UPSC Editorials Quiz : 24 April 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 Which conservation status is NOT applicable to the Red Panda? a) Protected under Schedule I of India’s Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 b) Listed in Appendix I of CITES c) Listed as Endangered on the IUCN Red List d) Listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List Correct Solution: d) The Red Panda (Ailurus fulgens) is classified as Endangered on the IUCN Red List due to a rapidly declining population caused by habitat fragmentation, poaching, and the degradation of bamboo forests, which are its primary food source. This categorization reflects a very high risk of extinction in the wild. In India, it is accorded the highest level of legal protection under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, which prohibits its hunting or trade. Globally, it is also listed in Appendix I of CITES, indicating that international trade of the species is permitted only in exceptional circumstances, such as for scientific research, and requires both export and import permits. Option (d) is incorrect because it inaccurately assigns the Vulnerable status to the Red Panda, which is a lower risk category than Endangered, and thus does not reflect the current severity of its conservation status. Incorrect Solution: d) The Red Panda (Ailurus fulgens) is classified as Endangered on the IUCN Red List due to a rapidly declining population caused by habitat fragmentation, poaching, and the degradation of bamboo forests, which are its primary food source. This categorization reflects a very high risk of extinction in the wild. In India, it is accorded the highest level of legal protection under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, which prohibits its hunting or trade. Globally, it is also listed in Appendix I of CITES, indicating that international trade of the species is permitted only in exceptional circumstances, such as for scientific research, and requires both export and import permits. Option (d) is incorrect because it inaccurately assigns the Vulnerable status to the Red Panda, which is a lower risk category than Endangered, and thus does not reflect the current severity of its conservation status.

#### 1. Question

Which conservation status is NOT applicable to the Red Panda?

• a) Protected under Schedule I of India’s Wildlife Protection Act, 1972

• b) Listed in Appendix I of CITES

• c) Listed as Endangered on the IUCN Red List

• d) Listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List

Solution: d)

• The Red Panda (Ailurus fulgens) is classified as Endangered on the IUCN Red List due to a rapidly declining population caused by habitat fragmentation, poaching, and the degradation of bamboo forests, which are its primary food source. This categorization reflects a very high risk of extinction in the wild.

• In India, it is accorded the highest level of legal protection under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, which prohibits its hunting or trade.

• Globally, it is also listed in Appendix I of CITES, indicating that international trade of the species is permitted only in exceptional circumstances, such as for scientific research, and requires both export and import permits.

• Option (d) is incorrect because it inaccurately assigns the Vulnerable status to the Red Panda, which is a lower risk category than Endangered, and thus does not reflect the current severity of its conservation status.

Solution: d)

• In India, it is accorded the highest level of legal protection under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, which prohibits its hunting or trade.

• Question 2 of 5 2. Question Consider the following statements about the Ecomark Scheme: The scheme mandates the use of accurate environmental labelling to avoid misleading sustainability claims. It encourages manufacturers to adopt resource-efficient and eco-friendly production methods. The implementation of the scheme is managed by NITI Aayog and the Ministry of Environment. How many of the above statements is/are correct? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) All three (d) None Correct Solution: b) The Ecomark Scheme is an eco-labelling initiative introduced by the Government of India to help consumers identify products that have minimal environmental impact throughout their life cycle. Statement 1 is correct: The scheme promotes accurate environmental labeling, ensuring that manufacturers do not mislead consumers with false or vague sustainability claims. Transparency in labeling allows consumers to make informed choices based on genuine environmental criteria. Statement 2 is also correct: One of the scheme’s key objectives is to encourage resource-efficient and environmentally friendly production processes. It aims to reduce the ecological footprint of consumer goods by incentivizing producers to follow sustainable practices, including energy and water conservation, waste minimization, and use of biodegradable materials. Statement 3 is incorrect: The scheme is not managed by NITI Aayog or the Ministry of Environment. Instead, it is jointly implemented by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS). BIS sets the product-specific criteria, while CPCB handles the environmental standards and coordination. Incorrect Solution: b) The Ecomark Scheme is an eco-labelling initiative introduced by the Government of India to help consumers identify products that have minimal environmental impact throughout their life cycle. Statement 1 is correct: The scheme promotes accurate environmental labeling, ensuring that manufacturers do not mislead consumers with false or vague sustainability claims. Transparency in labeling allows consumers to make informed choices based on genuine environmental criteria. Statement 2 is also correct: One of the scheme’s key objectives is to encourage resource-efficient and environmentally friendly production processes. It aims to reduce the ecological footprint of consumer goods by incentivizing producers to follow sustainable practices, including energy and water conservation, waste minimization, and use of biodegradable materials. Statement 3 is incorrect: The scheme is not managed by NITI Aayog or the Ministry of Environment. Instead, it is jointly implemented by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS). BIS sets the product-specific criteria, while CPCB handles the environmental standards and coordination.

