UPSC Editorials Quiz : 31 March 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 Consider the following key functions of ASHA workers: Promoting institutional deliveries and maternal health under the Janani Suraksha Yojana (JSY). Administering vaccinations as part of India’s Universal Immunization Programme. Spreading awareness about communicable and non-communicable diseases. Facilitating access to clean drinking water and sanitation in rural households. Which of the above statements are correct? a) 1, 2, and 3 only b) 1, 3, and 4 only c) 2, 3, and 4 only d) 1, 2, 3, and 4 Correct Solution: b) ASHAs (Accredited Social Health Activists) serve as a vital link between the health system and rural communities, primarily under the National Health Mission (NHM). Statement 1 is correct, as promoting institutional deliveries under the Janani Suraksha Yojana (JSY) is a key mandate of ASHAs, who encourage pregnant women to access healthcare facilities for safe childbirth. Statement 2 is incorrect because ASHAs do not directly administer vaccines; that task is performed by trained healthcare professionals like ANMs. However, ASHAs do play a supportive role by mobilizing families and creating awareness about immunization schedules. Statement 3 is correct, as ASHAs are trained to educate communities on the prevention and control of both communicable and non-communicable diseases, thereby contributing to preventive healthcare. Statement 4 is also correct—ASHAs work to improve health determinants by advocating for hygiene, clean drinking water, and sanitation in rural households, although infrastructure delivery is beyond their direct control. Incorrect Solution: b) ASHAs (Accredited Social Health Activists) serve as a vital link between the health system and rural communities, primarily under the National Health Mission (NHM). Statement 1 is correct, as promoting institutional deliveries under the Janani Suraksha Yojana (JSY) is a key mandate of ASHAs, who encourage pregnant women to access healthcare facilities for safe childbirth. Statement 2 is incorrect because ASHAs do not directly administer vaccines; that task is performed by trained healthcare professionals like ANMs. However, ASHAs do play a supportive role by mobilizing families and creating awareness about immunization schedules. Statement 3 is correct, as ASHAs are trained to educate communities on the prevention and control of both communicable and non-communicable diseases, thereby contributing to preventive healthcare. Statement 4 is also correct—ASHAs work to improve health determinants by advocating for hygiene, clean drinking water, and sanitation in rural households, although infrastructure delivery is beyond their direct control.

#### 1. Question

Consider the following key functions of ASHA workers:

• Promoting institutional deliveries and maternal health under the Janani Suraksha Yojana (JSY).

• Administering vaccinations as part of India’s Universal Immunization Programme.

• Spreading awareness about communicable and non-communicable diseases.

• Facilitating access to clean drinking water and sanitation in rural households.

Which of the above statements are correct?

• a) 1, 2, and 3 only

• b) 1, 3, and 4 only

• c) 2, 3, and 4 only

• d) 1, 2, 3, and 4

Solution: b)

• ASHAs (Accredited Social Health Activists) serve as a vital link between the health system and rural communities, primarily under the National Health Mission (NHM).

• Statement 1 is correct, as promoting institutional deliveries under the Janani Suraksha Yojana (JSY) is a key mandate of ASHAs, who encourage pregnant women to access healthcare facilities for safe childbirth.

• Statement 2 is incorrect because ASHAs do not directly administer vaccines; that task is performed by trained healthcare professionals like ANMs. However, ASHAs do play a supportive role by mobilizing families and creating awareness about immunization schedules.

• Statement 3 is correct, as ASHAs are trained to educate communities on the prevention and control of both communicable and non-communicable diseases, thereby contributing to preventive healthcare.

• Statement 4 is also correct—ASHAs work to improve health determinants by advocating for hygiene, clean drinking water, and sanitation in rural households, although infrastructure delivery is beyond their direct control.

Solution: b)

• ASHAs (Accredited Social Health Activists) serve as a vital link between the health system and rural communities, primarily under the National Health Mission (NHM).

