UPSC Editorials Quiz : 17 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 about Recirculating Aquaculture Systems (RAS): RAS can be set up in regions without access to natural water sources. It eliminates the need for monitoring water quality and filtration systems. RAS ensures higher production rates compared to traditional aquaculture systems. How many of the above statements is/are incorrect? a) Only one b) Only two c) All three d) None Correct Solution: A Statement 1 is correct: RAS is ideal for areas without natural water sources, as it recycles water within a controlled setup. Statement 3 is correct: RAS enables higher production rates by optimizing environmental conditions for fish growth. Statement 2 is incorrect: RAS requires continuous monitoring of water quality and proper maintenance of filtration systems. About Recirculating Aquaculture Systems (RAS): What it is: A tank-based farming system that recycles water through mechanical and biological filtration. How it works: Water is filtered to remove waste and pathogens. Provides controlled conditions for temperature, oxygen, and water cleanliness. Ensures biosecurity with reduced need for antibiotics. Feature RAS – Controlled environment for optimal fish growth. Advantages – High biosecurity with minimal disease risk. – Can be set up in areas without natural water sources. – Higher production rates compared to traditional systems. – Expensive initial investment and operational costs. Limitations – Constant power supply needed; prone to power outages. – Requires skilled management and maintenance of advanced systems. Incorrect Solution: A Statement 1 is correct: RAS is ideal for areas without natural water sources, as it recycles water within a controlled setup. Statement 3 is correct: RAS enables higher production rates by optimizing environmental conditions for fish growth. Statement 2 is incorrect: RAS requires continuous monitoring of water quality and proper maintenance of filtration systems. About Recirculating Aquaculture Systems (RAS): What it is: A tank-based farming system that recycles water through mechanical and biological filtration. How it works: Water is filtered to remove waste and pathogens. Provides controlled conditions for temperature, oxygen, and water cleanliness. Ensures biosecurity with reduced need for antibiotics. Feature RAS – Controlled environment for optimal fish growth. Advantages – High biosecurity with minimal disease risk. – Can be set up in areas without natural water sources. – Higher production rates compared to traditional systems. – Expensive initial investment and operational costs. Limitations – Constant power supply needed; prone to power outages. – Requires skilled management and maintenance of advanced systems.

#### 1. Question

Consider the following statements about Recirculating Aquaculture Systems (RAS):

• RAS can be set up in regions without access to natural water sources.

• It eliminates the need for monitoring water quality and filtration systems.

• RAS ensures higher production rates compared to traditional aquaculture systems.

How many of the above statements is/are incorrect?

• a) Only one

• b) Only two

• c) All three

Solution: A

Statement 1 is correct: RAS is ideal for areas without natural water sources, as it recycles water within a controlled setup.

Statement 3 is correct: RAS enables higher production rates by optimizing environmental conditions for fish growth.

Statement 2 is incorrect: RAS requires continuous monitoring of water quality and proper maintenance of filtration systems.

About Recirculating Aquaculture Systems (RAS):

• What it is: A tank-based farming system that recycles water through mechanical and biological filtration.

• How it works:

• Water is filtered to remove waste and pathogens. Provides controlled conditions for temperature, oxygen, and water cleanliness. Ensures biosecurity with reduced need for antibiotics.

• Water is filtered to remove waste and pathogens.

• Provides controlled conditions for temperature, oxygen, and water cleanliness.

• Ensures biosecurity with reduced need for antibiotics.

Feature | RAS

| – Controlled environment for optimal fish growth.

Advantages | – High biosecurity with minimal disease risk.

| – Can be set up in areas without natural water sources.

| – Higher production rates compared to traditional systems.

| – Expensive initial investment and operational costs.

Limitations | – Constant power supply needed; prone to power outages.

| – Requires skilled management and maintenance of advanced systems.

Solution: A

Statement 1 is correct: RAS is ideal for areas without natural water sources, as it recycles water within a controlled setup.

Statement 3 is correct: RAS enables higher production rates by optimizing environmental conditions for fish growth.

Statement 2 is incorrect: RAS requires continuous monitoring of water quality and proper maintenance of filtration systems.

About Recirculating Aquaculture Systems (RAS):

• What it is: A tank-based farming system that recycles water through mechanical and biological filtration.

• How it works:

• Water is filtered to remove waste and pathogens. Provides controlled conditions for temperature, oxygen, and water cleanliness. Ensures biosecurity with reduced need for antibiotics.

• Water is filtered to remove waste and pathogens.

• Provides controlled conditions for temperature, oxygen, and water cleanliness.

• Ensures biosecurity with reduced need for antibiotics.

Feature | RAS

| – Controlled environment for optimal fish growth.

Advantages | – High biosecurity with minimal disease risk.

| – Can be set up in areas without natural water sources.

| – Higher production rates compared to traditional systems.

| – Expensive initial investment and operational costs.

