UPSC Editorials Quiz : 4 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.

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• Question 1 of 5 1. Question Consider the following statements regarding Agricultural Biotechnology: It enables the development of genetically modified crops with higher yields. It includes techniques such as CRISPR-based genome editing. It has led to the development of drought-resistant and pest-resistant crops. It is exclusively used for increasing the shelf life of fruits and vegetables. How many of the above statements is/are correct? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) Only three (d) All four Correct Solution: C Agricultural biotechnology applies genetic engineering, CRISPR technology, and selective breeding to improve crop yield, pest resistance, and environmental adaptation (statements 1, 2, and 3 are correct). However, it is not exclusively used for increasing shelf life (statement 4 is incorrect), though techniques like RNA interference have extended the freshness of some produce. What is Biotechnology? Biotechnology involves using biological systems, organisms, or derivatives to develop new technologies and products. It enhances healthcare, agriculture, industrial processes, and environmental sustainability. Types of Biotechnology: Medical Biotechnology: Develops vaccines, gene therapy, and regenerative medicine. Agricultural Biotechnology: Improves crop yields, pest resistance, and soil health. Industrial Biotechnology: Creates biofuels, biodegradable plastics, and bio-based chemicals. Environmental Biotechnology: Focuses on waste management, pollution control, and bioremediation. Incorrect Solution: C Agricultural biotechnology applies genetic engineering, CRISPR technology, and selective breeding to improve crop yield, pest resistance, and environmental adaptation (statements 1, 2, and 3 are correct). However, it is not exclusively used for increasing shelf life (statement 4 is incorrect), though techniques like RNA interference have extended the freshness of some produce. What is Biotechnology? Biotechnology involves using biological systems, organisms, or derivatives to develop new technologies and products. It enhances healthcare, agriculture, industrial processes, and environmental sustainability. Types of Biotechnology: Medical Biotechnology: Develops vaccines, gene therapy, and regenerative medicine. Agricultural Biotechnology: Improves crop yields, pest resistance, and soil health. Industrial Biotechnology: Creates biofuels, biodegradable plastics, and bio-based chemicals. Environmental Biotechnology: Focuses on waste management, pollution control, and bioremediation.

#### 1. Question

Consider the following statements regarding Agricultural Biotechnology:

• It enables the development of genetically modified crops with higher yields.

• It includes techniques such as CRISPR-based genome editing.

• It has led to the development of drought-resistant and pest-resistant crops.

• It is exclusively used for increasing the shelf life of fruits and vegetables.

How many of the above statements is/are correct?

• (a) Only one

• (b) Only two

• (c) Only three

• (d) All four

Solution: C

• Agricultural biotechnology applies genetic engineering, CRISPR technology, and selective breeding to improve crop yield, pest resistance, and environmental adaptation (statements 1, 2, and 3 are correct).

• However, it is not exclusively used for increasing shelf life (statement 4 is incorrect), though techniques like RNA interference have extended the freshness of some produce.

What is Biotechnology?

• Biotechnology involves using biological systems, organisms, or derivatives to develop new technologies and products.

• It enhances healthcare, agriculture, industrial processes, and environmental sustainability.

Types of Biotechnology:

• Medical Biotechnology: Develops vaccines, gene therapy, and regenerative medicine.

• Agricultural Biotechnology: Improves crop yields, pest resistance, and soil health.

• Industrial Biotechnology: Creates biofuels, biodegradable plastics, and bio-based chemicals.

• Environmental Biotechnology: Focuses on waste management, pollution control, and bioremediation.

Solution: C

• However, it is not exclusively used for increasing shelf life (statement 4 is incorrect), though techniques like RNA interference have extended the freshness of some produce.

What is Biotechnology?

• Biotechnology involves using biological systems, organisms, or derivatives to develop new technologies and products.

• It enhances healthcare, agriculture, industrial processes, and environmental sustainability.

Types of Biotechnology:

• Medical Biotechnology: Develops vaccines, gene therapy, and regenerative medicine.

• Agricultural Biotechnology: Improves crop yields, pest resistance, and soil health.

• Industrial Biotechnology: Creates biofuels, biodegradable plastics, and bio-based chemicals.

• Environmental Biotechnology: Focuses on waste management, pollution control, and bioremediation.

