UPSC Editorials Quiz : 17 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 With reference to the “Bharat-VISTAAR” initiative launched recently, consider the following statements: It is a generative AI-powered multilingual tool designed to provide farmers with customized advisory on crop planning and pest management. The initiative integrates the “AgriStack” digital infrastructure with the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) package of practices. It serves as a single “digital doorway” for farmers to access information on government schemes and grievance redressal in their native languages. How many of the above statements are correct? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) All three (d) None Correct Solution: C The Bharat-VISTAAR (Virtually Integrated System to Access Agricultural Resources) represents a significant milestone in India’s agricultural Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI). Statement 1 is correct because the tool uses Artificial Intelligence (AI) to personalize advice and is multilingual, allowing farmers to receive guidance on crop planning, weather, and pests through simple phone calls or mobile apps. Statement 2 is correct as the tool integrates “AgriStack” (which contains farmer registries and land records) with ICAR’s trusted database of agricultural practices, ensuring the advice is scientifically sound. Statement 3 is correct because Bharat-VISTAAR is designed as a “single digital doorway” to solve the problem of fragmented information, enabling farmers to check their eligibility for schemes like PM-KISAN, apply for them, and resolve grievances in their own language. The tool reflects India’s strategy of using AI to bridge the “last-mile” information gap in the rural economy. Source Incorrect Solution: C The Bharat-VISTAAR (Virtually Integrated System to Access Agricultural Resources) represents a significant milestone in India’s agricultural Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI). Statement 1 is correct because the tool uses Artificial Intelligence (AI) to personalize advice and is multilingual, allowing farmers to receive guidance on crop planning, weather, and pests through simple phone calls or mobile apps. Statement 2 is correct as the tool integrates “AgriStack” (which contains farmer registries and land records) with ICAR’s trusted database of agricultural practices, ensuring the advice is scientifically sound. Statement 3 is correct because Bharat-VISTAAR is designed as a “single digital doorway” to solve the problem of fragmented information, enabling farmers to check their eligibility for schemes like PM-KISAN, apply for them, and resolve grievances in their own language. The tool reflects India’s strategy of using AI to bridge the “last-mile” information gap in the rural economy. Source

#### 1. Question

With reference to the “Bharat-VISTAAR” initiative launched recently, consider the following statements:

• It is a generative AI-powered multilingual tool designed to provide farmers with customized advisory on crop planning and pest management.

• The initiative integrates the “AgriStack” digital infrastructure with the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) package of practices.

• It serves as a single “digital doorway” for farmers to access information on government schemes and grievance redressal in their native languages.

How many of the above statements are correct?

• (a) Only one

• (b) Only two

• (c) All three

Solution: C

• The Bharat-VISTAAR (Virtually Integrated System to Access Agricultural Resources) represents a significant milestone in India’s agricultural Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI).

• Statement 1 is correct because the tool uses Artificial Intelligence (AI) to personalize advice and is multilingual, allowing farmers to receive guidance on crop planning, weather, and pests through simple phone calls or mobile apps.

• Statement 2 is correct as the tool integrates “AgriStack” (which contains farmer registries and land records) with ICAR’s trusted database of agricultural practices, ensuring the advice is scientifically sound.

• Statement 3 is correct because Bharat-VISTAAR is designed as a “single digital doorway” to solve the problem of fragmented information, enabling farmers to check their eligibility for schemes like PM-KISAN, apply for them, and resolve grievances in their own language. The tool reflects India’s strategy of using AI to bridge the “last-mile” information gap in the rural economy.

Solution: C

• The Bharat-VISTAAR (Virtually Integrated System to Access Agricultural Resources) represents a significant milestone in India’s agricultural Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI).

