UPSC Editorials Quiz : 24 December 2024

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: Cold wave conditions are declared in the hills when minimum temperatures fall below 5°C. Snowfall in the Himalayas has no direct effect on the cold wave conditions in northern India. Cold waves are intensified in regions with clear skies and calm winds. 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: In hilly regions, cold wave conditions are generally declared when the minimum temperature drops below 0°C, not 5°C. This distinction is crucial as the threshold varies by geography, with plains having a higher temperature threshold. Statement 2 is incorrect: Snowfall in the Himalayas significantly influences cold wave conditions in northern India. The snowfall enhances the strength of cold winds descending from the mountains, which subsequently sweep across the northern plains, leading to a sharp drop in temperatures and intensifying cold wave conditions. Statement 3 is correct: Clear skies and calm winds during winter reduce cloud cover and wind-mixing, resulting in enhanced radiative cooling at night. This intensifies cold wave conditions by lowering surface temperatures significantly. Incorrect Solution: a) Statement 1 is incorrect: In hilly regions, cold wave conditions are generally declared when the minimum temperature drops below 0°C, not 5°C. This distinction is crucial as the threshold varies by geography, with plains having a higher temperature threshold. Statement 2 is incorrect: Snowfall in the Himalayas significantly influences cold wave conditions in northern India. The snowfall enhances the strength of cold winds descending from the mountains, which subsequently sweep across the northern plains, leading to a sharp drop in temperatures and intensifying cold wave conditions. Statement 3 is correct: Clear skies and calm winds during winter reduce cloud cover and wind-mixing, resulting in enhanced radiative cooling at night. This intensifies cold wave conditions by lowering surface temperatures significantly.

#### 1. Question

Consider the following statements:

• Cold wave conditions are declared in the hills when minimum temperatures fall below 5°C.

• Snowfall in the Himalayas has no direct effect on the cold wave conditions in northern India.

• Cold waves are intensified in regions with clear skies and calm winds.

How many of the above statements is/are correct?

• a) Only one

• b) Only two

• c) All three

Solution: a)

Statement 1 is incorrect: In hilly regions, cold wave conditions are generally declared when the minimum temperature drops below 0°C, not 5°C. This distinction is crucial as the threshold varies by geography, with plains having a higher temperature threshold.

Statement 2 is incorrect: Snowfall in the Himalayas significantly influences cold wave conditions in northern India. The snowfall enhances the strength of cold winds descending from the mountains, which subsequently sweep across the northern plains, leading to a sharp drop in temperatures and intensifying cold wave conditions.

Statement 3 is correct: Clear skies and calm winds during winter reduce cloud cover and wind-mixing, resulting in enhanced radiative cooling at night. This intensifies cold wave conditions by lowering surface temperatures significantly.

Solution: a)

• Question 2 of 5 2. Question Consider the following statements about the powers and functions of the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC): The JPC can examine bills, policies, and specific issues referred to it. It is a permanent committee with fixed tenure. The JPC can summon documents, witnesses, and experts for its analysis. Its recommendations are submitted to the Parliament for further discussion. Which of the above statements are correct? a) 1 and 3 only b) 1, 3, and 4 only c) 2 and 4 only d) 1, 2, 3, and 4 Correct Solution: b) Powers and Function: The JPC is an ad-hoc Committee. Examines bills, policies, or specific issues referred to it. Consults stakeholders, experts, and officials for comprehensive analysis. Can summon documents, witnesses, and experts for deliberations. The committee’s recommendations are advisory and not mandatory for the government to follow. Reports to:Submits its detailed findings and recommendations to the Parliament for further discussion and action. Incorrect Solution: b) Powers and Function: The JPC is an ad-hoc Committee. Examines bills, policies, or specific issues referred to it. Consults stakeholders, experts, and officials for comprehensive analysis. Can summon documents, witnesses, and experts for deliberations. The committee’s recommendations are advisory and not mandatory for the government to follow. Reports to:Submits its detailed findings and recommendations to the Parliament for further discussion and action.

#### 2. Question

Consider the following statements about the powers and functions of the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC):

• The JPC can examine bills, policies, and specific issues referred to it.

• It is a permanent committee with fixed tenure.

• The JPC can summon documents, witnesses, and experts for its analysis.

• Its recommendations are submitted to the Parliament for further discussion.

Which of the above statements are correct?

• a) 1 and 3 only

• b) 1, 3, and 4 only

• c) 2 and 4 only

• d) 1, 2, 3, and 4

Solution: b)

Powers and Function:

• The JPC is an ad-hoc Committee.

• Examines bills, policies, or specific issues referred to it.

• Consults stakeholders, experts, and officials for comprehensive analysis.

• Can summon documents, witnesses, and experts for deliberations.

• The committee’s recommendations are advisory and not mandatory for the government to follow.