• Question 2 of 5 2. Question Consider the following statements regarding Revenue Expenditure in socio-economic spending: It includes salaries, pensions, and subsidies. It does not contribute to the creation of productive assets. It has been declining as a percentage of GDP in India. It includes capital investments in new projects. How many of the above statements is/are correct (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) Only three (d) All four Correct Solution: C Statements 1 and 2 are correct because revenue expenditure includes salaries, pensions, and subsidies, and it does not create productive assets. Statement 3 is correct, as India has been shifting focus towards capital expenditure for better economic outcomes. Statement 4 is incorrect because capital investments are part of capital expenditure, not revenue expenditure. What is Socio-Economic Expenditure? Socio-economic expenditure refers to government spending aimed at improving social and economic outcomes, such as education, healthcare, infrastructure, and welfare schemes. It includes: Capital Expenditure (Capex): Investments in infrastructure like roads, railways, and ports. Revenue Expenditure: Day-to-day spending on salaries, subsidies, and welfare programs. Development Expenditure: Long-term investments in education, healthcare, and R&D. Interest Payments: Costs incurred due to past borrowings. Subsidies: Financial support for essential goods and services like food and fuel. Data and Trends in India’s Socio-Economic Expenditure: Capital Outlay to GDP Ratio: Increased from 1.5% in 2000 to 2.5% in 2023, reflecting higher infrastructure spending. Revenue Expenditure to Capital Outlay Ratio: Declined from 8:1 in 2000 to 5:1 in 2023, indicating better spending quality. Development Expenditure to GDP Ratio: Rose from 6% in 2000 to 8% in 2023, driven by investments in health and education. Interest Payments to Total Expenditure Ratio: Fell from 25% in 2000 to 20% in 2023 due to fiscal consolidation. State-Level Spending: States’ development expenditure increased post-14th Finance Commission recommendations, with higher fiscal devolution. Incorrect Solution: C Statements 1 and 2 are correct because revenue expenditure includes salaries, pensions, and subsidies, and it does not create productive assets. Statement 3 is correct, as India has been shifting focus towards capital expenditure for better economic outcomes. Statement 4 is incorrect because capital investments are part of capital expenditure, not revenue expenditure. What is Socio-Economic Expenditure? Socio-economic expenditure refers to government spending aimed at improving social and economic outcomes, such as education, healthcare, infrastructure, and welfare schemes. It includes: Capital Expenditure (Capex): Investments in infrastructure like roads, railways, and ports. Revenue Expenditure: Day-to-day spending on salaries, subsidies, and welfare programs. Development Expenditure: Long-term investments in education, healthcare, and R&D. Interest Payments: Costs incurred due to past borrowings. Subsidies: Financial support for essential goods and services like food and fuel. Data and Trends in India’s Socio-Economic Expenditure: Capital Outlay to GDP Ratio: Increased from 1.5% in 2000 to 2.5% in 2023, reflecting higher infrastructure spending. Revenue Expenditure to Capital Outlay Ratio: Declined from 8:1 in 2000 to 5:1 in 2023, indicating better spending quality. Development Expenditure to GDP Ratio: Rose from 6% in 2000 to 8% in 2023, driven by investments in health and education. Interest Payments to Total Expenditure Ratio: Fell from 25% in 2000 to 20% in 2023 due to fiscal consolidation. State-Level Spending: States’ development expenditure increased post-14th Finance Commission recommendations, with higher fiscal devolution.

#### 2. Question

Consider the following statements regarding Revenue Expenditure in socio-economic spending:

• It includes salaries, pensions, and subsidies.

• It does not contribute to the creation of productive assets.

• It has been declining as a percentage of GDP in India.

• It includes capital investments in new projects.

How many of the above statements is/are correct

• (a) Only one

• (b) Only two

• (c) Only three

• (d) All four

Solution: C

Statements 1 and 2 are correct because revenue expenditure includes salaries, pensions, and subsidies, and it does not create productive assets.

Statement 3 is correct, as India has been shifting focus towards capital expenditure for better economic outcomes.

Statement 4 is incorrect because capital investments are part of capital expenditure, not revenue expenditure.

What is Socio-Economic Expenditure?

Socio-economic expenditure refers to government spending aimed at improving social and economic outcomes, such as education, healthcare, infrastructure, and welfare schemes. It includes:

• Capital Expenditure (Capex): Investments in infrastructure like roads, railways, and ports.

• Revenue Expenditure: Day-to-day spending on salaries, subsidies, and welfare programs.

• Development Expenditure: Long-term investments in education, healthcare, and R&D.

• Interest Payments: Costs incurred due to past borrowings.

• Subsidies: Financial support for essential goods and services like food and fuel.

