UPSC Editorials Quiz : 25 November 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 about small-scale technologies to manage rice straw: Composting improves soil fertility by converting rice straw into organic manure. Mushroom cultivation using rice straw offers farmers an additional income source. Soil incorporation of rice straw enhances water retention capacity. Which of the above statements are correct? a) 1 and 2 only b) 2 and 3 only c) 1 and 3 only d) 1, 2, and 3 Correct Solution: d) All three statements correctly describe the benefits of small-scale rice straw management technologies. Composting enriches soil fertility, mushroom cultivation offers economic benefits, and soil incorporation improves moisture retention. Small-Scale Technologies: Composting:Converts rice straw into nutrient-rich organic compost for agricultural use. Mushroom Cultivation:Uses rice straw as a substrate for cultivating edible mushrooms, offering a cost-effective farming option. Silica Extraction:Extracts silica particles from rice straw for use in industrial applications like construction and electronics. Fodder for Ruminants:Enhances the digestibility of rice straw for use as animal feed through physical or chemical treatments. As an Adsorbent:Applies rice straw to remove heavy metals and toxins from contaminated water, improving water quality. Soil Incorporation:Incorporates rice straw into the soil to improve fertility, moisture retention, and aeration. Incorrect Solution: d) All three statements correctly describe the benefits of small-scale rice straw management technologies. Composting enriches soil fertility, mushroom cultivation offers economic benefits, and soil incorporation improves moisture retention. Small-Scale Technologies: Composting:Converts rice straw into nutrient-rich organic compost for agricultural use. Mushroom Cultivation:Uses rice straw as a substrate for cultivating edible mushrooms, offering a cost-effective farming option. Silica Extraction:Extracts silica particles from rice straw for use in industrial applications like construction and electronics. Fodder for Ruminants:Enhances the digestibility of rice straw for use as animal feed through physical or chemical treatments. As an Adsorbent:Applies rice straw to remove heavy metals and toxins from contaminated water, improving water quality. Soil Incorporation:Incorporates rice straw into the soil to improve fertility, moisture retention, and aeration.

#### 1. Question

Consider the following statements about small-scale technologies to manage rice straw:

• Composting improves soil fertility by converting rice straw into organic manure.

• Mushroom cultivation using rice straw offers farmers an additional income source.

• Soil incorporation of rice straw enhances water retention capacity.

Which of the above statements are correct?

• a) 1 and 2 only

• b) 2 and 3 only

• c) 1 and 3 only

• d) 1, 2, and 3

Solution: d)

All three statements correctly describe the benefits of small-scale rice straw management technologies. Composting enriches soil fertility, mushroom cultivation offers economic benefits, and soil incorporation improves moisture retention.

Small-Scale Technologies:

• Composting:Converts rice straw into nutrient-rich organic compost for agricultural use.

• Mushroom Cultivation:Uses rice straw as a substrate for cultivating edible mushrooms, offering a cost-effective farming option.

• Silica Extraction:Extracts silica particles from rice straw for use in industrial applications like construction and electronics.

• Fodder for Ruminants:Enhances the digestibility of rice straw for use as animal feed through physical or chemical treatments.

• As an Adsorbent:Applies rice straw to remove heavy metals and toxins from contaminated water, improving water quality.

• Soil Incorporation:Incorporates rice straw into the soil to improve fertility, moisture retention, and aeration.

Solution: d)

Small-Scale Technologies:

• Composting:Converts rice straw into nutrient-rich organic compost for agricultural use.

• Mushroom Cultivation:Uses rice straw as a substrate for cultivating edible mushrooms, offering a cost-effective farming option.

• Silica Extraction:Extracts silica particles from rice straw for use in industrial applications like construction and electronics.

• Fodder for Ruminants:Enhances the digestibility of rice straw for use as animal feed through physical or chemical treatments.

• As an Adsorbent:Applies rice straw to remove heavy metals and toxins from contaminated water, improving water quality.

• Soil Incorporation:Incorporates rice straw into the soil to improve fertility, moisture retention, and aeration.

