UPSC Editorials Quiz : 19 December 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 Which one of the following best describes the principle of “Bioventing”? (a) Pumping air into the saturated groundwater zone to strip volatile compounds. (b) Injecting air and nutrients into unsaturated soil to stimulate indigenous microbial activity. (c) Removing soil to a treatment bed where it is turned over periodically to aerate. (d) Using plants to absorb and accumulate heavy metals from the soil. Correct Solution: B Option (b) is correct. Bioventing is a specific in-situ technique that targets the unsaturated zone (the soil layer above the water table). It involves injecting air (oxygen) and nutrients to boost the metabolic activity of naturally occurring (indigenous) bacteria, helping them degrade pollutants. Option (a) describes Air Sparging (saturated zone). Option (c) describes Landfarming (Ex-situ). Option (d) describes Phytoremediation (using plants). Incorrect Solution: B Option (b) is correct. Bioventing is a specific in-situ technique that targets the unsaturated zone (the soil layer above the water table). It involves injecting air (oxygen) and nutrients to boost the metabolic activity of naturally occurring (indigenous) bacteria, helping them degrade pollutants. Option (a) describes Air Sparging (saturated zone). Option (c) describes Landfarming (Ex-situ). Option (d) describes Phytoremediation (using plants).

#### 1. Question

Which one of the following best describes the principle of “Bioventing”?

• (a) Pumping air into the saturated groundwater zone to strip volatile compounds.

• (b) Injecting air and nutrients into unsaturated soil to stimulate indigenous microbial activity.

• (c) Removing soil to a treatment bed where it is turned over periodically to aerate.

• (d) Using plants to absorb and accumulate heavy metals from the soil.

Solution: B

Option (b) is correct. Bioventing is a specific in-situ technique that targets the unsaturated zone (the soil layer above the water table). It involves injecting air (oxygen) and nutrients to boost the metabolic activity of naturally occurring (indigenous) bacteria, helping them degrade pollutants.

Option (a) describes Air Sparging (saturated zone).

Option (c) describes Landfarming (Ex-situ).

Option (d) describes Phytoremediation (using plants).

Solution: B

Option (a) describes Air Sparging (saturated zone).

Option (c) describes Landfarming (Ex-situ).

Option (d) describes Phytoremediation (using plants).

• Question 2 of 5 2. Question Consider the following statements regarding the Constitutional provisions for Freedom of Speech and Expression in India: The right to freedom of speech and expression is absolute and cannot be curtailed under any circumstance during normal times. The grounds for imposing reasonable restrictions under Article 19(2) are illustrative in nature and not exhaustive. Decency, morality, and incitement to an offence are among the specific grounds for restriction mentioned in Article 19(2). 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: The right to freedom of speech and expression guaranteed under Article 19(1)(a) is not absolute. It is subject to reasonable restrictions. The Constitution balances individual liberty with social control and collective interest. Statement 2 is incorrect: The grounds for restriction provided under Article 19(2) are exhaustive, meaning the state cannot impose restrictions on grounds other than those specifically mentioned in the Article. They are not merely illustrative or examples. Statement 3 is correct: Article 19(2) permits reasonable restrictions on specific grounds: sovereignty and integrity of India, security of the State, public order, decency or morality, defamation, contempt of court, and incitement to an offence. These provisions ensure that the exercise of freedom does not impinge upon community standards or public safety. Incorrect Solution: A Statement 1 is incorrect: The right to freedom of speech and expression guaranteed under Article 19(1)(a) is not absolute. It is subject to reasonable restrictions. The Constitution balances individual liberty with social control and collective interest. Statement 2 is incorrect: The grounds for restriction provided under Article 19(2) are exhaustive, meaning the state cannot impose restrictions on grounds other than those specifically mentioned in the Article. They are not merely illustrative or examples. Statement 3 is correct: Article 19(2) permits reasonable restrictions on specific grounds: sovereignty and integrity of India, security of the State, public order, decency or morality, defamation, contempt of court, and incitement to an offence. These provisions ensure that the exercise of freedom does not impinge upon community standards or public safety.

