UPSC Editorials Quiz : 21 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 the geopolitical significance of the Indian Ocean Region (IOR): The Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad) is an economic trade bloc in the Indian Ocean. The Djibouti Code of Conduct (DCoC) is an agreement between China and African nations for military cooperation. The Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) is primarily a security alliance. How many of the above statements are correct? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) All three (d) None Correct Solution: D The Indian Ocean Region (IOR) is a strategically significant area due to its trade routes, energy corridors, and geopolitical alliances. Statement 1 is incorrect because the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad) is a strategic alliance, not a trade bloc. It focuses on maritime security, freedom of navigation, and countering China’s influence in the Indo-Pacific rather than economic integration. Statement 2 is incorrect because the Djibouti Code of Conduct (DCoC) is an anti-piracy framework aimed at enhancing maritime security among countries in the western Indian Ocean, including Africa, the Middle East, and South Asia. It does not involve China in military cooperation. Statement 3 is incorrect as BIMSTEC is an economic and technical cooperation organization aimed at fostering trade, connectivity, and regional development rather than military security. Incorrect Solution: D The Indian Ocean Region (IOR) is a strategically significant area due to its trade routes, energy corridors, and geopolitical alliances. Statement 1 is incorrect because the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad) is a strategic alliance, not a trade bloc. It focuses on maritime security, freedom of navigation, and countering China’s influence in the Indo-Pacific rather than economic integration. Statement 2 is incorrect because the Djibouti Code of Conduct (DCoC) is an anti-piracy framework aimed at enhancing maritime security among countries in the western Indian Ocean, including Africa, the Middle East, and South Asia. It does not involve China in military cooperation. Statement 3 is incorrect as BIMSTEC is an economic and technical cooperation organization aimed at fostering trade, connectivity, and regional development rather than military security.

#### 1. Question

Consider the following statements about the geopolitical significance of the Indian Ocean Region (IOR):

• The Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad) is an economic trade bloc in the Indian Ocean.

• The Djibouti Code of Conduct (DCoC) is an agreement between China and African nations for military cooperation.

• The Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) is primarily a security alliance.

How many of the above statements are correct?

• (a) Only one

• (b) Only two

• (c) All three

Solution: D

• The Indian Ocean Region (IOR) is a strategically significant area due to its trade routes, energy corridors, and geopolitical alliances.

• Statement 1 is incorrect because the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad) is a strategic alliance, not a trade bloc. It focuses on maritime security, freedom of navigation, and countering China’s influence in the Indo-Pacific rather than economic integration.

• Statement 2 is incorrect because the Djibouti Code of Conduct (DCoC) is an anti-piracy framework aimed at enhancing maritime security among countries in the western Indian Ocean, including Africa, the Middle East, and South Asia. It does not involve China in military cooperation.

• Statement 3 is incorrect as BIMSTEC is an economic and technical cooperation organization aimed at fostering trade, connectivity, and regional development rather than military security.

Solution: D

• The Indian Ocean Region (IOR) is a strategically significant area due to its trade routes, energy corridors, and geopolitical alliances.

• Statement 3 is incorrect as BIMSTEC is an economic and technical cooperation organization aimed at fostering trade, connectivity, and regional development rather than military security.

• Question 2 of 5 2. Question Consider the following features of the Hangul Deer: It is the only surviving subspecies of Central Asian Red Deer in the Indian subcontinent. Male Hangul Deer possess large antlers, making them a target for illegal hunting. The Hangul population has been increasing due to strict anti-poaching measures. It is found only in India and has no known population in neighboring countries. How many of the above statements are correct? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) Only three (d) All four Correct Solution: B The Hangul Deer, also known as the Kashmir Stag (Cervus hanglu hanglu), is a critically endangered species found mainly in Jammu and Kashmir. Statement 1 is correct because Hangul is the only surviving subspecies of the Central Asian Red Deer in the Indian subcontinent, primarily residing in Dachigam National Park. Statement 2 is also correct, as male Hangul Deer have large, multi-tined antlers (11-16 points), making them highly sought after by poachers, despite strict legal protections. Statement 3 is incorrect because the Hangul population has been declining due to habitat degradation, competition with livestock, poaching, and fragmentation of forested corridors. Conservation efforts, including captive breeding and protected areas, have not significantly reversed the trend. Statement 4 is incorrect because small populations of Hangul have been reported in Pakistan and Afghanistan, though India’s population remains the most significant. Incorrect Solution: B The Hangul Deer, also known as the Kashmir Stag (Cervus hanglu hanglu), is a critically endangered species found mainly in Jammu and Kashmir. Statement 1 is correct because Hangul is the only surviving subspecies of the Central Asian Red Deer in the Indian subcontinent, primarily residing in Dachigam National Park. Statement 2 is also correct, as male Hangul Deer have large, multi-tined antlers (11-16 points), making them highly sought after by poachers, despite strict legal protections. Statement 3 is incorrect because the Hangul population has been declining due to habitat degradation, competition with livestock, poaching, and fragmentation of forested corridors. Conservation efforts, including captive breeding and protected areas, have not significantly reversed the trend. Statement 4 is incorrect because small populations of Hangul have been reported in Pakistan and Afghanistan, though India’s population remains the most significant.