• Question 2 of 5 2. Question Consider the following statements regarding Coal India Limited (CIL): It is the world’s largest single coal producer. It produces around 80% of India’s overall coal production. It was conferred the ‘Green World Environment Award 2024’ in the CSR category. How many of the above statements is/are incorrect? a) Only one b) Only two c) All three d) None Correct Solution: d) Coal India Limited (CIL), a leading state-owned coal mining corporation, has been conferred the ‘Green World Environment Award 2024’ in the CSR category. About Coal India Limited (CIL): Establishment:Formed in November 1975. Largest Producer:World’s single largest coal producer and one of the largest corporate employers in India. CIL has seven producing subsidiaries. Production status: Produces around 83% of India’s overall coal production in India where approximately 57% of primary commercial energy is coal dependent, CIL alone meets to the tune of 40% of primary commercial energy requirement. Incorrect Solution: d) Coal India Limited (CIL), a leading state-owned coal mining corporation, has been conferred the ‘Green World Environment Award 2024’ in the CSR category. About Coal India Limited (CIL): Establishment:Formed in November 1975. Largest Producer:World’s single largest coal producer and one of the largest corporate employers in India. CIL has seven producing subsidiaries. Production status: Produces around 83% of India’s overall coal production in India where approximately 57% of primary commercial energy is coal dependent, CIL alone meets to the tune of 40% of primary commercial energy requirement.

#### 2. Question

Consider the following statements regarding Coal India Limited (CIL):

• It is the world’s largest single coal producer.

• It produces around 80% of India’s overall coal production.

• It was conferred the ‘Green World Environment Award 2024’ in the CSR category.

How many of the above statements is/are incorrect?

• a) Only one

• b) Only two

• c) All three

Solution: d)

Coal India Limited (CIL), a leading state-owned coal mining corporation, has been conferred the ‘Green World Environment Award 2024’ in the CSR category.

About Coal India Limited (CIL):

• Establishment:Formed in November 1975.

• Largest Producer:World’s single largest coal producer and one of the largest corporate employers in India.

• CIL has seven producing subsidiaries.

Production status:

Produces around 83% of India’s overall coal production in India where approximately 57% of primary commercial energy is coal dependent, CIL alone meets to the tune of 40% of primary commercial energy requirement.

Solution: d)

Coal India Limited (CIL), a leading state-owned coal mining corporation, has been conferred the ‘Green World Environment Award 2024’ in the CSR category.

About Coal India Limited (CIL):

• Establishment:Formed in November 1975.

• Largest Producer:World’s single largest coal producer and one of the largest corporate employers in India.

• CIL has seven producing subsidiaries.

Production status:

• Question 3 of 5 3. Question Consider the following statements about how PM Vidyalaxmi differs from other schemes: It offers interest subvention only for NAAC-accredited institutions. The scheme simplifies loan applications through the Vidyalaxmi portal. Eligible institutions are selected based on NBA rankings. 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 as the scheme focuses on NIRF-ranked institutions, not NAAC accreditation. Statement 2 is correct as the Vidyalaxmi portal streamlines loan applications and tracking. Statement 3 is incorrect because NBA rankings are not part of the eligibility criteria. How PM Vidyalaxmi Differs from Other Schemes? Broader Income Coverage:Extends benefits to middle-income families with an income cap of ₹8 lakh, unlike earlier schemes focused on low-income groups. Interest Subvention:Offers 3% interest subvention during the moratorium period for loans up to ₹10 lakh, benefiting 1 lakh students annually. Institution Eligibility:Restricts eligible institutions to top NIRF-ranked colleges and universities, unlike earlier schemes that required NAAC and NBA accreditation. Focus on Quality:Targets high-ranking institutions, reducing the number of eligible institutions to around 860, emphasizing quality over quantity. Simplified Loan Process:Uses the Vidyalaxmi portal for streamlined loan applications, tracking, and linkage with major public and private banks. Outlay and Reach:Allocates ₹3,600 crore for the period 2024-2031, aiming to benefit 22 lakh students Incorrect Solution: a) Statement 1 is incorrect as the scheme focuses on NIRF-ranked institutions, not NAAC accreditation. Statement 2 is correct as the Vidyalaxmi portal streamlines loan applications and tracking. Statement 3 is incorrect because NBA rankings are not part of the eligibility criteria. How PM Vidyalaxmi Differs from Other Schemes? Broader Income Coverage:Extends benefits to middle-income families with an income cap of ₹8 lakh, unlike earlier schemes focused on low-income groups. Interest Subvention:Offers 3% interest subvention during the moratorium period for loans up to ₹10 lakh, benefiting 1 lakh students annually. Institution Eligibility:Restricts eligible institutions to top NIRF-ranked colleges and universities, unlike earlier schemes that required NAAC and NBA accreditation. Focus on Quality:Targets high-ranking institutions, reducing the number of eligible institutions to around 860, emphasizing quality over quantity. Simplified Loan Process:Uses the Vidyalaxmi portal for streamlined loan applications, tracking, and linkage with major public and private banks. Outlay and Reach:Allocates ₹3,600 crore for the period 2024-2031, aiming to benefit 22 lakh students

#### 3. Question

Consider the following statements about how PM Vidyalaxmi differs from other schemes:

• It offers interest subvention only for NAAC-accredited institutions.

