UPSC Editorials Quiz : 25 June 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: Statement I: The recent designation of Menar and Khichan as Ramsar sites is a testament to successful community-driven conservation in India. Statement II: Local communities in Menar have traditionally prohibited hunting and fishing, creating a safe haven for birds. Statement III: In Khichan, local traditions of feeding and protecting migratory birds have been crucial for their survival along the Central Asian Flyway. Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements? (a) Statement II and Statement III are correct and both of them explain Statement I (b) Statement II and Statement III are correct but only one of them explains Statement I (c) Only one of the Statements II and III is correct and that explains Statement I (d) Neither Statement II nor Statement III is correct Correct Solution: A Statement I makes a claim about the success of community-driven conservation, exemplified by the new Ramsar sites. This statement is correct. Statement II is correct and directly supports Statement I. The local residents prohibit hunting and fishing, which is a clear example of community-led conservation leading to the protection of biodiversity that merited the Ramsar tag. Statement III is also correct and provides another strong explanation for Statement I. The local traditions of protecting birds, particularly the Demoiselle cranes, have made it a critical stopover on the Central Asian Flyway. Incorrect Solution: A Statement I makes a claim about the success of community-driven conservation, exemplified by the new Ramsar sites. This statement is correct. Statement II is correct and directly supports Statement I. The local residents prohibit hunting and fishing, which is a clear example of community-led conservation leading to the protection of biodiversity that merited the Ramsar tag. Statement III is also correct and provides another strong explanation for Statement I. The local traditions of protecting birds, particularly the Demoiselle cranes, have made it a critical stopover on the Central Asian Flyway.

#### 1. Question

Consider the following statements:

Statement I: The recent designation of Menar and Khichan as Ramsar sites is a testament to successful community-driven conservation in India.

Statement II: Local communities in Menar have traditionally prohibited hunting and fishing, creating a safe haven for birds.

Statement III: In Khichan, local traditions of feeding and protecting migratory birds have been crucial for their survival along the Central Asian Flyway.

Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

• (a) Statement II and Statement III are correct and both of them explain Statement I

• (b) Statement II and Statement III are correct but only one of them explains Statement I

• (c) Only one of the Statements II and III is correct and that explains Statement I

• (d) Neither Statement II nor Statement III is correct

Solution: A

Statement I makes a claim about the success of community-driven conservation, exemplified by the new Ramsar sites. This statement is correct.

Statement II is correct and directly supports Statement I. The local residents prohibit hunting and fishing, which is a clear example of community-led conservation leading to the protection of biodiversity that merited the Ramsar tag.

Statement III is also correct and provides another strong explanation for Statement I. The local traditions of protecting birds, particularly the Demoiselle cranes, have made it a critical stopover on the Central Asian Flyway.

Solution: A

Statement I makes a claim about the success of community-driven conservation, exemplified by the new Ramsar sites. This statement is correct.

• Question 2 of 5 2. Question Which of the following indicators are used by the Global Gender Gap Index? 1. Economic Participation and Opportunity 2. Political Empowerment 3. Educational Attainment 4. Cultural Representation Select the correct answer using the code below: a) 2 and 4 only b) 1, 2 and 3 only c) 1, 3 and 4 only d) 1, 2, 3 and 4 Correct Solution: B The Global Gender Gap Index considers only four pillars — economic participation, political empowerment, education, and health. Cultural representation is not a parameter in this index. Incorrect Solution: B The Global Gender Gap Index considers only four pillars — economic participation, political empowerment, education, and health. Cultural representation is not a parameter in this index.

#### 2. Question

Which of the following indicators are used by the Global Gender Gap Index?

1.Economic Participation and Opportunity 2. Political Empowerment 3. Educational Attainment 4. Cultural Representation

Select the correct answer using the code below:

• a) 2 and 4 only

• b) 1, 2 and 3 only

• c) 1, 3 and 4 only

• d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

Solution: B

The Global Gender Gap Index considers only four pillars — economic participation, political empowerment, education, and health. Cultural representation is not a parameter in this index.

Solution: B

The Global Gender Gap Index considers only four pillars — economic participation, political empowerment, education, and health. Cultural representation is not a parameter in this index.