#### 2. Question

Consider the following features of the Hangul Deer:

• It is the only surviving subspecies of Central Asian Red Deer in the Indian subcontinent.

• Male Hangul Deer possess large antlers, making them a target for illegal hunting.

• The Hangul population has been increasing due to strict anti-poaching measures.

• It is found only in India and has no known population in neighboring countries.

How many of the above statements are correct?

• (a) Only one

• (b) Only two

• (c) Only three

• (d) All four

Solution: B

• The Hangul Deer, also known as the Kashmir Stag (Cervus hanglu hanglu), is a critically endangered species found mainly in Jammu and Kashmir.

• Statement 1 is correct because Hangul is the only surviving subspecies of the Central Asian Red Deer in the Indian subcontinent, primarily residing in Dachigam National Park.

• Statement 2 is also correct, as male Hangul Deer have large, multi-tined antlers (11-16 points), making them highly sought after by poachers, despite strict legal protections.

• Statement 3 is incorrect because the Hangul population has been declining due to habitat degradation, competition with livestock, poaching, and fragmentation of forested corridors. Conservation efforts, including captive breeding and protected areas, have not significantly reversed the trend.

• Statement 4 is incorrect because small populations of Hangul have been reported in Pakistan and Afghanistan, though India’s population remains the most significant.

Solution: B

• The Hangul Deer, also known as the Kashmir Stag (Cervus hanglu hanglu), is a critically endangered species found mainly in Jammu and Kashmir.

• Statement 1 is correct because Hangul is the only surviving subspecies of the Central Asian Red Deer in the Indian subcontinent, primarily residing in Dachigam National Park.

• Statement 2 is also correct, as male Hangul Deer have large, multi-tined antlers (11-16 points), making them highly sought after by poachers, despite strict legal protections.

• Statement 4 is incorrect because small populations of Hangul have been reported in Pakistan and Afghanistan, though India’s population remains the most significant.

• Question 3 of 5 3. Question Consider the following statements regarding the Financial Powers of Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs): Panchayats have the power to impose and collect certain taxes, as per Article 243H. The Union Finance Commission distributes grants-in-aid to Panchayati Raj Institutions. Panchayati Raj Institutions directly receive financial allocations from the Consolidated Fund of India. How many of the above statements is/are correct? a) Only one (b) Only two (c) All three (d) None Correct Solution: B Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) play a crucial role in local governance and financial management at the grassroots level in India. Statement 1 is correct because Article 243H of the Constitution empowers state legislatures to authorize Panchayats to levy, collect, and appropriate taxes, duties, tolls, and fees to ensure financial autonomy. Statement 2 is also correct, as the Union Finance Commission, under Article 280, recommends grants-in-aid to states, which are then allocated to Panchayats to strengthen rural governance and development. Statement 3 is incorrect because Panchayati Raj Institutions do not receive funds directly from the Consolidated Fund of India; instead, financial allocations are made to state governments, which then distribute the funds to Panchayats based on the State Finance Commission’s recommendations. The financial dependence of PRIs on state governments often limits their autonomy. Incorrect Solution: B Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) play a crucial role in local governance and financial management at the grassroots level in India. Statement 1 is correct because Article 243H of the Constitution empowers state legislatures to authorize Panchayats to levy, collect, and appropriate taxes, duties, tolls, and fees to ensure financial autonomy. Statement 2 is also correct, as the Union Finance Commission, under Article 280, recommends grants-in-aid to states, which are then allocated to Panchayats to strengthen rural governance and development. Statement 3 is incorrect because Panchayati Raj Institutions do not receive funds directly from the Consolidated Fund of India; instead, financial allocations are made to state governments, which then distribute the funds to Panchayats based on the State Finance Commission’s recommendations. The financial dependence of PRIs on state governments often limits their autonomy.

