UPSC Editorials Quiz : 28 October 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.

#### Quiz-summary

0 of 5 questions completed

Questions:

#### Information

Best of luck! 🙂

You have already completed the quiz before. Hence you can not start it again.

Quiz is loading...

You must sign in or sign up to start the quiz.

You have to finish following quiz, to start this quiz:

0 of 5 questions answered correctly

Your time:

Time has elapsed

You have reached 0 of 0 points, (0)

#### Categories

• Not categorized 0%

• Question 1 of 5 1. Question The recent expansion of the e-NAM platform included several new commodities. Which of the following categories do the newly added items like Lavender Oil, Mentha Oil, and Aswagandha Dry Roots primarily fall into? a) Cereal grains and millets b) Horticultural and medicinal products c) Plantation crops d) Processed food items Correct Solution: B The newly added commodities such as Green Tea, Tea, Aswagandha Dry Roots, Mustard Oil, Lavender Oil, Mentha Oil, Virgin Olive Oil, Lavender Dried Flower, and Broken Rice are a diverse lot. However, items like Aswagandha (a medicinal plant), Lavender (an aromatic plant used for oil and flowers), and Mentha (mint, for oil) are clearly horticultural and medicinal products. The inclusion of these specific high-value oils and roots indicates a strategic move to diversify the platform beyond traditional food grains and tap into the growing market for medicinal, aromatic, and wellness products, thus boosting rural incomes in specialized farming sectors. Incorrect Solution: B The newly added commodities such as Green Tea, Tea, Aswagandha Dry Roots, Mustard Oil, Lavender Oil, Mentha Oil, Virgin Olive Oil, Lavender Dried Flower, and Broken Rice are a diverse lot. However, items like Aswagandha (a medicinal plant), Lavender (an aromatic plant used for oil and flowers), and Mentha (mint, for oil) are clearly horticultural and medicinal products. The inclusion of these specific high-value oils and roots indicates a strategic move to diversify the platform beyond traditional food grains and tap into the growing market for medicinal, aromatic, and wellness products, thus boosting rural incomes in specialized farming sectors.

#### 1. Question

The recent expansion of the e-NAM platform included several new commodities. Which of the following categories do the newly added items like Lavender Oil, Mentha Oil, and Aswagandha Dry Roots primarily fall into?

• a) Cereal grains and millets

• b) Horticultural and medicinal products

• c) Plantation crops

• d) Processed food items

Solution: B

• The newly added commodities such as Green Tea, Tea, Aswagandha Dry Roots, Mustard Oil, Lavender Oil, Mentha Oil, Virgin Olive Oil, Lavender Dried Flower, and Broken Rice are a diverse lot. However, items like Aswagandha (a medicinal plant), Lavender (an aromatic plant used for oil and flowers), and Mentha (mint, for oil) are clearly horticultural and medicinal products.

• The inclusion of these specific high-value oils and roots indicates a strategic move to diversify the platform beyond traditional food grains and tap into the growing market for medicinal, aromatic, and wellness products, thus boosting rural incomes in specialized farming sectors.

Solution: B

• Question 2 of 5 2. Question Match the missile system with its primary characteristic: Missile System Characteristic 1. Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missile A. Indigenous Indian Beyond-Visual-Range (BVR) Missile 2. ASTRA B. US-made BVR Missile with “fire-and-forget” capability C. Short-range surface-to-air missile Select the correct answer using the code given below: a) 1-C, 2-A b) 1-B, 2-A c) 1-A, 2-B d) 1-B, 2-C Correct Solution: B The AIM-120 AMRAAM is a well-known US-made (by Raytheon) Beyond-Visual-Range (BVR) air-to-air missile. A key feature is its “fire-and-forget” capability enabled by its onboard radar. Therefore, 1 correctly matches with B. The ASTRA is India’s indigenously developed counterpart. It is also a BVR air-to-air missile, developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), and serves a similar role for the Indian Air Force. Thus, 2 correctly matches with A. Incorrect Solution: B The AIM-120 AMRAAM is a well-known US-made (by Raytheon) Beyond-Visual-Range (BVR) air-to-air missile. A key feature is its “fire-and-forget” capability enabled by its onboard radar. Therefore, 1 correctly matches with B. The ASTRA is India’s indigenously developed counterpart. It is also a BVR air-to-air missile, developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), and serves a similar role for the Indian Air Force. Thus, 2 correctly matches with A.

