UPSC Editorials Quiz : 20 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.

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• Question 1 of 5 1. Question Consider the following statements about Bird Flu transmission in humans: Human infection with Bird Flu occurs primarily through direct contact with infected birds, poultry products, or contaminated environments. Bird Flu can be easily transmitted from human to human, increasing the risk of pandemics. Infected humans often develop severe respiratory illness, multi-organ failure, and neurological complications. Which of the above statements is/are correct? (a) 1 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 Correct Solution: C Bird Flu, also known as Avian Influenza, is primarily transmitted to humans through direct contact with infected birds, poultry products, or contaminated surfaces. This typically happens in live bird markets or farms where the virus is prevalent. However, human-to-human transmission of Bird Flu is extremely rare and not sustained, meaning it does not easily spread among people like seasonal flu viruses do. Most recorded cases of human infection have been linked to prolonged exposure to infected poultry rather than community transmission. Infected individuals often experience severe symptoms, including high fever, respiratory distress, pneumonia, and, in critical cases, multi-organ failure. Some strains of Bird Flu, such as H5N1 and H7N9, have been particularly deadly, with high mortality rates among infected individuals. Preventive measures include avoiding contact with infected birds and maintaining good hygiene. Incorrect Solution: C Bird Flu, also known as Avian Influenza, is primarily transmitted to humans through direct contact with infected birds, poultry products, or contaminated surfaces. This typically happens in live bird markets or farms where the virus is prevalent. However, human-to-human transmission of Bird Flu is extremely rare and not sustained, meaning it does not easily spread among people like seasonal flu viruses do. Most recorded cases of human infection have been linked to prolonged exposure to infected poultry rather than community transmission. Infected individuals often experience severe symptoms, including high fever, respiratory distress, pneumonia, and, in critical cases, multi-organ failure. Some strains of Bird Flu, such as H5N1 and H7N9, have been particularly deadly, with high mortality rates among infected individuals. Preventive measures include avoiding contact with infected birds and maintaining good hygiene.

#### 1. Question

Consider the following statements about Bird Flu transmission in humans:

• Human infection with Bird Flu occurs primarily through direct contact with infected birds, poultry products, or contaminated environments.

• Bird Flu can be easily transmitted from human to human, increasing the risk of pandemics.

• Infected humans often develop severe respiratory illness, multi-organ failure, and neurological complications.

Which of the above statements is/are correct?

• (a) 1 only

• (b) 2 and 3 only

• (c) 1 and 3 only

• (d) 1, 2 and 3

Solution: C

• Bird Flu, also known as Avian Influenza, is primarily transmitted to humans through direct contact with infected birds, poultry products, or contaminated surfaces. This typically happens in live bird markets or farms where the virus is prevalent.

• However, human-to-human transmission of Bird Flu is extremely rare and not sustained, meaning it does not easily spread among people like seasonal flu viruses do.

• Most recorded cases of human infection have been linked to prolonged exposure to infected poultry rather than community transmission.

• Infected individuals often experience severe symptoms, including high fever, respiratory distress, pneumonia, and, in critical cases, multi-organ failure.

• Some strains of Bird Flu, such as H5N1 and H7N9, have been particularly deadly, with high mortality rates among infected individuals.

• Preventive measures include avoiding contact with infected birds and maintaining good hygiene.

Solution: C

• However, human-to-human transmission of Bird Flu is extremely rare and not sustained, meaning it does not easily spread among people like seasonal flu viruses do.

• Most recorded cases of human infection have been linked to prolonged exposure to infected poultry rather than community transmission.

• Infected individuals often experience severe symptoms, including high fever, respiratory distress, pneumonia, and, in critical cases, multi-organ failure.

• Some strains of Bird Flu, such as H5N1 and H7N9, have been particularly deadly, with high mortality rates among infected individuals.

• Preventive measures include avoiding contact with infected birds and maintaining good hygiene.