#### 3. Question

Consider the following statements regarding the Financial Powers of Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs):

• Panchayats have the power to impose and collect certain taxes, as per Article 243H.

• The Union Finance Commission distributes grants-in-aid to Panchayati Raj Institutions.

• Panchayati Raj Institutions directly receive financial allocations from the Consolidated Fund of India.

How many of the above statements is/are correct?

• a) Only one

• (b) Only two

• (c) All three

Solution: B

• Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) play a crucial role in local governance and financial management at the grassroots level in India.

• Statement 1 is correct because Article 243H of the Constitution empowers state legislatures to authorize Panchayats to levy, collect, and appropriate taxes, duties, tolls, and fees to ensure financial autonomy.

• Statement 2 is also correct, as the Union Finance Commission, under Article 280, recommends grants-in-aid to states, which are then allocated to Panchayats to strengthen rural governance and development.

• Statement 3 is incorrect because Panchayati Raj Institutions do not receive funds directly from the Consolidated Fund of India; instead, financial allocations are made to state governments, which then distribute the funds to Panchayats based on the State Finance Commission’s recommendations. The financial dependence of PRIs on state governments often limits their autonomy.

Solution: B

• Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) play a crucial role in local governance and financial management at the grassroots level in India.

• Question 4 of 5 4. Question Consider the following statements regarding India’s Sovereign Green Bonds. Assertion (A): India’s Sovereign Green Bonds are designed to attract international climate-focused investors. Reason (R): The Government of India allows unrestricted foreign investment in SGrBs with no taxation. Which one of the following is correct? (a) Both A and R are correct, and R is the correct explanation of A. (b) Both A and R are correct, but R is not the correct explanation of A. (c) A is correct, but R is incorrect. (d) A is incorrect, but R is correct. Correct Solution: C India’s Sovereign Green Bonds (SGrBs) are issued to finance environmentally sustainable projects and attract investors focused on climate-friendly initiatives. Assertion (A) is correct because SGrBs are specifically designed to draw international climate-conscious investors, enhancing India’s position in the green finance market. They align with global sustainability standards and provide a funding mechanism for renewable energy, clean transportation, and climate-resilient infrastructure. However, Reason (R) is incorrect because foreign investments in SGrBs are subject to India’s taxation and regulatory framework. While these bonds may be attractive to international investors, they do not enjoy unrestricted foreign investment privileges or full tax exemptions. Instead, they follow the guidelines set by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI), ensuring compliance with fiscal and legal policies. Incorrect Solution: C India’s Sovereign Green Bonds (SGrBs) are issued to finance environmentally sustainable projects and attract investors focused on climate-friendly initiatives. Assertion (A) is correct because SGrBs are specifically designed to draw international climate-conscious investors, enhancing India’s position in the green finance market. They align with global sustainability standards and provide a funding mechanism for renewable energy, clean transportation, and climate-resilient infrastructure. However, Reason (R) is incorrect because foreign investments in SGrBs are subject to India’s taxation and regulatory framework. While these bonds may be attractive to international investors, they do not enjoy unrestricted foreign investment privileges or full tax exemptions. Instead, they follow the guidelines set by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI), ensuring compliance with fiscal and legal policies.

#### 4. Question

Consider the following statements regarding India’s Sovereign Green Bonds.

Assertion (A): India’s Sovereign Green Bonds are designed to attract international climate-focused investors.

Reason (R): The Government of India allows unrestricted foreign investment in SGrBs with no taxation.

Which one of the following is correct?

• (a) Both A and R are correct, and R is the correct explanation of A.

• (b) Both A and R are correct, but R is not the correct explanation of A.

• (c) A is correct, but R is incorrect.

• (d) A is incorrect, but R is correct.

Solution: C

• India’s Sovereign Green Bonds (SGrBs) are issued to finance environmentally sustainable projects and attract investors focused on climate-friendly initiatives.