#### 2. Question

Match the missile system with its primary characteristic:

Missile System | Characteristic

1.Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missile | A. Indigenous Indian Beyond-Visual-Range (BVR) Missile
2.ASTRA | B. US-made BVR Missile with “fire-and-forget” capability

| C. Short-range surface-to-air missile

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

• a) 1-C, 2-A

• b) 1-B, 2-A

• c) 1-A, 2-B

• d) 1-B, 2-C

Solution: B

• The AIM-120 AMRAAM is a well-known US-made (by Raytheon) Beyond-Visual-Range (BVR) air-to-air missile. A key feature is its “fire-and-forget” capability enabled by its onboard radar. Therefore, 1 correctly matches with B.

• The ASTRA is India’s indigenously developed counterpart. It is also a BVR air-to-air missile, developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), and serves a similar role for the Indian Air Force. Thus, 2 correctly matches with A.

Solution: B

• Question 3 of 5 3. Question With reference to the applications of Metal-Organic Frameworks (MOFs), consider the following statements: They can be used to capture carbon dioxide from industrial emissions. They have the potential to harvest water from arid air. They can serve as catalysts to speed up chemical reactions. Their primary application is in the manufacturing of non-porous, waterproof coatings. How many of the above statements are correct? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) Only three (d) All four Correct Solution: C The versatility of Metal-Organic Frameworks (MOFs) stems directly from their unique porous and tunable structure. Statement 1 is correct; their high surface area and chemical selectivity make them excellent candidates for capturing CO₂ from sources like factory flues, contributing to climate change mitigation. Statement 2 is also correct; specific MOFs are designed to have a high affinity for water molecules, enabling them to effectively pull water vapor from the air, even in dry, desert-like conditions, offering a novel solution for water scarcity. Statement 3 is correct as well; the pores of MOFs can act as nano-reactors, and the metal ions within their structure can serve as active sites, making them effective catalysts for various chemical reactions. Statement 4 is incorrect. Their key feature is their extreme porosity, which is the basis for most of their applications. They are the opposite of non-porous materials. Incorrect Solution: C The versatility of Metal-Organic Frameworks (MOFs) stems directly from their unique porous and tunable structure. Statement 1 is correct; their high surface area and chemical selectivity make them excellent candidates for capturing CO₂ from sources like factory flues, contributing to climate change mitigation. Statement 2 is also correct; specific MOFs are designed to have a high affinity for water molecules, enabling them to effectively pull water vapor from the air, even in dry, desert-like conditions, offering a novel solution for water scarcity. Statement 3 is correct as well; the pores of MOFs can act as nano-reactors, and the metal ions within their structure can serve as active sites, making them effective catalysts for various chemical reactions. Statement 4 is incorrect. Their key feature is their extreme porosity, which is the basis for most of their applications. They are the opposite of non-porous materials.

#### 3. Question

With reference to the applications of Metal-Organic Frameworks (MOFs), consider the following statements:

• They can be used to capture carbon dioxide from industrial emissions.

• They have the potential to harvest water from arid air.

• They can serve as catalysts to speed up chemical reactions.

• Their primary application is in the manufacturing of non-porous, waterproof coatings.

How many of the above statements are correct?

• (a) Only one

• (b) Only two

• (c) Only three

• (d) All four

Solution: C

• The versatility of Metal-Organic Frameworks (MOFs) stems directly from their unique porous and tunable structure.