• Question 2 of 5 2. Question Consider the following statements regarding the “Substantive Motion” in the context of Indian Parliamentary procedures: A substantive motion is a self-contained, independent proposal submitted for the approval of the House and drafted in such a way as to be capable of expressing a decision of the House. Under the Lok Sabha rules, any Member of Parliament (MP) can be debarred from contesting elections through the adoption of a substantive motion by a simple majority. Which of the above statements are correct? (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 Correct Solution: A A “substantive motion” is a vital tool in parliamentary democracy for addressing serious issues. Statement 1 is correct as it defines the technical nature of the motion—it is a formal, self-contained proposal that allows the House to take a definitive stand or express a decision on a particular matter. Statement 2 is incorrect. While a substantive motion can lead to the suspension or termination of a member’s current term in the Lok Sabha, the power to “debar” an individual from contesting future elections is governed by the Representation of the People Act, 1951, and typically requires a criminal conviction with a specific sentence duration, rather than just a parliamentary motion. Source Incorrect Solution: A A “substantive motion” is a vital tool in parliamentary democracy for addressing serious issues. Statement 1 is correct as it defines the technical nature of the motion—it is a formal, self-contained proposal that allows the House to take a definitive stand or express a decision on a particular matter. Statement 2 is incorrect. While a substantive motion can lead to the suspension or termination of a member’s current term in the Lok Sabha, the power to “debar” an individual from contesting future elections is governed by the Representation of the People Act, 1951, and typically requires a criminal conviction with a specific sentence duration, rather than just a parliamentary motion. Source

#### 2. Question

Consider the following statements regarding the “Substantive Motion” in the context of Indian Parliamentary procedures:

• A substantive motion is a self-contained, independent proposal submitted for the approval of the House and drafted in such a way as to be capable of expressing a decision of the House.

• Under the Lok Sabha rules, any Member of Parliament (MP) can be debarred from contesting elections through the adoption of a substantive motion by a simple majority.

Which of the above statements are correct?

• (a) 1 only

• (b) 2 only

• (c) Both 1 and 2

• (d) Neither 1 nor 2

Solution: A

• A “substantive motion” is a vital tool in parliamentary democracy for addressing serious issues.

• Statement 1 is correct as it defines the technical nature of the motion—it is a formal, self-contained proposal that allows the House to take a definitive stand or express a decision on a particular matter.

• Statement 2 is incorrect. While a substantive motion can lead to the suspension or termination of a member’s current term in the Lok Sabha, the power to “debar” an individual from contesting future elections is governed by the Representation of the People Act, 1951, and typically requires a criminal conviction with a specific sentence duration, rather than just a parliamentary motion.

Solution: A

• A “substantive motion” is a vital tool in parliamentary democracy for addressing serious issues.

• Question 3 of 5 3. Question With reference to the “Urban Challenge Fund” (UCF) approved by the Union Cabinet recently, consider the following statements: It is a grant-based scheme where the Central Government provides 100% funding for urban infrastructure projects. The fund requires cities to raise at least 50% of the project cost from the market through municipal bonds or public-private partnerships. Which of the above statements are correct? (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 Correct Solution: B The Urban Challenge Fund (UCF), approved on February 13, 2026, represents a paradigm shift in urban financing. Statement 1 is incorrect because the UCF is not a 100% grant-based scheme; instead, the Central assistance covers only 25% of the project costs. Statement 2 is correct as the scheme mandates that the participating Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) must raise a minimum of 50% of the project cost from the market, utilizing instruments like municipal bonds, bank loans, and Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs). This structure is designed to instill fiscal discipline and administrative capacity within cities. The fund aims to support transformative and “bankable” projects in resilient infrastructure, water, and sanitation. It includes a ₹5,000 crore credit guarantee to help smaller Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities access market finance for the first time. The goal is to leverage ₹1 lakh crore of Central aid into a total investment of ₹4 lakh crore over the next five years. Source Incorrect Solution: B The Urban Challenge Fund (UCF), approved on February 13, 2026, represents a paradigm shift in urban financing. Statement 1 is incorrect because the UCF is not a 100% grant-based scheme; instead, the Central assistance covers only 25% of the project costs. Statement 2 is correct as the scheme mandates that the participating Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) must raise a minimum of 50% of the project cost from the market, utilizing instruments like municipal bonds, bank loans, and Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs). This structure is designed to instill fiscal discipline and administrative capacity within cities. The fund aims to support transformative and “bankable” projects in resilient infrastructure, water, and sanitation. It includes a ₹5,000 crore credit guarantee to help smaller Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities access market finance for the first time. The goal is to leverage ₹1 lakh crore of Central aid into a total investment of ₹4 lakh crore over the next five years. Source