• Assertion (A) is correct because SGrBs are specifically designed to draw international climate-conscious investors, enhancing India’s position in the green finance market. They align with global sustainability standards and provide a funding mechanism for renewable energy, clean transportation, and climate-resilient infrastructure.

• However, Reason (R) is incorrect because foreign investments in SGrBs are subject to India’s taxation and regulatory framework. While these bonds may be attractive to international investors, they do not enjoy unrestricted foreign investment privileges or full tax exemptions. Instead, they follow the guidelines set by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI), ensuring compliance with fiscal and legal policies.

Solution: C

• India’s Sovereign Green Bonds (SGrBs) are issued to finance environmentally sustainable projects and attract investors focused on climate-friendly initiatives.

• Question 5 of 5 5. Question Consider the following statements regarding Tamil megalithic culture: Megalithic burial sites in Tamil Nadu contain inscriptions in Sanskrit. The typical burial types include rock-cut chambers and urn burials. The Tamil Megalithic period is contemporaneous with the Harappan Civilization. How many of the above statements is/are correct? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) All three (d) None Correct Solution: A The Tamil Megalithic culture is significant for its burial practices and early inscriptions, reflecting the socio-cultural aspects of ancient Tamil society. Statement 1 is incorrect because Tamil Megalithic burial sites do not contain Sanskrit inscriptions. Instead, inscriptions found at these sites are in Tamil-Brahmi script and often include symbols that reflect early Tamil language and culture. Statement 2 is correct as Megalithic burial types in Tamil Nadu include rock-cut chambers, urn burials, dolmens, and cairn circles. These burial practices indicate a belief in an afterlife and have been found across the Deccan and South India. Statement 3 is incorrect because the Tamil Megalithic period (approximately 1000 BCE – 300 CE) occurred much after the Harappan Civilization (3300 BCE – 1300 BCE). The two cultures were not contemporaneous, as the Harappan Civilization declined centuries before the Tamil Megalithic culture emerged. Incorrect Solution: A The Tamil Megalithic culture is significant for its burial practices and early inscriptions, reflecting the socio-cultural aspects of ancient Tamil society. Statement 1 is incorrect because Tamil Megalithic burial sites do not contain Sanskrit inscriptions. Instead, inscriptions found at these sites are in Tamil-Brahmi script and often include symbols that reflect early Tamil language and culture. Statement 2 is correct as Megalithic burial types in Tamil Nadu include rock-cut chambers, urn burials, dolmens, and cairn circles. These burial practices indicate a belief in an afterlife and have been found across the Deccan and South India. Statement 3 is incorrect because the Tamil Megalithic period (approximately 1000 BCE – 300 CE) occurred much after the Harappan Civilization (3300 BCE – 1300 BCE). The two cultures were not contemporaneous, as the Harappan Civilization declined centuries before the Tamil Megalithic culture emerged.

#### 5. Question

Consider the following statements regarding Tamil megalithic culture:

• Megalithic burial sites in Tamil Nadu contain inscriptions in Sanskrit.

• The typical burial types include rock-cut chambers and urn burials.

• The Tamil Megalithic period is contemporaneous with the Harappan Civilization.

How many of the above statements is/are correct?

• (a) Only one

• (b) Only two

• (c) All three

Solution: A

The Tamil Megalithic culture is significant for its burial practices and early inscriptions, reflecting the socio-cultural aspects of ancient Tamil society.

• Statement 1 is incorrect because Tamil Megalithic burial sites do not contain Sanskrit inscriptions. Instead, inscriptions found at these sites are in Tamil-Brahmi script and often include symbols that reflect early Tamil language and culture.

• Statement 2 is correct as Megalithic burial types in Tamil Nadu include rock-cut chambers, urn burials, dolmens, and cairn circles. These burial practices indicate a belief in an afterlife and have been found across the Deccan and South India.

• Statement 3 is incorrect because the Tamil Megalithic period (approximately 1000 BCE – 300 CE) occurred much after the Harappan Civilization (3300 BCE – 1300 BCE). The two cultures were not contemporaneous, as the Harappan Civilization declined centuries before the Tamil Megalithic culture emerged.

Solution: A

The Tamil Megalithic culture is significant for its burial practices and early inscriptions, reflecting the socio-cultural aspects of ancient Tamil society.

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