UPSC Editorials Quiz : 17 November 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 about ‘Cultivated Meat’ and ‘Precision Fermentation’, both types of Smart Proteins: Cultivated Meat is made by growing real animal cells in bioreactors, which provides genuine meat without the need for animal slaughter. Precision Fermentation uses microbes like yeast or fungi to produce specific protein ingredients, such as milk proteins, without using a cow. 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: C Statement 1 is correct. Cultivated Meat is a form of smart protein produced by growing real animal cells in controlled bioreactors, achieving the same composition and texture as traditional meat but avoiding animal slaughter. Statement 2 is also correct. Precision Fermentation is a process that leverages microbes (yeast, fungi, bacteria) to act as ‘cell factories’ to produce protein ingredients, enzymes, or fats that are molecularly identical to those found in animal products, such as producing milk proteins without requiring a cow. Incorrect Solution: C Statement 1 is correct. Cultivated Meat is a form of smart protein produced by growing real animal cells in controlled bioreactors, achieving the same composition and texture as traditional meat but avoiding animal slaughter. Statement 2 is also correct. Precision Fermentation is a process that leverages microbes (yeast, fungi, bacteria) to act as ‘cell factories’ to produce protein ingredients, enzymes, or fats that are molecularly identical to those found in animal products, such as producing milk proteins without requiring a cow.

#### 1. Question

Consider the following statements about ‘Cultivated Meat’ and ‘Precision Fermentation’, both types of Smart Proteins:

• Cultivated Meat is made by growing real animal cells in bioreactors, which provides genuine meat without the need for animal slaughter.

• Precision Fermentation uses microbes like yeast or fungi to produce specific protein ingredients, such as milk proteins, without using a cow.

Which of the above statements are correct?

• (a) 1 only

• (b) 2 only

• (c) Both 1 and 2

• (d) Neither 1 nor 2

Solution: C

• Statement 1 is correct. Cultivated Meat is a form of smart protein produced by growing real animal cells in controlled bioreactors, achieving the same composition and texture as traditional meat but avoiding animal slaughter.

• Statement 2 is also correct. Precision Fermentation is a process that leverages microbes (yeast, fungi, bacteria) to act as ‘cell factories’ to produce protein ingredients, enzymes, or fats that are molecularly identical to those found in animal products, such as producing milk proteins without requiring a cow.

Solution: C

• Question 2 of 5 2. Question Which one of the following statements is correct regarding the newly approved royalty rate structure for critical minerals in India? (a) Royalty rates are now uniformly fixed at 2% for all critical minerals like Graphite, Caesium, and Rubidium, regardless of their market price. (b) The calculation of the royalty rate is now based on a fixed per-tonne charge for all minerals to ensure price stability. (c) The Central Government's power to fix or revise royalty rates is primarily governed by the Mineral Concession Rules, 1960. (d) For Graphite, the royalty rate is now quality-dependent, with lower-grade graphite (<80% carbon) attracting a higher royalty percentage than the higher-grade one. Correct Solution: D Statement (a) is incorrect as the rates vary: Caesium and Rubidium are 2%, but Zirconium is 1%, and Graphite has a slab rate. Statement (b) is incorrect; the new rates are calculated as a percentage of the Average Sale Price (ASP), moving away from a flat per-tonne charge, making them market-price dependent. Statement (c) is incorrect; the power to fix or revise royalty rates is primarily governed by the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957 (MMDR Act), with the Mineral Concession Rules, 1960, providing procedural details. Statement (d) is correct. The new Graphite royalty structure is 2% for higher-grade (≥80% carbon) and 4% for lower-grade (<80% carbon). This quality-based differential incentivizes the mining of higher-quality graphite which is critical for EV batteries and green technology, while aligning with international norms. Incorrect Solution: D Statement (a) is incorrect as the rates vary: Caesium and Rubidium are 2%, but Zirconium is 1%, and Graphite has a slab rate. Statement (b) is incorrect; the new rates are calculated as a percentage of the Average Sale Price (ASP), moving away from a flat per-tonne charge, making them market-price dependent. Statement (c) is incorrect; the power to fix or revise royalty rates is primarily governed by the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957 (MMDR Act), with the Mineral Concession Rules, 1960, providing procedural details. Statement (d) is correct. The new Graphite royalty structure is 2% for higher-grade (≥80% carbon) and 4% for lower-grade (<80% carbon). This quality-based differential incentivizes the mining of higher-quality graphite which is critical for EV batteries and green technology, while aligning with international norms.

#### 2. Question

Which one of the following statements is correct regarding the newly approved royalty rate structure for critical minerals in India?

• (a) Royalty rates are now uniformly fixed at 2% for all critical minerals like Graphite, Caesium, and Rubidium, regardless of their market price.

