UPSC Editorials Quiz : 18 February 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.

#### Quiz-summary

0 of 5 questions completed

Questions:

#### Information

Best of luck! 🙂

You have already completed the quiz before. Hence you can not start it again.

Quiz is loading...

You must sign in or sign up to start the quiz.

You have to finish following quiz, to start this quiz:

0 of 5 questions answered correctly

Your time:

Time has elapsed

You have reached 0 of 0 points, (0)

#### Categories

• Not categorized 0%

• Question 1 of 5 1. Question Consider the following statements regarding the International Criminal Court (ICC): The ICC can conduct trials in absentia if an accused individual refuses to appear. The ICC’s rulings are legally binding on all UN member states. The ICC can prosecute individuals accused of crimes even if their national government refuses to cooperate. How many of the above statements is/are correct? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) All three (d) None Correct Solution: A Only Statement 3 is correct. The International Criminal Court (ICC) is governed by the Rome Statute and operates independently of the United Nations. It does not conduct trials in absentia, meaning an accused individual must be physically present during proceedings. This ensures that the rights of the accused, including the right to a defense, are upheld. The ICC’s rulings are legally binding only on the 120+ countries that have ratified the Rome Statute, not on all UN member states, as several major countries, including the United States, China, and India, are not party to the treaty. Despite this, the ICC has mechanisms to prosecute individuals even if their national government does not cooperate. If a case is referred by the UN Security Council or if the alleged crimes occurred in a country under ICC jurisdiction, the Court can proceed with investigations and issue arrest warrants, relying on international cooperation for enforcement. Incorrect Solution: A Only Statement 3 is correct. The International Criminal Court (ICC) is governed by the Rome Statute and operates independently of the United Nations. It does not conduct trials in absentia, meaning an accused individual must be physically present during proceedings. This ensures that the rights of the accused, including the right to a defense, are upheld. The ICC’s rulings are legally binding only on the 120+ countries that have ratified the Rome Statute, not on all UN member states, as several major countries, including the United States, China, and India, are not party to the treaty. Despite this, the ICC has mechanisms to prosecute individuals even if their national government does not cooperate. If a case is referred by the UN Security Council or if the alleged crimes occurred in a country under ICC jurisdiction, the Court can proceed with investigations and issue arrest warrants, relying on international cooperation for enforcement.

#### 1. Question

Consider the following statements regarding the International Criminal Court (ICC):

• The ICC can conduct trials in absentia if an accused individual refuses to appear.

• The ICC’s rulings are legally binding on all UN member states.

• The ICC can prosecute individuals accused of crimes even if their national government refuses to cooperate.

How many of the above statements is/are correct?

• (a) Only one

• (b) Only two

• (c) All three

Solution: A

Only Statement 3 is correct.

• The International Criminal Court (ICC) is governed by the Rome Statute and operates independently of the United Nations.

• It does not conduct trials in absentia, meaning an accused individual must be physically present during proceedings. This ensures that the rights of the accused, including the right to a defense, are upheld.

• The ICC’s rulings are legally binding only on the 120+ countries that have ratified the Rome Statute, not on all UN member states, as several major countries, including the United States, China, and India, are not party to the treaty.

• Despite this, the ICC has mechanisms to prosecute individuals even if their national government does not cooperate. If a case is referred by the UN Security Council or if the alleged crimes occurred in a country under ICC jurisdiction, the Court can proceed with investigations and issue arrest warrants, relying on international cooperation for enforcement.

Solution: A

Only Statement 3 is correct.

• The International Criminal Court (ICC) is governed by the Rome Statute and operates independently of the United Nations.

