UPSC Editorials Quiz : 21 October 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 the STARS Program (Strengthening Teaching-Learning and Results for States): It is funded by the World Bank and managed by the Ministry of Education. The Program is a part of the Samagra Shiksha scheme. The program emphasizes skill-based education in schools. How many of the above statements are correct? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) All three (d) None Correct Solution: C About STARS Program: (Strengthening Teaching-Learning and Results for States) Launch and Duration: Approved in October 2020, effective from 2021 for five years, till FY 2024-25. Supported by the World Bank, this scheme strengthens teaching, learning, and results for skill-based education in schools. Implementation: Managed by the Department of School Education and Literacy under the Ministry of Education, with financial assistance from the World Bank. Target States: Covers six states—Himachal Pradesh, Maharashtra, Odisha, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Kerala—to enhance the quality of school education. Alignment with NEP 2020: Focuses on improving quality-based learning outcomes in line with the objectives of the National Education Policy 2020. Scope: Carved out from Samagra Shiksha, emphasizing components directly linked to educational quality enhancement. Incorrect Solution: C About STARS Program: (Strengthening Teaching-Learning and Results for States) Launch and Duration: Approved in October 2020, effective from 2021 for five years, till FY 2024-25. Supported by the World Bank, this scheme strengthens teaching, learning, and results for skill-based education in schools. Implementation: Managed by the Department of School Education and Literacy under the Ministry of Education, with financial assistance from the World Bank. Target States: Covers six states—Himachal Pradesh, Maharashtra, Odisha, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Kerala—to enhance the quality of school education. Alignment with NEP 2020: Focuses on improving quality-based learning outcomes in line with the objectives of the National Education Policy 2020. Scope: Carved out from Samagra Shiksha, emphasizing components directly linked to educational quality enhancement.

#### 1. Question

Consider the following statements regarding the STARS Program (Strengthening Teaching-Learning and Results for States):

• It is funded by the World Bank and managed by the Ministry of Education.

• The Program is a part of the Samagra Shiksha scheme.

• The program emphasizes skill-based education in schools.

How many of the above statements are correct?

• (a) Only one

• (b) Only two

• (c) All three

Solution: C

About STARS Program: (Strengthening Teaching-Learning and Results for States)

• Launch and Duration: Approved in October 2020, effective from 2021 for five years, till FY 2024-25.

• Supported by the World Bank, this scheme strengthens teaching, learning, and results for skill-based education in schools.

• Implementation: Managed by the Department of School Education and Literacy under the Ministry of Education, with financial assistance from the World Bank.

• Target States: Covers six states—Himachal Pradesh, Maharashtra, Odisha, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Kerala—to enhance the quality of school education.

• Alignment with NEP 2020: Focuses on improving quality-based learning outcomes in line with the objectives of the National Education Policy 2020.

• Scope: Carved out from Samagra Shiksha, emphasizing components directly linked to educational quality enhancement.

Solution: C

About STARS Program: (Strengthening Teaching-Learning and Results for States)

• Launch and Duration: Approved in October 2020, effective from 2021 for five years, till FY 2024-25.

• Supported by the World Bank, this scheme strengthens teaching, learning, and results for skill-based education in schools.

• Implementation: Managed by the Department of School Education and Literacy under the Ministry of Education, with financial assistance from the World Bank.

• Target States: Covers six states—Himachal Pradesh, Maharashtra, Odisha, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Kerala—to enhance the quality of school education.

• Alignment with NEP 2020: Focuses on improving quality-based learning outcomes in line with the objectives of the National Education Policy 2020.

• Scope: Carved out from Samagra Shiksha, emphasizing components directly linked to educational quality enhancement.