• Question 2 of 5 2. Question Consider the following statements regarding Balochistan’s strategic significance: The Gwadar Port is a key component of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). The Sulaiman Range forms the western boundary of Balochistan, bordering Iran. The region’s deserts and mountains make it a significant mineral resource hub, especially for copper and gold deposits. How many of the above statements are correct? a) Only one b) Only two c) All three d) None Correct Solution: b) Balochistan holds immense geostrategic and economic value due to its location and natural resources. Statement 1 is correct—Gwadar Port, situated in southwestern Balochistan, is a key node in the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), an integral part of China’s Belt and Road Initiative. It offers China direct access to the Arabian Sea, bypassing the longer sea route through the Strait of Malacca. Statement 2 is incorrect—while the Sulaiman Range is a prominent mountain range associated with Balochistan, it lies along the province’s eastern boundary, adjacent to Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, not Iran. The western boundary of Balochistan borders Iran and is dominated by the Central Makran Range and other terrains. Statement 3 is correct—Balochistan is rich in mineral wealth, especially copper and gold. The Reko Diq mine is one of the world’s largest undeveloped copper-gold projects, underscoring the region’s significance in global mineral markets. Incorrect Solution: b) Balochistan holds immense geostrategic and economic value due to its location and natural resources. Statement 1 is correct—Gwadar Port, situated in southwestern Balochistan, is a key node in the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), an integral part of China’s Belt and Road Initiative. It offers China direct access to the Arabian Sea, bypassing the longer sea route through the Strait of Malacca. Statement 2 is incorrect—while the Sulaiman Range is a prominent mountain range associated with Balochistan, it lies along the province’s eastern boundary, adjacent to Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, not Iran. The western boundary of Balochistan borders Iran and is dominated by the Central Makran Range and other terrains. Statement 3 is correct—Balochistan is rich in mineral wealth, especially copper and gold. The Reko Diq mine is one of the world’s largest undeveloped copper-gold projects, underscoring the region’s significance in global mineral markets.

#### 2. Question

Consider the following statements regarding Balochistan’s strategic significance:

• The Gwadar Port is a key component of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

• The Sulaiman Range forms the western boundary of Balochistan, bordering Iran.

• The region’s deserts and mountains make it a significant mineral resource hub, especially for copper and gold deposits.

How many of the above statements are correct?

• a) Only one

• b) Only two

• c) All three

Solution: b)

• Balochistan holds immense geostrategic and economic value due to its location and natural resources.

• Statement 1 is correct—Gwadar Port, situated in southwestern Balochistan, is a key node in the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), an integral part of China’s Belt and Road Initiative. It offers China direct access to the Arabian Sea, bypassing the longer sea route through the Strait of Malacca.

• Statement 2 is incorrect—while the Sulaiman Range is a prominent mountain range associated with Balochistan, it lies along the province’s eastern boundary, adjacent to Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, not Iran. The western boundary of Balochistan borders Iran and is dominated by the Central Makran Range and other terrains.

• Statement 3 is correct—Balochistan is rich in mineral wealth, especially copper and gold. The Reko Diq mine is one of the world’s largest undeveloped copper-gold projects, underscoring the region’s significance in global mineral markets.

Solution: b)

• Balochistan holds immense geostrategic and economic value due to its location and natural resources.

• Question 3 of 5 3. Question Consider the following statements about fungi: Fungi produce their food using sunlight through photosynthesis. Fungal cell walls are composed of cellulose like those of plants. Fungi contribute to eutrophication in freshwater ecosystems. How many of the above statements is/are correct? a) Only one b) Only two c) All three d) None Correct Solution: d) Fungi are a distinct kingdom of organisms that differ significantly from plants and animals in structure, nutrition, and ecological roles. Statement 1 is incorrect—unlike plants, fungi are heterotrophs; they do not have chlorophyll and cannot perform photosynthesis. Instead, they absorb nutrients from organic matter, often through decomposition. Statement 2 is also incorrect—while plant cell walls are made of cellulose, fungal cell walls are primarily composed of chitin, the same substance found in arthropod exoskeletons. This is a defining feature that distinguishes fungi from plants. Statement 3 is incorrect because fungi are not typically responsible for eutrophication. Eutrophication is mainly driven by excess nutrients (especially nitrogen and phosphorus) entering water bodies due to agricultural runoff or sewage, leading to algal blooms. While fungi do play important roles in decomposition and nutrient cycling, they are not the culprits in eutrophication events. Incorrect Solution: d) Fungi are a distinct kingdom of organisms that differ significantly from plants and animals in structure, nutrition, and ecological roles. Statement 1 is incorrect—unlike plants, fungi are heterotrophs; they do not have chlorophyll and cannot perform photosynthesis. Instead, they absorb nutrients from organic matter, often through decomposition. Statement 2 is also incorrect—while plant cell walls are made of cellulose, fungal cell walls are primarily composed of chitin, the same substance found in arthropod exoskeletons. This is a defining feature that distinguishes fungi from plants. Statement 3 is incorrect because fungi are not typically responsible for eutrophication. Eutrophication is mainly driven by excess nutrients (especially nitrogen and phosphorus) entering water bodies due to agricultural runoff or sewage, leading to algal blooms. While fungi do play important roles in decomposition and nutrient cycling, they are not the culprits in eutrophication events.

