UPSC Editorials Quiz : 20 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 Consider the following statements regarding Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY): PMMSY includes both the Central Sector Scheme (CS) and Centrally Sponsored Scheme (CSS) as its main components. The scheme focuses on enhancing the fisheries sector solely through funding for ornamental fisheries. PMMSY has designated Hazaribagh District in Jharkhand as a priority area for pearl culture. How many of the above statements is/are incorrect? a) Only one b) Only two c) All three d) None Correct Solution: A Statements 1 and 3 are correct. PMMSY is structured as an umbrella scheme comprising both Central Sector (CS) and Centrally Sponsored Schemes (CSS), which supports holistic growth in fisheries. Additionally, Hazaribagh District in Jharkhand is a priority location for pearl culture under the scheme. Statement 2 is incorrect because PMMSY’s focus areas extend beyond ornamental fisheries and include a variety of fisheries-related activities. Incorrect Solution: A Statements 1 and 3 are correct. PMMSY is structured as an umbrella scheme comprising both Central Sector (CS) and Centrally Sponsored Schemes (CSS), which supports holistic growth in fisheries. Additionally, Hazaribagh District in Jharkhand is a priority location for pearl culture under the scheme. Statement 2 is incorrect because PMMSY’s focus areas extend beyond ornamental fisheries and include a variety of fisheries-related activities.

#### 1. Question

Consider the following statements regarding Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY):

• PMMSY includes both the Central Sector Scheme (CS) and Centrally Sponsored Scheme (CSS) as its main components.

• The scheme focuses on enhancing the fisheries sector solely through funding for ornamental fisheries.

• PMMSY has designated Hazaribagh District in Jharkhand as a priority area for pearl culture.

How many of the above statements is/are incorrect?

• a) Only one

• b) Only two

• c) All three

Solution: A

Statements 1 and 3 are correct. PMMSY is structured as an umbrella scheme comprising both Central Sector (CS) and Centrally Sponsored Schemes (CSS), which supports holistic growth in fisheries. Additionally, Hazaribagh District in Jharkhand is a priority location for pearl culture under the scheme.

Statement 2 is incorrect because PMMSY’s focus areas extend beyond ornamental fisheries and include a variety of fisheries-related activities.

Solution: A

Statement 2 is incorrect because PMMSY’s focus areas extend beyond ornamental fisheries and include a variety of fisheries-related activities.

• Question 2 of 5 2. Question Consider the following statements about the economic benefits of agrivoltaic farming: Agrivoltaic farming allows farmers to earn revenue from both agricultural produce and solar energy generation. It requires significant reductions in crop production to make space for solar panels, thus lowering agricultural output. Agrivoltaic systems often come with government incentives or subsidies, further supporting farmers’ incomes. How many of the above statements are correct? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) All three (d) None Correct Solution: B Agrivoltaic farming enables farmers to diversify income by earning from both crop production and solar energy, and government incentives often support agrivoltaic installations. Statement 2 is incorrect because agrivoltaic farming is designed to balance crop and solar panel placement without significant reductions in agricultural output. Incorrect Solution: B Agrivoltaic farming enables farmers to diversify income by earning from both crop production and solar energy, and government incentives often support agrivoltaic installations. Statement 2 is incorrect because agrivoltaic farming is designed to balance crop and solar panel placement without significant reductions in agricultural output.

#### 2. Question

Consider the following statements about the economic benefits of agrivoltaic farming:

• Agrivoltaic farming allows farmers to earn revenue from both agricultural produce and solar energy generation.

• It requires significant reductions in crop production to make space for solar panels, thus lowering agricultural output.

• Agrivoltaic systems often come with government incentives or subsidies, further supporting farmers’ incomes.

How many of the above statements are correct?

• (a) Only one

• (b) Only two

• (c) All three

Solution: B

Agrivoltaic farming enables farmers to diversify income by earning from both crop production and solar energy, and government incentives often support agrivoltaic installations.

Statement 2 is incorrect because agrivoltaic farming is designed to balance crop and solar panel placement without significant reductions in agricultural output.

Solution: B

Agrivoltaic farming enables farmers to diversify income by earning from both crop production and solar energy, and government incentives often support agrivoltaic installations.

Statement 2 is incorrect because agrivoltaic farming is designed to balance crop and solar panel placement without significant reductions in agricultural output.

