UPSC Editorials Quiz : 28 July 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 about the India–UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA): The agreement aims to grant zero-duty access on approximately 50% of tariff lines for Indian exports to the UK. The scope of the agreement is limited to the trade in goods and intellectual property rights. It includes provisions for a Double Contribution Convention (DCC) to provide social security exemptions for professionals on temporary assignments. 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: The agreement aims to provide zero-duty access on 99% of tariff lines for Indian exports, not 50%. This high level of liberalisation is a key objective for India to boost its exports to the UK market. Statement 2 is incorrect: The scope of the CETA is comprehensive and extends far beyond just goods and IPR. It covers a wide range of areas including goods, services, investment, mobility of professionals, and social security, making it a modern and deep free trade agreement. Statement 3 is correct: A significant component of the services and mobility chapter is the provision related to a Double Contribution Convention (DCC). This is designed to benefit Indian professionals working temporarily in the UK (and vice-versa) by exempting them from making social security contributions in both countries simultaneously, thereby reducing costs for both employees and employers. Incorrect Solution: A Statement 1 is incorrect: The agreement aims to provide zero-duty access on 99% of tariff lines for Indian exports, not 50%. This high level of liberalisation is a key objective for India to boost its exports to the UK market. Statement 2 is incorrect: The scope of the CETA is comprehensive and extends far beyond just goods and IPR. It covers a wide range of areas including goods, services, investment, mobility of professionals, and social security, making it a modern and deep free trade agreement. Statement 3 is correct: A significant component of the services and mobility chapter is the provision related to a Double Contribution Convention (DCC). This is designed to benefit Indian professionals working temporarily in the UK (and vice-versa) by exempting them from making social security contributions in both countries simultaneously, thereby reducing costs for both employees and employers.

#### 1. Question

Consider the following statements about the India–UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA):

• The agreement aims to grant zero-duty access on approximately 50% of tariff lines for Indian exports to the UK.

• The scope of the agreement is limited to the trade in goods and intellectual property rights.

• It includes provisions for a Double Contribution Convention (DCC) to provide social security exemptions for professionals on temporary assignments.

How many of the above statements are correct?

• (a) Only one

• (b) Only two

• (c) All three

Solution: A

• Statement 1 is incorrect: The agreement aims to provide zero-duty access on 99% of tariff lines for Indian exports, not 50%. This high level of liberalisation is a key objective for India to boost its exports to the UK market.

• Statement 2 is incorrect: The scope of the CETA is comprehensive and extends far beyond just goods and IPR. It covers a wide range of areas including goods, services, investment, mobility of professionals, and social security, making it a modern and deep free trade agreement.

Statement 3 is correct: A significant component of the services and mobility chapter is the provision related to a Double Contribution Convention (DCC). This is designed to benefit Indian professionals working temporarily in the UK (and vice-versa) by exempting them from making social security contributions in both countries simultaneously, thereby reducing costs for both employees and employers.

Solution: A

• Question 2 of 5 2. Question Consider the following statements regarding HTBt cotton: Statement I: The push for the commercial approval of HTBt cotton stems from its potential to address labour shortages and rising weeding costs in cotton farming. Statement II: HTBt cotton’s genetic makeup allows for the over-the-top application of glyphosate, which reduces the need for manual weeding. Statement III: The introduction of HTBt cotton is also seen as a measure to reduce the illegal use of unapproved herbicide-tolerant seeds. Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements? (a) Both Statement II and Statement III are correct and both of them explain Statement I. (b) Both 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: B Statement I makes a correct assertion. The Kharai camel’s entire lifestyle, especially its seasonal feeding pattern, depends on accessing mangrove islands. Therefore, any degradation or loss of these mangrove forests directly threatens the camel’s food source and survival. Statement II provides the correct scientific reason that explains Statement I. The camel’s survival is linked to mangroves because its diet is specialized. It is physiologically adapted to consume saline mangrove vegetation, a food source unavailable to or unusable by most other herbivores. This specialization makes the ecological link exceptionally strong. Statement III is incorrect. The traditional grazing practices of the Maldharis with their Kharai camels are generally considered sustainable and have co-existed with the mangroves for centuries. The primary threats to mangroves in the region are industrial development, salt pan activities, and changes in hydrology, not the sustainable pastoralism of the Maldharis. Incorrect Solution: B Statement I makes a correct assertion. The Kharai camel’s entire lifestyle, especially its seasonal feeding pattern, depends on accessing mangrove islands. Therefore, any degradation or loss of these mangrove forests directly threatens the camel’s food source and survival. Statement II provides the correct scientific reason that explains Statement I. The camel’s survival is linked to mangroves because its diet is specialized. It is physiologically adapted to consume saline mangrove vegetation, a food source unavailable to or unusable by most other herbivores. This specialization makes the ecological link exceptionally strong. Statement III is incorrect. The traditional grazing practices of the Maldharis with their Kharai camels are generally considered sustainable and have co-existed with the mangroves for centuries. The primary threats to mangroves in the region are industrial development, salt pan activities, and changes in hydrology, not the sustainable pastoralism of the Maldharis.