#### 2. Question

Consider the following statements about the Ecomark Scheme:

• The scheme mandates the use of accurate environmental labelling to avoid misleading sustainability claims.

• It encourages manufacturers to adopt resource-efficient and eco-friendly production methods.

• The implementation of the scheme is managed by NITI Aayog and the Ministry of Environment.

How many of the above statements is/are correct?

• (a) Only one

• (b) Only two

• (c) All three

Solution: b)

The Ecomark Scheme is an eco-labelling initiative introduced by the Government of India to help consumers identify products that have minimal environmental impact throughout their life cycle.

• Statement 1 is correct: The scheme promotes accurate environmental labeling, ensuring that manufacturers do not mislead consumers with false or vague sustainability claims. Transparency in labeling allows consumers to make informed choices based on genuine environmental criteria.

• Statement 2 is also correct: One of the scheme’s key objectives is to encourage resource-efficient and environmentally friendly production processes. It aims to reduce the ecological footprint of consumer goods by incentivizing producers to follow sustainable practices, including energy and water conservation, waste minimization, and use of biodegradable materials.

• Statement 3 is incorrect: The scheme is not managed by NITI Aayog or the Ministry of Environment. Instead, it is jointly implemented by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS). BIS sets the product-specific criteria, while CPCB handles the environmental standards and coordination.

Solution: b)

The Ecomark Scheme is an eco-labelling initiative introduced by the Government of India to help consumers identify products that have minimal environmental impact throughout their life cycle.

• Question 3 of 5 3. Question Regarding the environmental impact of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs), consider the following statements: SMRs are designed to provide low-carbon electricity. SMRs require larger fuel quantities than traditional reactors. SMRs cannot be paired with renewable energy systems due to safety concerns. How many of the above statements is/are correct? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) All three (d) None Correct Solution: a) Statement 1 is correct: Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) are indeed designed to provide low-carbon electricity. As nuclear reactors, they emit virtually no greenhouse gases during operation, making them a viable component of clean energy strategies aimed at reducing carbon emissions and combating climate change. Statement 2 is incorrect: SMRs, due to their compact size and design efficiency, actually require less nuclear fuel than traditional large reactors. Their modular construction also allows for scalability and easier siting, especially in remote or smaller grids. Statement 3 is incorrect: Contrary to the statement, SMRs can be safely integrated with renewable energy sources such as solar and wind. In fact, their flexible load-following capabilities make them ideal partners in hybrid energy systems, where they can provide stable baseload power or ramp up when renewable output fluctuates. Incorrect Solution: a) Statement 1 is correct: Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) are indeed designed to provide low-carbon electricity. As nuclear reactors, they emit virtually no greenhouse gases during operation, making them a viable component of clean energy strategies aimed at reducing carbon emissions and combating climate change. Statement 2 is incorrect: SMRs, due to their compact size and design efficiency, actually require less nuclear fuel than traditional large reactors. Their modular construction also allows for scalability and easier siting, especially in remote or smaller grids. Statement 3 is incorrect: Contrary to the statement, SMRs can be safely integrated with renewable energy sources such as solar and wind. In fact, their flexible load-following capabilities make them ideal partners in hybrid energy systems, where they can provide stable baseload power or ramp up when renewable output fluctuates.