• Question 3 of 5 3. Question Which of the following is the primary threat to the survival of the Markhor (the world’s largest wild goat) in its natural habitat? a) Loss of fur due to climate changes in high altitudes b) Lack of access to water sources in arid regions c) Predation by large carnivores in mountainous regions d) Habitat encroachment and illegal hunting for its distinctive horns Correct Solution: D The Markhor faces significant threats from habitat encroachment and illegal hunting for its spiral horns. Predation by large carnivores is not a primary threat to their population. About Markhor: Scientific name:Capra falconeri The UN General Assembly proclaimed 24 May the International Day of the Markhor, and it is celebrated for the first time in 2024. Distinctive features:Spiral horns (up to 160 cm in males), thick fur in shades of brown and gray; males weigh 80-110 kg, females weigh 32-50 kg. Habitat:Mountainous regions at 600–3,600 meters in Pakistan, Afghanistan, India (J&K), and Tajikistan. Diet:Herbivorous; feeds on grasses, leaves, herbs, and woody plants in winter. Social behavior:Males often solitary or in small groups, while females and young form larger herds. Threats:Illegal hunting for horns, habitat encroachment, livestock competition, and climate change effects. Conservation status:Listed as Near Threatened by IUCN; conservation efforts focus on habitat protection, reducing poaching, and managing livestock competition. Incorrect Solution: D The Markhor faces significant threats from habitat encroachment and illegal hunting for its spiral horns. Predation by large carnivores is not a primary threat to their population. About Markhor: Scientific name:Capra falconeri The UN General Assembly proclaimed 24 May the International Day of the Markhor, and it is celebrated for the first time in 2024. Distinctive features:Spiral horns (up to 160 cm in males), thick fur in shades of brown and gray; males weigh 80-110 kg, females weigh 32-50 kg. Habitat:Mountainous regions at 600–3,600 meters in Pakistan, Afghanistan, India (J&K), and Tajikistan. Diet:Herbivorous; feeds on grasses, leaves, herbs, and woody plants in winter. Social behavior:Males often solitary or in small groups, while females and young form larger herds. Threats:Illegal hunting for horns, habitat encroachment, livestock competition, and climate change effects. Conservation status:Listed as Near Threatened by IUCN; conservation efforts focus on habitat protection, reducing poaching, and managing livestock competition.

#### 3. Question

Which of the following is the primary threat to the survival of the Markhor (the world’s largest wild goat) in its natural habitat?

• a) Loss of fur due to climate changes in high altitudes

• b) Lack of access to water sources in arid regions

• c) Predation by large carnivores in mountainous regions

• d) Habitat encroachment and illegal hunting for its distinctive horns

Solution: D

The Markhor faces significant threats from habitat encroachment and illegal hunting for its spiral horns. Predation by large carnivores is not a primary threat to their population.

About Markhor:

• Scientific name:Capra falconeri

• The UN General Assembly proclaimed 24 May the International Day of the Markhor, and it is celebrated for the first time in 2024.

• Distinctive features:Spiral horns (up to 160 cm in males), thick fur in shades of brown and gray; males weigh 80-110 kg, females weigh 32-50 kg.

• Habitat:Mountainous regions at 600–3,600 meters in Pakistan, Afghanistan, India (J&K), and Tajikistan.

• Diet:Herbivorous; feeds on grasses, leaves, herbs, and woody plants in winter.

• Social behavior:Males often solitary or in small groups, while females and young form larger herds.

• Threats:Illegal hunting for horns, habitat encroachment, livestock competition, and climate change effects.

• Conservation status:Listed as Near Threatened by IUCN; conservation efforts focus on habitat protection, reducing poaching, and managing livestock competition.

Solution: D

The Markhor faces significant threats from habitat encroachment and illegal hunting for its spiral horns. Predation by large carnivores is not a primary threat to their population.

About Markhor:

• Scientific name:Capra falconeri

• The UN General Assembly proclaimed 24 May the International Day of the Markhor, and it is celebrated for the first time in 2024.

• Distinctive features:Spiral horns (up to 160 cm in males), thick fur in shades of brown and gray; males weigh 80-110 kg, females weigh 32-50 kg.

• Habitat:Mountainous regions at 600–3,600 meters in Pakistan, Afghanistan, India (J&K), and Tajikistan.

• Diet:Herbivorous; feeds on grasses, leaves, herbs, and woody plants in winter.

• Social behavior:Males often solitary or in small groups, while females and young form larger herds.

• Threats:Illegal hunting for horns, habitat encroachment, livestock competition, and climate change effects.