• Reports to:Submits its detailed findings and recommendations to the Parliament for further discussion and action.

Solution: b)

Powers and Function:

• The JPC is an ad-hoc Committee.

• Examines bills, policies, or specific issues referred to it.

• Consults stakeholders, experts, and officials for comprehensive analysis.

• Can summon documents, witnesses, and experts for deliberations.

• The committee’s recommendations are advisory and not mandatory for the government to follow.

• Reports to:Submits its detailed findings and recommendations to the Parliament for further discussion and action.

• Question 3 of 5 3. Question Consider the following statements regarding the significance of hydrothermal vents: They provide crucial insights into early life forms that depend on extreme environments. Hydrothermal vents are a primary source of global oxygen production. The mineral deposits around vents can serve as a potential resource for economic development. How many of the above statements is/are correct? a) Only one b) Only two c) All three d) None Correct Solution: b) Statement 1 is correct: Vents host unique organisms, offering insights into life in extreme conditions. Statement 2 is incorrect: Oxygen production primarily occurs through photosynthesis in the ocean’s photic zone, not near hydrothermal vents. Statement 3 is correct: Vents contain economically important minerals like copper, cobalt, and zinc. Significance: Mineral Deposits:Rich in economically beneficial minerals like copper, zinc, cobalt, nickel, gold, and silver. Ecosystem Insights:Hosts unique chemosynthetic organisms, providing insights into life in extreme environments. Economic Potential:Long activity spans (hundreds to thousands of years) make them valuable for sustained exploration. Scientific Research:Offers understanding of deep-sea geological processes and resource potential for strategic missions like India’s Deep Ocean Mission. Incorrect Solution: b) Statement 1 is correct: Vents host unique organisms, offering insights into life in extreme conditions. Statement 2 is incorrect: Oxygen production primarily occurs through photosynthesis in the ocean’s photic zone, not near hydrothermal vents. Statement 3 is correct: Vents contain economically important minerals like copper, cobalt, and zinc. Significance: Mineral Deposits:Rich in economically beneficial minerals like copper, zinc, cobalt, nickel, gold, and silver. Ecosystem Insights:Hosts unique chemosynthetic organisms, providing insights into life in extreme environments. Economic Potential:Long activity spans (hundreds to thousands of years) make them valuable for sustained exploration. Scientific Research:Offers understanding of deep-sea geological processes and resource potential for strategic missions like India’s Deep Ocean Mission.

#### 3. Question

Consider the following statements regarding the significance of hydrothermal vents:

• They provide crucial insights into early life forms that depend on extreme environments.

• Hydrothermal vents are a primary source of global oxygen production.

• The mineral deposits around vents can serve as a potential resource for economic development.

How many of the above statements is/are correct?

• a) Only one

• b) Only two

• c) All three

Solution: b)

Statement 1 is correct: Vents host unique organisms, offering insights into life in extreme conditions.

Statement 2 is incorrect: Oxygen production primarily occurs through photosynthesis in the ocean’s photic zone, not near hydrothermal vents.

Statement 3 is correct: Vents contain economically important minerals like copper, cobalt, and zinc.

Significance:

• Mineral Deposits:Rich in economically beneficial minerals like copper, zinc, cobalt, nickel, gold, and silver.

• Ecosystem Insights:Hosts unique chemosynthetic organisms, providing insights into life in extreme environments.

• Economic Potential:Long activity spans (hundreds to thousands of years) make them valuable for sustained exploration.

• Scientific Research:Offers understanding of deep-sea geological processes and resource potential for strategic missions like India’s Deep Ocean Mission.

Solution: b)

Statement 1 is correct: Vents host unique organisms, offering insights into life in extreme conditions.

Statement 2 is incorrect: Oxygen production primarily occurs through photosynthesis in the ocean’s photic zone, not near hydrothermal vents.

Statement 3 is correct: Vents contain economically important minerals like copper, cobalt, and zinc.

Significance:

• Mineral Deposits:Rich in economically beneficial minerals like copper, zinc, cobalt, nickel, gold, and silver.

• Ecosystem Insights:Hosts unique chemosynthetic organisms, providing insights into life in extreme environments.

• Economic Potential:Long activity spans (hundreds to thousands of years) make them valuable for sustained exploration.

• Scientific Research:Offers understanding of deep-sea geological processes and resource potential for strategic missions like India’s Deep Ocean Mission.