• Statement 1 is correct; their high surface area and chemical selectivity make them excellent candidates for capturing CO₂ from sources like factory flues, contributing to climate change mitigation.

• Statement 2 is also correct; specific MOFs are designed to have a high affinity for water molecules, enabling them to effectively pull water vapor from the air, even in dry, desert-like conditions, offering a novel solution for water scarcity.

• Statement 3 is correct as well; the pores of MOFs can act as nano-reactors, and the metal ions within their structure can serve as active sites, making them effective catalysts for various chemical reactions.

• Statement 4 is incorrect. Their key feature is their extreme porosity, which is the basis for most of their applications. They are the opposite of non-porous materials.

Solution: C

• The versatility of Metal-Organic Frameworks (MOFs) stems directly from their unique porous and tunable structure.

• Statement 4 is incorrect. Their key feature is their extreme porosity, which is the basis for most of their applications. They are the opposite of non-porous materials.

• Question 4 of 5 4. Question With reference to “Core Inflation” in India, consider the following statements: It excludes food, beverages, and fuel from the Consumer Price Index basket. It represents underlying inflationary trends by filtering out short-term volatility. It is the direct target of RBI’s inflation targeting framework. How many of the above statements are correct? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) All three (d) None Correct Solution: B Core inflation reflects long-term price movements unaffected by volatile factors like food and fuel. Hence, statements 1 and 2 are correct. However, statement 3 is incorrect — the RBI’s Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) targets headline CPI inflation (2%–6%), not core inflation. Despite this, core inflation is closely watched as it indicates persistent inflationary pressures within the economy. In September 2025, even as headline inflation fell to 1.5%, core inflation remained elevated at 4.6%, showing that structural price pressures—especially from housing, gold, and services—continue to challenge monetary stability. Incorrect Solution: B Core inflation reflects long-term price movements unaffected by volatile factors like food and fuel. Hence, statements 1 and 2 are correct. However, statement 3 is incorrect — the RBI’s Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) targets headline CPI inflation (2%–6%), not core inflation. Despite this, core inflation is closely watched as it indicates persistent inflationary pressures within the economy. In September 2025, even as headline inflation fell to 1.5%, core inflation remained elevated at 4.6%, showing that structural price pressures—especially from housing, gold, and services—continue to challenge monetary stability.

#### 4. Question

With reference to “Core Inflation” in India, consider the following statements:

• It excludes food, beverages, and fuel from the Consumer Price Index basket.

• It represents underlying inflationary trends by filtering out short-term volatility.

• It is the direct target of RBI’s inflation targeting framework.

How many of the above statements are correct?

• (a) Only one

• (b) Only two

• (c) All three

Solution: B

• Core inflation reflects long-term price movements unaffected by volatile factors like food and fuel. Hence, statements 1 and 2 are correct.

• However, statement 3 is incorrect — the RBI’s Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) targets headline CPI inflation (2%–6%), not core inflation. Despite this, core inflation is closely watched as it indicates persistent inflationary pressures within the economy.

• In September 2025, even as headline inflation fell to 1.5%, core inflation remained elevated at 4.6%, showing that structural price pressures—especially from housing, gold, and services—continue to challenge monetary stability.

Solution: B

• Core inflation reflects long-term price movements unaffected by volatile factors like food and fuel. Hence, statements 1 and 2 are correct.