• Question 3 of 5 3. Question With reference to fertiliser subsidies in India, consider the following statements: Under the Nutrient-Based Subsidy (NBS) Policy, the government provides a fixed subsidy on urea based on its nitrogen content. The mandatory coating of all urea with neem oil is intended to increase its nitrogen release efficiency and curb its diversion for industrial use. The Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system for fertilisers involves the transfer of subsidy amounts directly into the bank accounts of farmers before they purchase the fertilisers. How many of the statements given above are correct? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) All three (d) None Correct Solution: A Statement 1 is incorrect. The Nutrient-Based Subsidy (NBS) Policy applies to non-urea fertilisers, specifically phosphatic (P) and potassic (K) fertilisers. Under this policy, the subsidy is linked to the nutrient content (N, P, K, S). Urea is kept outside the purview of the NBS policy, and its price is directly controlled and subsidised by the government. Statement 2 is correct. The policy of Neem-Coated Urea was made mandatory to achieve two primary objectives. First, the neem coating promotes a slower release of nitrogen, which improves its absorption by crops and enhances soil health. Second, it makes the urea unsuitable for diversion to non-agricultural purposes, such as in the chemical industry or as an adulterant, thereby plugging leakages and reducing black marketing. Statement 3 is incorrect. The subsidy is paid directly to the fertiliser companies, not the farmers. Farmers purchase fertilisers from retailers at the subsidised price, and the retailer’s transaction is captured through a Point of Sale (PoS) machine. Based on these sales data, the government reimburses the subsidy amount to the companies. Incorrect Solution: A Statement 1 is incorrect. The Nutrient-Based Subsidy (NBS) Policy applies to non-urea fertilisers, specifically phosphatic (P) and potassic (K) fertilisers. Under this policy, the subsidy is linked to the nutrient content (N, P, K, S). Urea is kept outside the purview of the NBS policy, and its price is directly controlled and subsidised by the government. Statement 2 is correct. The policy of Neem-Coated Urea was made mandatory to achieve two primary objectives. First, the neem coating promotes a slower release of nitrogen, which improves its absorption by crops and enhances soil health. Second, it makes the urea unsuitable for diversion to non-agricultural purposes, such as in the chemical industry or as an adulterant, thereby plugging leakages and reducing black marketing. Statement 3 is incorrect. The subsidy is paid directly to the fertiliser companies, not the farmers. Farmers purchase fertilisers from retailers at the subsidised price, and the retailer’s transaction is captured through a Point of Sale (PoS) machine. Based on these sales data, the government reimburses the subsidy amount to the companies.

#### 3. Question

With reference to fertiliser subsidies in India, consider the following statements:

• Under the Nutrient-Based Subsidy (NBS) Policy, the government provides a fixed subsidy on urea based on its nitrogen content.

• The mandatory coating of all urea with neem oil is intended to increase its nitrogen release efficiency and curb its diversion for industrial use.

• The Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system for fertilisers involves the transfer of subsidy amounts directly into the bank accounts of farmers before they purchase the fertilisers.

How many of the statements given above are correct?

• (a) Only one

• (b) Only two

• (c) All three

Solution: A

• Statement 1 is incorrect. The Nutrient-Based Subsidy (NBS) Policy applies to non-urea fertilisers, specifically phosphatic (P) and potassic (K) fertilisers. Under this policy, the subsidy is linked to the nutrient content (N, P, K, S). Urea is kept outside the purview of the NBS policy, and its price is directly controlled and subsidised by the government.

• Statement 2 is correct. The policy of Neem-Coated Urea was made mandatory to achieve two primary objectives. First, the neem coating promotes a slower release of nitrogen, which improves its absorption by crops and enhances soil health. Second, it makes the urea unsuitable for diversion to non-agricultural purposes, such as in the chemical industry or as an adulterant, thereby plugging leakages and reducing black marketing.

• Statement 3 is incorrect. The subsidy is paid directly to the fertiliser companies, not the farmers. Farmers purchase fertilisers from retailers at the subsidised price, and the retailer’s transaction is captured through a Point of Sale (PoS) machine. Based on these sales data, the government reimburses the subsidy amount to the companies.

Solution: A

• Question 4 of 5 4. Question Match the following initiatives with the type of subsidy they represent: List I (Initiative/Policy) List II (Type of Subsidy) A. PM Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY) 1. Input Subsidy B. Nutrient-Based Subsidy (NBS) Policy 2. Direct Cash Transfer Subsidy C. PM-KISAN Scheme 3. Indirect Food Subsidy Select the correct answer using the code given below: (a) A-3, B-2, C-1 (b) A-2, B-1, C-3 (c) A-3, B-1, C-2 (d) A-1, B-3, C-2 Correct Solution: C PM Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY) provided free foodgrains to beneficiaries. This is a form of Indirect Food Subsidy (3) because the benefit is delivered through a commodity (foodgrains) at a price of zero, rather than through a cash payment. The government bears the cost. Nutrient-Based Subsidy (NBS) Policy provides a subsidy on fertilisers (a key agricultural input) based on their nutrient content. This is a classic example of an Input Subsidy (1), as it reduces the cost of a critical input required for production. PM-KISAN Scheme provides a direct income support of ₹6,000 per year to eligible farmers’ bank accounts. This is a clear case of a Direct Cash Transfer Subsidy (2), where the financial support is given directly to the beneficiary without being tied to the purchase of a specific good or service. Incorrect Solution: C PM Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY) provided free foodgrains to beneficiaries. This is a form of Indirect Food Subsidy (3) because the benefit is delivered through a commodity (foodgrains) at a price of zero, rather than through a cash payment. The government bears the cost. Nutrient-Based Subsidy (NBS) Policy provides a subsidy on fertilisers (a key agricultural input) based on their nutrient content. This is a classic example of an Input Subsidy (1), as it reduces the cost of a critical input required for production. PM-KISAN Scheme provides a direct income support of ₹6,000 per year to eligible farmers’ bank accounts. This is a clear case of a Direct Cash Transfer Subsidy (2), where the financial support is given directly to the beneficiary without being tied to the purchase of a specific good or service.