• Conservation status:Listed as Near Threatened by IUCN; conservation efforts focus on habitat protection, reducing poaching, and managing livestock competition.

• Question 4 of 5 4. Question What is the primary objective of the PM Vidyalaxmi Scheme? a) To establish a digital database of all students availing education loans b) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is not the correct explanation for Statement-I c) To create free hostel accommodations for economically backward students d) To provide job placements for students from top HEIs Correct Solution: B The main objective of the PM Vidyalaxmi Scheme is to ensure that meritorious students can access quality higher education without financial barriers. This is achieved through various loan features and interest subventions. Options (a), (c), and (d) are incorrect as the scheme does not focus on job placements, hostel accommodations, or a student database, but rather on providing financial support for education. Incorrect Solution: B The main objective of the PM Vidyalaxmi Scheme is to ensure that meritorious students can access quality higher education without financial barriers. This is achieved through various loan features and interest subventions. Options (a), (c), and (d) are incorrect as the scheme does not focus on job placements, hostel accommodations, or a student database, but rather on providing financial support for education.

#### 4. Question

What is the primary objective of the PM Vidyalaxmi Scheme?

• a) To establish a digital database of all students availing education loans

• b) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is not the correct explanation for Statement-I

• c) To create free hostel accommodations for economically backward students

• d) To provide job placements for students from top HEIs

Solution: B

The main objective of the PM Vidyalaxmi Scheme is to ensure that meritorious students can access quality higher education without financial barriers. This is achieved through various loan features and interest subventions.

Options (a), (c), and (d) are incorrect as the scheme does not focus on job placements, hostel accommodations, or a student database, but rather on providing financial support for education.

Solution: B

Options (a), (c), and (d) are incorrect as the scheme does not focus on job placements, hostel accommodations, or a student database, but rather on providing financial support for education.

• Question 5 of 5 5. Question Consider the following statements regarding the working principles of Gravity Energy Storage: Gravity Energy Storage primarily stores energy by converting electrical energy into thermal energy. This technology relies solely on batteries for energy storage and release. The technology is ideal for urban areas with limited space as it requires only minimal infrastructure. It is currently in the early stages of development, facing high initial setup costs and regulatory challenges. Which of the above statements are correct? (a) 4 only (b) 1, 3, and 4 only (c) 1, 2 and 4 only (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4 Correct Solution: A Gravity Energy Storage works by lifting a heavy mass during periods of excess energy generation, creating potential energy. When energy demand rises, the mass is lowered, converting potential energy back into electrical energy via a turbine. Statement 1 is incorrect as the technology does not store energy as thermal energy. Statement 2 is incorrect as it does not rely on batteries for storage or release. Statement 3 is incorrect as this technology requires substantial infrastructure, making it less suitable for densely populated urban areas. Statement 4 is correct. Gravity Energy Storage is cost-effective for grid-scale applications because of its low maintenance and long lifespan, but it is still in early development and has high setup costs. About Gravity Energy Storage: What it is: A renewable energy storage technology that uses gravitational force to store and release energy, especially suitable for grid-scale applications. How It works: During excess energy generation, a heavy mass (water, concrete, or compressed earth blocks) is lifted, converting electrical energy into stored potential energy. When energy demand rises, the mass is released, descending to drive water through a turbine, generating electricity. Advantages: Longevity: Lasts for decades with minimal maintenance compared to battery systems. Environmentally friendly: No harmful chemicals; reduces disposal and environmental impact. Cost-effective: Offers lower lifetime energy and storage costs for large-scale applications. Flexible deployment: Can be used in areas unsuitable for pumped-hydro or large battery systems, such as urban or constrained environments. Limitations: Early Development Stage: High initial setup costs and regulatory challenges. Geographic limitations: Requires suitable locations for large infrastructure. Limited energy density: While effective for grid storage, less efficient for compact or smaller-scale applications compared to batteries. Incorrect Solution: A Gravity Energy Storage works by lifting a heavy mass during periods of excess energy generation, creating potential energy. When energy demand rises, the mass is lowered, converting potential energy back into electrical energy via a turbine. Statement 1 is incorrect as the technology does not store energy as thermal energy. Statement 2 is incorrect as it does not rely on batteries for storage or release. Statement 3 is incorrect as this technology requires substantial infrastructure, making it less suitable for densely populated urban areas. Statement 4 is correct. Gravity Energy Storage is cost-effective for grid-scale applications because of its low maintenance and long lifespan, but it is still in early development and has high setup costs. About Gravity Energy Storage: What it is: A renewable energy storage technology that uses gravitational force to store and release energy, especially suitable for grid-scale applications. How It works: During excess energy generation, a heavy mass (water, concrete, or compressed earth blocks) is lifted, converting electrical energy into stored potential energy. When energy demand rises, the mass is released, descending to drive water through a turbine, generating electricity. Advantages: Longevity: Lasts for decades with minimal maintenance compared to battery systems. Environmentally friendly: No harmful chemicals; reduces disposal and environmental impact. Cost-effective: Offers lower lifetime energy and storage costs for large-scale applications. Flexible deployment: Can be used in areas unsuitable for pumped-hydro or large battery systems, such as urban or constrained environments. Limitations: Early Development Stage: High initial setup costs and regulatory challenges. Geographic limitations: Requires suitable locations for large infrastructure. Limited energy density: While effective for grid storage, less efficient for compact or smaller-scale applications compared to batteries.