Limitations | – Constant power supply needed; prone to power outages.

| – Requires skilled management and maintenance of advanced systems.

• Question 2 of 5 2. Question Consider the following statements regarding Biofloc Technology (BFT): It relies on heterotrophic bacteria to convert organic waste into microbial biomass. It eliminates the need for aeration in aquaculture systems. BFT heavily depends on antibiotics to maintain water quality. 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 correct: Heterotrophic bacteria in BFT convert organic waste into protein-rich microbial biomass that fish consume. Statement 2 is incorrect: Aeration is crucial in BFT to maintain optimal microbial activity and water oxygenation. Statement 3 is incorrect: BFT reduces reliance on antibiotics, promoting a more natural and sustainable aquaculture system. About Biofloc Technology (BFT): What it is: A closed-tank aquaculture method using beneficial bacteria to convert organic waste into microbial biomass for fish consumption. How it works: Beneficial heterotrophic bacteria convert waste into biomass. Aeration and microbial activity maintain water quality. Reduces reliance on antibiotics and chemicals. Incorrect Solution: A Statement 1 is correct: Heterotrophic bacteria in BFT convert organic waste into protein-rich microbial biomass that fish consume. Statement 2 is incorrect: Aeration is crucial in BFT to maintain optimal microbial activity and water oxygenation. Statement 3 is incorrect: BFT reduces reliance on antibiotics, promoting a more natural and sustainable aquaculture system. About Biofloc Technology (BFT): What it is: A closed-tank aquaculture method using beneficial bacteria to convert organic waste into microbial biomass for fish consumption. How it works: Beneficial heterotrophic bacteria convert waste into biomass. Aeration and microbial activity maintain water quality. Reduces reliance on antibiotics and chemicals.

#### 2. Question

Consider the following statements regarding Biofloc Technology (BFT):

• It relies on heterotrophic bacteria to convert organic waste into microbial biomass.

• It eliminates the need for aeration in aquaculture systems.

• BFT heavily depends on antibiotics to maintain water quality.

How many of the above statements are correct?

• (a) Only one

• (b) Only two

• (c) All three

Solution: A

Statement 1 is correct: Heterotrophic bacteria in BFT convert organic waste into protein-rich microbial biomass that fish consume.

Statement 2 is incorrect: Aeration is crucial in BFT to maintain optimal microbial activity and water oxygenation.

Statement 3 is incorrect: BFT reduces reliance on antibiotics, promoting a more natural and sustainable aquaculture system.

About Biofloc Technology (BFT):

• What it is: A closed-tank aquaculture method using beneficial bacteria to convert organic waste into microbial biomass for fish consumption.

How it works:

• Beneficial heterotrophic bacteria convert waste into biomass.

• Aeration and microbial activity maintain water quality.

• Reduces reliance on antibiotics and chemicals.

Solution: A

Statement 1 is correct: Heterotrophic bacteria in BFT convert organic waste into protein-rich microbial biomass that fish consume.

Statement 2 is incorrect: Aeration is crucial in BFT to maintain optimal microbial activity and water oxygenation.

Statement 3 is incorrect: BFT reduces reliance on antibiotics, promoting a more natural and sustainable aquaculture system.

About Biofloc Technology (BFT):

• What it is: A closed-tank aquaculture method using beneficial bacteria to convert organic waste into microbial biomass for fish consumption.

How it works:

• Beneficial heterotrophic bacteria convert waste into biomass.

• Aeration and microbial activity maintain water quality.

• Reduces reliance on antibiotics and chemicals.

• Question 3 of 5 3. Question What is the primary objective of the Central Value Added Tax (CENVAT)? a) To replace service tax with a single indirect tax b) To prevent double taxation and reduce cascading taxes c) To incentivize foreign investments in India d) To increase revenue collection for the central government Correct Solution: B The primary objective of the Central Value Added Tax (CENVAT) is to prevent double taxation and reduce cascading taxes in the production and service supply chain. Cascading taxes occur when a tax is levied on top of another tax, increasing the overall cost of goods and services. CENVAT achieves this by allowing manufacturers and service providers to claim tax credits for the excise duty or service tax paid on inputs, input services, or capital goods used in the production process. Implemented under the CENVAT Credit Rules, 2004, the system simplifies the taxation process, ensuring that tax is levied only on the value addition at each stage. This not only lowers the tax burden on businesses but also promotes competitiveness by enabling them to reinvest savings in innovation and production. By eliminating tax redundancies, CENVAT also benefits consumers through lower prices, making it a critical component of India’s pre-GST taxation framework. Incorrect Solution: B The primary objective of the Central Value Added Tax (CENVAT) is to prevent double taxation and reduce cascading taxes in the production and service supply chain. Cascading taxes occur when a tax is levied on top of another tax, increasing the overall cost of goods and services. CENVAT achieves this by allowing manufacturers and service providers to claim tax credits for the excise duty or service tax paid on inputs, input services, or capital goods used in the production process. Implemented under the CENVAT Credit Rules, 2004, the system simplifies the taxation process, ensuring that tax is levied only on the value addition at each stage. This not only lowers the tax burden on businesses but also promotes competitiveness by enabling them to reinvest savings in innovation and production. By eliminating tax redundancies, CENVAT also benefits consumers through lower prices, making it a critical component of India’s pre-GST taxation framework.

