenue.
Select the correct answer using the code below:
• a) 1 and 2 only
• b) 1, 2 and 3 only
• c) 2, 3 and 4 only
• d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
Solution: d)
Each of these is a plausible consequence:
• Statement 1 is correct because the facility involved routing Bangladeshi goods through Indian ports and roadways, particularly the Siliguri corridor and Kolkata port—removing this would ease congestion and customs processing at these points.
• Statement 2 is correct, as Bangladesh may increasingly turn to Chinese-funded infrastructure projects, such as those under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), to diversify its transit and trade dependencies.
• Statement 3 is correct because such a policy reversal undermines BIMSTEC’s vision of seamless regional connectivity and integration, affecting trust and cooperation.
• Finally, Statement 4 is correct, as Indian states like West Bengal and Assam, which benefitted economically through logistics, warehousing, and transit fees, may experience reduced commercial traffic and revenue losses.
Solution: d)
Each of these is a plausible consequence:
• Statement 1 is correct because the facility involved routing Bangladeshi goods through Indian ports and roadways, particularly the Siliguri corridor and Kolkata port—removing this would ease congestion and customs processing at these points.
• Statement 2 is correct, as Bangladesh may increasingly turn to Chinese-funded infrastructure projects, such as those under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), to diversify its transit and trade dependencies.
• Statement 3 is correct because such a policy reversal undermines BIMSTEC’s vision of seamless regional connectivity and integration, affecting trust and cooperation.
• Finally, Statement 4 is correct, as Indian states like West Bengal and Assam, which benefitted economically through logistics, warehousing, and transit fees, may experience reduced commercial traffic and revenue losses.
• Question 2 of 5 2. Question Consider the following statements on international efforts to combat marine litter: The MARPOL Convention prohibits all forms of plastic discharge from ships into the sea. The Basel Convention classifies plastic waste as non-hazardous unless combined with chemicals. The Global Plastics Treaty of 2022 has been ratified by all major oceanic states. How many of the above statements is/are correct? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) All three (d) None Correct Solution: d) Statement 1 is partly true but misleading. While MARPOL Annex V prohibits plastic discharge, enforcement and compliance remain weak, and illegal dumping persists. Statement 2 is incorrect. The Basel Convention (2019 amendment) now includes some plastic waste as hazardous, especially mixed, contaminated, or difficult-to-recycle waste. Statement 3 is false. A legally binding Global Plastics Treaty is still under negotiation (as of 2025) through UNEA resolution 5/14. It hasn’t been finalized or ratified yet. Incorrect Solution: d) Statement 1 is partly true but misleading. While MARPOL Annex V prohibits plastic discharge, enforcement and compliance remain weak, and illegal dumping persists. Statement 2 is incorrect. The Basel Convention (2019 amendment) now includes some plastic waste as hazardous, especially mixed, contaminated, or difficult-to-recycle waste. Statement 3 is false. A legally binding Global Plastics Treaty is still under negotiation (as of 2025) through UNEA resolution 5/14. It hasn’t been finalized or ratified yet.
#### 2. Question
Consider the following statements on international efforts to combat marine litter:
• The MARPOL Convention prohibits all forms of plastic discharge from ships into the sea.
• The Basel Convention classifies plastic waste as non-hazardous unless combined with chemicals.
• The Global Plastics Treaty of 2022 has been ratified by all major oceanic states.
How many of the above statements is/are correct?
• (a) Only one
• (b) Only two
• (c) All three
Solution: d)
• Statement 1 is partly true but misleading. While MARPOL Annex V prohibits plastic discharge, enforcement and compliance remain weak, and illegal dumping persists.
• Statement 2 is incorrect. The Basel Convention (2019 amendment) now includes some plastic waste as hazardous, especially mixed, contaminated, or difficult-to-recycle waste.
• Statement 3 is false. A legally binding Global Plastics Treaty is still under negotiation (as of 2025) through UNEA resolution 5/14. It hasn’t been finalized or ratified yet.
Solution: d)
• Statement 1 is partly true but misleading. While MARPOL Annex V prohibits plastic discharge, enforcement and compliance remain weak, and illegal dumping persists.
• Statement 2 is incorrect. The Basel Convention (2019 amendment) now includes some plastic waste as hazardous, especially mixed, contaminated, or difficult-to-recycle waste.