• The scheme simplifies loan applications through the Vidyalaxmi portal.

• Eligible institutions are selected based on NBA rankings.

How many of the above statements are correct?

• a) Only one

• b) Only two

• c) All three

Solution: a)

Statement 1 is incorrect as the scheme focuses on NIRF-ranked institutions, not NAAC accreditation.

Statement 2 is correct as the Vidyalaxmi portal streamlines loan applications and tracking.

Statement 3 is incorrect because NBA rankings are not part of the eligibility criteria.

How PM Vidyalaxmi Differs from Other Schemes?

• Broader Income Coverage:Extends benefits to middle-income families with an income cap of ₹8 lakh, unlike earlier schemes focused on low-income groups.

• Interest Subvention:Offers 3% interest subvention during the moratorium period for loans up to ₹10 lakh, benefiting 1 lakh students annually.

• Institution Eligibility:Restricts eligible institutions to top NIRF-ranked colleges and universities, unlike earlier schemes that required NAAC and NBA accreditation.

• Focus on Quality:Targets high-ranking institutions, reducing the number of eligible institutions to around 860, emphasizing quality over quantity.

• Simplified Loan Process:Uses the Vidyalaxmi portal for streamlined loan applications, tracking, and linkage with major public and private banks.

• Outlay and Reach:Allocates ₹3,600 crore for the period 2024-2031, aiming to benefit 22 lakh students

Solution: a)

Statement 1 is incorrect as the scheme focuses on NIRF-ranked institutions, not NAAC accreditation.

Statement 2 is correct as the Vidyalaxmi portal streamlines loan applications and tracking.

Statement 3 is incorrect because NBA rankings are not part of the eligibility criteria.

How PM Vidyalaxmi Differs from Other Schemes?

• Broader Income Coverage:Extends benefits to middle-income families with an income cap of ₹8 lakh, unlike earlier schemes focused on low-income groups.

• Interest Subvention:Offers 3% interest subvention during the moratorium period for loans up to ₹10 lakh, benefiting 1 lakh students annually.

• Institution Eligibility:Restricts eligible institutions to top NIRF-ranked colleges and universities, unlike earlier schemes that required NAAC and NBA accreditation.

• Focus on Quality:Targets high-ranking institutions, reducing the number of eligible institutions to around 860, emphasizing quality over quantity.

• Simplified Loan Process:Uses the Vidyalaxmi portal for streamlined loan applications, tracking, and linkage with major public and private banks.

• Outlay and Reach:Allocates ₹3,600 crore for the period 2024-2031, aiming to benefit 22 lakh students

• Question 4 of 5 4. Question Consider the following statements regarding the significance of Central Value Added Tax (CENVAT): It simplifies the taxation system for manufacturers and service providers. It increases the overall cost of goods and services due to additional compliance. It encourages reinvestment in production and innovation by reducing tax burdens. Which 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 as CENVAT simplifies the taxation process by allowing credit for input taxes. Statement 2 is incorrect because CENVAT reduces costs by eliminating cascading taxes. Statement 3 is correct as businesses save costs, which can be reinvested into production and innovation. Significance of CENVAT: Avoids double taxation:Prevents repeated taxation on the same value addition. Simplifies taxation:Reduces the tax burden on manufacturers and service providers. Promotes competitiveness:Encourages businesses to reinvest savings in production and innovation. Consumer benefit: Reduces the overall cost of goods and services by eliminating cascading taxes. Incorrect Solution: b) Statement 1 is correct as CENVAT simplifies the taxation process by allowing credit for input taxes. Statement 2 is incorrect because CENVAT reduces costs by eliminating cascading taxes. Statement 3 is correct as businesses save costs, which can be reinvested into production and innovation. Significance of CENVAT: Avoids double taxation:Prevents repeated taxation on the same value addition. Simplifies taxation:Reduces the tax burden on manufacturers and service providers. Promotes competitiveness:Encourages businesses to reinvest savings in production and innovation. Consumer benefit: Reduces the overall cost of goods and services by eliminating cascading taxes.

#### 4. Question

Consider the following statements regarding the significance of Central Value Added Tax (CENVAT):

• It simplifies the taxation system for manufacturers and service providers.

• It increases the overall cost of goods and services due to additional compliance.

• It encourages reinvestment in production and innovation by reducing tax burdens.

Which of the above statements is/are correct?

• a) Only one

• b) Only two

• c) All three

Solution: b)

Statement 1 is correct as CENVAT simplifies the taxation process by allowing credit for input taxes.

Statement 2 is incorrect because CENVAT reduces costs by eliminating cascading taxes.

