UPSC Editorials Quiz : 21 June 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.

#### Quiz-summary

0 of 5 questions completed

Questions:

#### Information

Best of luck! 🙂

You have already completed the quiz before. Hence you can not start it again.

Quiz is loading...

You must sign in or sign up to start the quiz.

You have to finish following quiz, to start this quiz:

0 of 5 questions answered correctly

Your time:

Time has elapsed

You have reached 0 of 0 points, (0)

#### Categories

• Not categorized 0%

• Question 1 of 5 1. Question With reference to Building-Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV), consider the following statements: BIPV systems exclusively replace non-load-bearing elements of a building’s envelope like glass panels and cladding. The integration of semi-transparent BIPV panels can contribute to a building’s passive cooling, thereby enhancing its energy efficiency. Unlike conventional rooftop solar installations, BIPV technology is capable of utilising vertical surfaces for energy generation. How many of the statements given above are correct? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) All three (d) None Correct Solution: B Statement 1 is incorrect. While BIPV systems often replace elements like glass facades and cladding, they are not exclusively limited to non-load-bearing components. Advances in BIPV technology allow for integration into structural elements as well, such as roofing tiles that bear environmental loads.. Statement 2 is correct. Semi-transparent BIPV panels perform a dual function. They generate electricity and also control the amount of sunlight and solar heat entering a building. By reducing solar heat gain, they lessen the load on air conditioning systems, which is a key principle of passive cooling design. This directly improves the building’s overall energy efficiency. Statement 3 is correct. This is a fundamental advantage of BIPV. While conventional solar panels are typically mounted on rooftops, BIPV systems are integrated into the building’s facade, windows, railings, and other vertical or non-traditional surfaces. This makes them particularly suitable for urban areas where rooftop space is limited but vertical surface area is abundant. About Building-Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV): Definition: BIPV involves embedding solar panels directly into a building’s envelope — like façades, windows, and rooftops — transforming them into energy-generating structures. Dual Role: It replaces traditional construction materials (glass, tiles, cladding) while simultaneously generating electricity. Features of BIPV: Aesthetic Flexibility: BIPV systems can be customized in terms of transparency, color, shape, and size to blend into building architecture. Space Efficiency: Unlike conventional rooftop solar, BIPV utilizes vertical surfaces like façades and railings — crucial for space-constrained urban areas. Structural Integration: BIPV functions as part of the building fabric, reducing additional installation effort and costs in the long run. How BIPV Works? Photovoltaic Integration: Solar cells are integrated into construction elements like glass panels or roofing materials. Electricity Generation: These panels absorb sunlight and convert it into electricity, reducing the building’s grid dependency. Passive Cooling Benefits: Semi-transparent panels reduce solar heat gain, improving indoor energy efficiency. Incorrect Solution: B Statement 1 is incorrect. While BIPV systems often replace elements like glass facades and cladding, they are not exclusively limited to non-load-bearing components. Advances in BIPV technology allow for integration into structural elements as well, such as roofing tiles that bear environmental loads.. Statement 2 is correct. Semi-transparent BIPV panels perform a dual function. They generate electricity and also control the amount of sunlight and solar heat entering a building. By reducing solar heat gain, they lessen the load on air conditioning systems, which is a key principle of passive cooling design. This directly improves the building’s overall energy efficiency. Statement 3 is correct. This is a fundamental advantage of BIPV. While conventional solar panels are typically mounted on rooftops, BIPV systems are integrated into the building’s facade, windows, railings, and other vertical or non-traditional surfaces. This makes them particularly suitable for urban areas where rooftop space is limited but vertical surface area is abundant. About Building-Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV): Definition: BIPV involves embedding solar panels directly into a building’s envelope — like façades, windows, and rooftops — transforming them into energy-generating structures. Dual Role: It replaces traditional construction materials (glass, tiles, cladding) while simultaneously generating electricity. Features of BIPV: Aesthetic Flexibility: BIPV systems can be customized in terms of transparency, color, shape, and size to blend into building architecture. Space Efficiency: Unlike conventional rooftop solar, BIPV utilizes vertical surfaces like façades and railings — crucial for space-constrained urban areas. Structural Integration: BIPV functions as part of the building fabric, reducing additional installation effort and costs in the long run. How BIPV Works? Photovoltaic Integration: Solar cells are integrated into construction elements like glass panels or roofing materials. Electricity Generation: These panels absorb sunlight and convert it into electricity, reducing the building’s grid dependency. Passive Cooling Benefits: Semi-transparent panels reduce solar heat gain, improving indoor energy efficiency.

