UPSC Editorials Quiz : 28 February 2026

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 regarding the challenges associated with biotechnology: Biotechnology can threaten the survival of certain species by interfering with their natural breeding processes. The development of biotechnology has completely eliminated the risk of creating biological weapons. There is a lack of public awareness about modern biotechnological tools, which poses a challenge to its acceptance and regulation. 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 because biotechnology, particularly in the form of genetic modification, can interfere with natural breeding processes and ecosystems, potentially leading to the extinction of certain species if not managed properly. Statement 2 is incorrect; biotechnology does not eliminate the risk of biological weapons—in fact, it can exacerbate this risk by providing tools to create more sophisticated biological weapons, raising concerns about biosecurity. Statement 3 is correct as there is often a significant gap in public awareness and understanding of modern biotechnology, which can lead to resistance, fear, and challenges in the proper regulation and ethical use of these technologies. Public education and transparent regulatory frameworks are essential to address these concerns. Incorrect Solution: B Statement 1 is correct because biotechnology, particularly in the form of genetic modification, can interfere with natural breeding processes and ecosystems, potentially leading to the extinction of certain species if not managed properly. Statement 2 is incorrect; biotechnology does not eliminate the risk of biological weapons—in fact, it can exacerbate this risk by providing tools to create more sophisticated biological weapons, raising concerns about biosecurity. Statement 3 is correct as there is often a significant gap in public awareness and understanding of modern biotechnology, which can lead to resistance, fear, and challenges in the proper regulation and ethical use of these technologies. Public education and transparent regulatory frameworks are essential to address these concerns.

#### 1. Question

Consider the following statements regarding the challenges associated with biotechnology:

• Biotechnology can threaten the survival of certain species by interfering with their natural breeding processes.

• The development of biotechnology has completely eliminated the risk of creating biological weapons.

• There is a lack of public awareness about modern biotechnological tools, which poses a challenge to its acceptance and regulation.

How many of the above statements is/are correct?

• (a) Only one

• (b) Only two

• (c) All three

Solution: B

Statement 1 is correct because biotechnology, particularly in the form of genetic modification, can interfere with natural breeding processes and ecosystems, potentially leading to the extinction of certain species if not managed properly.

Statement 2 is incorrect; biotechnology does not eliminate the risk of biological weapons—in fact, it can exacerbate this risk by providing tools to create more sophisticated biological weapons, raising concerns about biosecurity.

Statement 3 is correct as there is often a significant gap in public awareness and understanding of modern biotechnology, which can lead to resistance, fear, and challenges in the proper regulation and ethical use of these technologies. Public education and transparent regulatory frameworks are essential to address these concerns.

Solution: B

• Question 2 of 5 2. Question Which of the following best describes the primary cause of mass wasting? (a) The accumulation of sediment in river beds (b) The influence of gravity on weakened slope materials (c) The formation of glaciers at high altitudes (d) The erosion of coastal areas by tidal forces Correct Solution: B Mass wasting, also known as mass movement, primarily occurs when the gravitational force acting on the materials on a slope exceeds their strength, causing them to move downhill. This process is influenced by various factors such as weathering, which weakens the materials; water saturation, which reduces cohesion; and seismic activity, which shakes and destabilizes the slope. While sediment accumulation, glacier formation, and coastal erosion are significant geological processes, they do not directly cause mass wasting. Therefore, option (b) correctly identifies the influence of gravity on weakened slope materials as the primary cause of mass wasting. Incorrect Solution: B Mass wasting, also known as mass movement, primarily occurs when the gravitational force acting on the materials on a slope exceeds their strength, causing them to move downhill. This process is influenced by various factors such as weathering, which weakens the materials; water saturation, which reduces cohesion; and seismic activity, which shakes and destabilizes the slope. While sediment accumulation, glacier formation, and coastal erosion are significant geological processes, they do not directly cause mass wasting. Therefore, option (b) correctly identifies the influence of gravity on weakened slope materials as the primary cause of mass wasting.

#### 2. Question

Which of the following best describes the primary cause of mass wasting?