Statement 3 is correct as businesses save costs, which can be reinvested into production and innovation.

Significance of CENVAT:

• Avoids double taxation:Prevents repeated taxation on the same value addition.

• Simplifies taxation:Reduces the tax burden on manufacturers and service providers.

• Promotes competitiveness:Encourages businesses to reinvest savings in production and innovation.

• Consumer benefit: Reduces the overall cost of goods and services by eliminating cascading taxes.

Solution: b)

Statement 1 is correct as CENVAT simplifies the taxation process by allowing credit for input taxes.

Statement 2 is incorrect because CENVAT reduces costs by eliminating cascading taxes.

Statement 3 is correct as businesses save costs, which can be reinvested into production and innovation.

Significance of CENVAT:

• Avoids double taxation:Prevents repeated taxation on the same value addition.

• Simplifies taxation:Reduces the tax burden on manufacturers and service providers.

• Promotes competitiveness:Encourages businesses to reinvest savings in production and innovation.

• Consumer benefit: Reduces the overall cost of goods and services by eliminating cascading taxes.

• Question 5 of 5 5. Question What is the primary cause of the rapid decline in Dead Sea water levels? a) Increased salinity b) Overfishing and ecological imbalance c) Restricted tributary flow and high evaporation rates d) Diversion of water to surrounding agricultural lands Correct Solution: c) The Dead Sea is fed by the Jordan River, but water levels are declining due to reduced inflow and intense evaporation. About the Dead Sea: Geographical Location:A saltwater lake between Jordan, Israel, and the West Bank. Found at 430.5 meters below sea level—the lowest land-based elevation on Earth. Salinity:Contains 34.2% salinity, making it one of the saltiest water bodies globally, supporting only microorganisms and algae. Physical Dimensions:Covers 605 sq. km, 50 km long, and 15 km wide at its broadest. Hydrology:Fed by the Jordan River, with no outlet, losing water mainly through evaporation. Environmental Concerns:Rapidly declining water levels (~1 meter per year) due to evaporation and restricted tributary flow, impacting regional groundwater dynamics. Incorrect Solution: c) The Dead Sea is fed by the Jordan River, but water levels are declining due to reduced inflow and intense evaporation. About the Dead Sea: Geographical Location:A saltwater lake between Jordan, Israel, and the West Bank. Found at 430.5 meters below sea level—the lowest land-based elevation on Earth. Salinity:Contains 34.2% salinity, making it one of the saltiest water bodies globally, supporting only microorganisms and algae. Physical Dimensions:Covers 605 sq. km, 50 km long, and 15 km wide at its broadest. Hydrology:Fed by the Jordan River, with no outlet, losing water mainly through evaporation. Environmental Concerns:Rapidly declining water levels (~1 meter per year) due to evaporation and restricted tributary flow, impacting regional groundwater dynamics.

#### 5. Question

What is the primary cause of the rapid decline in Dead Sea water levels?

• a) Increased salinity

• b) Overfishing and ecological imbalance

• c) Restricted tributary flow and high evaporation rates

• d) Diversion of water to surrounding agricultural lands

Solution: c)

The Dead Sea is fed by the Jordan River, but water levels are declining due to reduced inflow and intense evaporation.

About the Dead Sea:

• Geographical Location:A saltwater lake between Jordan, Israel, and the West Bank.

• Found at 430.5 meters below sea level—the lowest land-based elevation on Earth.

• Salinity:Contains 34.2% salinity, making it one of the saltiest water bodies globally, supporting only microorganisms and algae.

• Physical Dimensions:Covers 605 sq. km, 50 km long, and 15 km wide at its broadest.

• Hydrology:Fed by the Jordan River, with no outlet, losing water mainly through evaporation.

• Environmental Concerns:Rapidly declining water levels (~1 meter per year) due to evaporation and restricted tributary flow, impacting regional groundwater dynamics.

Solution: c)

The Dead Sea is fed by the Jordan River, but water levels are declining due to reduced inflow and intense evaporation.

About the Dead Sea:

• Geographical Location:A saltwater lake between Jordan, Israel, and the West Bank.

• Found at 430.5 meters below sea level—the lowest land-based elevation on Earth.

• Salinity:Contains 34.2% salinity, making it one of the saltiest water bodies globally, supporting only microorganisms and algae.

• Physical Dimensions:Covers 605 sq. km, 50 km long, and 15 km wide at its broadest.

• Hydrology:Fed by the Jordan River, with no outlet, losing water mainly through evaporation.

• Environmental Concerns:Rapidly declining water levels (~1 meter per year) due to evaporation and restricted tributary flow, impacting regional groundwater dynamics.

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