#### 1. Question

With reference to Building-Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV), consider the following statements:

• BIPV systems exclusively replace non-load-bearing elements of a building’s envelope like glass panels and cladding.

• The integration of semi-transparent BIPV panels can contribute to a building’s passive cooling, thereby enhancing its energy efficiency.

• Unlike conventional rooftop solar installations, BIPV technology is capable of utilising vertical surfaces for energy generation.

How many of the statements given above are correct?

• (a) Only one

• (b) Only two

• (c) All three

Solution: B

• Statement 1 is incorrect. While BIPV systems often replace elements like glass facades and cladding, they are not exclusively limited to non-load-bearing components. Advances in BIPV technology allow for integration into structural elements as well, such as roofing tiles that bear environmental loads..

• Statement 2 is correct. Semi-transparent BIPV panels perform a dual function. They generate electricity and also control the amount of sunlight and solar heat entering a building. By reducing solar heat gain, they lessen the load on air conditioning systems, which is a key principle of passive cooling design. This directly improves the building’s overall energy efficiency.

• Statement 3 is correct. This is a fundamental advantage of BIPV. While conventional solar panels are typically mounted on rooftops, BIPV systems are integrated into the building’s facade, windows, railings, and other vertical or non-traditional surfaces. This makes them particularly suitable for urban areas where rooftop space is limited but vertical surface area is abundant.

About Building-Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV):

• Definition: BIPV involves embedding solar panels directly into a building’s envelope — like façades, windows, and rooftops — transforming them into energy-generating structures.

• BIPV involves embedding solar panels directly into a building’s envelope — like façades, windows, and rooftops — transforming them into energy-generating structures.

• Dual Role: It replaces traditional construction materials (glass, tiles, cladding) while simultaneously generating electricity.

Features of BIPV:

• Aesthetic Flexibility: BIPV systems can be customized in terms of transparency, color, shape, and size to blend into building architecture.

• Space Efficiency: Unlike conventional rooftop solar, BIPV utilizes vertical surfaces like façades and railings — crucial for space-constrained urban areas.

• Structural Integration: BIPV functions as part of the building fabric, reducing additional installation effort and costs in the long run.

How BIPV Works?

• Photovoltaic Integration: Solar cells are integrated into construction elements like glass panels or roofing materials.

• Electricity Generation: These panels absorb sunlight and convert it into electricity, reducing the building’s grid dependency.

• Passive Cooling Benefits: Semi-transparent panels reduce solar heat gain, improving indoor energy efficiency.

Solution: B

About Building-Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV):

• Definition: BIPV involves embedding solar panels directly into a building’s envelope — like façades, windows, and rooftops — transforming them into energy-generating structures.

• BIPV involves embedding solar panels directly into a building’s envelope — like façades, windows, and rooftops — transforming them into energy-generating structures.

• Dual Role: It replaces traditional construction materials (glass, tiles, cladding) while simultaneously generating electricity.

Features of BIPV:

• Aesthetic Flexibility: BIPV systems can be customized in terms of transparency, color, shape, and size to blend into building architecture.

• Space Efficiency: Unlike conventional rooftop solar, BIPV utilizes vertical surfaces like façades and railings — crucial for space-constrained urban areas.

• Structural Integration: BIPV functions as part of the building fabric, reducing additional installation effort and costs in the long run.

How BIPV Works?

• Photovoltaic Integration: Solar cells are integrated into construction elements like glass panels or roofing materials.

• Electricity Generation: These panels absorb sunlight and convert it into electricity, reducing the building’s grid dependency.

• Passive Cooling Benefits: Semi-transparent panels reduce solar heat gain, improving indoor energy efficiency.