#### 3. Question

With reference to the “Urban Challenge Fund” (UCF) approved by the Union Cabinet recently, consider the following statements:

• It is a grant-based scheme where the Central Government provides 100% funding for urban infrastructure projects.

• The fund requires cities to raise at least 50% of the project cost from the market through municipal bonds or public-private partnerships.

Which of the above statements are correct?

• (a) 1 only

• (b) 2 only

• (c) Both 1 and 2

• (d) Neither 1 nor 2

Solution: B

• The Urban Challenge Fund (UCF), approved on February 13, 2026, represents a paradigm shift in urban financing.

• Statement 1 is incorrect because the UCF is not a 100% grant-based scheme; instead, the Central assistance covers only 25% of the project costs.

• Statement 2 is correct as the scheme mandates that the participating Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) must raise a minimum of 50% of the project cost from the market, utilizing instruments like municipal bonds, bank loans, and Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs). This structure is designed to instill fiscal discipline and administrative capacity within cities.

• The fund aims to support transformative and “bankable” projects in resilient infrastructure, water, and sanitation. It includes a ₹5,000 crore credit guarantee to help smaller Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities access market finance for the first time. The goal is to leverage ₹1 lakh crore of Central aid into a total investment of ₹4 lakh crore over the next five years.

Solution: B

• The Urban Challenge Fund (UCF), approved on February 13, 2026, represents a paradigm shift in urban financing.

• Statement 1 is incorrect because the UCF is not a 100% grant-based scheme; instead, the Central assistance covers only 25% of the project costs.

• Question 4 of 5 4. Question Exercise ‘Malabar 2025’ was conducted in the waters near Guam. Which combination of countries participated in this exercise? (a) India, USA, Japan, and France (b) India, USA, Japan, and Australia (c) India, USA, UK, and Australia (d) India, USA, South Korea, and Japan Correct Solution: B Option (b) is correct: Malabar 2025 was a Quad exercise involving the navies of India, the United States, Japan, and Australia. It was hosted by the US Navy in Guam (November 2025). The inclusion of Australia (since 2020) has formalized the Quad nature of this exercise. France is not a participant in Malabar (it participates in La Perouse with Quad nations). Incorrect Solution: B Option (b) is correct: Malabar 2025 was a Quad exercise involving the navies of India, the United States, Japan, and Australia. It was hosted by the US Navy in Guam (November 2025). The inclusion of Australia (since 2020) has formalized the Quad nature of this exercise. France is not a participant in Malabar (it participates in La Perouse with Quad nations).

#### 4. Question

Exercise ‘Malabar 2025’ was conducted in the waters near Guam. Which combination of countries participated in this exercise?

• (a) India, USA, Japan, and France

• (b) India, USA, Japan, and Australia

• (c) India, USA, UK, and Australia

• (d) India, USA, South Korea, and Japan

Solution: B

• Option (b) is correct: Malabar 2025 was a Quad exercise involving the navies of India, the United States, Japan, and Australia.

• It was hosted by the US Navy in Guam (November 2025). The inclusion of Australia (since 2020) has formalized the Quad nature of this exercise. France is not a participant in Malabar (it participates in La Perouse with Quad nations).

Solution: B

• Option (b) is correct: Malabar 2025 was a Quad exercise involving the navies of India, the United States, Japan, and Australia.

