UPSC Editorials Quiz : 19 September 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 With reference to the recent amendments affecting the Right to Information (RTI) Act, 2005, consider the following statements: The Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Act, 2023, introduces a new section to the RTI Act to regulate personal data. The DPDP Act’s definition of a “person” is limited to individuals and the State, thereby protecting their personal data from disclosure. 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: D Statement 1 is incorrect. The DPDP Act does not introduce a new section. Instead, it amends an existing provision, Section 8(1)(j) of the RTI Act. The original section had checks and balances, but the amendment simplifies it to a blanket exemption for “personal information,” which fundamentally alters its character. Statement 2 is incorrect. The DPDP Act defines “person” very broadly. It includes not just individuals and the State, but also companies, firms, associations of persons or bodies of individuals (whether incorporated or not), and Hindu Undivided Families (HUFs). This expansive definition means a vast amount of information, which was previously accessible, can now be classified as “personal information” and denied under the RTI Act. Incorrect Solution: D Statement 1 is incorrect. The DPDP Act does not introduce a new section. Instead, it amends an existing provision, Section 8(1)(j) of the RTI Act. The original section had checks and balances, but the amendment simplifies it to a blanket exemption for “personal information,” which fundamentally alters its character. Statement 2 is incorrect. The DPDP Act defines “person” very broadly. It includes not just individuals and the State, but also companies, firms, associations of persons or bodies of individuals (whether incorporated or not), and Hindu Undivided Families (HUFs). This expansive definition means a vast amount of information, which was previously accessible, can now be classified as “personal information” and denied under the RTI Act.

#### 1. Question

With reference to the recent amendments affecting the Right to Information (RTI) Act, 2005, consider the following statements:

• The Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Act, 2023, introduces a new section to the RTI Act to regulate personal data.

• The DPDP Act’s definition of a “person” is limited to individuals and the State, thereby protecting their personal data from disclosure.

Which of the above statements are correct?

• (a) 1 only

• (b) 2 only

• (c) Both 1 and 2

• (d) Neither 1 nor 2

Solution: D

• Statement 1 is incorrect. The DPDP Act does not introduce a new section. Instead, it amends an existing provision, Section 8(1)(j) of the RTI Act. The original section had checks and balances, but the amendment simplifies it to a blanket exemption for “personal information,” which fundamentally alters its character.

• Statement 2 is incorrect. The DPDP Act defines “person” very broadly. It includes not just individuals and the State, but also companies, firms, associations of persons or bodies of individuals (whether incorporated or not), and Hindu Undivided Families (HUFs). This expansive definition means a vast amount of information, which was previously accessible, can now be classified as “personal information” and denied under the RTI Act.

Solution: D

• Question 2 of 5 2. Question Consider the following statements regarding the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO): The chairmanship of the SCO rotates annually among member states based on their English alphabetical order. The Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS) is the primary decision-making body of the SCO, headquartered in Beijing. Belarus is the most recent country to become a full member of the organisation. 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 Chairmanship of the SCO does rotate annually among member states, but it follows the Russian alphabetical order of the country names, not English. This is a crucial procedural detail reflecting the organisation’s origins and the influence of its founding members. Statement 2 is incorrect. The supreme decision-making body of the SCO is the Council of Heads of State (CHS). The Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS) is a permanent organ of the SCO with a specific mandate to facilitate cooperation against terrorism, separatism, and extremism. Furthermore, the headquarters of RATS is in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, while the SCO Secretariat is in Beijing, China. Statement 3 is correct. Belarus became the 10th full member of the SCO. Its inclusion marks the latest expansion of the Eurasian security and political bloc. Prior to this, Iran had become a full member, highlighting the organisation’s growing influence in the region. Incorrect Solution: A Statement 1 is incorrect. The Chairmanship of the SCO does rotate annually among member states, but it follows the Russian alphabetical order of the country names, not English. This is a crucial procedural detail reflecting the organisation’s origins and the influence of its founding members. Statement 2 is incorrect. The supreme decision-making body of the SCO is the Council of Heads of State (CHS). The Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS) is a permanent organ of the SCO with a specific mandate to facilitate cooperation against terrorism, separatism, and extremism. Furthermore, the headquarters of RATS is in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, while the SCO Secretariat is in Beijing, China. Statement 3 is correct. Belarus became the 10th full member of the SCO. Its inclusion marks the latest expansion of the Eurasian security and political bloc. Prior to this, Iran had become a full member, highlighting the organisation’s growing influence in the region.