• Question 2 of 5 2. Question Consider the following strategic maritime chokepoints in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR): Strait of Hormuz Lombok Strait Sunda Strait Mozambique Channel How many of the above are considered critical chokepoints in the IOR? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) Only three (d) All four Correct Solution: D Strategic maritime chokepoints in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) are crucial for global trade and energy supply, as they facilitate the movement of goods and resources between major economies. The Strait of Hormuz is the world’s most critical oil transit chokepoint, through which nearly 30% of global crude oil passes, making it vital for energy security. The Lombok Strait, located between the Indonesian islands of Bali and Lombok, serves as an important deep-water alternative route to the congested Strait of Malacca, particularly for large ships. Similarly, the Sunda Strait, lying between Java and Sumatra, is another crucial passage that provides an alternate maritime link between the Pacific and Indian Oceans. The Mozambique Channel, situated between Madagascar and mainland Africa, is a vital trade route for African nations, facilitating global shipping between the Indian Ocean and South Atlantic. Incorrect Solution: D Strategic maritime chokepoints in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) are crucial for global trade and energy supply, as they facilitate the movement of goods and resources between major economies. The Strait of Hormuz is the world’s most critical oil transit chokepoint, through which nearly 30% of global crude oil passes, making it vital for energy security. The Lombok Strait, located between the Indonesian islands of Bali and Lombok, serves as an important deep-water alternative route to the congested Strait of Malacca, particularly for large ships. Similarly, the Sunda Strait, lying between Java and Sumatra, is another crucial passage that provides an alternate maritime link between the Pacific and Indian Oceans. The Mozambique Channel, situated between Madagascar and mainland Africa, is a vital trade route for African nations, facilitating global shipping between the Indian Ocean and South Atlantic.

#### 2. Question

Consider the following strategic maritime chokepoints in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR):

• Strait of Hormuz

• Lombok Strait

• Sunda Strait

• Mozambique Channel

How many of the above are considered critical chokepoints in the IOR?

• (a) Only one

• (b) Only two

• (c) Only three

• (d) All four

Solution: D

• Strategic maritime chokepoints in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) are crucial for global trade and energy supply, as they facilitate the movement of goods and resources between major economies.

• The Strait of Hormuz is the world’s most critical oil transit chokepoint, through which nearly 30% of global crude oil passes, making it vital for energy security.

• The Lombok Strait, located between the Indonesian islands of Bali and Lombok, serves as an important deep-water alternative route to the congested Strait of Malacca, particularly for large ships.

• Similarly, the Sunda Strait, lying between Java and Sumatra, is another crucial passage that provides an alternate maritime link between the Pacific and Indian Oceans.

• The Mozambique Channel, situated between Madagascar and mainland Africa, is a vital trade route for African nations, facilitating global shipping between the Indian Ocean and South Atlantic.

Solution: D

• Strategic maritime chokepoints in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) are crucial for global trade and energy supply, as they facilitate the movement of goods and resources between major economies.

• The Strait of Hormuz is the world’s most critical oil transit chokepoint, through which nearly 30% of global crude oil passes, making it vital for energy security.

• Similarly, the Sunda Strait, lying between Java and Sumatra, is another crucial passage that provides an alternate maritime link between the Pacific and Indian Oceans.

• The Mozambique Channel, situated between Madagascar and mainland Africa, is a vital trade route for African nations, facilitating global shipping between the Indian Ocean and South Atlantic.