• Question 2 of 5 2. Question Consider the following statements about Ashtamudi Lake: It is the largest lake in Kerala. It connects to the Arabian Sea through the Neendakara estuary. It is designated a Ramsar Wetland of International Importance. How many of the above statements are correct? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) All three (d) None Correct Solution: B Statement 1 is incorrect. About Ashtamudi Lake: Location: Situated in Kollam district, Kerala; named for its eight interconnected arms (“Ashtamudi”). Significance: Second-largest Lake in Kerala. Designated as a Ramsar Wetland of International Importance in 2002 Major source of livelihood for local fishers. Hydrology: Fed by the Kallada River, connects to the Arabian Sea through the Neendakara estuary. Historical Importance: A key port city during the 14th century; noted in the travel records of Moroccan explorer Ibn Battuta. Biodiversity: Rich in mangrove species, including endangered ones like Syzygium travancoricum and Calamus rotang. Incorrect Solution: B Statement 1 is incorrect. About Ashtamudi Lake: Location: Situated in Kollam district, Kerala; named for its eight interconnected arms (“Ashtamudi”). Significance: Second-largest Lake in Kerala. Designated as a Ramsar Wetland of International Importance in 2002 Major source of livelihood for local fishers. Hydrology: Fed by the Kallada River, connects to the Arabian Sea through the Neendakara estuary. Historical Importance: A key port city during the 14th century; noted in the travel records of Moroccan explorer Ibn Battuta. Biodiversity: Rich in mangrove species, including endangered ones like Syzygium travancoricum and Calamus rotang.

#### 2. Question

Consider the following statements about Ashtamudi Lake:

• It is the largest lake in Kerala.

• It connects to the Arabian Sea through the Neendakara estuary.

• It is designated a Ramsar Wetland of International Importance.

How many of the above statements are correct?

• (a) Only one

• (b) Only two

• (c) All three

Solution: B

Statement 1 is incorrect.

About Ashtamudi Lake:

• Location: Situated in Kollam district, Kerala; named for its eight interconnected arms (“Ashtamudi”).

Significance:

• Second-largest Lake in Kerala.

• Designated as a Ramsar Wetland of International Importance in 2002

• Major source of livelihood for local fishers.

• Hydrology: Fed by the Kallada River, connects to the Arabian Sea through the Neendakara estuary.

• Historical Importance: A key port city during the 14th century; noted in the travel records of Moroccan explorer Ibn Battuta.

• Biodiversity: Rich in mangrove species, including endangered ones like Syzygium travancoricum and Calamus rotang.

Solution: B

Statement 1 is incorrect.

About Ashtamudi Lake:

• Location: Situated in Kollam district, Kerala; named for its eight interconnected arms (“Ashtamudi”).

Significance:

• Second-largest Lake in Kerala.

• Designated as a Ramsar Wetland of International Importance in 2002

• Major source of livelihood for local fishers.

• Hydrology: Fed by the Kallada River, connects to the Arabian Sea through the Neendakara estuary.

• Historical Importance: A key port city during the 14th century; noted in the travel records of Moroccan explorer Ibn Battuta.

• Biodiversity: Rich in mangrove species, including endangered ones like Syzygium travancoricum and Calamus rotang.

• Question 3 of 5 3. Question Consider the following statements about the Ranthambore Tiger Reserve: It is located at the confluence of the Satpura and Vindhya ranges. Bengal tigers are the only large carnivores found in the reserve. Marsh crocodiles are among the aquatic species inhabiting the water bodies of the reserve. How many of the above statements is/are incorrect? a) Only one b) Only two c) All three d) None Correct Solution: B Only Statement 3 is correct. About Ranthambore Tiger Reserve (RTR): Location: Situated at the confluence of the Aravallis and Vindhyas, near Sawai Madhopur, Rajasthan. Area: Covers 1,411 sq. km, making it one of northern India’s largest tiger reserves. History: Former royal hunting grounds of Jaipur’s Maharajas; designated a Project Tiger Reserve in 1973. Geography: Includes steep rocky hills, Padam Talab, Raj Bagh Talab, rivers Chambal and Banas, and the Great Boundary Fault. Flora: Tropical dry deciduous forests and thorny landscapes dominated by Dhok trees and grasslands. Fauna: Home to Bengal tigers, leopards, sloth bears, striped hyenas, marsh crocodiles, and over 250 bird species. Tourism Significance: A popular destination for wildlife enthusiasts, contributing significantly to local livelihoods. Incorrect Solution: B Only Statement 3 is correct. About Ranthambore Tiger Reserve (RTR): Location: Situated at the confluence of the Aravallis and Vindhyas, near Sawai Madhopur, Rajasthan. Area: Covers 1,411 sq. km, making it one of northern India’s largest tiger reserves. History: Former royal hunting grounds of Jaipur’s Maharajas; designated a Project Tiger Reserve in 1973. Geography: Includes steep rocky hills, Padam Talab, Raj Bagh Talab, rivers Chambal and Banas, and the Great Boundary Fault. Flora: Tropical dry deciduous forests and thorny landscapes dominated by Dhok trees and grasslands. Fauna: Home to Bengal tigers, leopards, sloth bears, striped hyenas, marsh crocodiles, and over 250 bird species. Tourism Significance: A popular destination for wildlife enthusiasts, contributing significantly to local livelihoods.