• (a) The accumulation of sediment in river beds

• (b) The influence of gravity on weakened slope materials

• (c) The formation of glaciers at high altitudes

• (d) The erosion of coastal areas by tidal forces

Solution: B

• Mass wasting, also known as mass movement, primarily occurs when the gravitational force acting on the materials on a slope exceeds their strength, causing them to move downhill.

• This process is influenced by various factors such as weathering, which weakens the materials; water saturation, which reduces cohesion; and seismic activity, which shakes and destabilizes the slope.

• While sediment accumulation, glacier formation, and coastal erosion are significant geological processes, they do not directly cause mass wasting.

• Therefore, option (b) correctly identifies the influence of gravity on weakened slope materials as the primary cause of mass wasting.

Solution: B

• Mass wasting, also known as mass movement, primarily occurs when the gravitational force acting on the materials on a slope exceeds their strength, causing them to move downhill.

• While sediment accumulation, glacier formation, and coastal erosion are significant geological processes, they do not directly cause mass wasting.

• Therefore, option (b) correctly identifies the influence of gravity on weakened slope materials as the primary cause of mass wasting.

• Question 3 of 5 3. Question Consider the following statements about the nature and characteristics of quasars: Quasars are primarily powered by the accretion of matter onto a supermassive black hole. The energy output of a quasar can outshine its entire host galaxy. Quasars are relatively common and can be found in many nearby galaxies. How many of the above statements is/are incorrect? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) All three (d) None Correct Solution: A Quasars are primarily powered by the accretion of matter onto a supermassive black hole, where the gravitational energy released as matter spirals into the black hole generates intense radiation, making statement 1 correct. The energy output of a quasar can indeed outshine its entire host galaxy, making statement 2 correct as well. However, quasars are not common in nearby galaxies; they are typically found in distant galaxies and are considered to be active galactic nuclei from the early universe, making statement 3 incorrect. Quasars serve as important tools for understanding the early stages of galaxy formation and the growth of supermassive black holes. Incorrect Solution: A Quasars are primarily powered by the accretion of matter onto a supermassive black hole, where the gravitational energy released as matter spirals into the black hole generates intense radiation, making statement 1 correct. The energy output of a quasar can indeed outshine its entire host galaxy, making statement 2 correct as well. However, quasars are not common in nearby galaxies; they are typically found in distant galaxies and are considered to be active galactic nuclei from the early universe, making statement 3 incorrect. Quasars serve as important tools for understanding the early stages of galaxy formation and the growth of supermassive black holes.

#### 3. Question

Consider the following statements about the nature and characteristics of quasars:

• Quasars are primarily powered by the accretion of matter onto a supermassive black hole.

• The energy output of a quasar can outshine its entire host galaxy.

• Quasars are relatively common and can be found in many nearby galaxies.

How many of the above statements is/are incorrect?

• (a) Only one

• (b) Only two

• (c) All three

Solution: A

• Quasars are primarily powered by the accretion of matter onto a supermassive black hole, where the gravitational energy released as matter spirals into the black hole generates intense radiation, making statement 1 correct.

• The energy output of a quasar can indeed outshine its entire host galaxy, making statement 2 correct as well.

• However, quasars are not common in nearby galaxies; they are typically found in distant galaxies and are considered to be active galactic nuclei from the early universe, making statement 3 incorrect.

• Quasars serve as important tools for understanding the early stages of galaxy formation and the growth of supermassive black holes.

Solution: A

• The energy output of a quasar can indeed outshine its entire host galaxy, making statement 2 correct as well.

• Quasars serve as important tools for understanding the early stages of galaxy formation and the growth of supermassive black holes.