#### 3. Question

Regarding the environmental impact of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs), consider the following statements:

• SMRs are designed to provide low-carbon electricity.

• SMRs require larger fuel quantities than traditional reactors.

• SMRs cannot be paired with renewable energy systems due to safety concerns.

How many of the above statements is/are correct?

• (a) Only one

• (b) Only two

• (c) All three

Solution: a)

• Statement 1 is correct: Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) are indeed designed to provide low-carbon electricity. As nuclear reactors, they emit virtually no greenhouse gases during operation, making them a viable component of clean energy strategies aimed at reducing carbon emissions and combating climate change.

• Statement 2 is incorrect: SMRs, due to their compact size and design efficiency, actually require less nuclear fuel than traditional large reactors. Their modular construction also allows for scalability and easier siting, especially in remote or smaller grids.

• Statement 3 is incorrect: Contrary to the statement, SMRs can be safely integrated with renewable energy sources such as solar and wind. In fact, their flexible load-following capabilities make them ideal partners in hybrid energy systems, where they can provide stable baseload power or ramp up when renewable output fluctuates.

Solution: a)

• Question 4 of 5 4. Question Consider the following statements regarding India’s membership in the International Medical Device Regulators Forum (IMDRF): India is a founding member of the IMDRF. India’s membership will help align its medical device regulations with global standards. The affiliation will enable India to export its medical devices to all IMDRF member countries without further regulatory scrutiny. How many of the above statements is/are correct? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) All three (d) None Correct Solution: a) Statement 1 is incorrect: India is not a founding member of the International Medical Device Regulators Forum (IMDRF). The IMDRF was established in 2011 as a successor to the Global Harmonization Task Force (GHTF), with founding members including regulators from the US (FDA), EU, Japan, Australia, and others. India joined the forum at a later stage. Statement 2 is correct: India’s participation in the IMDRF helps harmonize its regulatory framework for medical devices with internationally recognized standards. This alignment facilitates smoother regulatory pathways, enhances domestic manufacturing quality, and builds global trust in Indian medical devices. Statement 3 is incorrect: While membership promotes regulatory cooperation, it does not guarantee automatic market access or exemption from scrutiny in other IMDRF member countries. Each country retains its sovereign regulatory authority, and Indian exporters must still comply with destination-specific safety, quality, and performance standards. Incorrect Solution: a) Statement 1 is incorrect: India is not a founding member of the International Medical Device Regulators Forum (IMDRF). The IMDRF was established in 2011 as a successor to the Global Harmonization Task Force (GHTF), with founding members including regulators from the US (FDA), EU, Japan, Australia, and others. India joined the forum at a later stage. Statement 2 is correct: India’s participation in the IMDRF helps harmonize its regulatory framework for medical devices with internationally recognized standards. This alignment facilitates smoother regulatory pathways, enhances domestic manufacturing quality, and builds global trust in Indian medical devices. Statement 3 is incorrect: While membership promotes regulatory cooperation, it does not guarantee automatic market access or exemption from scrutiny in other IMDRF member countries. Each country retains its sovereign regulatory authority, and Indian exporters must still comply with destination-specific safety, quality, and performance standards.

#### 4. Question

Consider the following statements regarding India’s membership in the International Medical Device Regulators Forum (IMDRF):

• India is a founding member of the IMDRF.

• India’s membership will help align its medical device regulations with global standards.

• The affiliation will enable India to export its medical devices to all IMDRF member countries without further regulatory scrutiny.

How many of the above statements is/are correct?