#### 3. Question

Consider the following statements about the Ranthambore Tiger Reserve:

• It is located at the confluence of the Satpura and Vindhya ranges.

• Bengal tigers are the only large carnivores found in the reserve.

• Marsh crocodiles are among the aquatic species inhabiting the water bodies of the reserve.

How many of the above statements is/are incorrect?

• a) Only one

• b) Only two

• c) All three

Solution: B

Only Statement 3 is correct.

About Ranthambore Tiger Reserve (RTR):

• Location: Situated at the confluence of the Aravallis and Vindhyas, near Sawai Madhopur, Rajasthan.

• Area: Covers 1,411 sq. km, making it one of northern India’s largest tiger reserves.

• History: Former royal hunting grounds of Jaipur’s Maharajas; designated a Project Tiger Reserve in 1973.

• Geography: Includes steep rocky hills, Padam Talab, Raj Bagh Talab, rivers Chambal and Banas, and the Great Boundary Fault.

• Flora: Tropical dry deciduous forests and thorny landscapes dominated by Dhok trees and grasslands.

• Fauna: Home to Bengal tigers, leopards, sloth bears, striped hyenas, marsh crocodiles, and over 250 bird species.

• Tourism Significance: A popular destination for wildlife enthusiasts, contributing significantly to local livelihoods.

Solution: B

Only Statement 3 is correct.

About Ranthambore Tiger Reserve (RTR):

• Location: Situated at the confluence of the Aravallis and Vindhyas, near Sawai Madhopur, Rajasthan.

• Area: Covers 1,411 sq. km, making it one of northern India’s largest tiger reserves.

• History: Former royal hunting grounds of Jaipur’s Maharajas; designated a Project Tiger Reserve in 1973.

• Geography: Includes steep rocky hills, Padam Talab, Raj Bagh Talab, rivers Chambal and Banas, and the Great Boundary Fault.

• Flora: Tropical dry deciduous forests and thorny landscapes dominated by Dhok trees and grasslands.

• Fauna: Home to Bengal tigers, leopards, sloth bears, striped hyenas, marsh crocodiles, and over 250 bird species.

• Tourism Significance: A popular destination for wildlife enthusiasts, contributing significantly to local livelihoods.