#### 2. Question

Consider the following statements regarding the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO):

• The chairmanship of the SCO rotates annually among member states based on their English alphabetical order.

• The Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS) is the primary decision-making body of the SCO, headquartered in Beijing.

• Belarus is the most recent country to become a full member of the organisation.

How many of the above statements are correct?

• (a) Only one

• (b) Only two

• (c) All three

Solution: A

• Statement 1 is incorrect. The Chairmanship of the SCO does rotate annually among member states, but it follows the Russian alphabetical order of the country names, not English. This is a crucial procedural detail reflecting the organisation’s origins and the influence of its founding members.

• Statement 2 is incorrect. The supreme decision-making body of the SCO is the Council of Heads of State (CHS). The Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS) is a permanent organ of the SCO with a specific mandate to facilitate cooperation against terrorism, separatism, and extremism. Furthermore, the headquarters of RATS is in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, while the SCO Secretariat is in Beijing, China.

• Statement 3 is correct. Belarus became the 10th full member of the SCO. Its inclusion marks the latest expansion of the Eurasian security and political bloc. Prior to this, Iran had become a full member, highlighting the organisation’s growing influence in the region.

Solution: A

• Question 3 of 5 3. Question Consider the following statements regarding the Red Ivy Plant (Strobilanthes alternata): It is an endemic species found only in the moist forests of the Western Ghats in Kerala. The plant’s wound-healing properties are attributed to the bioactive compound Acteoside, which has antioxidant and antimicrobial effects. The recent innovation using this plant involves creating a biodegradable wound-healing pad through nanotechnology. How many of the above statements are correct? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) All three (d) None Correct Solution: B Statement 1 is incorrect. The Red Ivy Plant is not endemic to the Western Ghats. It grows abundantly in tropical regions across Asia, including India, Sri Lanka, and Southeast Asia. While it thrives in the ecosystems of the Western Ghats, its geographical distribution is much wider. Statement 2 is correct. Scientific analysis has identified Acteoside as the key bioactive compound in the Red Ivy Plant. This compound is responsible for its medicinal efficacy, possessing proven antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties, which are critical for effective wound healing. Statement 3 is correct. The breakthrough by scientists at Jawaharlal Nehru Tropical Botanic Garden and Research Institute (JNTBGRI) involves leveraging traditional knowledge with modern science. They have successfully developed a multifunctional, biodegradable wound-healing pad by integrating the plant’s extract using nanotechnology. This method enhances the efficacy of the active compounds even at low concentrations, representing a significant advancement in medical applications. Incorrect Solution: B Statement 1 is incorrect. The Red Ivy Plant is not endemic to the Western Ghats. It grows abundantly in tropical regions across Asia, including India, Sri Lanka, and Southeast Asia. While it thrives in the ecosystems of the Western Ghats, its geographical distribution is much wider. Statement 2 is correct. Scientific analysis has identified Acteoside as the key bioactive compound in the Red Ivy Plant. This compound is responsible for its medicinal efficacy, possessing proven antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties, which are critical for effective wound healing. Statement 3 is correct. The breakthrough by scientists at Jawaharlal Nehru Tropical Botanic Garden and Research Institute (JNTBGRI) involves leveraging traditional knowledge with modern science. They have successfully developed a multifunctional, biodegradable wound-healing pad by integrating the plant’s extract using nanotechnology. This method enhances the efficacy of the active compounds even at low concentrations, representing a significant advancement in medical applications.

#### 3. Question

Consider the following statements regarding the Red Ivy Plant (Strobilanthes alternata):

• It is an endemic species found only in the moist forests of the Western Ghats in Kerala.

• The plant’s wound-healing properties are attributed to the bioactive compound Acteoside, which has antioxidant and antimicrobial effects.

• The recent innovation using this plant involves creating a biodegradable wound-healing pad through nanotechnology.

How many of the above statements are correct?