• Question 2 of 5 2. Question Consider the following statements regarding the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC): It was established as a principal organ of the United Nations by the UN Charter. Members of the Council are elected by the UN Security Council for a three-year term. Decisions on substantive questions in ECOSOC are made by a simple majority of the members present and voting. How many of the statements given above are correct? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) All three (d) None Correct Solution: B Statements 1 is correct. The United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) is one of the six principal organs of the UN, established by the UN Charter in 1945. Its primary mandate is to serve as the central forum for discussing international economic and social issues and for formulating policy recommendations addressed to Member States and the United Nations system. Statement 2 is incorrect as the 54 members of the Council are elected by the UN General Assembly, not the UN Security Council, for overlapping three-year terms. Statement 3 is correct. As per the Rules of Procedure of the Economic and Social Council, decisions on substantive questions are made by a simple majority of the members present and voting. Incorrect Solution: B Statements 1 is correct. The United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) is one of the six principal organs of the UN, established by the UN Charter in 1945. Its primary mandate is to serve as the central forum for discussing international economic and social issues and for formulating policy recommendations addressed to Member States and the United Nations system. Statement 2 is incorrect as the 54 members of the Council are elected by the UN General Assembly, not the UN Security Council, for overlapping three-year terms. Statement 3 is correct. As per the Rules of Procedure of the Economic and Social Council, decisions on substantive questions are made by a simple majority of the members present and voting.

#### 2. Question

Consider the following statements regarding the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC):

• It was established as a principal organ of the United Nations by the UN Charter.

• Members of the Council are elected by the UN Security Council for a three-year term.

• Decisions on substantive questions in ECOSOC are made by a simple majority of the members present and voting.

How many of the statements given above are correct?

• (a) Only one

• (b) Only two

• (c) All three

Solution: B

• Statements 1 is correct. The United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) is one of the six principal organs of the UN, established by the UN Charter in 1945. Its primary mandate is to serve as the central forum for discussing international economic and social issues and for formulating policy recommendations addressed to Member States and the United Nations system.

• Statement 2 is incorrect as the 54 members of the Council are elected by the UN General Assembly, not the UN Security Council, for overlapping three-year terms.

Statement 3 is correct. As per the Rules of Procedure of the Economic and Social Council, decisions on substantive questions are made by a simple majority of the members present and voting.

Solution: B

• Statement 2 is incorrect as the 54 members of the Council are elected by the UN General Assembly, not the UN Security Council, for overlapping three-year terms.

Statement 3 is correct. As per the Rules of Procedure of the Economic and Social Council, decisions on substantive questions are made by a simple majority of the members present and voting.

• Question 3 of 5 3. Question Consider the following statements regarding thermophilic bacteria and their applications: Thermus aquaticus, a thermophile, is crucial for industrial biofuel production due to its ability to break down cellulose at high temperatures. The discovery of antibiotic compounds from thermophiles is significant because these molecules are produced to survive in competitive, extreme environments, suggesting novel mechanisms of action. The use of thermophilic microbial blends in agriculture is aimed at enhancing soil fertility primarily in cold-climate farming. Which of the above statements is/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. While Thermus aquaticus is a famous thermophile, its primary application is in biotechnology, specifically as the source of Taq polymerase used in the Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR). It is not primarily known for cellulose breakdown in biofuel production. Other thermophiles are used for that purpose. Statement 2 is incorrect. The application of thermophilic microbial blends in agriculture is to enhance crop resilience under harsh environmental conditions, which typically implies heat, drought, or salinity stress, not cold climates. Thermophiles, being “heat-loving,” would not be the primary choice for improving soil in cold environments; psychrophiles (“cold-loving” microbes) would be more suitable for that niche. Incorrect Solution: D Statement 1 is incorrect. While Thermus aquaticus is a famous thermophile, its primary application is in biotechnology, specifically as the source of Taq polymerase used in the Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR). It is not primarily known for cellulose breakdown in biofuel production. Other thermophiles are used for that purpose. Statement 2 is incorrect. The application of thermophilic microbial blends in agriculture is to enhance crop resilience under harsh environmental conditions, which typically implies heat, drought, or salinity stress, not cold climates. Thermophiles, being “heat-loving,” would not be the primary choice for improving soil in cold environments; psychrophiles (“cold-loving” microbes) would be more suitable for that niche.