• Statement 3 is false. A legally binding Global Plastics Treaty is still under negotiation (as of 2025) through UNEA resolution 5/14. It hasn’t been finalized or ratified yet.
• Question 3 of 5 3. Question Consider the following statements regarding the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA): It is applicable only to Below Poverty Line (BPL) households. States are allowed to pay wages above the Central notified rate under the scheme. It provides 100 days of guaranteed wage employment per household annually. 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 incorrect. MGNREGA is a universal entitlement-based scheme for all rural households willing to do unskilled manual work—not limited to BPL households. Statement 2 is correct. While the Central Government sets a base wage rate, the MGNREGA also allows states to provide additional wages to workers from their own resources. Statement 3 is also correct. The Act legally guarantees 100 days of wage employment per financial year to every rural household whose adult members volunteer to do unskilled manual work. The Act also mandates unemployment allowance if work is not provided within 15 days of demand. Incorrect Solution: b) Statement 1 is incorrect. MGNREGA is a universal entitlement-based scheme for all rural households willing to do unskilled manual work—not limited to BPL households. Statement 2 is correct. While the Central Government sets a base wage rate, the MGNREGA also allows states to provide additional wages to workers from their own resources. Statement 3 is also correct. The Act legally guarantees 100 days of wage employment per financial year to every rural household whose adult members volunteer to do unskilled manual work. The Act also mandates unemployment allowance if work is not provided within 15 days of demand.
#### 3. Question
Consider the following statements regarding the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA):
• It is applicable only to Below Poverty Line (BPL) households.
• States are allowed to pay wages above the Central notified rate under the scheme.
• It provides 100 days of guaranteed wage employment per household annually.
How many of the above statements are correct?
• (a) Only one
• (b) Only two
• (c) All three
Solution: b)
Statement 1 is incorrect.
• MGNREGA is a universal entitlement-based scheme for all rural households willing to do unskilled manual work—not limited to BPL households.
• Statement 2 is correct. While the Central Government sets a base wage rate, the MGNREGA also allows states to provide additional wages to workers from their own resources.
• Statement 3 is also correct. The Act legally guarantees 100 days of wage employment per financial year to every rural household whose adult members volunteer to do unskilled manual work.
• The Act also mandates unemployment allowance if work is not provided within 15 days of demand.
Solution: b)
Statement 1 is incorrect.
• MGNREGA is a universal entitlement-based scheme for all rural households willing to do unskilled manual work—not limited to BPL households.
• Statement 2 is correct. While the Central Government sets a base wage rate, the MGNREGA also allows states to provide additional wages to workers from their own resources.
• Statement 3 is also correct. The Act legally guarantees 100 days of wage employment per financial year to every rural household whose adult members volunteer to do unskilled manual work.
• The Act also mandates unemployment allowance if work is not provided within 15 days of demand.
• Question 4 of 5 4. Question Which of the following best describes the Canary Islands? a) The Canary Islands are located off the coast of Portugal. b) The islands experience extreme seasonal temperature variations. c) They are a volcanic archipelago located in the Atlantic Ocean, part of Spain. d) They are an archipelago located in the Mediterranean Sea, controlled by Spain. Correct Solution: c) The Canary Islands are an archipelago in the Atlantic Ocean, located about 1,300 km south of mainland Spain and west of the African coast (Morocco). They were formed by volcanic eruptions millions of years ago, which gave them their unique landscape. The islands have a subtropical climate with little seasonal variation. Incorrect Solution: c) The Canary Islands are an archipelago in the Atlantic Ocean, located about 1,300 km south of mainland Spain and west of the African coast (Morocco). They were formed by volcanic eruptions millions of years ago, which gave them their unique landscape. The islands have a subtropical climate with little seasonal variation.
#### 4. Question
Which of the following best describes the Canary Islands?
• a) The Canary Islands are located off the coast of Portugal.
• b) The islands experience extreme seasonal temperature variations.
• c) They are a volcanic archipelago located in the Atlantic Ocean, part of Spain.
• d) They are an archipelago located in the Mediterranean Sea, controlled by Spain.
Solution: c)
The Canary Islands are an archipelago in the Atlantic Ocean, located about 1,300 km south of mainland Spain and west of the African coast (Morocco). They were formed by volcanic eruptions millions of years ago, which gave them their unique landscape. The islands have a subtropical climate with little seasonal variation.