• (a) Only one

• (b) Only two

• (c) All three

Solution: B

• Statement 1 is incorrect. The Red Ivy Plant is not endemic to the Western Ghats. It grows abundantly in tropical regions across Asia, including India, Sri Lanka, and Southeast Asia. While it thrives in the ecosystems of the Western Ghats, its geographical distribution is much wider.

• Statement 2 is correct. Scientific analysis has identified Acteoside as the key bioactive compound in the Red Ivy Plant. This compound is responsible for its medicinal efficacy, possessing proven antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties, which are critical for effective wound healing.

• Statement 3 is correct. The breakthrough by scientists at Jawaharlal Nehru Tropical Botanic Garden and Research Institute (JNTBGRI) involves leveraging traditional knowledge with modern science. They have successfully developed a multifunctional, biodegradable wound-healing pad by integrating the plant’s extract using nanotechnology. This method enhances the efficacy of the active compounds even at low concentrations, representing a significant advancement in medical applications.

Solution: B

• Question 4 of 5 4. Question With reference to the AI-powered weather forecasting initiative for farmers, consider the following statements: It is an initiative of the Ministry of Earth Sciences in collaboration with the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). The system uses indigenous AI models to provide short-term forecasts of up to 72 hours. The advisories are disseminated through a dedicated mobile application available for smartphones. The initiative is currently focused on providing support for Kharif crop planning. How many of the above statements are correct? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) Only three (d) All four Correct Solution: A Statement 1 is incorrect. The initiative was launched by the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare (MoAFW). The collaboration is with the Development Innovation Lab – India and Precision Development, not the Ministry of Earth Sciences or ISRO. Statement 2 is incorrect. The system uses advanced global AI models like Google’s Neural GCM and ECMWF’s AIFS. The forecasts are long-range, providing 4-week advance predictions, not short-term 72-hour ones. This long-range capability is crucial for strategic planning like sowing. Statement 3 is incorrect. The advisories are disseminated primarily via SMS through the m-Kisan platform. This approach ensures wide reach even to farmers who may not own smartphones or have consistent internet access, making the system more inclusive. Statement 4 is correct. The program was launched specifically to help farmers with Kharif crop planning, providing crucial information on monsoon onset, pauses, and intensity, which are critical for the success of rain-fed Kharif crops. The model is, however, scalable for the Rabi season as well. Incorrect Solution: A Statement 1 is incorrect. The initiative was launched by the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare (MoAFW). The collaboration is with the Development Innovation Lab – India and Precision Development, not the Ministry of Earth Sciences or ISRO. Statement 2 is incorrect. The system uses advanced global AI models like Google’s Neural GCM and ECMWF’s AIFS. The forecasts are long-range, providing 4-week advance predictions, not short-term 72-hour ones. This long-range capability is crucial for strategic planning like sowing. Statement 3 is incorrect. The advisories are disseminated primarily via SMS through the m-Kisan platform. This approach ensures wide reach even to farmers who may not own smartphones or have consistent internet access, making the system more inclusive. Statement 4 is correct. The program was launched specifically to help farmers with Kharif crop planning, providing crucial information on monsoon onset, pauses, and intensity, which are critical for the success of rain-fed Kharif crops. The model is, however, scalable for the Rabi season as well.

#### 4. Question

With reference to the AI-powered weather forecasting initiative for farmers, consider the following statements:

• It is an initiative of the Ministry of Earth Sciences in collaboration with the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).

• The system uses indigenous AI models to provide short-term forecasts of up to 72 hours.

• The advisories are disseminated through a dedicated mobile application available for smartphones.

• The initiative is currently focused on providing support for Kharif crop planning.

How many of the above statements are correct?

• (a) Only one

• (b) Only two

• (c) Only three

• (d) All four

Solution: A

• Statement 1 is incorrect. The initiative was launched by the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare (MoAFW). The collaboration is with the Development Innovation Lab – India and Precision Development, not the Ministry of Earth Sciences or ISRO.

• Statement 2 is incorrect. The system uses advanced global AI models like Google’s Neural GCM and ECMWF’s AIFS. The forecasts are long-range, providing 4-week advance predictions, not short-term 72-hour ones. This long-range capability is crucial for strategic planning like sowing.

