UPSC Editorials Quiz : 22 January 2026

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 The term “Nuuk,” recently seen in news regarding Trans-Atlantic diplomatic tensions, refers to: (a) The capital city of Greenland. (b) A disputed island in the South China Sea. (c) The proposed site for a new NATO naval base in the Arctic. (d) A rare earth mineral deposit discovered in Scandinavia. Correct Solution: A Nuuk is the capital and largest city of Greenland. It has recently appeared in news due to heightened Trans-Atlantic diplomatic and strategic discussions, particularly involving the Arctic region. Greenland’s geopolitical importance has increased because of its location between North America and Europe, its proximity to Arctic sea routes, and its relevance to NATO security considerations. Nuuk often features in diplomatic statements and strategic debates, but it is not a disputed island, not a NATO base site, and not a mineral deposit. Incorrect Solution: A Nuuk is the capital and largest city of Greenland. It has recently appeared in news due to heightened Trans-Atlantic diplomatic and strategic discussions, particularly involving the Arctic region. Greenland’s geopolitical importance has increased because of its location between North America and Europe, its proximity to Arctic sea routes, and its relevance to NATO security considerations. Nuuk often features in diplomatic statements and strategic debates, but it is not a disputed island, not a NATO base site, and not a mineral deposit.

#### 1. Question

The term “Nuuk,” recently seen in news regarding Trans-Atlantic diplomatic tensions, refers to:

• (a) The capital city of Greenland.

• (b) A disputed island in the South China Sea.

• (c) The proposed site for a new NATO naval base in the Arctic.

• (d) A rare earth mineral deposit discovered in Scandinavia.

Solution: A

• Nuuk is the capital and largest city of Greenland. It has recently appeared in news due to heightened Trans-Atlantic diplomatic and strategic discussions, particularly involving the Arctic region. Greenland’s geopolitical importance has increased because of its location between North America and Europe, its proximity to Arctic sea routes, and its relevance to NATO security considerations.

• Nuuk often features in diplomatic statements and strategic debates, but it is not a disputed island, not a NATO base site, and not a mineral deposit.

Solution: A

• Nuuk often features in diplomatic statements and strategic debates, but it is not a disputed island, not a NATO base site, and not a mineral deposit.

• Question 2 of 5 2. Question Consider the following statements regarding the Election Commission of India’s (ECI) guidelines on election manifestos: The ECI has the power to disqualify a political party if its manifesto contains promises that are financially unviable. The guidelines on election manifestos were included in the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) following the directions of the Supreme Court in the Subramaniam Balaji vs. Govt. of Tamil Naducase. The Model Code of Conduct becomes legally enforceable from the date of the announcement of the election schedule. How many of the above statements are correct? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) All three (d) None Correct Solution: A Statement 1 is Incorrect:The ECI does not have the power to disqualify a party based on manifesto promises. It mandates that parties should provide a rationale for funding, but it lacks statutory power to enforce financial prudence or deregister parties solely on this ground. Statement 2 is Correct:In the landmark Subramaniam Balaji (2013) judgment, the Supreme Court directed the ECI to frame guidelines regarding election manifestos. Consequently, Part VIII was added to the Model Code of Conduct to regulate promises, ensuring they do not vitiate the level playing field. Statement 3 is Incorrect: The Model Code of Conduct (MCC)is a set of guidelines agreed upon by parties; it is not statutory (not a law passed by Parliament) and thus is not “legally enforceable” in a court of law in the strict sense (though certain violations fall under the IPC or Representation of People Act). The ECI enforces it through moral suasion and limited powers, but the code itself is not a piece of legislation. Incorrect Solution: A Statement 1 is Incorrect:The ECI does not have the power to disqualify a party based on manifesto promises. It mandates that parties should provide a rationale for funding, but it lacks statutory power to enforce financial prudence or deregister parties solely on this ground. Statement 2 is Correct:In the landmark Subramaniam Balaji (2013) judgment, the Supreme Court directed the ECI to frame guidelines regarding election manifestos. Consequently, Part VIII was added to the Model Code of Conduct to regulate promises, ensuring they do not vitiate the level playing field. Statement 3 is Incorrect: The Model Code of Conduct (MCC)is a set of guidelines agreed upon by parties; it is not statutory (not a law passed by Parliament) and thus is not “legally enforceable” in a court of law in the strict sense (though certain violations fall under the IPC or Representation of People Act). The ECI enforces it through moral suasion and limited powers, but the code itself is not a piece of legislation.

#### 2. Question

Consider the following statements regarding the Election Commission of India’s (ECI) guidelines on election manifestos:

• The ECI has the power to disqualify a political party if its manifesto contains promises that are financially unviable.

• The guidelines on election manifestos were included in the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) following the directions of the Supreme Court in the Subramaniam Balaji vs. Govt. of Tamil Naducase.

• The Model Code of Conduct becomes legally enforceable from the date of the announcement of the election schedule.

How many of the above statements are correct?