• Question 2 of 5 2. Question Consider the following statements regarding the Public Accounts Committee (PAC): The PAC mainly examines cases of financial mismanagement in public sector enterprises (PSUs). The PAC’s recommendations are binding on the government. The PAC submits its reports to the President of India. PAC members are elected annually by proportional representation. Which of the above statements is/are correct? (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 1, 3, and 4 only (c) 2 and 4 only (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4 Correct Solution: C The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) is a crucial parliamentary committee responsible for auditing government expenditures to ensure they align with parliamentary approvals. The primary and dedicated committee for examining Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) is the Committee on Public Undertakings (COPU) However, the PAC’s recommendations are not binding; they serve as advisory suggestions to improve financial accountability and governance. The government may accept or reject these recommendations at its discretion. The PAC submits its reports to the Speaker of the Lok Sabha rather than the President of India. This aligns with its role as a parliamentary oversight body. The committee consists of members from both houses of Parliament, but ministers cannot be part of it. Members are elected annually through a system of proportional representation, ensuring fair representation of political parties. This process helps maintain neutrality and effectiveness in scrutinizing public expenditures. Incorrect Solution: C The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) is a crucial parliamentary committee responsible for auditing government expenditures to ensure they align with parliamentary approvals. The primary and dedicated committee for examining Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) is the Committee on Public Undertakings (COPU) However, the PAC’s recommendations are not binding; they serve as advisory suggestions to improve financial accountability and governance. The government may accept or reject these recommendations at its discretion. The PAC submits its reports to the Speaker of the Lok Sabha rather than the President of India. This aligns with its role as a parliamentary oversight body. The committee consists of members from both houses of Parliament, but ministers cannot be part of it. Members are elected annually through a system of proportional representation, ensuring fair representation of political parties. This process helps maintain neutrality and effectiveness in scrutinizing public expenditures.

#### 2. Question

Consider the following statements regarding the Public Accounts Committee (PAC):

• The PAC mainly examines cases of financial mismanagement in public sector enterprises (PSUs).

• The PAC’s recommendations are binding on the government.

• The PAC submits its reports to the President of India.

• PAC members are elected annually by proportional representation.

Which of the above statements is/are correct?

• (a) 1 and 2 only

• (b) 1, 3, and 4 only

• (c) 2 and 4 only

• (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

Solution: C

• The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) is a crucial parliamentary committee responsible for auditing government expenditures to ensure they align with parliamentary approvals.

• The primary and dedicated committee for examining Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) is the Committee on Public Undertakings (COPU)

• However, the PAC’s recommendations are not binding; they serve as advisory suggestions to improve financial accountability and governance. The government may accept or reject these recommendations at its discretion.

• The PAC submits its reports to the Speaker of the Lok Sabha rather than the President of India. This aligns with its role as a parliamentary oversight body. The committee consists of members from both houses of Parliament, but ministers cannot be part of it. Members are elected annually through a system of proportional representation, ensuring fair representation of political parties. This process helps maintain neutrality and effectiveness in scrutinizing public expenditures.

Solution: C

• The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) is a crucial parliamentary committee responsible for auditing government expenditures to ensure they align with parliamentary approvals.

• The primary and dedicated committee for examining Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) is the Committee on Public Undertakings (COPU)

• Question 3 of 5 3. Question Consider the following statements regarding different strains of Avian Influenza: H5N1 has been responsible for most human deaths due to Bird Flu since 1997. H9N2 is a Low Pathogenic Avian Influenza (LPAI) strain but has zoonotic potential. H7N9 was the primary Bird Flu strain responsible for large outbreaks in China. H3N2 is a Bird Flu strain that has caused global pandemics in humans. How many of the above statements is/are correct? a) Only one b) Only two c) Only three d) All four Correct Solution: C Statement 4 is incorrect. Avian Influenza (Bird Flu) is caused by different strains of the Influenza A virus, some of which have zoonotic potential, meaning they can infect humans. H5N1 has been responsible for the majority of human deaths from Bird Flu since its first outbreak in 1997, with a high mortality rate. H9N2, though classified as a Low Pathogenic Avian Influenza (LPAI), has zoonotic potential, as it has been detected in human infections and can contribute genetic material to other flu viruses, increasing their adaptability. H7N9 caused significant outbreaks in China, especially in 2013, leading to severe infections in humans. However, H3N2 is not a Bird Flu strain but a human-adapted influenza virus that has caused global pandemics, such as the Hong Kong Flu pandemic of 1968. Unlike avian strains, H3N2 circulates widely in humans and is part of the seasonal flu vaccines. Thus, only three of the given statements are correct. Incorrect Solution: C Statement 4 is incorrect. Avian Influenza (Bird Flu) is caused by different strains of the Influenza A virus, some of which have zoonotic potential, meaning they can infect humans. H5N1 has been responsible for the majority of human deaths from Bird Flu since its first outbreak in 1997, with a high mortality rate. H9N2, though classified as a Low Pathogenic Avian Influenza (LPAI), has zoonotic potential, as it has been detected in human infections and can contribute genetic material to other flu viruses, increasing their adaptability. H7N9 caused significant outbreaks in China, especially in 2013, leading to severe infections in humans. However, H3N2 is not a Bird Flu strain but a human-adapted influenza virus that has caused global pandemics, such as the Hong Kong Flu pandemic of 1968. Unlike avian strains, H3N2 circulates widely in humans and is part of the seasonal flu vaccines. Thus, only three of the given statements are correct.