#### 3. Question

Consider the following statements regarding thermophilic bacteria and their applications:

• Thermus aquaticus, a thermophile, is crucial for industrial biofuel production due to its ability to break down cellulose at high temperatures.

• The discovery of antibiotic compounds from thermophiles is significant because these molecules are produced to survive in competitive, extreme environments, suggesting novel mechanisms of action.

• The use of thermophilic microbial blends in agriculture is aimed at enhancing soil fertility primarily in cold-climate farming.

Which of the above statements is/are correct?

• (a) 1 only

• (b) 2 only

• (c) Both 1 and 2

• (d) Neither 1 nor 2

Solution: D

• Statement 1 is incorrect. While Thermus aquaticus is a famous thermophile, its primary application is in biotechnology, specifically as the source of Taq polymerase used in the Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR). It is not primarily known for cellulose breakdown in biofuel production. Other thermophiles are used for that purpose.

• Statement 2 is incorrect. The application of thermophilic microbial blends in agriculture is to enhance crop resilience under harsh environmental conditions, which typically implies heat, drought, or salinity stress, not cold climates. Thermophiles, being “heat-loving,” would not be the primary choice for improving soil in cold environments; psychrophiles (“cold-loving” microbes) would be more suitable for that niche.

Solution: D

• Question 4 of 5 4. Question Consider the following statements about India’s first indigenous Polar Research Vessel (PRV): The vessel is designed to operate exclusively in the Antarctic region to support India’s research stations Maitri and Bharati. It will be equipped with ice-breaking capabilities compliant with Polar Class standards. The development of this vessel reinforces India’s commitment to the Paris Agreement by facilitating research on carbon sequestration. The National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR) is the nodal agency for operating and managing the research missions of this vessel. How many of the statements given above are correct? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) Only three (d) All four Correct Solution: C Statement 1 is incorrect. The vessel is being developed to strengthen India’s capabilities in Arctic and Antarctic research. Statement 2 is correct. A defining feature of a Polar Research Vessel is its ability to navigate through ice-covered waters. It will have ice-breaking capabilities and is designed to be Polar-Class, which are international standards for ships operating in polar regions. Statement 3 is correct. One of the goals under the Paris Agreement is creating a 2.5 billion tonne carbon sink. By enabling advanced climate research, ocean health monitoring, and data collection on carbon cycles in the poles (which are critical climate regulators), the vessel directly supports the scientific underpinning of India’s climate goals. Statement 4 is correct. The National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR) is India’s premier institution for polar and ocean sciences. The PRV will enable multidisciplinary research under NCPOR, confirming its role as the lead agency for the vessel’s scientific expeditions. Incorrect Solution: C Statement 1 is incorrect. The vessel is being developed to strengthen India’s capabilities in Arctic and Antarctic research. Statement 2 is correct. A defining feature of a Polar Research Vessel is its ability to navigate through ice-covered waters. It will have ice-breaking capabilities and is designed to be Polar-Class, which are international standards for ships operating in polar regions. Statement 3 is correct. One of the goals under the Paris Agreement is creating a 2.5 billion tonne carbon sink. By enabling advanced climate research, ocean health monitoring, and data collection on carbon cycles in the poles (which are critical climate regulators), the vessel directly supports the scientific underpinning of India’s climate goals. Statement 4 is correct. The National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR) is India’s premier institution for polar and ocean sciences. The PRV will enable multidisciplinary research under NCPOR, confirming its role as the lead agency for the vessel’s scientific expeditions.

#### 4. Question

Consider the following statements about India’s first indigenous Polar Research Vessel (PRV):

• The vessel is designed to operate exclusively in the Antarctic region to support India’s research stations Maitri and Bharati.

• It will be equipped with ice-breaking capabilities compliant with Polar Class standards.

• The development of this vessel reinforces India’s commitment to the Paris Agreement by facilitating research on carbon sequestration.

• The National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR) is the nodal agency for operating and managing the research missions of this vessel.

How many of the statements given above are correct?

• (a) Only one

• (b) Only two

• (c) Only three

• (d) All four

Solution: C

• Statement 1 is incorrect. The vessel is being developed to strengthen India’s capabilities in Arctic and Antarctic research.