#### 3. Question

Consider the following statements about fungi:

• Fungi produce their food using sunlight through photosynthesis.

• Fungal cell walls are composed of cellulose like those of plants.

• Fungi contribute to eutrophication in freshwater ecosystems.

How many of the above statements is/are correct?

• a) Only one

• b) Only two

• c) All three

Solution: d)

• Fungi are a distinct kingdom of organisms that differ significantly from plants and animals in structure, nutrition, and ecological roles.

• Statement 1 is incorrect—unlike plants, fungi are heterotrophs; they do not have chlorophyll and cannot perform photosynthesis. Instead, they absorb nutrients from organic matter, often through decomposition.

• Statement 2 is also incorrect—while plant cell walls are made of cellulose, fungal cell walls are primarily composed of chitin, the same substance found in arthropod exoskeletons. This is a defining feature that distinguishes fungi from plants.

• Statement 3 is incorrect because fungi are not typically responsible for eutrophication. Eutrophication is mainly driven by excess nutrients (especially nitrogen and phosphorus) entering water bodies due to agricultural runoff or sewage, leading to algal blooms.

• While fungi do play important roles in decomposition and nutrient cycling, they are not the culprits in eutrophication events.

Solution: d)

• Fungi are a distinct kingdom of organisms that differ significantly from plants and animals in structure, nutrition, and ecological roles.

• While fungi do play important roles in decomposition and nutrient cycling, they are not the culprits in eutrophication events.

• Question 4 of 5 4. Question Which of the following best explains why the recent Myanmar earthquake caused intense surface shaking despite a moderate magnitude? a) It occurred in a densely populated region. b) The fault involved was dormant for a long time. c) The depth of the earthquake was shallow, intensifying shockwaves. d) The Indian plate moved westward rapidly during the event. Correct Solution: c) The earthquake had a depth of just 10 km, making it a shallow earthquake. Shallow earthquakes are notorious for causing severe surface shaking because the seismic energy has less distance to travel before reaching the Earth’s surface. As a result, very little energy dissipates on the way, and the waves retain significant strength, increasing ground acceleration. Even with a moderate magnitude, such proximity to the surface can make the impact destructive. Depth is a crucial factor in earthquake hazard assessment, often more so than magnitude. The strike-slip fault mechanism and the tectonic activity of the Sagaing Fault further contribute to the release of accumulated stress, but the shallow depth primarily intensified the surface shaking. Incorrect Solution: c) The earthquake had a depth of just 10 km, making it a shallow earthquake. Shallow earthquakes are notorious for causing severe surface shaking because the seismic energy has less distance to travel before reaching the Earth’s surface. As a result, very little energy dissipates on the way, and the waves retain significant strength, increasing ground acceleration. Even with a moderate magnitude, such proximity to the surface can make the impact destructive. Depth is a crucial factor in earthquake hazard assessment, often more so than magnitude. The strike-slip fault mechanism and the tectonic activity of the Sagaing Fault further contribute to the release of accumulated stress, but the shallow depth primarily intensified the surface shaking.

#### 4. Question

Which of the following best explains why the recent Myanmar earthquake caused intense surface shaking despite a moderate magnitude?

• a) It occurred in a densely populated region.

