UPSC Editorials Quiz : 23 July 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 bioluminescence: Bioluminescence is the production of light by living organisms, primarily due to physical processes. Noctiluca scintillans, also known as “sea sparkle,” is a bioluminescent phytoplankton responsible for creating blue waves. 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: B Bioluminescence is caused by chemical reactions within living organisms, not physical processes, so statement 1 is incorrect. Noctiluca scintillans, or “sea sparkle,” is responsible for creating bioluminescent blue waves, making statement 2 correct. About Bioluminescence: Definition: Bioluminescence is the production of light by living organisms, primarily due to chemical reactions within marine life. Organism Responsible: *Noctiluca scintillans, also known as “sea sparkle,” is a bioluminescent phytoplankton that creates mesmerizing blue waves when disturbed. Marine species: Common bioluminescent organisms include certain fish, bacteria, and jellyfish. Purpose: It is believed that bioluminescence serves multiple functions for marine life, including: Defense Mechanism: Used to escape predators. Communication: Helps species communicate with each other. Attraction: Assists in attracting prey or mates. Location: Bioluminescence can appear in various marine environments, depending on the type of organism and habitat. Incorrect Solution: B Bioluminescence is caused by chemical reactions within living organisms, not physical processes, so statement 1 is incorrect. Noctiluca scintillans, or “sea sparkle,” is responsible for creating bioluminescent blue waves, making statement 2 correct. About Bioluminescence: Definition: Bioluminescence is the production of light by living organisms, primarily due to chemical reactions within marine life. Organism Responsible: Noctiluca scintillans, also known as “sea sparkle,” is a bioluminescent phytoplankton that creates mesmerizing blue waves when disturbed. Marine species: Common bioluminescent organisms include certain fish, bacteria, and jellyfish. Purpose: It is believed that bioluminescence serves multiple functions for marine life, including: Defense Mechanism: Used to escape predators. Communication: Helps species communicate with each other. Attraction: Assists in attracting prey or mates. Location:* Bioluminescence can appear in various marine environments, depending on the type of organism and habitat.

#### 1. Question

Consider the following statements about bioluminescence:

• Bioluminescence is the production of light by living organisms, primarily due to physical processes.

• Noctiluca scintillans, also known as “sea sparkle,” is a bioluminescent phytoplankton responsible for creating blue waves.

Which of the above statements is/are correct?

• c) Both 1 and 2

• d) Neither 1 nor 2

Solution: B

Bioluminescence is caused by chemical reactions within living organisms, not physical processes, so statement 1 is incorrect. Noctiluca scintillans, or “sea sparkle,” is responsible for creating bioluminescent blue waves, making statement 2 correct.

About Bioluminescence:

• Definition: Bioluminescence is the production of light by living organisms, primarily due to chemical reactions within marine life.

• Organism Responsible: *Noctiluca scintillans*, also known as “sea sparkle,” is a bioluminescent phytoplankton that creates mesmerizing blue waves when disturbed.

• Marine species: Common bioluminescent organisms include certain fish, bacteria, and jellyfish.

• Purpose: It is believed that bioluminescence serves multiple functions for marine life, including: Defense Mechanism: Used to escape predators. Communication: Helps species communicate with each other. Attraction: Assists in attracting prey or mates.

• Defense Mechanism: Used to escape predators.

• Communication: Helps species communicate with each other.

• Attraction: Assists in attracting prey or mates.

• Location: Bioluminescence can appear in various marine environments, depending on the type of organism and habitat.

Solution: B

About Bioluminescence:

• Definition: Bioluminescence is the production of light by living organisms, primarily due to chemical reactions within marine life.

• Organism Responsible: *Noctiluca scintillans*, also known as “sea sparkle,” is a bioluminescent phytoplankton that creates mesmerizing blue waves when disturbed.

• Marine species: Common bioluminescent organisms include certain fish, bacteria, and jellyfish.

• Defense Mechanism: Used to escape predators.

• Communication: Helps species communicate with each other.

• Attraction: Assists in attracting prey or mates.

• Location: Bioluminescence can appear in various marine environments, depending on the type of organism and habitat.

• Question 2 of 5 2. Question Consider the following statements regarding Di-Ammonium Phosphate (DAP): DAP is the most used fertilizer in India. DAP contains 46% Nitrogen and 18% Phosphorus. DAP is critical for early root development in crops. How many of the above statements is/are incorrect? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) All three (d) None Correct Solution: B Urea is the most widely used fertilizer in India, making statement 1 incorrect. DAP contains 18% Nitrogen and 46% Phosphorus, not the reverse, so statement 2 is incorrect. Statement 3 is correct: DAP provides both nitrogen and phosphorus, which are critical for early root development and overall plant health, especially during the sowing stage. Incorrect Solution: B Urea is the most widely used fertilizer in India, making statement 1 incorrect. DAP contains 18% Nitrogen and 46% Phosphorus, not the reverse, so statement 2 is incorrect. Statement 3 is correct: DAP provides both nitrogen and phosphorus, which are critical for early root development and overall plant health, especially during the sowing stage.