• (b) The calculation of the royalty rate is now based on a fixed per-tonne charge for all minerals to ensure price stability.

• (c) The Central Government's power to fix or revise royalty rates is primarily governed by the Mineral Concession Rules, 1960.

• (d) For Graphite, the royalty rate is now quality-dependent, with lower-grade graphite (<80% carbon) attracting a higher royalty percentage than the higher-grade one.

Solution: D

• Statement (a) is incorrect as the rates vary: Caesium and Rubidium are 2%, but Zirconium is 1%, and Graphite has a slab rate.

• Statement (b) is incorrect; the new rates are calculated as a percentage of the Average Sale Price (ASP), moving away from a flat per-tonne charge, making them market-price dependent.

• Statement (c) is incorrect; the power to fix or revise royalty rates is primarily governed by the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957 (MMDR Act), with the Mineral Concession Rules, 1960, providing procedural details.

• Statement (d) is correct. The new Graphite royalty structure is 2% for higher-grade (≥80% carbon) and 4% for lower-grade (<80% carbon). This quality-based differential incentivizes the mining of higher-quality graphite which is critical for EV batteries and green technology, while aligning with international norms.

Solution: D

• Statement (a) is incorrect as the rates vary: Caesium and Rubidium are 2%, but Zirconium is 1%, and Graphite has a slab rate.

• Statement (b) is incorrect; the new rates are calculated as a percentage of the Average Sale Price (ASP), moving away from a flat per-tonne charge, making them market-price dependent.

• Question 3 of 5 3. Question Regarding the Nyoma Air Base, consider the following statements: The operationalisation of the Nyoma Air Base makes it one of the highest airfield in the world capable of handling fighter jets and heavy transport aircraft. The base is strategically located in Eastern Ladakh, thereby strengthening India’s deterrence posture. 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: C Statement 1 is correct. Nyoma Air Base is operationalised at 13,700 feet in Eastern Ladakh, making it one of the highest operational airfields in the world capable of handling heavy transport aircraft like the C-130J, along with fighter jets. Statement 2 is also correct. The base is positioned about 30 km from the LAC and near the Indus River, enhancing air mobility and quick response capabilities. Incorrect Solution: C Statement 1 is correct. Nyoma Air Base is operationalised at 13,700 feet in Eastern Ladakh, making it one of the highest operational airfields in the world capable of handling heavy transport aircraft like the C-130J, along with fighter jets. Statement 2 is also correct. The base is positioned about 30 km from the LAC and near the Indus River, enhancing air mobility and quick response capabilities.

#### 3. Question

Regarding the Nyoma Air Base, consider the following statements:

• The operationalisation of the Nyoma Air Base makes it one of the highest airfield in the world capable of handling fighter jets and heavy transport aircraft.

• The base is strategically located in Eastern Ladakh, thereby strengthening India’s deterrence posture.

Which of the above statements are correct?

• (a) 1 only

• (b) 2 only

• (c) Both 1 and 2

• (d) Neither 1 nor 2

Solution: C

• Statement 1 is correct. Nyoma Air Base is operationalised at 13,700 feet in Eastern Ladakh, making it one of the highest operational airfields in the world capable of handling heavy transport aircraft like the C-130J, along with fighter jets.

• Statement 2 is also correct. The base is positioned about 30 km from the LAC and near the Indus River, enhancing air mobility and quick response capabilities.

Solution: C

• Statement 2 is also correct. The base is positioned about 30 km from the LAC and near the Indus River, enhancing air mobility and quick response capabilities.

• Question 4 of 5 4. Question Consider the following statements regarding the National Database for Emergency Management (NDEM): NDEM is a geo-spatial platform developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and is mandatory for all infrastructure projects of the Ministry of Railways. Its primary objective is to provide a comprehensive database solely on earthquake and cyclone risks across the Indian coastline. The platform integrates multi-scale data for real-time risk analysis and decision support, managed under the direct supervision of the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO). 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. NDEM is developed by the National Remote Sensing Centre (NRSC) of ISRO, under the guidance of the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) and NDMA, not DRDO. It is mandatory for highway Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) of the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH), not the Ministry of Railways. Statement 2 is incorrect. NDEM provides multi-hazard coverage (floods, landslides, droughts, cyclones, earthquakes), not solely for earthquake and cyclone risks on the coastline. Statement 3 is incorrect. While it integrates data for real-time risk analysis, it is managed by the NRSC/ISRO and overseen by MHA and NDMA, not the PMO. None of the statements are correct. The database is key for making road infrastructure safer and more resilient by factoring in hazard data. Incorrect Solution: D Statement 1 is incorrect. NDEM is developed by the National Remote Sensing Centre (NRSC) of ISRO, under the guidance of the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) and NDMA, not DRDO. It is mandatory for highway Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) of the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH), not the Ministry of Railways. Statement 2 is incorrect. NDEM provides multi-hazard coverage (floods, landslides, droughts, cyclones, earthquakes), not solely for earthquake and cyclone risks on the coastline. Statement 3 is incorrect. While it integrates data for real-time risk analysis, it is managed by the NRSC/ISRO and overseen by MHA and NDMA, not the PMO. None of the statements are correct. The database is key for making road infrastructure safer and more resilient by factoring in hazard data.