#### 3. Question

What is the primary objective of the Central Value Added Tax (CENVAT)?

• a) To replace service tax with a single indirect tax

• b) To prevent double taxation and reduce cascading taxes

• c) To incentivize foreign investments in India

• d) To increase revenue collection for the central government

Solution: B

• The primary objective of the Central Value Added Tax (CENVAT) is to prevent double taxation and reduce cascading taxes in the production and service supply chain.

• Cascading taxes occur when a tax is levied on top of another tax, increasing the overall cost of goods and services.

• CENVAT achieves this by allowing manufacturers and service providers to claim tax credits for the excise duty or service tax paid on inputs, input services, or capital goods used in the production process.

Implemented under the CENVAT Credit Rules, 2004, the system simplifies the taxation process, ensuring that tax is levied only on the value addition at each stage. This not only lowers the tax burden on businesses but also promotes competitiveness by enabling them to reinvest savings in innovation and production. By eliminating tax redundancies, CENVAT also benefits consumers through lower prices, making it a critical component of India’s pre-GST taxation framework.

Solution: B

• The primary objective of the Central Value Added Tax (CENVAT) is to prevent double taxation and reduce cascading taxes in the production and service supply chain.

• Cascading taxes occur when a tax is levied on top of another tax, increasing the overall cost of goods and services.

• Question 4 of 5 4. Question Consider the following statements about UNICEF: It was established post-World War I to focus on children affected by conflicts. UNICEF operates in over 190 countries and territories. It relies exclusively on government contributions for funding. How many of the above statements are incorrect? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) All three (d) None Correct Solution: B Statement 1 is incorrect as UNICEF was established post-World War II, not World War I. Statement 2 is correct, highlighting its global presence in 190+ countries. Statement 3 is incorrect because it relies on voluntary contributions, not just government funding. About UNICEF: Established:1946, post-World War II. Mandate:To protect the rights and futures of children worldwide, regardless of country. Presence:Active in 190+ countries and territories. Funding:Fully funded through voluntary contributions from individuals, governments, and private sector partners. Awards:Nobel Peace Prize (1965), Indira Gandhi Prize (1989), Princess of Asturias Award (2006). Reports Published:The State of the World’s Children, among others. Incorrect Solution: B Statement 1 is incorrect as UNICEF was established post-World War II, not World War I. Statement 2 is correct, highlighting its global presence in 190+ countries. Statement 3 is incorrect because it relies on voluntary contributions, not just government funding. About UNICEF: Established:1946, post-World War II. Mandate:To protect the rights and futures of children worldwide, regardless of country. Presence:Active in 190+ countries and territories. Funding:Fully funded through voluntary contributions from individuals, governments, and private sector partners. Awards:Nobel Peace Prize (1965), Indira Gandhi Prize (1989), Princess of Asturias Award (2006). Reports Published:The State of the World’s Children, among others.

#### 4. Question

Consider the following statements about UNICEF:

• It was established post-World War I to focus on children affected by conflicts.

• UNICEF operates in over 190 countries and territories.

• It relies exclusively on government contributions for funding.

How many of the above statements are incorrect?

• (a) Only one

• (b) Only two

• (c) All three

Solution: B

Statement 1 is incorrect as UNICEF was established post-World War II, not World War I.

Statement 2 is correct, highlighting its global presence in 190+ countries.

Statement 3 is incorrect because it relies on voluntary contributions, not just government funding.

About UNICEF:

• Established:1946, post-World War II.

• Mandate:To protect the rights and futures of children worldwide, regardless of country.

• Presence:Active in 190+ countries and territories.

• Funding:Fully funded through voluntary contributions from individuals, governments, and private sector partners.

• Awards:Nobel Peace Prize (1965), Indira Gandhi Prize (1989), Princess of Asturias Award (2006).

• Reports Published:The State of the World’s Children, among others.

Solution: B

Statement 1 is incorrect as UNICEF was established post-World War II, not World War I.

Statement 2 is correct, highlighting its global presence in 190+ countries.

Statement 3 is incorrect because it relies on voluntary contributions, not just government funding.

About UNICEF:

• Established:1946, post-World War II.

• Mandate:To protect the rights and futures of children worldwide, regardless of country.

• Presence:Active in 190+ countries and territories.