• Question 4 of 5 4. Question Which of the following statements about the centrifugal process for uranium enrichment is correct? a) Highly enriched uranium (HEU) produced through this process is exclusively used for nuclear reactors. b) The process increases the concentration of the isotope U-238. c) It enriches uranium by using high temperatures to separate isotopes. d) The process involves spinning uranium gas at high speeds to increase U-235 concentration. Correct Solution: D About Centrifugal Process: Definition: Centrifuges spin uranium gas at high speeds to enrich uranium by increasing the concentration of the fissile isotope U-235. Uses: Low-enriched uranium (LEU) is used for nuclear reactors, while highly enriched uranium (HEU) can be used for nuclear weapons. Efficiency: Advanced centrifuges enrich uranium faster and require fewer machines compared to older designs. Origins: Iran’s centrifuge program began in the 1980s using designs and components acquired from A.Q. Khan’s proliferation network. International Concerns: The process raises fears of nuclear weapons development due to its dual-use nature. Incorrect Solution: D About Centrifugal Process: Definition: Centrifuges spin uranium gas at high speeds to enrich uranium by increasing the concentration of the fissile isotope U-235. Uses: Low-enriched uranium (LEU) is used for nuclear reactors, while highly enriched uranium (HEU) can be used for nuclear weapons. Efficiency: Advanced centrifuges enrich uranium faster and require fewer machines compared to older designs. Origins: Iran’s centrifuge program began in the 1980s using designs and components acquired from A.Q. Khan’s proliferation network. International Concerns: The process raises fears of nuclear weapons development due to its dual-use nature.

#### 4. Question

Which of the following statements about the centrifugal process for uranium enrichment is correct?

• a) Highly enriched uranium (HEU) produced through this process is exclusively used for nuclear reactors.

• b) The process increases the concentration of the isotope U-238.

• c) It enriches uranium by using high temperatures to separate isotopes.

• d) The process involves spinning uranium gas at high speeds to increase U-235 concentration.

Solution: D

About Centrifugal Process:

• Definition: Centrifuges spin uranium gas at high speeds to enrich uranium by increasing the concentration of the fissile isotope U-235.

• Uses: Low-enriched uranium (LEU) is used for nuclear reactors, while highly enriched uranium (HEU) can be used for nuclear weapons.

• Efficiency: Advanced centrifuges enrich uranium faster and require fewer machines compared to older designs.

• Origins: Iran’s centrifuge program began in the 1980s using designs and components acquired from A.Q. Khan’s proliferation network.

• International Concerns: The process raises fears of nuclear weapons development due to its dual-use nature.

Solution: D

About Centrifugal Process:

• Definition: Centrifuges spin uranium gas at high speeds to enrich uranium by increasing the concentration of the fissile isotope U-235.

• Uses: Low-enriched uranium (LEU) is used for nuclear reactors, while highly enriched uranium (HEU) can be used for nuclear weapons.

• Efficiency: Advanced centrifuges enrich uranium faster and require fewer machines compared to older designs.

• Origins: Iran’s centrifuge program began in the 1980s using designs and components acquired from A.Q. Khan’s proliferation network.

• International Concerns: The process raises fears of nuclear weapons development due to its dual-use nature.

• Question 5 of 5 5. Question Consider the following statements about the framework of the Paris Agreement: It operates under the principle of legally binding enforcement for non-compliance. It adopts the principle of “common but differentiated responsibilities.” Developed countries are required to provide financial and technological support to developing nations. How many of the above statements are correct? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) All three (d) None Correct Solution: B The Paris Agreement operates on a cooperative and non-binding framework, making statement 1 incorrect. It is based on the principle of “common but differentiated responsibilities,” recognizing varying capacities of nations. Developed countries are encouraged to support developing nations through financial and technological aid, making statements 2 and 3 correct. Incorrect Solution: B The Paris Agreement operates on a cooperative and non-binding framework, making statement 1 incorrect. It is based on the principle of “common but differentiated responsibilities,” recognizing varying capacities of nations. Developed countries are encouraged to support developing nations through financial and technological aid, making statements 2 and 3 correct.

#### 5. Question

Consider the following statements about the framework of the Paris Agreement:

• It operates under the principle of legally binding enforcement for non-compliance.

• It adopts the principle of “common but differentiated responsibilities.”

• Developed countries are required to provide financial and technological support to developing nations.

How many of the above statements are correct?

• (a) Only one

• (b) Only two

• (c) All three

Solution: B

The Paris Agreement operates on a cooperative and non-binding framework, making statement 1 incorrect. It is based on the principle of “common but differentiated responsibilities,” recognizing varying capacities of nations. Developed countries are encouraged to support developing nations through financial and technological aid, making statements 2 and 3 correct.

Solution: B

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