• (a) Only one

• (b) Only two

• (c) All three

Solution: A

• Statement 1 is Incorrect:The ECI does not have the power to disqualify a party based on manifesto promises. It mandates that parties should provide a rationale for funding, but it lacks statutory power to enforce financial prudence or deregister parties solely on this ground.

• Statement 2 is Correct:In the landmark Subramaniam Balaji (2013) judgment, the Supreme Court directed the ECI to frame guidelines regarding election manifestos. Consequently, Part VIII was added to the Model Code of Conduct to regulate promises, ensuring they do not vitiate the level playing field.

• Statement 3 is Incorrect: The Model Code of Conduct (MCC)is a set of guidelines agreed upon by parties; it is not statutory (not a law passed by Parliament) and thus is not “legally enforceable” in a court of law in the strict sense (though certain violations fall under the IPC or Representation of People Act). The ECI enforces it through moral suasion and limited powers, but the code itself is not a piece of legislation.

Solution: A

• Question 3 of 5 3. Question Which of the following countries shares a land border with both the Red Sea and the Persian Gulf? (a) Saudi Arabia (b) Yemen (c) Oman (d) United Arab Emirates Correct Solution: A Option (a) Saudi Arabia: It has a long coastline on the Red Seato the west and the Persian Gulf to the east. It is the only country to border both these critical maritime choke points. Option (b) Yemen:Borders the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden (Arabian Sea), but not the Persian Gulf. Option (c) Oman:Borders the Arabian Sea and the Persian Gulf (via the Musandam peninsula exclave), but not the Red Sea. Option (d) UAE:Borders the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman, but not the Red Sea. Incorrect Solution: A Option (a) Saudi Arabia: It has a long coastline on the Red Seato the west and the Persian Gulf to the east. It is the only country to border both these critical maritime choke points. Option (b) Yemen:Borders the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden (Arabian Sea), but not the Persian Gulf. Option (c) Oman:Borders the Arabian Sea and the Persian Gulf (via the Musandam peninsula exclave), but not the Red Sea. Option (d) UAE:Borders the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman, but not the Red Sea.

#### 3. Question

Which of the following countries shares a land border with both the Red Sea and the Persian Gulf?

• (a) Saudi Arabia

• (d) United Arab Emirates

Solution: A

• Option (a) Saudi Arabia: It has a long coastline on the Red Seato the west and the Persian Gulf to the east. It is the only country to border both these critical maritime choke points.

• Option (b) Yemen:Borders the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden (Arabian Sea), but not the Persian Gulf.

• Option (c) Oman:Borders the Arabian Sea and the Persian Gulf (via the Musandam peninsula exclave), but not the Red Sea.

• Option (d) UAE:Borders the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman, but not the Red Sea.

Solution: A

• Option (b) Yemen:Borders the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden (Arabian Sea), but not the Persian Gulf.

• Option (c) Oman:Borders the Arabian Sea and the Persian Gulf (via the Musandam peninsula exclave), but not the Red Sea.

• Option (d) UAE:Borders the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman, but not the Red Sea.

• Question 4 of 5 4. Question With reference to ‘GlowCas9’, a recent development in biotechnology, consider the following statements: It is a genetically modified protein engineered by the Bose Institute that emits bioluminescence during gene editing. Its primary application is to permanently alter the germline DNA of human embryos to prevent hereditary diseases. Which of the above statements are correct? (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 Correct Solution: A Statement 1 – Correct GlowCas9 is a modified version of the CRISPR-Cas9 protein developed by researchers at the Bose Institute. Its key innovation lies in fusing the Cas9 gene-editing enzyme with a bioluminescent reporter, allowing scientists to visually track when and where gene editing is actively occurring inside living cells. This real-time visualization significantly improves experimental precision, reduces trial-and-error, and enhances safety assessment in genome-editing research. The bioluminescence does not perform editing itself but acts as an indicator of Cas9 activity. Statement 2 – Incorrect GlowCas9 is not intended for germline editing in human embryos. Germline modification raises profound ethical, legal, and regulatory concerns and is heavily restricted globally. The primary applications of GlowCas9 are basic research, somatic cell studies, disease-model validation, and safer optimization of gene-editing protocols. It is designed as a monitoring and validation tool rather than as a clinical instrument for permanent heritable genetic alterations. Incorrect Solution: A Statement 1 – Correct GlowCas9 is a modified version of the CRISPR-Cas9 protein developed by researchers at the Bose Institute. Its key innovation lies in fusing the Cas9 gene-editing enzyme with a bioluminescent reporter, allowing scientists to visually track when and where gene editing is actively occurring inside living cells. This real-time visualization significantly improves experimental precision, reduces trial-and-error, and enhances safety assessment in genome-editing research. The bioluminescence does not perform editing itself but acts as an indicator of Cas9 activity. Statement 2 – Incorrect GlowCas9 is not intended for germline editing in human embryos. Germline modification raises profound ethical, legal, and regulatory concerns and is heavily restricted globally. The primary applications of GlowCas9 are basic research, somatic cell studies, disease-model validation, and safer optimization of gene-editing protocols. It is designed as a monitoring and validation tool rather than as a clinical instrument for permanent heritable genetic alterations.