• Statement 3 is incorrect. The advisories are disseminated primarily via SMS through the m-Kisan platform. This approach ensures wide reach even to farmers who may not own smartphones or have consistent internet access, making the system more inclusive.

• Statement 4 is correct. The program was launched specifically to help farmers with Kharif crop planning, providing crucial information on monsoon onset, pauses, and intensity, which are critical for the success of rain-fed Kharif crops. The model is, however, scalable for the Rabi season as well.

Solution: A

• Question 5 of 5 5. Question With reference to the Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary, consider the following pairs: Feature Description/Association 1. River System Bisected by the Betwa River 2. Forest Type Primarily tropical evergreen forests 3. Conservation Initiative Second viable home for the Asiatic Lion 4. Cultural Heritage Contains Bhadkaji rock paintings How many of the pairs given above are correctly matched? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) Only three (d) All four Correct Solution: A Pair 1 is incorrectly matched. The sanctuary is bisected by the Chambal River, not the Betwa River. The Chambal River and its reservoir are dominant geographical features of this landscape. Pair 2 is incorrectly matched. The flora of the sanctuary is dominated by mixed deciduous forests, including species like Khair, Salai, and Tendu. It is not characterized by tropical evergreen forests, which require much higher rainfall. Pair 3 is incorrectly matched. Gandhi Sagar is being developed as a second home for the African Cheetah, not the Asiatic Lion. This initiative is part of Project Cheetah, aimed at establishing a meta-population in India after their reintroduction in Kuno National Park. The second home for Asiatic Lions is Barda Wildlife Sanctuary in Gujarat. Pair 4 is correctly matched. The sanctuary is rich in cultural and historical sites. It houses several important heritage locations, including the Chaturbhujnath temple, Hinglajgarh Fort, and the ancient Bhadkaji rock paintings. Incorrect Solution: A Pair 1 is incorrectly matched. The sanctuary is bisected by the Chambal River, not the Betwa River. The Chambal River and its reservoir are dominant geographical features of this landscape. Pair 2 is incorrectly matched. The flora of the sanctuary is dominated by mixed deciduous forests, including species like Khair, Salai, and Tendu. It is not characterized by tropical evergreen forests, which require much higher rainfall. Pair 3 is incorrectly matched. Gandhi Sagar is being developed as a second home for the African Cheetah, not the Asiatic Lion. This initiative is part of Project Cheetah, aimed at establishing a meta-population in India after their reintroduction in Kuno National Park. The second home for Asiatic Lions is Barda Wildlife Sanctuary in Gujarat. Pair 4 is correctly matched. The sanctuary is rich in cultural and historical sites. It houses several important heritage locations, including the Chaturbhujnath temple, Hinglajgarh Fort, and the ancient Bhadkaji rock paintings.

#### 5. Question

With reference to the Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary, consider the following pairs:

| Feature | Description/Association

1.| River System | Bisected by the Betwa River
2.| Forest Type | Primarily tropical evergreen forests
3.| Conservation Initiative | Second viable home for the Asiatic Lion
4.| Cultural Heritage | Contains Bhadkaji rock paintings

How many of the pairs given above are correctly matched?

• (a) Only one

• (b) Only two

• (c) Only three

• (d) All four

Solution: A

• Pair 1 is incorrectly matched. The sanctuary is bisected by the Chambal River, not the Betwa River. The Chambal River and its reservoir are dominant geographical features of this landscape.

• Pair 2 is incorrectly matched. The flora of the sanctuary is dominated by mixed deciduous forests, including species like Khair, Salai, and Tendu. It is not characterized by tropical evergreen forests, which require much higher rainfall.

• Pair 3 is incorrectly matched. Gandhi Sagar is being developed as a second home for the African Cheetah, not the Asiatic Lion. This initiative is part of Project Cheetah, aimed at establishing a meta-population in India after their reintroduction in Kuno National Park. The second home for Asiatic Lions is Barda Wildlife Sanctuary in Gujarat.

• Pair 4 is correctly matched. The sanctuary is rich in cultural and historical sites. It houses several important heritage locations, including the Chaturbhujnath temple, Hinglajgarh Fort, and the ancient Bhadkaji rock paintings.

Solution: A

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