• Question 4 of 5 4. Question Consider the following statements about the Ganges River Dolphin: It is listed as “Critically Endangered” under the IUCN Red List. It relies on visual navigation due to its well-developed eyesight. It is protected under Schedule-I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. It is found in the river systems of India, Nepal, and Bhutan. Which of the above statements is/are correct? a) 1 and 3 only b) 1, 2, and 4 c) 3 and 4 only d) 3 only Correct Solution: d) Statement 1 is incorrect: The Ganges River Dolphin is listed as “Endangered” under the IUCN Red List, not “Critically Endangered.” Statement 2 is incorrect: The species is nearly blind and relies on echolocation, not visual navigation. Statement 3 is correct: It is protected under Schedule-I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. Statement 4 is incorrect: The dolphin is found in India, Nepal, and Bangladesh, not Bhutan. About Ganges River Dolphin: Scientific name:Platanista gangetica gangetica Common name:Susu Habitat:Found in freshwater river systems, including the Ganga-Brahmaputra-Meghna and Karnaphuli-Sangu in India, Nepal, and Bangladesh. Characteristics: Nearly blind, relying on echolocation for navigation and hunting. Lives exclusively in freshwater ecosystems. Sturdy, flexible body with large flippers and low triangular dorsal fins. Females are larger than males and reproduce every 2-3 years, giving birth to a single calf. Newborns are chocolate brown, turning grey-brown as adults. Conservation status: IUCN:Endangered Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972:Schedule-I CITES:Appendix I Incorrect Solution: d) Statement 1 is incorrect: The Ganges River Dolphin is listed as “Endangered” under the IUCN Red List, not “Critically Endangered.” Statement 2 is incorrect: The species is nearly blind and relies on echolocation, not visual navigation. Statement 3 is correct: It is protected under Schedule-I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. Statement 4 is incorrect: The dolphin is found in India, Nepal, and Bangladesh, not Bhutan. About Ganges River Dolphin: Scientific name:Platanista gangetica gangetica Common name:Susu Habitat:Found in freshwater river systems, including the Ganga-Brahmaputra-Meghna and Karnaphuli-Sangu in India, Nepal, and Bangladesh. Characteristics: Nearly blind, relying on echolocation for navigation and hunting. Lives exclusively in freshwater ecosystems. Sturdy, flexible body with large flippers and low triangular dorsal fins. Females are larger than males and reproduce every 2-3 years, giving birth to a single calf. Newborns are chocolate brown, turning grey-brown as adults. Conservation status: IUCN:Endangered Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972:Schedule-I CITES:Appendix I

#### 4. Question

Consider the following statements about the Ganges River Dolphin:

• It is listed as “Critically Endangered” under the IUCN Red List.

• It relies on visual navigation due to its well-developed eyesight.

• It is protected under Schedule-I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.

• It is found in the river systems of India, Nepal, and Bhutan.

Which of the above statements is/are correct?

• a) 1 and 3 only

• b) 1, 2, and 4

• c) 3 and 4 only

Solution: d)

Statement 1 is incorrect: The Ganges River Dolphin is listed as “Endangered” under the IUCN Red List, not “Critically Endangered.”

Statement 2 is incorrect: The species is nearly blind and relies on echolocation, not visual navigation.

Statement 3 is correct: It is protected under Schedule-I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.

Statement 4 is incorrect: The dolphin is found in India, Nepal, and Bangladesh, not Bhutan.

About Ganges River Dolphin:

• Scientific name:Platanista gangetica gangetica

• Common name:Susu

• Habitat:Found in freshwater river systems, including the Ganga-Brahmaputra-Meghna and Karnaphuli-Sangu in India, Nepal, and Bangladesh.

Characteristics:

• Nearly blind, relying on echolocation for navigation and hunting.

• Lives exclusively in freshwater ecosystems.

• Sturdy, flexible body with large flippers and low triangular dorsal fins.

• Females are larger than males and reproduce every 2-3 years, giving birth to a single calf.

• Newborns are chocolate brown, turning grey-brown as adults.

Conservation status:

• IUCN:Endangered

• Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972:Schedule-I

• CITES:Appendix I

Solution: d)

Statement 1 is incorrect: The Ganges River Dolphin is listed as “Endangered” under the IUCN Red List, not “Critically Endangered.”

Statement 2 is incorrect: The species is nearly blind and relies on echolocation, not visual navigation.

Statement 3 is correct: It is protected under Schedule-I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.

Statement 4 is incorrect: The dolphin is found in India, Nepal, and Bangladesh, not Bhutan.

About Ganges River Dolphin:

• Scientific name:Platanista gangetica gangetica

• Common name:Susu

• Habitat:Found in freshwater river systems, including the Ganga-Brahmaputra-Meghna and Karnaphuli-Sangu in India, Nepal, and Bangladesh.

Characteristics:

• Nearly blind, relying on echolocation for navigation and hunting.

• Lives exclusively in freshwater ecosystems.

• Sturdy, flexible body with large flippers and low triangular dorsal fins.

• Females are larger than males and reproduce every 2-3 years, giving birth to a single calf.

• Newborns are chocolate brown, turning grey-brown as adults.