#### 2. Question

Consider the following statements regarding the Constitutional provisions for Freedom of Speech and Expression in India:

• The right to freedom of speech and expression is absolute and cannot be curtailed under any circumstance during normal times.

• The grounds for imposing reasonable restrictions under Article 19(2) are illustrative in nature and not exhaustive.

• Decency, morality, and incitement to an offence are among the specific grounds for restriction mentioned in Article 19(2).

How many of the above statements are correct?

• (a) Only one

• (b) Only two

• (c) All three

Solution: A

• Statement 1 is incorrect: The right to freedom of speech and expression guaranteed under Article 19(1)(a) is not absolute. It is subject to reasonable restrictions. The Constitution balances individual liberty with social control and collective interest.

• Statement 2 is incorrect: The grounds for restriction provided under Article 19(2) are exhaustive, meaning the state cannot impose restrictions on grounds other than those specifically mentioned in the Article. They are not merely illustrative or examples.

Statement 3 is correct: Article 19(2) permits reasonable restrictions on specific grounds: sovereignty and integrity of India, security of the State, public order, decency or morality, defamation, contempt of court, and incitement to an offence. These provisions ensure that the exercise of freedom does not impinge upon community standards or public safety.

Solution: A

• Question 3 of 5 3. Question The ‘Mission 500’ initiative between India and the United States aims to: (a) Deploy 500 renewable energy micro-grids in rural India. (b) Grant 500,000 student visas annually to Indian students. (c) Increase bilateral trade between the two nations to $500 billion. (d) Establish 500 joint defense manufacturing units. Correct Solution: C In the backdrop of the Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA) talks in late 2025, both nations set ambitious targets. Option (c) is correct: “Mission 500” refers to the strategic goal of increasing the total bilateral trade turnover between India and the United States to $500 billion by the year 2030. It underscores the deepening economic engagement beyond just strategic defense ties. Incorrect Solution: C In the backdrop of the Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA) talks in late 2025, both nations set ambitious targets. Option (c) is correct: “Mission 500” refers to the strategic goal of increasing the total bilateral trade turnover between India and the United States to $500 billion by the year 2030. It underscores the deepening economic engagement beyond just strategic defense ties.

#### 3. Question

The ‘Mission 500’ initiative between India and the United States aims to:

• (a) Deploy 500 renewable energy micro-grids in rural India.

• (b) Grant 500,000 student visas annually to Indian students.

• (c) Increase bilateral trade between the two nations to $500 billion.

• (d) Establish 500 joint defense manufacturing units.

Solution: C

• In the backdrop of the Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA) talks in late 2025, both nations set ambitious targets.

• Option (c) is correct: “Mission 500” refers to the strategic goal of increasing the total bilateral trade turnover between India and the United States to $500 billion by the year 2030. It underscores the deepening economic engagement beyond just strategic defense ties.

Solution: C

• In the backdrop of the Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA) talks in late 2025, both nations set ambitious targets.

• Question 4 of 5 4. Question According to the ‘State of Global Water Resources’ or related environmental outlooks (2025), the term ‘Bioeconomy’ encompasses: (a) Only the pharmaceutical industry derived from plant genetics. (b) The sustainable use of renewable biological resources to produce food, energy, and industrial goods. (c) The trade of carbon credits generated solely from afforestation projects. (d) A specialized stock market index tracking biotechnology firms. Correct Solution: B Option (b) is correct: The Bioeconomy is defined broadly as the sustainable production and use of renewable biological resources (land and sea-based) and their conversion into food, feed, bio-energy, and bio-based products (like bioplastics, chemicals, construction materials). It represents a shift away from a fossil-fuel-based economy to one based on biological cycles. Incorrect Solution: B Option (b) is correct: The Bioeconomy is defined broadly as the sustainable production and use of renewable biological resources (land and sea-based) and their conversion into food, feed, bio-energy, and bio-based products (like bioplastics, chemicals, construction materials). It represents a shift away from a fossil-fuel-based economy to one based on biological cycles.