#### 3. Question

Consider the following statements regarding different strains of Avian Influenza:

• H5N1 has been responsible for most human deaths due to Bird Flu since 1997.

• H9N2 is a Low Pathogenic Avian Influenza (LPAI) strain but has zoonotic potential.

• H7N9 was the primary Bird Flu strain responsible for large outbreaks in China.

• H3N2 is a Bird Flu strain that has caused global pandemics in humans.

How many of the above statements is/are correct?

• a) Only one

• b) Only two

• c) Only three

• d) All four

Solution: C

Statement 4 is incorrect.

• Avian Influenza (Bird Flu) is caused by different strains of the Influenza A virus, some of which have zoonotic potential, meaning they can infect humans.

• H5N1 has been responsible for the majority of human deaths from Bird Flu since its first outbreak in 1997, with a high mortality rate.

• H9N2, though classified as a Low Pathogenic Avian Influenza (LPAI), has zoonotic potential, as it has been detected in human infections and can contribute genetic material to other flu viruses, increasing their adaptability.

• H7N9 caused significant outbreaks in China, especially in 2013, leading to severe infections in humans.

• However, H3N2 is not a Bird Flu strain but a human-adapted influenza virus that has caused global pandemics, such as the Hong Kong Flu pandemic of 1968. Unlike avian strains, H3N2 circulates widely in humans and is part of the seasonal flu vaccines. Thus, only three of the given statements are correct.

Solution: C

Statement 4 is incorrect.

• Avian Influenza (Bird Flu) is caused by different strains of the Influenza A virus, some of which have zoonotic potential, meaning they can infect humans.

• H5N1 has been responsible for the majority of human deaths from Bird Flu since its first outbreak in 1997, with a high mortality rate.

• H7N9 caused significant outbreaks in China, especially in 2013, leading to severe infections in humans.

• Question 4 of 5 4. Question Consider the following statements about the Defense & Security Cooperation under the U.S.-India COMPACT Initiative: The initiative includes a 10-year Defense Partnership Framework (2025-2035) to enhance military collaboration. It facilitates co-production of critical military hardware between Indian and U.S. defense industries. The COMPACT framework allows India to join the NATO Plus alliance as a strategic partner. How many of the above statements is/are correct? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) All three (d) None Correct Solution: B Statement 1 is correct. The COMPACT Initiative establishes a 10-year U.S.-India Defense Partnership Framework spanning from 2025 to 2035, designed to bolster military collaboration across various domains, including air, land, sea, space, and cyberspace. Statement 2 is correct. The initiative emphasizes co-production and co-development of defense technologies. Notably, discussions are underway for the co-production of combat vehicles, such as the Stryker infantry combat vehicles, and the finalization of a fighter jet engine deal involving General Electric’s GE-414 engines. Statement 3 is incorrect. While there have been discussions and recommendations by U.S. congressional committees to include India in the NATO Plus framework to enhance defense cooperation, India has not joined the NATO Plus alliance. Indian officials have expressed that the NATO template does not align with India’s strategic interests, and thus, India maintains its independent defense policy. Incorrect Solution: B Statement 1 is correct. The COMPACT Initiative establishes a 10-year U.S.-India Defense Partnership Framework spanning from 2025 to 2035, designed to bolster military collaboration across various domains, including air, land, sea, space, and cyberspace. Statement 2 is correct. The initiative emphasizes co-production and co-development of defense technologies. Notably, discussions are underway for the co-production of combat vehicles, such as the Stryker infantry combat vehicles, and the finalization of a fighter jet engine deal involving General Electric’s GE-414 engines. Statement 3 is incorrect. While there have been discussions and recommendations by U.S. congressional committees to include India in the NATO Plus framework to enhance defense cooperation, India has not joined the NATO Plus alliance. Indian officials have expressed that the NATO template does not align with India’s strategic interests, and thus, India maintains its independent defense policy.