Solution: c)
The Canary Islands are an archipelago in the Atlantic Ocean, located about 1,300 km south of mainland Spain and west of the African coast (Morocco). They were formed by volcanic eruptions millions of years ago, which gave them their unique landscape. The islands have a subtropical climate with little seasonal variation.
• Question 5 of 5 5. Question Consider the following statements regarding thermobaric weapons: They cause a two-stage explosion: first dispersing fuel, then igniting it. Thermobaric weapons are designed to specifically target civilians. These weapons cause damage primarily through pressure changes. How many of the above statements is/are correct? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) All three (d) None Correct Solution: a) Statement 1 is correct. Thermobaric weapons operate through a two-stage explosion First, they disperse a fine aerosol of fuel into the surrounding air. Then, this fuel cloud is ignited, producing an intense explosion that creates a high-temperature blast wave and consumes surrounding oxygen. Statement 2 is incorrect. While thermobaric weapons have devastating effects in enclosed or populated environments, they are not explicitly designed to target civilians. Their use against civilians or civilian infrastructure would be a violation of international humanitarian law, particularly the Geneva Conventions. Statement 3 is incorrect. Although pressure changes from the blast wave contribute to the destruction—causing lung damage and structural collapse—the weapons also inflict severe harm through the intense heat, which incinerates oxygen and can cause lethal burns. Both heat and pressure contribute substantially, making it inaccurate to say damage is primarily through pressure alone. Incorrect Solution: a) Statement 1 is correct. Thermobaric weapons operate through a two-stage explosion First, they disperse a fine aerosol of fuel into the surrounding air. Then, this fuel cloud is ignited, producing an intense explosion that creates a high-temperature blast wave and consumes surrounding oxygen. Statement 2 is incorrect. While thermobaric weapons have devastating effects in enclosed or populated environments, they are not explicitly designed to target civilians. Their use against civilians or civilian infrastructure would be a violation of international humanitarian law, particularly the Geneva Conventions. Statement 3 is incorrect. Although pressure changes from the blast wave contribute to the destruction—causing lung damage and structural collapse—the weapons also inflict severe harm through the intense heat, which incinerates oxygen and can cause lethal burns. Both heat and pressure contribute substantially, making it inaccurate to say damage is primarily through pressure alone.
#### 5. Question
Consider the following statements regarding thermobaric weapons:
• They cause a two-stage explosion: first dispersing fuel, then igniting it.
• Thermobaric weapons are designed to specifically target civilians.
• These weapons cause damage primarily through pressure changes.
How many of the above statements is/are correct?
• (a) Only one
• (b) Only two
• (c) All three
Solution: a)
• Statement 1 is correct. Thermobaric weapons operate through a two-stage explosion First, they disperse a fine aerosol of fuel into the surrounding air. Then, this fuel cloud is ignited, producing an intense explosion that creates a high-temperature blast wave and consumes surrounding oxygen.
• Statement 2 is incorrect. While thermobaric weapons have devastating effects in enclosed or populated environments, they are not explicitly designed to target civilians. Their use against civilians or civilian infrastructure would be a violation of international humanitarian law, particularly the Geneva Conventions.
• Statement 3 is incorrect. Although pressure changes from the blast wave contribute to the destruction—causing lung damage and structural collapse—the weapons also inflict severe harm through the intense heat, which incinerates oxygen and can cause lethal burns. Both heat and pressure contribute substantially, making it inaccurate to say damage is primarily through pressure alone.
Solution: a)
• Statement 1 is correct. Thermobaric weapons operate through a two-stage explosion First, they disperse a fine aerosol of fuel into the surrounding air. Then, this fuel cloud is ignited, producing an intense explosion that creates a high-temperature blast wave and consumes surrounding oxygen.
• Statement 2 is incorrect. While thermobaric weapons have devastating effects in enclosed or populated environments, they are not explicitly designed to target civilians. Their use against civilians or civilian infrastructure would be a violation of international humanitarian law, particularly the Geneva Conventions.
• Statement 3 is incorrect. Although pressure changes from the blast wave contribute to the destruction—causing lung damage and structural collapse—the weapons also inflict severe harm through the intense heat, which incinerates oxygen and can cause lethal burns. Both heat and pressure contribute substantially, making it inaccurate to say damage is primarily through pressure alone.
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