• Funding:Fully funded through voluntary contributions from individuals, governments, and private sector partners.

• Awards:Nobel Peace Prize (1965), Indira Gandhi Prize (1989), Princess of Asturias Award (2006).

• Reports Published:The State of the World’s Children, among others.

• Question 5 of 5 5. Question Consider the following statements regarding Salt Chimneys on the Dead Sea floor: They are formed by the deposition of calcium carbonate due to freshwater mixing with Dead Sea water. These structures can grow several centimetres per day due to hypersaline brine flow. Salt chimneys are completely stable and do not indicate geological risks. Which of the above statements are correct? (a) 2 only (b) 1 and 2 only (c) 2 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 Correct Solution: A Statement 1 is incorrect because they are formed by halite crystallization, not calcium carbonate deposition. Statement 2 is correct as the rapid upward flow of hypersaline brine leads to their fast growth. Statement 3 is incorrect because salt chimneys are indicators of geological risks, including sinkhole formation. Researchers from the Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research (UFZ) discovered unique salt chimneys on the Dead Sea floor, a rare geological phenomenon formed by highly saline groundwater. About Salt Chimneys: Formation:Created by the upward flow of hypersaline brine from aquifers, leading to the crystallization of halite upon contact with Dead Sea water. Characteristics:Structures range from 1-7 meters in height with diameters of 2-3 meters. They grow rapidly, up to several centimetres per day. Significance:Serve as early indicators of sinkhole risks, highlighting areas prone to karstification and ground collapse. Applications:Potential for autonomous mapping to predict regions at risk of sinkhole formation. Incorrect Solution: A Statement 1 is incorrect because they are formed by halite crystallization, not calcium carbonate deposition. Statement 2 is correct as the rapid upward flow of hypersaline brine leads to their fast growth. Statement 3 is incorrect because salt chimneys are indicators of geological risks, including sinkhole formation. Researchers from the Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research (UFZ) discovered unique salt chimneys on the Dead Sea floor, a rare geological phenomenon formed by highly saline groundwater. About Salt Chimneys: Formation:Created by the upward flow of hypersaline brine from aquifers, leading to the crystallization of halite upon contact with Dead Sea water. Characteristics:Structures range from 1-7 meters in height with diameters of 2-3 meters. They grow rapidly, up to several centimetres per day. Significance:Serve as early indicators of sinkhole risks, highlighting areas prone to karstification and ground collapse. Applications:Potential for autonomous mapping to predict regions at risk of sinkhole formation.

#### 5. Question

Consider the following statements regarding Salt Chimneys on the Dead Sea floor:

• They are formed by the deposition of calcium carbonate due to freshwater mixing with Dead Sea water.

• These structures can grow several centimetres per day due to hypersaline brine flow.

• Salt chimneys are completely stable and do not indicate geological risks.

Which of the above statements are correct?

• (a) 2 only

• (b) 1 and 2 only

• (c) 2 and 3 only

• (d) 1, 2 and 3

Solution: A

Statement 1 is incorrect because they are formed by halite crystallization, not calcium carbonate deposition.

Statement 2 is correct as the rapid upward flow of hypersaline brine leads to their fast growth.

Statement 3 is incorrect because salt chimneys are indicators of geological risks, including sinkhole formation.

Researchers from the Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research (UFZ) discovered unique salt chimneys on the Dead Sea floor, a rare geological phenomenon formed by highly saline groundwater.

About Salt Chimneys:

• Formation:Created by the upward flow of hypersaline brine from aquifers, leading to the crystallization of halite upon contact with Dead Sea water.

• Characteristics:Structures range from 1-7 meters in height with diameters of 2-3 meters. They grow rapidly, up to several centimetres per day.

• Significance:Serve as early indicators of sinkhole risks, highlighting areas prone to karstification and ground collapse.

• Applications:Potential for autonomous mapping to predict regions at risk of sinkhole formation.

Solution: A

Statement 1 is incorrect because they are formed by halite crystallization, not calcium carbonate deposition.

Statement 2 is correct as the rapid upward flow of hypersaline brine leads to their fast growth.

Statement 3 is incorrect because salt chimneys are indicators of geological risks, including sinkhole formation.

Researchers from the Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research (UFZ) discovered unique salt chimneys on the Dead Sea floor, a rare geological phenomenon formed by highly saline groundwater.

About Salt Chimneys:

• Formation:Created by the upward flow of hypersaline brine from aquifers, leading to the crystallization of halite upon contact with Dead Sea water.

• Characteristics:Structures range from 1-7 meters in height with diameters of 2-3 meters. They grow rapidly, up to several centimetres per day.

• Significance:Serve as early indicators of sinkhole risks, highlighting areas prone to karstification and ground collapse.

• Applications:Potential for autonomous mapping to predict regions at risk of sinkhole formation.

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