#### 2. Question

Consider the following statements regarding HTBt cotton:

Statement I: The push for the commercial approval of HTBt cotton stems from its potential to address labour shortages and rising weeding costs in cotton farming.

Statement II: HTBt cotton’s genetic makeup allows for the over-the-top application of glyphosate, which reduces the need for manual weeding.

Statement III: The introduction of HTBt cotton is also seen as a measure to reduce the illegal use of unapproved herbicide-tolerant seeds.

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

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

• (b) Both 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: B

• Statement I makes a correct assertion. The Kharai camel’s entire lifestyle, especially its seasonal feeding pattern, depends on accessing mangrove islands. Therefore, any degradation or loss of these mangrove forests directly threatens the camel’s food source and survival.

• Statement II provides the correct scientific reason that explains Statement I. The camel’s survival is linked to mangroves because its diet is specialized. It is physiologically adapted to consume saline mangrove vegetation, a food source unavailable to or unusable by most other herbivores. This specialization makes the ecological link exceptionally strong.

• Statement III is incorrect. The traditional grazing practices of the Maldharis with their Kharai camels are generally considered sustainable and have co-existed with the mangroves for centuries. The primary threats to mangroves in the region are industrial development, salt pan activities, and changes in hydrology, not the sustainable pastoralism of the Maldharis.

Solution: B

• Question 3 of 5 3. Question Consider the following statements regarding HTBt cotton: Statement I: The push for the commercial approval of HTBt cotton stems from its potential to address labour shortages and rising weeding costs in cotton farming. Statement II: HTBt cotton’s genetic makeup allows for the over-the-top application of glyphosate, which reduces the need for manual weeding. Statement III: The introduction of HTBt cotton is also seen as a measure to reduce the illegal use of unapproved herbicide-tolerant seeds. Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements? (a) Both Statement II and Statement III are correct and both of them explain Statement I (b) Both 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 presents the core problem or motivation for approving HTBt cotton: the economic pressures on farmers due to labour issues and the high cost of manual weeding. This is a correct assertion. Statement II is also correct and provides the direct technical explanation for how HTBt cotton solves the problem mentioned in Statement I. Its tolerance to glyphosate allows for efficient chemical weed control, which directly substitutes for costly and often unavailable manual labour. Thus, Statement II is a direct and valid explanation for Statement I. Statement III is also correct and provides a regulatory and market-based explanation for the push. The widespread use of illegal HTBt seeds is a major problem, leading to quality control issues and revenue loss. Legalizing and regulating the sale of approved HTBt cotton would bring this market under control, ensure farmers get quality seeds, and is therefore another key reason driving the approval process. Incorrect Solution: A Statement I presents the core problem or motivation for approving HTBt cotton: the economic pressures on farmers due to labour issues and the high cost of manual weeding. This is a correct assertion. Statement II is also correct and provides the direct technical explanation for how HTBt cotton solves the problem mentioned in Statement I. Its tolerance to glyphosate allows for efficient chemical weed control, which directly substitutes for costly and often unavailable manual labour. Thus, Statement II is a direct and valid explanation for Statement I. Statement III is also correct and provides a regulatory and market-based explanation for the push. The widespread use of illegal HTBt seeds is a major problem, leading to quality control issues and revenue loss. Legalizing and regulating the sale of approved HTBt cotton would bring this market under control, ensure farmers get quality seeds, and is therefore another key reason driving the approval process.

#### 3. Question

Consider the following statements regarding HTBt cotton:

Statement I: The push for the commercial approval of HTBt cotton stems from its potential to address labour shortages and rising weeding costs in cotton farming.

Statement II: HTBt cotton’s genetic makeup allows for the over-the-top application of glyphosate, which reduces the need for manual weeding.

Statement III: The introduction of HTBt cotton is also seen as a measure to reduce the illegal use of unapproved herbicide-tolerant seeds.