• Statement 2 is correct. A defining feature of a Polar Research Vessel is its ability to navigate through ice-covered waters. It will have ice-breaking capabilities and is designed to be Polar-Class, which are international standards for ships operating in polar regions.

• Statement 3 is correct. One of the goals under the Paris Agreement is creating a 2.5 billion tonne carbon sink. By enabling advanced climate research, ocean health monitoring, and data collection on carbon cycles in the poles (which are critical climate regulators), the vessel directly supports the scientific underpinning of India’s climate goals.

• Statement 4 is correct. The National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR) is India’s premier institution for polar and ocean sciences. The PRV will enable multidisciplinary research under NCPOR, confirming its role as the lead agency for the vessel’s scientific expeditions.

Solution: C

• Statement 1 is incorrect. The vessel is being developed to strengthen India’s capabilities in Arctic and Antarctic research.

• Question 5 of 5 5. Question With reference to the Census in India, consider the following statements: The decennial Census is conducted by the Registrar General and Census Commissioner of India under the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation. The constitutional basis for the Census is provided under Entry 69 of the Union List in the Seventh Schedule. The upcoming 16th Census will be the first time caste-based data is collected in post-independent India. How many of the statements given above are correct? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) All three (d) None Correct Solution: A Statement 1 is incorrect. The decennial Census is conducted by the Office of the Registrar General and Census Commissioner, which comes under the Ministry of Home Affairs, not the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation. Statement 2 is correct. The responsibility of conducting the decennial census is vested with the Union government. The constitutional backing for this is provided by Entry 69 of the Union List in the Seventh Schedule of the Constitution of India. The Census Act of 1948 provides the legal framework for carrying out the Census. Statement 3 is incorrect. While the upcoming 16th Census will include caste enumeration, it is not the first time such data is being collected in post-independent India. The Socio-Economic and Caste Census (SECC) was conducted in 2011, which collected data on castes. However, the upcoming census will be the first time it is integrated into the main decennial census exercise since independence. Incorrect Solution: A Statement 1 is incorrect. The decennial Census is conducted by the Office of the Registrar General and Census Commissioner, which comes under the Ministry of Home Affairs, not the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation. Statement 2 is correct. The responsibility of conducting the decennial census is vested with the Union government. The constitutional backing for this is provided by Entry 69 of the Union List in the Seventh Schedule of the Constitution of India. The Census Act of 1948 provides the legal framework for carrying out the Census. Statement 3 is incorrect. While the upcoming 16th Census will include caste enumeration, it is not the first time such data is being collected in post-independent India. The Socio-Economic and Caste Census (SECC) was conducted in 2011, which collected data on castes. However, the upcoming census will be the first time it is integrated into the main decennial census exercise since independence.

#### 5. Question

With reference to the Census in India, consider the following statements:

• The decennial Census is conducted by the Registrar General and Census Commissioner of India under the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation.

• The constitutional basis for the Census is provided under Entry 69 of the Union List in the Seventh Schedule.

• The upcoming 16th Census will be the first time caste-based data is collected in post-independent India.

How many of the statements given above are correct?

• (a) Only one

• (b) Only two

• (c) All three

Solution: A

• Statement 1 is incorrect. The decennial Census is conducted by the Office of the Registrar General and Census Commissioner, which comes under the Ministry of Home Affairs, not the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation.

• Statement 2 is correct. The responsibility of conducting the decennial census is vested with the Union government. The constitutional backing for this is provided by Entry 69 of the Union List in the Seventh Schedule of the Constitution of India. The Census Act of 1948 provides the legal framework for carrying out the Census.

• Statement 3 is incorrect. While the upcoming 16th Census will include caste enumeration, it is not the first time such data is being collected in post-independent India. The Socio-Economic and Caste Census (SECC) was conducted in 2011, which collected data on castes. However, the upcoming census will be the first time it is integrated into the main decennial census exercise since independence.

Solution: A

Join our Official Telegram Channel HERE for Motivation and Fast Updates

Join our Twitter Channel HERE

Follow our Instagram Channel HERE