#### 4. Question

Consider the following statements about the Defense & Security Cooperation under the U.S.-India COMPACT Initiative:

• The initiative includes a 10-year Defense Partnership Framework (2025-2035) to enhance military collaboration.

• It facilitates co-production of critical military hardware between Indian and U.S. defense industries.

• The COMPACT framework allows India to join the NATO Plus alliance as a strategic partner.

How many of the above statements is/are correct?

• (a) Only one

• (b) Only two

• (c) All three

Solution: B

• Statement 1 is correct. The COMPACT Initiative establishes a 10-year U.S.-India Defense Partnership Framework spanning from 2025 to 2035, designed to bolster military collaboration across various domains, including air, land, sea, space, and cyberspace.

• Statement 2 is correct. The initiative emphasizes co-production and co-development of defense technologies. Notably, discussions are underway for the co-production of combat vehicles, such as the Stryker infantry combat vehicles, and the finalization of a fighter jet engine deal involving General Electric’s GE-414 engines.

• Statement 3 is incorrect. While there have been discussions and recommendations by U.S. congressional committees to include India in the NATO Plus framework to enhance defense cooperation, India has not joined the NATO Plus alliance. Indian officials have expressed that the NATO template does not align with India’s strategic interests, and thus, India maintains its independent defense policy.

Solution: B

• Question 5 of 5 5. Question Consider the following statements regarding the strategic importance of the Indian Ocean Region (IOR): The Indian Ocean handles more than 50% of global oil shipments, making it the most critical energy transit region in the world. The Strait of Bab el Mandeb connects the Indian Ocean with the Mediterranean Sea. The Diego Garcia military base in the Indian Ocean is operated by the United Kingdom exclusively. 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: The Indian Ocean is crucial for global energy trade, handling over 50% of global oil shipments, including oil from the Middle East to Asia, Europe, and North America. Statement 2 is incorrect: The Strait of Bab el Mandeb connects the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden, not the Mediterranean Sea. The Mediterranean is linked to the Indian Ocean via the Suez Canal. Statement 3 is incorrect: Diego Garcia is a military base operated by the United States, not exclusively by the UK. While it is part of British Indian Ocean Territory (BIOT), it has been leased to the US military. Incorrect Solution: A Statement 1 is correct: The Indian Ocean is crucial for global energy trade, handling over 50% of global oil shipments, including oil from the Middle East to Asia, Europe, and North America. Statement 2 is incorrect: The Strait of Bab el Mandeb connects the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden, not the Mediterranean Sea. The Mediterranean is linked to the Indian Ocean via the Suez Canal. Statement 3 is incorrect: Diego Garcia is a military base operated by the United States, not exclusively by the UK. While it is part of British Indian Ocean Territory (BIOT), it has been leased to the US military.

#### 5. Question

Consider the following statements regarding the strategic importance of the Indian Ocean Region (IOR):

• The Indian Ocean handles more than 50% of global oil shipments, making it the most critical energy transit region in the world.

• The Strait of Bab el Mandeb connects the Indian Ocean with the Mediterranean Sea.

• The Diego Garcia military base in the Indian Ocean is operated by the United Kingdom exclusively.

How many of the above statements is/are correct?

• (a) Only one

• (b) Only two

• (c) All three

Solution: A

• Statement 1 is correct: The Indian Ocean is crucial for global energy trade, handling over 50% of global oil shipments, including oil from the Middle East to Asia, Europe, and North America.

• Statement 2 is incorrect: The Strait of Bab el Mandeb connects the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden, not the Mediterranean Sea. The Mediterranean is linked to the Indian Ocean via the Suez Canal.

• Statement 3 is incorrect: Diego Garcia is a military base operated by the United States, not exclusively by the UK. While it is part of British Indian Ocean Territory (BIOT), it has been leased to the US military.

Solution: A

• Statement 1 is correct: The Indian Ocean is crucial for global energy trade, handling over 50% of global oil shipments, including oil from the Middle East to Asia, Europe, and North America.

• Statement 2 is incorrect: The Strait of Bab el Mandeb connects the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden, not the Mediterranean Sea. The Mediterranean is linked to the Indian Ocean via the Suez Canal.

Join our Official Telegram Channel HERE for Motivation and Fast Updates

Join our Twitter Channel HERE

Follow our Instagram Channel HERE