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

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

• (b) Both 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 presents the core problem or motivation for approving HTBt cotton: the economic pressures on farmers due to labour issues and the high cost of manual weeding. This is a correct assertion.

• Statement II is also correct and provides the direct technical explanation for how HTBt cotton solves the problem mentioned in Statement I. Its tolerance to glyphosate allows for efficient chemical weed control, which directly substitutes for costly and often unavailable manual labour. Thus, Statement II is a direct and valid explanation for Statement I.

• Statement III is also correct and provides a regulatory and market-based explanation for the push. The widespread use of illegal HTBt seeds is a major problem, leading to quality control issues and revenue loss. Legalizing and regulating the sale of approved HTBt cotton would bring this market under control, ensure farmers get quality seeds, and is therefore another key reason driving the approval process.

Solution: A

• Question 4 of 5 4. Question With reference to the TALASH Initiative, consider the following statements: It is the first national-level program specifically targeting the holistic development of tribal students in Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRSs). The initiative utilizes psychometric testing based on the NCERT’s ‘Tamanna’ model to generate personalized Career Cards for students. The primary implementation is carried out by the National Education Society for Tribal Students (NESTS) in collaboration with UNICEF India. The program aims to train teachers to become effective mentors, enabling a peer-led capacity-building model across schools. How many of the above statements is/are correct? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) Only three (d) All four Correct Solution: D It is the first national initiative of its kind, specifically targeting the holistic development—covering aptitude, life skills, and self-esteem—of tribal students within the EMRS ecosystem. A key feature is its use of psychometric assessments built on the NCERT’s Tamanna (Try and Measure Aptitude and Natural Abilities) model, which provides a structured framework for aptitude testing and career guidance, culminating in personalized career recommendations. The program is a collaborative effort, launched and managed by NESTS (an autonomous body under the Ministry of Tribal Affairs) and UNICEF India, combining governmental oversight with international expertise in child development. A crucial component is its teacher training portal, designed to build a cascade model where trained teachers can then mentor and train their peers, ensuring the program’s sustainability and wide reach within the EMRS network. Incorrect Solution: D It is the first national initiative of its kind, specifically targeting the holistic development—covering aptitude, life skills, and self-esteem—of tribal students within the EMRS ecosystem. A key feature is its use of psychometric assessments built on the NCERT’s Tamanna (Try and Measure Aptitude and Natural Abilities) model, which provides a structured framework for aptitude testing and career guidance, culminating in personalized career recommendations. The program is a collaborative effort, launched and managed by NESTS (an autonomous body under the Ministry of Tribal Affairs) and UNICEF India, combining governmental oversight with international expertise in child development. A crucial component is its teacher training portal, designed to build a cascade model where trained teachers can then mentor and train their peers, ensuring the program’s sustainability and wide reach within the EMRS network.

#### 4. Question

With reference to the TALASH Initiative, consider the following statements:

• It is the first national-level program specifically targeting the holistic development of tribal students in Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRSs).

• The initiative utilizes psychometric testing based on the NCERT’s ‘Tamanna’ model to generate personalized Career Cards for students.

• The primary implementation is carried out by the National Education Society for Tribal Students (NESTS) in collaboration with UNICEF India.

• The program aims to train teachers to become effective mentors, enabling a peer-led capacity-building model across schools.

How many of the above statements is/are correct?

• (a) Only one

• (b) Only two

• (c) Only three

• (d) All four

Solution: D

• It is the first national initiative of its kind, specifically targeting the holistic development—covering aptitude, life skills, and self-esteem—of tribal students within the EMRS ecosystem.

• A key feature is its use of psychometric assessments built on the NCERT’s Tamanna (Try and Measure Aptitude and Natural Abilities) model, which provides a structured framework for aptitude testing and career guidance, culminating in personalized career recommendations.

• The program is a collaborative effort, launched and managed by NESTS (an autonomous body under the Ministry of Tribal Affairs) and UNICEF India, combining governmental oversight with international expertise in child development.

• A crucial component is its teacher training portal, designed to build a cascade model where trained teachers can then mentor and train their peers, ensuring the program’s sustainability and wide reach within the EMRS network.