• (a) Only one

• (b) Only two

• (c) All three

Solution: a)

• Statement 1 is incorrect: India is not a founding member of the International Medical Device Regulators Forum (IMDRF). The IMDRF was established in 2011 as a successor to the Global Harmonization Task Force (GHTF), with founding members including regulators from the US (FDA), EU, Japan, Australia, and others. India joined the forum at a later stage.

• Statement 2 is correct: India’s participation in the IMDRF helps harmonize its regulatory framework for medical devices with internationally recognized standards. This alignment facilitates smoother regulatory pathways, enhances domestic manufacturing quality, and builds global trust in Indian medical devices.

Statement 3 is incorrect: While membership promotes regulatory cooperation, it does not guarantee automatic market access or exemption from scrutiny in other IMDRF member countries. Each country retains its sovereign regulatory authority, and Indian exporters must still comply with destination-specific safety, quality, and performance standards.

Solution: a)

• Question 5 of 5 5. Question Consider the following statements regarding the evolutionary importance of microRNA: MicroRNAs have played a crucial role in genetic evolution for millions of years. Abnormal activity of microRNAs is associated with various developmental disorders. MicroRNAs are only involved in regulating genes during the early stages of embryonic development. How many of the above statements is/are incorrect? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) All three (d) None Correct Solution: a) Statement 1 is correct: MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNAs that have played an evolutionary role for millions of years, particularly in regulating gene expression in multicellular organisms. They have contributed to the diversification of gene networks, aiding complex traits and adaptive evolution. Statement 2 is correct: Numerous studies have shown that dysregulation of microRNA activity is linked to a wide array of developmental disorders and diseases, including cancer, cardiovascular conditions, and neurological issues. This underscores their crucial role in maintaining normal physiological function. Statement 3 is incorrect: While microRNAs are important during embryogenesis, their role is not limited to early development. They function throughout life, controlling processes like cell proliferation, apoptosis, differentiation, immunity, and aging. Therefore, stating that their involvement is only during embryonic development is inaccurate. Incorrect Solution: a) Statement 1 is correct: MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNAs that have played an evolutionary role for millions of years, particularly in regulating gene expression in multicellular organisms. They have contributed to the diversification of gene networks, aiding complex traits and adaptive evolution. Statement 2 is correct: Numerous studies have shown that dysregulation of microRNA activity is linked to a wide array of developmental disorders and diseases, including cancer, cardiovascular conditions, and neurological issues. This underscores their crucial role in maintaining normal physiological function. Statement 3 is incorrect: While microRNAs are important during embryogenesis, their role is not limited to early development. They function throughout life, controlling processes like cell proliferation, apoptosis, differentiation, immunity, and aging. Therefore, stating that their involvement is only during embryonic development is inaccurate.

#### 5. Question

Consider the following statements regarding the evolutionary importance of microRNA:

• MicroRNAs have played a crucial role in genetic evolution for millions of years.

• Abnormal activity of microRNAs is associated with various developmental disorders.

• MicroRNAs are only involved in regulating genes during the early stages of embryonic development.

How many of the above statements is/are incorrect?

• (a) Only one

• (b) Only two

• (c) All three

Solution: a)

• Statement 1 is correct: MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNAs that have played an evolutionary role for millions of years, particularly in regulating gene expression in multicellular organisms. They have contributed to the diversification of gene networks, aiding complex traits and adaptive evolution.

• Statement 2 is correct: Numerous studies have shown that dysregulation of microRNA activity is linked to a wide array of developmental disorders and diseases, including cancer, cardiovascular conditions, and neurological issues. This underscores their crucial role in maintaining normal physiological function.

• Statement 3 is incorrect: While microRNAs are important during embryogenesis, their role is not limited to early development. They function throughout life, controlling processes like cell proliferation, apoptosis, differentiation, immunity, and aging. Therefore, stating that their involvement is only during embryonic development is inaccurate.

Solution: a)

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