#### 4. Question

According to the ‘State of Global Water Resources’ or related environmental outlooks (2025), the term ‘Bioeconomy’ encompasses:

• (a) Only the pharmaceutical industry derived from plant genetics.

• (b) The sustainable use of renewable biological resources to produce food, energy, and industrial goods.

• (c) The trade of carbon credits generated solely from afforestation projects.

• (d) A specialized stock market index tracking biotechnology firms.

Solution: B

Option (b) is correct: The Bioeconomy is defined broadly as the sustainable production and use of renewable biological resources (land and sea-based) and their conversion into food, feed, bio-energy, and bio-based products (like bioplastics, chemicals, construction materials). It represents a shift away from a fossil-fuel-based economy to one based on biological cycles.

Solution: B

• Question 5 of 5 5. Question Which of the following chemicals are commonly used as seeding agents in the process of Cloud Seeding? Silver Iodide Potassium Iodide Dry Ice (Solid Carbon Dioxide) Liquid Propane Select the correct answer using the code given below: (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 1, 3 and 4 only (c) 1, 2 and 3 only (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4 Correct Solution: D Cloud seeding involves dispersing substances into the air to serve as cloud condensation or ice nuclei. Silver Iodide (AgI): The most common agent because its crystal structure is similar to ice. Potassium Iodide (KI): Also used as a nucleating agent. Dry Ice (Solid CO2): Used to cool the air so that supercooled water droplets freeze instantly. Liquid Propane: Expands into a gas, cooling the air and inducing ice crystal formation (used at warmer temperatures than AgI). Incorrect Solution: D Cloud seeding involves dispersing substances into the air to serve as cloud condensation or ice nuclei. Silver Iodide (AgI): The most common agent because its crystal structure is similar to ice. Potassium Iodide (KI): Also used as a nucleating agent. Dry Ice (Solid CO2): Used to cool the air so that supercooled water droplets freeze instantly. Liquid Propane: Expands into a gas, cooling the air and inducing ice crystal formation (used at warmer temperatures than AgI).

#### 5. Question

Which of the following chemicals are commonly used as seeding agents in the process of Cloud Seeding?

• Silver Iodide

• Potassium Iodide

• Dry Ice (Solid Carbon Dioxide)

• Liquid Propane

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

• (a) 1 and 2 only

• (b) 1, 3 and 4 only

• (c) 1, 2 and 3 only

• (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

Solution: D

• Cloud seeding involves dispersing substances into the air to serve as cloud condensation or ice nuclei. Silver Iodide (AgI): The most common agent because its crystal structure is similar to ice. Potassium Iodide (KI): Also used as a nucleating agent. Dry Ice (Solid CO2): Used to cool the air so that supercooled water droplets freeze instantly. Liquid Propane: Expands into a gas, cooling the air and inducing ice crystal formation (used at warmer temperatures than AgI).

• Silver Iodide (AgI): The most common agent because its crystal structure is similar to ice.

• Potassium Iodide (KI): Also used as a nucleating agent.

• Dry Ice (Solid CO2): Used to cool the air so that supercooled water droplets freeze instantly.

• Liquid Propane: Expands into a gas, cooling the air and inducing ice crystal formation (used at warmer temperatures than AgI).

Solution: D

• Silver Iodide (AgI): The most common agent because its crystal structure is similar to ice.

• Potassium Iodide (KI): Also used as a nucleating agent.

• Dry Ice (Solid CO2): Used to cool the air so that supercooled water droplets freeze instantly.

• Liquid Propane: Expands into a gas, cooling the air and inducing ice crystal formation (used at warmer temperatures than AgI).

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