#### 4. Question

With reference to ‘GlowCas9’, a recent development in biotechnology, consider the following statements:

• It is a genetically modified protein engineered by the Bose Institute that emits bioluminescence during gene editing.

• Its primary application is to permanently alter the germline DNA of human embryos to prevent hereditary diseases.

Which of the above statements are correct?

• (a) 1 only

• (b) 2 only

• (c) Both 1 and 2

• (d) Neither 1 nor 2

Solution: A

• Statement 1 – Correct GlowCas9 is a modified version of the CRISPR-Cas9 protein developed by researchers at the Bose Institute. Its key innovation lies in fusing the Cas9 gene-editing enzyme with a bioluminescent reporter, allowing scientists to visually track when and where gene editing is actively occurring inside living cells. This real-time visualization significantly improves experimental precision, reduces trial-and-error, and enhances safety assessment in genome-editing research. The bioluminescence does not perform editing itself but acts as an indicator of Cas9 activity.

• Statement 2 – Incorrect GlowCas9 is not intended for germline editing in human embryos. Germline modification raises profound ethical, legal, and regulatory concerns and is heavily restricted globally. The primary applications of GlowCas9 are basic research, somatic cell studies, disease-model validation, and safer optimization of gene-editing protocols. It is designed as a monitoring and validation tool rather than as a clinical instrument for permanent heritable genetic alterations.

Solution: A

• Question 5 of 5 5. Question With reference to the ‘Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme’ for the Textile Sector, consider the following statements: The scheme has been expanded to include the manufacturing of traditional cotton and jute garments to support rural artisans. The scheme allows for the participation of both brownfield and greenfield investment projects. Which of the above statements are correct? (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 Correct Solution: B The PLI Scheme for Textiles has a very specific and strategic focus. It is designed primarily to promote large-scale manufacturing, global competitiveness, and integration of India into international value chains in man-made fibres (MMF), MMF apparel, and technical textiles. Traditional cotton textiles, handloom products, and jute-based garments—while important from a livelihood and cultural perspective—are deliberately kept outside the scheme’s scope. These segments are supported through separate interventions such as handloom, handicraft, and MSME-focused programmes rather than capital-intensive incentive structures like PLI. Hence, statement 1 is incorrect. Statement 2 is correct because the textile PLI explicitly permits both greenfield projects (entirely new manufacturing facilities) and brownfield projects (expansion or upgradation of existing units), provided they meet minimum investment thresholds and achieve incremental turnover benchmarks. This design ensures participation from both new investors and established textile firms seeking to scale up technologically advanced production. Incorrect Solution: B The PLI Scheme for Textiles has a very specific and strategic focus. It is designed primarily to promote large-scale manufacturing, global competitiveness, and integration of India into international value chains in man-made fibres (MMF), MMF apparel, and technical textiles. Traditional cotton textiles, handloom products, and jute-based garments—while important from a livelihood and cultural perspective—are deliberately kept outside the scheme’s scope. These segments are supported through separate interventions such as handloom, handicraft, and MSME-focused programmes rather than capital-intensive incentive structures like PLI. Hence, statement 1 is incorrect. Statement 2 is correct because the textile PLI explicitly permits both greenfield projects (entirely new manufacturing facilities) and brownfield projects (expansion or upgradation of existing units), provided they meet minimum investment thresholds and achieve incremental turnover benchmarks. This design ensures participation from both new investors and established textile firms seeking to scale up technologically advanced production.

#### 5. Question

With reference to the ‘Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme’ for the Textile Sector, consider the following statements:

• The scheme has been expanded to include the manufacturing of traditional cotton and jute garments to support rural artisans.

• The scheme allows for the participation of both brownfield and greenfield investment projects.

Which of the above statements are correct?

• (a) 1 only

• (b) 2 only

• (c) Both 1 and 2

• (d) Neither 1 nor 2

Solution: B

• The PLI Scheme for Textiles has a very specific and strategic focus. It is designed primarily to promote large-scale manufacturing, global competitiveness, and integration of India into international value chains in man-made fibres (MMF), MMF apparel, and technical textiles. Traditional cotton textiles, handloom products, and jute-based garments—while important from a livelihood and cultural perspective—are deliberately kept outside the scheme’s scope. These segments are supported through separate interventions such as handloom, handicraft, and MSME-focused programmes rather than capital-intensive incentive structures like PLI. Hence, statement 1 is incorrect.

• Statement 2 is correct because the textile PLI explicitly permits both greenfield projects (entirely new manufacturing facilities) and brownfield projects (expansion or upgradation of existing units), provided they meet minimum investment thresholds and achieve incremental turnover benchmarks. This design ensures participation from both new investors and established textile firms seeking to scale up technologically advanced production.

Solution: B

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