• Question 5 of 5 5. Question Consider the following statements regarding the ‘PM E-DRIVE Scheme’: Statement I: The scheme replaces the FAME-II initiative and introduces ‘e-vouchers’ as a mechanism for disbursing demand incentives to electric vehicle buyers. Statement II: The scheme provides a 100% subsidy for the purchase of electric trucks to facilitate the scrapping of old diesel vehicles. Statement III: For the first time, a dedicated fund allocation has been made under the scheme specifically for the deployment of e-ambulances in the public healthcare system. Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements? (a) Both Statement I and Statement III are correct, and Statement I explains the mechanism for Statement III. (b) Both Statement I and Statement III are correct, but they address different components of the scheme. (c) Only Statement I is correct. (d) Only Statement III is correct. Correct Solution: B Statement I is Correct: The PM E-DRIVE scheme replaces FAME-II. It introduces an Aadhaar-authenticated “e-voucher” system. When a buyer purchases an EV, the scheme generates a digital voucher sent to their mobile, which is signed and used to claim the subsidy. This ensures the incentive reaches the consumer directly and transparently. Statement II is Incorrect: While the scheme does incentivize e-trucks and encourages scrapping (offering incentives for those with a scrapping certificate), it does not offer a 100% subsidy. Subsidies are typically a fraction of the cost to bridge the gap with ICE vehicles. A 100% subsidy would imply the government is giving the truck for free, which is economically unfeasible and incorrect. Statement III is Correct: The scheme explicitly allocates ₹500 crore for e-ambulances. This is a novel addition, aiming to introduce electric mobility into the critical healthcare transport sector, which was not a focus area in FAME-II. Incorrect Solution: B Statement I is Correct: The PM E-DRIVE scheme replaces FAME-II. It introduces an Aadhaar-authenticated “e-voucher” system. When a buyer purchases an EV, the scheme generates a digital voucher sent to their mobile, which is signed and used to claim the subsidy. This ensures the incentive reaches the consumer directly and transparently. Statement II is Incorrect: While the scheme does incentivize e-trucks and encourages scrapping (offering incentives for those with a scrapping certificate), it does not offer a 100% subsidy. Subsidies are typically a fraction of the cost to bridge the gap with ICE vehicles. A 100% subsidy would imply the government is giving the truck for free, which is economically unfeasible and incorrect. Statement III is Correct: The scheme explicitly allocates ₹500 crore for e-ambulances. This is a novel addition, aiming to introduce electric mobility into the critical healthcare transport sector, which was not a focus area in FAME-II.

#### 5. Question

Consider the following statements regarding the ‘PM E-DRIVE Scheme’:

Statement I: The scheme replaces the FAME-II initiative and introduces ‘e-vouchers’ as a mechanism for disbursing demand incentives to electric vehicle buyers.

Statement II: The scheme provides a 100% subsidy for the purchase of electric trucks to facilitate the scrapping of old diesel vehicles.

Statement III: For the first time, a dedicated fund allocation has been made under the scheme specifically for the deployment of e-ambulances in the public healthcare system.

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

• (a) Both Statement I and Statement III are correct, and Statement I explains the mechanism for Statement III.

• (b) Both Statement I and Statement III are correct, but they address different components of the scheme.

• (c) Only Statement I is correct.

• (d) Only Statement III is correct.

Solution: B

• Statement I is Correct: The PM E-DRIVE scheme replaces FAME-II. It introduces an Aadhaar-authenticated “e-voucher” system. When a buyer purchases an EV, the scheme generates a digital voucher sent to their mobile, which is signed and used to claim the subsidy. This ensures the incentive reaches the consumer directly and transparently.

• Statement II is Incorrect: While the scheme does incentivize e-trucks and encourages scrapping (offering incentives for those with a scrapping certificate), it does not offer a 100% subsidy. Subsidies are typically a fraction of the cost to bridge the gap with ICE vehicles. A 100% subsidy would imply the government is giving the truck for free, which is economically unfeasible and incorrect.

• Statement III is Correct: The scheme explicitly allocates ₹500 crore for e-ambulances. This is a novel addition, aiming to introduce electric mobility into the critical healthcare transport sector, which was not a focus area in FAME-II.

Solution: B

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