• Question 3 of 5 3. Question Consider the following statements regarding the conservation efforts for Hangul Deer: The Project Hangul was launched under Project Tiger to protect the Hangul population in Jammu & Kashmir. The Wildlife Institute of India (WII) has conducted population monitoring and habitat assessment studies for Hangul conservation. The captive breeding program for Hangul has been successful, with deer being reintroduced into the wild. How many of the above statements are correct? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) All three (d) None Correct Solution: A The Hangul deer (Kashmir stag) is an endangered subspecies of red deer found primarily in Jammu & Kashmir, particularly in Dachigam National Park. Conservation efforts have been ongoing due to a sharp decline in its population caused by habitat destruction, poaching, and competition with livestock. Statement 1 is incorrect because Project Hangul was launched as a separate conservation initiative and was not part of Project Tiger. Instead, it was undertaken in collaboration with the J&K Forest Department and the Wildlife Institute of India (WII) to focus on the Hangul population. Statement 2 is correct, as the Wildlife Institute of India (WII) has been involved in population monitoring and habitat assessment to understand threats to Hangul and recommend conservation strategies. Statement 3 is incorrect because captive breeding programs for Hangul have not been successful due to the species’ difficulty in adapting to captivity and complex reproductive requirements. Incorrect Solution: A The Hangul deer (Kashmir stag) is an endangered subspecies of red deer found primarily in Jammu & Kashmir, particularly in Dachigam National Park. Conservation efforts have been ongoing due to a sharp decline in its population caused by habitat destruction, poaching, and competition with livestock. Statement 1 is incorrect because Project Hangul was launched as a separate conservation initiative and was not part of Project Tiger. Instead, it was undertaken in collaboration with the J&K Forest Department and the Wildlife Institute of India (WII) to focus on the Hangul population. Statement 2 is correct, as the Wildlife Institute of India (WII) has been involved in population monitoring and habitat assessment to understand threats to Hangul and recommend conservation strategies. Statement 3 is incorrect because captive breeding programs for Hangul have not been successful due to the species’ difficulty in adapting to captivity and complex reproductive requirements.

#### 3. Question

Consider the following statements regarding the conservation efforts for Hangul Deer:

• The Project Hangul was launched under Project Tiger to protect the Hangul population in Jammu & Kashmir.

• The Wildlife Institute of India (WII) has conducted population monitoring and habitat assessment studies for Hangul conservation.

• The captive breeding program for Hangul has been successful, with deer being reintroduced into the wild.

How many of the above statements are correct?

• (a) Only one

• (b) Only two

• (c) All three

Solution: A

• The Hangul deer (Kashmir stag) is an endangered subspecies of red deer found primarily in Jammu & Kashmir, particularly in Dachigam National Park. Conservation efforts have been ongoing due to a sharp decline in its population caused by habitat destruction, poaching, and competition with livestock.

• Statement 1 is incorrect because Project Hangul was launched as a separate conservation initiative and was not part of Project Tiger. Instead, it was undertaken in collaboration with the J&K Forest Department and the Wildlife Institute of India (WII) to focus on the Hangul population.

• Statement 2 is correct, as the Wildlife Institute of India (WII) has been involved in population monitoring and habitat assessment to understand threats to Hangul and recommend conservation strategies.

• Statement 3 is incorrect because captive breeding programs for Hangul have not been successful due to the species’ difficulty in adapting to captivity and complex reproductive requirements.

Solution: A

• Statement 3 is incorrect because captive breeding programs for Hangul have not been successful due to the species’ difficulty in adapting to captivity and complex reproductive requirements.

• Question 4 of 5 4. Question Consider the following statements regarding ASER (Annual Status of Education Report) 2024: ASER is conducted by the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) every year. The ASER 2024 report highlights that government schools have shown better recovery in learning outcomes than private schools. ASER surveys rural and urban schools to assess literacy and numeracy skills of children. 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. ASER is conducted by the non-governmental organization Pratham, not by the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT). Statement 2 is correct. The ASER 2024 report indicates that government schools have demonstrated a more significant recovery in learning outcomes compared to private schools in the post-pandemic period. Statement 3 is incorrect. ASER surveys focus exclusively on rural areas, assessing children’s schooling status and basic learning outcomes in almost every rural district in India. Incorrect Solution: B Statement 1 is incorrect. ASER is conducted by the non-governmental organization Pratham, not by the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT). Statement 2 is correct. The ASER 2024 report indicates that government schools have demonstrated a more significant recovery in learning outcomes compared to private schools in the post-pandemic period. Statement 3 is incorrect. ASER surveys focus exclusively on rural areas, assessing children’s schooling status and basic learning outcomes in almost every rural district in India.

#### 4. Question

Consider the following statements regarding ASER (Annual Status of Education Report) 2024:

• ASER is conducted by the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) every year.

• The ASER 2024 report highlights that government schools have shown better recovery in learning outcomes than private schools.

• ASER surveys rural and urban schools to assess literacy and numeracy skills of children.

How many of the above statements are incorrect?