• Question 5 of 5 5. Question The ‘Greenhouse Gas Emission Intensity (GEI) Target Rules, 2025’ operationalize India’s domestic carbon market. In this context, which of the following statements is correct? (a) The rules are based on a 'cap-and-trade' system where a total emission cap is set for each industrial sector. (b) The rules are based on an 'intensity-target' system where the focus is on emissions per unit of product output. (c) The rules mandate all industrial units, irrespective of size, to participate in the Carbon Credit Trading Scheme. (d) The carbon credits earned under this scheme can be freely traded on international carbon markets like the EU ETS. Correct Solution: B Option (a) is incorrect. A ‘cap-and-trade’ system sets an absolute, economy-wide or sector-wide cap on total emissions. The GEI rules do not set such a cap. Instead, they focus on efficiency. Option (b) is correct. The framework is an ‘intensity-target’ system. It sets a target for the amount of greenhouse gases that can be emitted per unit of production (e.g., tonnes of CO2e per tonne of cement). This encourages efficiency and technological upgrades rather than capping total production. Companies become more carbon-efficient as they grow. Option (c) is incorrect. The rules are being implemented in a phased manner, initially applying to only 282 specific large industrial units in four sectors. They do not apply to all industrial units, and MSMEs are currently excluded. Option (d) is incorrect. The Carbon Credit Trading Scheme (CCTS) establishes a domestic carbon market. The credits are for compliance within India. While frameworks for international trading exist under the Paris Agreement (Article 6), the credits generated under this domestic scheme are not automatically and freely tradable on other international markets like the European Union Emissions Trading System (EU ETS). Incorrect Solution: B Option (a) is incorrect. A ‘cap-and-trade’ system sets an absolute, economy-wide or sector-wide cap on total emissions. The GEI rules do not set such a cap. Instead, they focus on efficiency. Option (b) is correct. The framework is an ‘intensity-target’ system. It sets a target for the amount of greenhouse gases that can be emitted per unit of production (e.g., tonnes of CO2e per tonne of cement). This encourages efficiency and technological upgrades rather than capping total production. Companies become more carbon-efficient as they grow. Option (c) is incorrect. The rules are being implemented in a phased manner, initially applying to only 282 specific large industrial units in four sectors. They do not apply to all industrial units, and MSMEs are currently excluded. Option (d) is incorrect. The Carbon Credit Trading Scheme (CCTS) establishes a domestic carbon market. The credits are for compliance within India. While frameworks for international trading exist under the Paris Agreement (Article 6), the credits generated under this domestic scheme are not automatically and freely tradable on other international markets like the European Union Emissions Trading System (EU ETS).

#### 5. Question

The ‘Greenhouse Gas Emission Intensity (GEI) Target Rules, 2025’ operationalize India’s domestic carbon market. In this context, which of the following statements is correct?

• (a) The rules are based on a 'cap-and-trade' system where a total emission cap is set for each industrial sector.

• (b) The rules are based on an 'intensity-target' system where the focus is on emissions per unit of product output.

• (c) The rules mandate all industrial units, irrespective of size, to participate in the Carbon Credit Trading Scheme.

• (d) The carbon credits earned under this scheme can be freely traded on international carbon markets like the EU ETS.

Solution: B

• Option (a) is incorrect. A ‘cap-and-trade’ system sets an absolute, economy-wide or sector-wide cap on total emissions. The GEI rules do not set such a cap. Instead, they focus on efficiency.

• Option (b) is correct. The framework is an ‘intensity-target’ system. It sets a target for the amount of greenhouse gases that can be emitted per unit of production (e.g., tonnes of CO2e per tonne of cement). This encourages efficiency and technological upgrades rather than capping total production. Companies become more carbon-efficient as they grow.

• Option (c) is incorrect. The rules are being implemented in a phased manner, initially applying to only 282 specific large industrial units in four sectors. They do not apply to all industrial units, and MSMEs are currently excluded.

• Option (d) is incorrect. The Carbon Credit Trading Scheme (CCTS) establishes a domestic carbon market. The credits are for compliance within India. While frameworks for international trading exist under the Paris Agreement (Article 6), the credits generated under this domestic scheme are not automatically and freely tradable on other international markets like the European Union Emissions Trading System (EU ETS).

Solution: B

Join our Official Telegram Channel HERE for Motivation and Fast Updates

Join our Twitter Channel HERE

Follow our Instagram Channel HERE