#### 4. Question

Match the following initiatives with the type of subsidy they represent:

List I (Initiative/Policy) | List II (Type of Subsidy) |

A. PM Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY) | 1. Input Subsidy |

B. Nutrient-Based Subsidy (NBS) Policy | 2. Direct Cash Transfer Subsidy |

C. PM-KISAN Scheme | 3. Indirect Food Subsidy |

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

• (a) A-3, B-2, C-1

• (b) A-2, B-1, C-3

• (c) A-3, B-1, C-2

• (d) A-1, B-3, C-2

Solution: C

• PM Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY) provided free foodgrains to beneficiaries. This is a form of Indirect Food Subsidy (3) because the benefit is delivered through a commodity (foodgrains) at a price of zero, rather than through a cash payment. The government bears the cost.

• Nutrient-Based Subsidy (NBS) Policy provides a subsidy on fertilisers (a key agricultural input) based on their nutrient content. This is a classic example of an Input Subsidy (1), as it reduces the cost of a critical input required for production.

• PM-KISAN Scheme provides a direct income support of ₹6,000 per year to eligible farmers’ bank accounts. This is a clear case of a Direct Cash Transfer Subsidy (2), where the financial support is given directly to the beneficiary without being tied to the purchase of a specific good or service.

Solution: C

• Question 5 of 5 5. Question Consider the following statements regarding the Ecomark Rules, 2024, notified by the MoEFCC: The rules establish a mandatory certification system for all consumer products sold in India to ensure environmental compliance. The primary objective is to promote the export of Indian products by aligning them with international eco-labelling standards. The rules prescribe the procedure for the grant of an “Ecomark” label to products that meet specified environmental criteria. How many of the statements given above are correct? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) All three (d) None Correct Solution: A Statement 1 is incorrect. The Ecomark scheme is generally a voluntary labelling scheme that identifies products as environmentally preferable within a specific product category. It is not stated as a mandatory certification for all consumer products. Statement 2 is incorrect. The primary objective of Ecomark is to encourage consumers to choose, and manufacturers to produce, products that are less harmful to the environment by providing a recognizable label for such products within the domestic market. Statement 3 is correct. The Ecomark Rules, 2024 prescribe the procedure for granting the “Ecomark” label to products that meet specified environmental criteria. This helps consumers identify environmentally friendly products. Incorrect Solution: A Statement 1 is incorrect. The Ecomark scheme is generally a voluntary labelling scheme that identifies products as environmentally preferable within a specific product category. It is not stated as a mandatory certification for all consumer products. Statement 2 is incorrect. The primary objective of Ecomark is to encourage consumers to choose, and manufacturers to produce, products that are less harmful to the environment by providing a recognizable label for such products within the domestic market. Statement 3 is correct. The Ecomark Rules, 2024 prescribe the procedure for granting the “Ecomark” label to products that meet specified environmental criteria. This helps consumers identify environmentally friendly products.

#### 5. Question

Consider the following statements regarding the Ecomark Rules, 2024, notified by the MoEFCC:

• The rules establish a mandatory certification system for all consumer products sold in India to ensure environmental compliance.

• The primary objective is to promote the export of Indian products by aligning them with international eco-labelling standards.

• The rules prescribe the procedure for the grant of an “Ecomark” label to products that meet specified environmental criteria.

How many of the statements given above are correct?

• (a) Only one

• (b) Only two

• (c) All three

Solution: A

• Statement 1 is incorrect. The Ecomark scheme is generally a voluntary labelling scheme that identifies products as environmentally preferable within a specific product category. It is not stated as a mandatory certification for all consumer products.

• Statement 2 is incorrect. The primary objective of Ecomark is to encourage consumers to choose, and manufacturers to produce, products that are less harmful to the environment by providing a recognizable label for such products within the domestic market.

• Statement 3 is correct. The Ecomark Rules, 2024 prescribe the procedure for granting the “Ecomark” label to products that meet specified environmental criteria. This helps consumers identify environmentally friendly products.

Solution: A

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