#### 2. Question

Consider the following statements regarding Di-Ammonium Phosphate (DAP):

• DAP is the most used fertilizer in India.

• DAP contains 46% Nitrogen and 18% Phosphorus.

• DAP is critical for early root development in crops.

How many of the above statements is/are incorrect?

• (a) Only one

• (b) Only two

• (c) All three

Solution: B

Urea is the most widely used fertilizer in India, making statement 1 incorrect.

DAP contains 18% Nitrogen and 46% Phosphorus, not the reverse, so statement 2 is incorrect.

Statement 3 is correct: DAP provides both nitrogen and phosphorus, which are critical for early root development and overall plant health, especially during the sowing stage.

Solution: B

Urea is the most widely used fertilizer in India, making statement 1 incorrect.

DAP contains 18% Nitrogen and 46% Phosphorus, not the reverse, so statement 2 is incorrect.

Statement 3 is correct: DAP provides both nitrogen and phosphorus, which are critical for early root development and overall plant health, especially during the sowing stage.

• Question 3 of 5 3. Question Consider the following statements regarding coli infections: All strains of E. coli produce Shiga toxins that damage the intestinal lining. E. coli primarily spreads through airborne particles. E. coli infections always require antibiotic treatment for resolution. The symptoms of E. coli infection include respiratory problems and headaches. How many of the above statements are correct? (a) Only two (b) Only three (c) All four (d) None Correct Solution: D All statements are incorrect. Statement 1 is incorrect because not all strains of *E. coli* produce Shiga toxins. Only certain dangerous strains like O157 produce these toxins. Statement 2 is incorrect because *E. coli* is not spread through airborne particles but rather through contaminated food, water, or contact with fecal matter. Statement 3 is incorrect because most *E. coli* infections resolve on their own without the need for antibiotics. In fact, using antibiotics can sometimes worsen the condition by increasing toxin release. Statement 4 is also incorrect because *E. coli* symptoms typically include diarrhea (often bloody), stomach cramps, nausea, and fever, not respiratory problems or headaches. Incorrect Solution: D All statements are incorrect. Statement 1 is incorrect because not all strains of *E. coli* produce Shiga toxins. Only certain dangerous strains like O157 produce these toxins. Statement 2 is incorrect because *E. coli* is not spread through airborne particles but rather through contaminated food, water, or contact with fecal matter. Statement 3 is incorrect because most *E. coli* infections resolve on their own without the need for antibiotics. In fact, using antibiotics can sometimes worsen the condition by increasing toxin release. Statement 4 is also incorrect because *E. coli* symptoms typically include diarrhea (often bloody), stomach cramps, nausea, and fever, not respiratory problems or headaches.

#### 3. Question

Consider the following statements regarding coli infections:

• All strains of E. coli produce Shiga toxins that damage the intestinal lining.

• E. coli primarily spreads through airborne particles.

• E. coli infections always require antibiotic treatment for resolution.

• The symptoms of E. coli infection include respiratory problems and headaches.

How many of the above statements are correct?

• (a) Only two

• (b) Only three

• (c) All four

Solution: D

All statements are incorrect. Statement 1 is incorrect because not all strains of *E. coli* produce Shiga toxins. Only certain dangerous strains like O157 produce these toxins.

Statement 2 is incorrect because *E. coli* is not spread through airborne particles but rather through contaminated food, water, or contact with fecal matter.

Statement 3 is incorrect because most *E. coli* infections resolve on their own without the need for antibiotics. In fact, using antibiotics can sometimes worsen the condition by increasing toxin release.

Statement 4 is also incorrect because *E. coli* symptoms typically include diarrhea (often bloody), stomach cramps, nausea, and fever, not respiratory problems or headaches.

Solution: D

All statements are incorrect. Statement 1 is incorrect because not all strains of *E. coli* produce Shiga toxins. Only certain dangerous strains like O157 produce these toxins.

Statement 2 is incorrect because *E. coli* is not spread through airborne particles but rather through contaminated food, water, or contact with fecal matter.

Statement 4 is also incorrect because *E. coli* symptoms typically include diarrhea (often bloody), stomach cramps, nausea, and fever, not respiratory problems or headaches.