Conservation status:

• IUCN:Endangered

• Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972:Schedule-I

• CITES:Appendix I

• Question 5 of 5 5. Question Consider the following statements about fiscal prudence: Fiscal prudence emphasizes expenditure based on economic cycles. It discourages any form of public debt. Fiscal prudence includes the rationalization of subsidies. How many of the above statements are correct? a) Only one b) Only two c) All three d) None Correct Solution: b) Statements 1 and 3 are correct. Fiscal prudence includes counter-cyclical fiscal policies and subsidy rationalization. However, statement 2 is incorrect as fiscal prudence does not discourage debt outright but focuses on sustainable debt levels. What is Fiscal Prudence? Definition:Fiscal prudence refers to the responsible management of public finances, focusing on controlling deficits, maintaining sustainable debt levels, and prioritizing productive expenditure. Initiatives to Achieve Fiscal Prudence: RBI: State-Specific Fiscal Responsibility Legislations (FRLs):Legal framework for fiscal discipline. Monitoring Off-Budget Borrowings:Enhanced reporting and transparency. Encouraging Counter-Cyclical Fiscal Policies:Advocating expenditure and savings based on economic cycles. Government: 14th and 15th Finance Commissions:Recommendations for fiscal consolidation and debt sustainability. Debt Consolidation Roadmaps:Specific targets for states. Increased Capital Allocation:Promoting growth-enhancing spending. Subsidy Rationalization:Programs to optimize welfare expenditures. Incorrect Solution: b) Statements 1 and 3 are correct. Fiscal prudence includes counter-cyclical fiscal policies and subsidy rationalization. However, statement 2 is incorrect as fiscal prudence does not discourage debt outright but focuses on sustainable debt levels. What is Fiscal Prudence? Definition:Fiscal prudence refers to the responsible management of public finances, focusing on controlling deficits, maintaining sustainable debt levels, and prioritizing productive expenditure. Initiatives to Achieve Fiscal Prudence: RBI: State-Specific Fiscal Responsibility Legislations (FRLs):Legal framework for fiscal discipline. Monitoring Off-Budget Borrowings:Enhanced reporting and transparency. Encouraging Counter-Cyclical Fiscal Policies:Advocating expenditure and savings based on economic cycles. Government: 14th and 15th Finance Commissions:Recommendations for fiscal consolidation and debt sustainability. Debt Consolidation Roadmaps:Specific targets for states. Increased Capital Allocation:Promoting growth-enhancing spending. Subsidy Rationalization:Programs to optimize welfare expenditures.

#### 5. Question

Consider the following statements about fiscal prudence:

• Fiscal prudence emphasizes expenditure based on economic cycles.

• It discourages any form of public debt.

• Fiscal prudence includes the rationalization of subsidies.

How many of the above statements are correct?

• a) Only one

• b) Only two

• c) All three

Solution: b)

Statements 1 and 3 are correct. Fiscal prudence includes counter-cyclical fiscal policies and subsidy rationalization. However, statement 2 is incorrect as fiscal prudence does not discourage debt outright but focuses on sustainable debt levels.

What is Fiscal Prudence?

• Definition:Fiscal prudence refers to the responsible management of public finances, focusing on controlling deficits, maintaining sustainable debt levels, and prioritizing productive expenditure.

Initiatives to Achieve Fiscal Prudence:

• State-Specific Fiscal Responsibility Legislations (FRLs):Legal framework for fiscal discipline.

• Monitoring Off-Budget Borrowings:Enhanced reporting and transparency.

• Encouraging Counter-Cyclical Fiscal Policies:Advocating expenditure and savings based on economic cycles.

Government:

• 14th and 15th Finance Commissions:Recommendations for fiscal consolidation and debt sustainability.

• Debt Consolidation Roadmaps:Specific targets for states.

• Increased Capital Allocation:Promoting growth-enhancing spending.

• Subsidy Rationalization:Programs to optimize welfare expenditures.

Solution: b)

What is Fiscal Prudence?

• Definition:Fiscal prudence refers to the responsible management of public finances, focusing on controlling deficits, maintaining sustainable debt levels, and prioritizing productive expenditure.

Initiatives to Achieve Fiscal Prudence:

• State-Specific Fiscal Responsibility Legislations (FRLs):Legal framework for fiscal discipline.

• Monitoring Off-Budget Borrowings:Enhanced reporting and transparency.

• Encouraging Counter-Cyclical Fiscal Policies:Advocating expenditure and savings based on economic cycles.

Government:

• 14th and 15th Finance Commissions:Recommendations for fiscal consolidation and debt sustainability.

• Debt Consolidation Roadmaps:Specific targets for states.

• Increased Capital Allocation:Promoting growth-enhancing spending.

• Subsidy Rationalization:Programs to optimize welfare expenditures.

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