Solution: D

• Question 5 of 5 5. Question Consider the following with respect to the security arrangements under Operation SHIVA 2025: Deployment of Counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems (C-UAS). Use of Army engineers for landslide mitigation and track repairs. Pre-positioning of emergency rations and establishment of tent cities. Coordination with Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) and civil administration. How many of the above statements is/are correct? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) Only three (d) All four Correct Solution: D What is Operation SHIVA? Operation SHIVA is a high-altitude annual security operation led by the Indian Army to ensure safe and smooth conduct of the Shri Amarnath Yatra in Jammu & Kashmir. It is one of India’s most logistically intense military-civilian coordination exercises for religious tourism safety. Launched By: Indian Army, in coordination with the civil administration, Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs), and disaster response teams. Key Features of Operation SHIVA 2025: “Drone & Air Surveillance Grid” with “50+ C-UAS systems” for detecting and neutralizing aerial threats. “Disaster & Infrastructure Preparedness” is a key feature, with “Army engineers assigned to repair bridges, widen tracks, and execute landslide mitigation efforts.” “Logistical Readiness” includes “emergency rations for 25,000+ people, tent cities,” and other essential supplies. The operation is launched by the Indian Army “in coordination with the civil administration, Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs), and disaster response teams.” This shows the comprehensive nature of the operation, blending counter-terrorism with disaster management and civil support. Incorrect Solution: D What is Operation SHIVA? Operation SHIVA is a high-altitude annual security operation led by the Indian Army to ensure safe and smooth conduct of the Shri Amarnath Yatra in Jammu & Kashmir. It is one of India’s most logistically intense military-civilian coordination exercises for religious tourism safety. Launched By: Indian Army, in coordination with the civil administration, Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs), and disaster response teams. Key Features of Operation SHIVA 2025: “Drone & Air Surveillance Grid” with “50+ C-UAS systems” for detecting and neutralizing aerial threats. “Disaster & Infrastructure Preparedness” is a key feature, with “Army engineers assigned to repair bridges, widen tracks, and execute landslide mitigation efforts.” “Logistical Readiness” includes “emergency rations for 25,000+ people, tent cities,” and other essential supplies. The operation is launched by the Indian Army “in coordination with the civil administration, Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs), and disaster response teams.” This shows the comprehensive nature of the operation, blending counter-terrorism with disaster management and civil support.

#### 5. Question

Consider the following with respect to the security arrangements under Operation SHIVA 2025:

• Deployment of Counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems (C-UAS).

• Use of Army engineers for landslide mitigation and track repairs.

• Pre-positioning of emergency rations and establishment of tent cities.

• Coordination with Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) and civil administration.

How many of the above statements is/are correct?

• (a) Only one

• (b) Only two

• (c) Only three

• (d) All four

Solution: D

• What is Operation SHIVA?

• Operation SHIVA is a high-altitude annual security operation led by the Indian Army to ensure safe and smooth conduct of the Shri Amarnath Yatra in Jammu & Kashmir. It is one of India’s most logistically intense military-civilian coordination exercises for religious tourism safety.

• Operation SHIVA is a high-altitude annual security operation led by the Indian Army to ensure safe and smooth conduct of the Shri Amarnath Yatra in Jammu & Kashmir.

• It is one of India’s most logistically intense military-civilian coordination exercises for religious tourism safety.

• Launched By: Indian Army, in coordination with the civil administration, Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs), and disaster response teams.

Key Features of Operation SHIVA 2025:

• “Drone & Air Surveillance Grid” with “50+ C-UAS systems” for detecting and neutralizing aerial threats.

• “Disaster & Infrastructure Preparedness” is a key feature, with “Army engineers assigned to repair bridges, widen tracks, and execute landslide mitigation efforts.”

• “Logistical Readiness” includes “emergency rations for 25,000+ people, tent cities,” and other essential supplies.

• The operation is launched by the Indian Army “in coordination with the civil administration, Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs), and disaster response teams.” This shows the comprehensive nature of the operation, blending counter-terrorism with disaster management and civil support.

Solution: D

• What is Operation SHIVA?

• Operation SHIVA is a high-altitude annual security operation led by the Indian Army to ensure safe and smooth conduct of the Shri Amarnath Yatra in Jammu & Kashmir.

• It is one of India’s most logistically intense military-civilian coordination exercises for religious tourism safety.

• Launched By: Indian Army, in coordination with the civil administration, Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs), and disaster response teams.

Key Features of Operation SHIVA 2025:

• “Drone & Air Surveillance Grid” with “50+ C-UAS systems” for detecting and neutralizing aerial threats.

• “Disaster & Infrastructure Preparedness” is a key feature, with “Army engineers assigned to repair bridges, widen tracks, and execute landslide mitigation efforts.”

• “Logistical Readiness” includes “emergency rations for 25,000+ people, tent cities,” and other essential supplies.

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