#### 5. Question

Consider the following statements regarding the working principles of Gravity Energy Storage:

• Gravity Energy Storage primarily stores energy by converting electrical energy into thermal energy.

• This technology relies solely on batteries for energy storage and release.

• The technology is ideal for urban areas with limited space as it requires only minimal infrastructure.

• It is currently in the early stages of development, facing high initial setup costs and regulatory challenges.

Which of the above statements are correct?

• (a) 4 only

• (b) 1, 3, and 4 only

• (c) 1, 2 and 4 only

• (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

Solution: A

Gravity Energy Storage works by lifting a heavy mass during periods of excess energy generation, creating potential energy. When energy demand rises, the mass is lowered, converting potential energy back into electrical energy via a turbine.

Statement 1 is incorrect as the technology does not store energy as thermal energy.

Statement 2 is incorrect as it does not rely on batteries for storage or release.

Statement 3 is incorrect as this technology requires substantial infrastructure, making it less suitable for densely populated urban areas.

Statement 4 is correct. Gravity Energy Storage is cost-effective for grid-scale applications because of its low maintenance and long lifespan, but it is still in early development and has high setup costs.

About Gravity Energy Storage:

What it is: A renewable energy storage technology that uses gravitational force to store and release energy, especially suitable for grid-scale applications.

How It works:

During excess energy generation, a heavy mass (water, concrete, or compressed earth blocks) is lifted, converting electrical energy into stored potential energy.

When energy demand rises, the mass is released, descending to drive water through a turbine, generating electricity.

Advantages:

Longevity: Lasts for decades with minimal maintenance compared to battery systems.

Environmentally friendly: No harmful chemicals; reduces disposal and environmental impact.

Cost-effective: Offers lower lifetime energy and storage costs for large-scale applications.

Flexible deployment: Can be used in areas unsuitable for pumped-hydro or large battery systems, such as urban or constrained environments.

Limitations:

Early Development Stage: High initial setup costs and regulatory challenges.

Geographic limitations: Requires suitable locations for large infrastructure.

Limited energy density: While effective for grid storage, less efficient for compact or smaller-scale applications compared to batteries.

Solution: A

Statement 1 is incorrect as the technology does not store energy as thermal energy.

Statement 2 is incorrect as it does not rely on batteries for storage or release.

Statement 3 is incorrect as this technology requires substantial infrastructure, making it less suitable for densely populated urban areas.

About Gravity Energy Storage:

What it is: A renewable energy storage technology that uses gravitational force to store and release energy, especially suitable for grid-scale applications.

How It works:

During excess energy generation, a heavy mass (water, concrete, or compressed earth blocks) is lifted, converting electrical energy into stored potential energy.

When energy demand rises, the mass is released, descending to drive water through a turbine, generating electricity.

Advantages:

Longevity: Lasts for decades with minimal maintenance compared to battery systems.

Environmentally friendly: No harmful chemicals; reduces disposal and environmental impact.

Cost-effective: Offers lower lifetime energy and storage costs for large-scale applications.

Flexible deployment: Can be used in areas unsuitable for pumped-hydro or large battery systems, such as urban or constrained environments.

Limitations:

Early Development Stage: High initial setup costs and regulatory challenges.

Geographic limitations: Requires suitable locations for large infrastructure.

Limited energy density: While effective for grid storage, less efficient for compact or smaller-scale applications compared to batteries.

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