• b) The fault involved was dormant for a long time.

• c) The depth of the earthquake was shallow, intensifying shockwaves.

• d) The Indian plate moved westward rapidly during the event.

Solution: c)

• The earthquake had a depth of just 10 km, making it a shallow earthquake. Shallow earthquakes are notorious for causing severe surface shaking because the seismic energy has less distance to travel before reaching the Earth’s surface.

• As a result, very little energy dissipates on the way, and the waves retain significant strength, increasing ground acceleration. Even with a moderate magnitude, such proximity to the surface can make the impact destructive.

• Depth is a crucial factor in earthquake hazard assessment, often more so than magnitude. The strike-slip fault mechanism and the tectonic activity of the Sagaing Fault further contribute to the release of accumulated stress, but the shallow depth primarily intensified the surface shaking.

Solution: c)

• Question 5 of 5 5. Question Consider the following statements regarding gene banks: Field gene banks preserve live plants under controlled laboratory conditions. Cryopreservation banks store tissues and embryos at ultra-low temperatures for long-term conservation. Pollen banks are important for preserving male gametes for plant breeding programs. 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: b) Gene banks play a vital role in conserving plant genetic resources for future food security, biodiversity, and breeding efforts. Statement 1 is incorrect—field gene banks do not rely on controlled laboratory environments. Instead, they maintain live plants in outdoor field conditions, which is particularly useful for species with recalcitrant seeds that cannot be dried or frozen easily, such as banana, coconut, or cacao. Statement 2 is correct—cryopreservation is a sophisticated method of long-term conservation where plant materials like embryos, shoot tips, or pollen are stored at ultra-low temperatures (usually in liquid nitrogen at -196°C). This halts metabolic activity, preserving viability for decades. Statement 3 is also correct—pollen banks are crucial for conserving the male reproductive material of plants. They serve as important resources for plant breeding programs, enabling cross-breeding and hybridization across seasons or geographies. Incorrect Solution: b) Gene banks play a vital role in conserving plant genetic resources for future food security, biodiversity, and breeding efforts. Statement 1 is incorrect—field gene banks do not rely on controlled laboratory environments. Instead, they maintain live plants in outdoor field conditions, which is particularly useful for species with recalcitrant seeds that cannot be dried or frozen easily, such as banana, coconut, or cacao. Statement 2 is correct—cryopreservation is a sophisticated method of long-term conservation where plant materials like embryos, shoot tips, or pollen are stored at ultra-low temperatures (usually in liquid nitrogen at -196°C). This halts metabolic activity, preserving viability for decades. Statement 3 is also correct—pollen banks are crucial for conserving the male reproductive material of plants. They serve as important resources for plant breeding programs, enabling cross-breeding and hybridization across seasons or geographies.

#### 5. Question

Consider the following statements regarding gene banks:

• Field gene banks preserve live plants under controlled laboratory conditions.

• Cryopreservation banks store tissues and embryos at ultra-low temperatures for long-term conservation.

• Pollen banks are important for preserving male gametes for plant breeding programs.

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: b)

• Gene banks play a vital role in conserving plant genetic resources for future food security, biodiversity, and breeding efforts.

• Statement 1 is incorrect—field gene banks do not rely on controlled laboratory environments. Instead, they maintain live plants in outdoor field conditions, which is particularly useful for species with recalcitrant seeds that cannot be dried or frozen easily, such as banana, coconut, or cacao.

• Statement 2 is correct—cryopreservation is a sophisticated method of long-term conservation where plant materials like embryos, shoot tips, or pollen are stored at ultra-low temperatures (usually in liquid nitrogen at -196°C). This halts metabolic activity, preserving viability for decades.

• Statement 3 is also correct—pollen banks are crucial for conserving the male reproductive material of plants. They serve as important resources for plant breeding programs, enabling cross-breeding and hybridization across seasons or geographies.

Solution: b)

• Gene banks play a vital role in conserving plant genetic resources for future food security, biodiversity, and breeding efforts.

Join our Official Telegram Channel HERE for Motivation and Fast Updates

Join our Twitter Channel HERE

Follow our Instagram Channel HERE