• Question 4 of 5 4. Question What does “PDS leakage” refer to in the context of the National Food Security Act (NFSA) 2013? a) The wastage of food grains during transportation b) The amount of food grains released by the FCI that fail to reach the consumers c) The amount of money lost in maintaining the PDS system d) The over-allocation of food grains to non-eligible households Correct Solution: B “PDS leakage” refers to the proportion of food grains, such as rice and wheat, released by the Food Corporation of India (FCI) that fail to reach consumers, usually due to inefficiencies or corruption in the distribution process. This issue was one of the major concerns addressed by the NFSA 2013, and reforms have significantly reduced leakages across many states. Incorrect Solution: B “PDS leakage” refers to the proportion of food grains, such as rice and wheat, released by the Food Corporation of India (FCI) that fail to reach consumers, usually due to inefficiencies or corruption in the distribution process. This issue was one of the major concerns addressed by the NFSA 2013, and reforms have significantly reduced leakages across many states.

#### 4. Question

What does “PDS leakage” refer to in the context of the National Food Security Act (NFSA) 2013?

• a) The wastage of food grains during transportation

• b) The amount of food grains released by the FCI that fail to reach the consumers

• c) The amount of money lost in maintaining the PDS system

• d) The over-allocation of food grains to non-eligible households

Solution: B

“PDS leakage” refers to the proportion of food grains, such as rice and wheat, released by the Food Corporation of India (FCI) that fail to reach consumers, usually due to inefficiencies or corruption in the distribution process. This issue was one of the major concerns addressed by the NFSA 2013, and reforms have significantly reduced leakages across many states.

Solution: B

• Question 5 of 5 5. Question Consider the following statements regarding food irradiation: Food irradiation prevents spoilage by slowing down decay and delaying premature ripening. Irradiation processing usually requires multiple treatments to achieve food safety. It reduces the need for chemical preservatives, contributing to a more sustainable food supply chain. The Codex Alimentarius Commission played a key role in setting global standards for food irradiation. How many of the above statements are correct? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) Only three (d) All four Correct Solution: C Statement 1 is correct because food irradiation prevents spoilage by slowing down the process of decay and delaying ripening, sprouting, or germination. Statement 3 is also correct, as irradiation reduces the need for chemical preservatives, promoting a more sustainable food supply chain. Statement 2 is incorrect because irradiation typically requires just one exposure treatment to achieve the desired food safety effects, simplifying food safety practices. Statement 4 is also correct, as the Codex Alimentarius Commission established global standards for food irradiation. Incorrect Solution: C Statement 1 is correct because food irradiation prevents spoilage by slowing down the process of decay and delaying ripening, sprouting, or germination. Statement 3 is also correct, as irradiation reduces the need for chemical preservatives, promoting a more sustainable food supply chain. Statement 2 is incorrect because irradiation typically requires just one exposure treatment to achieve the desired food safety effects, simplifying food safety practices. Statement 4 is also correct, as the Codex Alimentarius Commission established global standards for food irradiation.

#### 5. Question

Consider the following statements regarding food irradiation:

• Food irradiation prevents spoilage by slowing down decay and delaying premature ripening.

• Irradiation processing usually requires multiple treatments to achieve food safety.

• It reduces the need for chemical preservatives, contributing to a more sustainable food supply chain.

• The Codex Alimentarius Commission played a key role in setting global standards for food irradiation.

How many of the above statements are correct?

• (a) Only one

• (b) Only two

• (c) Only three

• (d) All four

Solution: C

Statement 1 is correct because food irradiation prevents spoilage by slowing down the process of decay and delaying ripening, sprouting, or germination.

Statement 3 is also correct, as irradiation reduces the need for chemical preservatives, promoting a more sustainable food supply chain.

Statement 2 is incorrect because irradiation typically requires just one exposure treatment to achieve the desired food safety effects, simplifying food safety practices.

Statement 4 is also correct, as the Codex Alimentarius Commission established global standards for food irradiation.

Solution: C

Statement 1 is correct because food irradiation prevents spoilage by slowing down the process of decay and delaying ripening, sprouting, or germination.

Statement 3 is also correct, as irradiation reduces the need for chemical preservatives, promoting a more sustainable food supply chain.

Statement 2 is incorrect because irradiation typically requires just one exposure treatment to achieve the desired food safety effects, simplifying food safety practices.

Statement 4 is also correct, as the Codex Alimentarius Commission established global standards for food irradiation.

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