• Question 4 of 5 4. Question Which of the following best distinguishes denatured alcohol from absolute alcohol? a) Denatured alcohol is ethanol without any additives, while absolute alcohol contains toxic substances. b) Absolute alcohol is used for industrial purposes, while denatured alcohol is used for medical purposes. c) Denatured alcohol contains additives that make it poisonous and unfit for human consumption, unlike absolute alcohol. d) Absolute alcohol is tax-exempt, whereas denatured alcohol is taxed due to its potential for human consumption. Correct Solution: C Denatured alcohol is ethanol mixed with toxic additives, such as methanol, to make it unfit for human consumption. This renders it suitable for industrial use and often lowers or exempts it from taxation. Absolute alcohol, on the other hand, is pure ethanol with minimal or no additives, making it drinkable but highly dangerous in large quantities. Due to its potential for human consumption, absolute alcohol is subject to higher taxation, whereas denatured alcohol is not. Incorrect Solution: C Denatured alcohol is ethanol mixed with toxic additives, such as methanol, to make it unfit for human consumption. This renders it suitable for industrial use and often lowers or exempts it from taxation. Absolute alcohol, on the other hand, is pure ethanol with minimal or no additives, making it drinkable but highly dangerous in large quantities. Due to its potential for human consumption, absolute alcohol is subject to higher taxation, whereas denatured alcohol is not.

#### 4. Question

Which of the following best distinguishes denatured alcohol from absolute alcohol?

• a) Denatured alcohol is ethanol without any additives, while absolute alcohol contains toxic substances.

• b) Absolute alcohol is used for industrial purposes, while denatured alcohol is used for medical purposes.

• c) Denatured alcohol contains additives that make it poisonous and unfit for human consumption, unlike absolute alcohol.

• d) Absolute alcohol is tax-exempt, whereas denatured alcohol is taxed due to its potential for human consumption.

Solution: C

Denatured alcohol is ethanol mixed with toxic additives, such as methanol, to make it unfit for human consumption. This renders it suitable for industrial use and often lowers or exempts it from taxation. Absolute alcohol, on the other hand, is pure ethanol with minimal or no additives, making it drinkable but highly dangerous in large quantities. Due to its potential for human consumption, absolute alcohol is subject to higher taxation, whereas denatured alcohol is not.

Solution: C

• Question 5 of 5 5. Question Consider the following statements about the governance and functions of the National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA): The NPPA provides recommendations to the government on drug price revisions and pharmaceutical policies. It solely relies on data from pharmaceutical companies and does not conduct independent data collection. The NPPA’s establishment was aimed at enforcing fair pricing of both pharmaceutical drugs and food items in India. 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 correct. One of the NPPA’s roles includes acting as an advisory body by providing recommendations to the government on drug price revisions and policies related to the pharmaceutical sector. Statement 2 is incorrect. The NPPA does not solely rely on data from companies; it conducts independent data collection on drug production, imports, exports, and market shares to ensure fair pricing. Statement 3 is incorrect. The NPPA was specifically established to regulate prices of pharmaceutical drugs and medical devices, not food items. Incorrect Solution: A Statement 1 is correct. One of the NPPA’s roles includes acting as an advisory body by providing recommendations to the government on drug price revisions and policies related to the pharmaceutical sector. Statement 2 is incorrect. The NPPA does not solely rely on data from companies; it conducts independent data collection on drug production, imports, exports, and market shares to ensure fair pricing. Statement 3 is incorrect. The NPPA was specifically established to regulate prices of pharmaceutical drugs and medical devices, not food items.

#### 5. Question

Consider the following statements about the governance and functions of the National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA):

• The NPPA provides recommendations to the government on drug price revisions and pharmaceutical policies.

• It solely relies on data from pharmaceutical companies and does not conduct independent data collection.

• The NPPA’s establishment was aimed at enforcing fair pricing of both pharmaceutical drugs and food items in India.

How many of the above statements are correct?

• a) Only one

• b) Only two

• c) All three

Solution: A

Statement 1 is correct. One of the NPPA’s roles includes acting as an advisory body by providing recommendations to the government on drug price revisions and policies related to the pharmaceutical sector.

Statement 2 is incorrect. The NPPA does not solely rely on data from companies; it conducts independent data collection on drug production, imports, exports, and market shares to ensure fair pricing.

Statement 3 is incorrect. The NPPA was specifically established to regulate prices of pharmaceutical drugs and medical devices, not food items.

Solution: A

Statement 2 is incorrect. The NPPA does not solely rely on data from companies; it conducts independent data collection on drug production, imports, exports, and market shares to ensure fair pricing.

Statement 3 is incorrect. The NPPA was specifically established to regulate prices of pharmaceutical drugs and medical devices, not food items.

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