#### 4. Question

Consider the following statements regarding the National Database for Emergency Management (NDEM):

• NDEM is a geo-spatial platform developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and is mandatory for all infrastructure projects of the Ministry of Railways.

• Its primary objective is to provide a comprehensive database solely on earthquake and cyclone risks across the Indian coastline.

• The platform integrates multi-scale data for real-time risk analysis and decision support, managed under the direct supervision of the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO).

How many of the above statements are correct?

• (a) Only one

• (b) Only two

• (c) All three

Solution: D

• Statement 1 is incorrect. NDEM is developed by the National Remote Sensing Centre (NRSC) of ISRO, under the guidance of the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) and NDMA, not DRDO. It is mandatory for highway Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) of the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH), not the Ministry of Railways.

• Statement 2 is incorrect. NDEM provides multi-hazard coverage (floods, landslides, droughts, cyclones, earthquakes), not solely for earthquake and cyclone risks on the coastline.

• Statement 3 is incorrect. While it integrates data for real-time risk analysis, it is managed by the NRSC/ISRO and overseen by MHA and NDMA, not the PMO. None of the statements are correct. The database is key for making road infrastructure safer and more resilient by factoring in hazard data.

Solution: D

• Statement 2 is incorrect. NDEM provides multi-hazard coverage (floods, landslides, droughts, cyclones, earthquakes), not solely for earthquake and cyclone risks on the coastline.

• Question 5 of 5 5. Question With reference to the ARISE Program and the Climate Investment Funds (CIF), consider the following statements: The ARISE program was launched by the CIF to specifically support island nations in strengthening their economic resilience against rising sea levels. The CIF is hosted within the World Bank and utilizes a Blended Finance Model, combining concessional funds with investments from Multilateral Development Banks (MDBs) and private capital. The Clean Technology Fund (CTF) and the Pilot Program for Climate Resilience (PPCR) are the two core funds managed under the CIF mechanism. 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. ARISE aims to help developing countries strengthen economic and institutional resilience against a wide range of climate shocks (floods, droughts, storms), not exclusively focusing on island nations and sea-level rise. Statement 2 is correct. The CIF is hosted within the World Bank and employs a Blended Finance Model to mobilize capital, reducing risks and attracting private investment through MDBs like IFC and ADB. Statement 3 is incorrect. The two core funds of CIF are the Clean Technology Fund (CTF) and the Strategic Climate Fund (SCF). The Pilot Program for Climate Resilience (PPCR) is one of the innovative programs piloted under the SCF. Incorrect Solution: A Statement 1 is incorrect. ARISE aims to help developing countries strengthen economic and institutional resilience against a wide range of climate shocks (floods, droughts, storms), not exclusively focusing on island nations and sea-level rise. Statement 2 is correct. The CIF is hosted within the World Bank and employs a Blended Finance Model to mobilize capital, reducing risks and attracting private investment through MDBs like IFC and ADB. Statement 3 is incorrect. The two core funds of CIF are the Clean Technology Fund (CTF) and the Strategic Climate Fund (SCF). The Pilot Program for Climate Resilience (PPCR) is one of the innovative programs piloted under the SCF.

#### 5. Question

With reference to the ARISE Program and the Climate Investment Funds (CIF), consider the following statements:

• The ARISE program was launched by the CIF to specifically support island nations in strengthening their economic resilience against rising sea levels.

• The CIF is hosted within the World Bank and utilizes a Blended Finance Model, combining concessional funds with investments from Multilateral Development Banks (MDBs) and private capital.

• The Clean Technology Fund (CTF) and the Pilot Program for Climate Resilience (PPCR) are the two core funds managed under the CIF mechanism.

How many of the above statements are correct?

• (a) Only one

• (b) Only two

• (c) All three

Solution: A

• Statement 1 is incorrect. ARISE aims to help developing countries strengthen economic and institutional resilience against a wide range of climate shocks (floods, droughts, storms), not exclusively focusing on island nations and sea-level rise.

• Statement 2 is correct. The CIF is hosted within the World Bank and employs a Blended Finance Model to mobilize capital, reducing risks and attracting private investment through MDBs like IFC and ADB.

• Statement 3 is incorrect. The two core funds of CIF are the Clean Technology Fund (CTF) and the Strategic Climate Fund (SCF). The Pilot Program for Climate Resilience (PPCR) is one of the innovative programs piloted under the SCF.

Solution: A

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