• (a) Only one

• (b) Only two

• (c) All three

Solution: B

• Statement 1 is incorrect. ASER is conducted by the non-governmental organization Pratham, not by the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT).

• Statement 2 is correct. The ASER 2024 report indicates that government schools have demonstrated a more significant recovery in learning outcomes compared to private schools in the post-pandemic period.

• Statement 3 is incorrect. ASER surveys focus exclusively on rural areas, assessing children’s schooling status and basic learning outcomes in almost every rural district in India.

Solution: B

• Statement 1 is incorrect. ASER is conducted by the non-governmental organization Pratham, not by the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT).

• Statement 3 is incorrect. ASER surveys focus exclusively on rural areas, assessing children’s schooling status and basic learning outcomes in almost every rural district in India.

• Question 5 of 5 5. Question Which of the following government initiatives aim to improve foundational literacy and numeracy skills in India? NIPUN Bharat DIKSHA Platform PM eVidya Vidyanjali Scheme Select the correct answer using the code below: (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) Only three (d) All four Correct Solution: D The Government of India has launched multiple initiatives to enhance foundational literacy and numeracy skills, focusing on both traditional and digital learning methods. NIPUN Bharat (National Initiative for Proficiency in Reading with Understanding and Numeracy) aims to ensure that every child achieves foundational literacy and numeracy (FLN) by Grade 3 by 2026-27. It is a key component of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. DIKSHA (Digital Infrastructure for Knowledge Sharing) is a digital learning platform that provides e-learning resources, training modules, and assessment tools for students and teachers, enhancing literacy and numeracy skills. PM eVidya is an initiative that promotes online and digital learning by integrating multiple platforms like Diksha, SWAYAM Prabha TV channels, radio podcasts, and online courses, ensuring that foundational learning is accessible to all. Vidyanjali is a volunteer-based program that engages community members, retired teachers, and professionals to contribute towards improving school education quality, including foundational literacy. Incorrect Solution: D The Government of India has launched multiple initiatives to enhance foundational literacy and numeracy skills, focusing on both traditional and digital learning methods. NIPUN Bharat (National Initiative for Proficiency in Reading with Understanding and Numeracy) aims to ensure that every child achieves foundational literacy and numeracy (FLN) by Grade 3 by 2026-27. It is a key component of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. DIKSHA (Digital Infrastructure for Knowledge Sharing) is a digital learning platform that provides e-learning resources, training modules, and assessment tools for students and teachers, enhancing literacy and numeracy skills. PM eVidya is an initiative that promotes online and digital learning by integrating multiple platforms like Diksha, SWAYAM Prabha TV channels, radio podcasts, and online courses, ensuring that foundational learning is accessible to all. Vidyanjali is a volunteer-based program that engages community members, retired teachers, and professionals to contribute towards improving school education quality, including foundational literacy.

#### 5. Question

Which of the following government initiatives aim to improve foundational literacy and numeracy skills in India?

• NIPUN Bharat

• DIKSHA Platform

• Vidyanjali Scheme

Select the correct answer using the code below:

• (a) Only one

• (b) Only two

• (c) Only three

• (d) All four

Solution: D

The Government of India has launched multiple initiatives to enhance foundational literacy and numeracy skills, focusing on both traditional and digital learning methods.

• NIPUN Bharat (National Initiative for Proficiency in Reading with Understanding and Numeracy) aims to ensure that every child achieves foundational literacy and numeracy (FLN) by Grade 3 by 2026-27. It is a key component of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.

• DIKSHA (Digital Infrastructure for Knowledge Sharing) is a digital learning platform that provides e-learning resources, training modules, and assessment tools for students and teachers, enhancing literacy and numeracy skills.

• PM eVidya is an initiative that promotes online and digital learning by integrating multiple platforms like Diksha, SWAYAM Prabha TV channels, radio podcasts, and online courses, ensuring that foundational learning is accessible to all.

• Vidyanjali is a volunteer-based program that engages community members, retired teachers, and professionals to contribute towards improving school education quality, including foundational literacy.

Solution: D

The Government of India has launched multiple initiatives to enhance foundational literacy and numeracy skills, focusing on both traditional and digital learning methods.

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