Data and Trends in India’s Socio-Economic Expenditure:

• Capital Outlay to GDP Ratio: Increased from 1.5% in 2000 to 2.5% in 2023, reflecting higher infrastructure spending.

• Revenue Expenditure to Capital Outlay Ratio: Declined from 8:1 in 2000 to 5:1 in 2023, indicating better spending quality.

• Development Expenditure to GDP Ratio: Rose from 6% in 2000 to 8% in 2023, driven by investments in health and education.

• Interest Payments to Total Expenditure Ratio: Fell from 25% in 2000 to 20% in 2023 due to fiscal consolidation.

• State-Level Spending: States’ development expenditure increased post-14th Finance Commission recommendations, with higher fiscal devolution.

Solution: C

Statements 1 and 2 are correct because revenue expenditure includes salaries, pensions, and subsidies, and it does not create productive assets.

Statement 3 is correct, as India has been shifting focus towards capital expenditure for better economic outcomes.

Statement 4 is incorrect because capital investments are part of capital expenditure, not revenue expenditure.

What is Socio-Economic Expenditure?

Socio-economic expenditure refers to government spending aimed at improving social and economic outcomes, such as education, healthcare, infrastructure, and welfare schemes. It includes:

• Capital Expenditure (Capex): Investments in infrastructure like roads, railways, and ports.

• Revenue Expenditure: Day-to-day spending on salaries, subsidies, and welfare programs.

• Development Expenditure: Long-term investments in education, healthcare, and R&D.

• Interest Payments: Costs incurred due to past borrowings.

• Subsidies: Financial support for essential goods and services like food and fuel.

Data and Trends in India’s Socio-Economic Expenditure:

• Capital Outlay to GDP Ratio: Increased from 1.5% in 2000 to 2.5% in 2023, reflecting higher infrastructure spending.

• Revenue Expenditure to Capital Outlay Ratio: Declined from 8:1 in 2000 to 5:1 in 2023, indicating better spending quality.

• Development Expenditure to GDP Ratio: Rose from 6% in 2000 to 8% in 2023, driven by investments in health and education.

• Interest Payments to Total Expenditure Ratio: Fell from 25% in 2000 to 20% in 2023 due to fiscal consolidation.

• State-Level Spending: States’ development expenditure increased post-14th Finance Commission recommendations, with higher fiscal devolution.

• Question 3 of 5 3. Question Consider the following statements about Industrial Biotechnology: It focuses solely on producing pharmaceutical products. It has no role in environmental sustainability. It does not involve biofuel production. How many of the above statements is/are correct? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) All three (d) None Correct Solution: D Industrial biotechnology is used for pharmaceutical production but also extends to biofuels, biodegradable plastics, enzyme production, and sustainable materials. It plays a vital role in environmental sustainability by reducing industrial waste and developing eco-friendly alternatives. Incorrect Solution: D Industrial biotechnology is used for pharmaceutical production but also extends to biofuels, biodegradable plastics, enzyme production, and sustainable materials. It plays a vital role in environmental sustainability by reducing industrial waste and developing eco-friendly alternatives.

#### 3. Question

Consider the following statements about Industrial Biotechnology:

• It focuses solely on producing pharmaceutical products.

• It has no role in environmental sustainability.

• It does not involve biofuel production.

How many of the above statements is/are correct?

• (a) Only one

• (b) Only two

• (c) All three

Solution: D

Industrial biotechnology is used for pharmaceutical production but also extends to biofuels, biodegradable plastics, enzyme production, and sustainable materials. It plays a vital role in environmental sustainability by reducing industrial waste and developing eco-friendly alternatives.

Solution: D

• Question 4 of 5 4. Question Consider the following statements regarding biotechnology in North East region. Statement-I: The North East region of India has limited potential for biotechnology growth due to a lack of natural resources. Statement-II: Government initiatives such as DBT North Eastern Programme and Biotech Hubs have promoted biotech research and industrial applications in the region. Which one of the following is correct? (a) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is the correct explanation for Statement-I (b) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is not the correct explanation for Statement-I (c) Statement-I is correct but Statement-II is incorrect (d) Statement-I is incorrect but Statement-II is correct Correct Solution: D Statement-I is incorrect because the North East region of India has abundant biodiversity, rich agro-climatic diversity, and indigenous knowledge systems, making it ideal for biotechnology. Statement-II is correct because various government initiatives, including the DBT North Eastern Programme, Biotech Hubs, and Twinning R&D Programme, have significantly boosted biotech-based research and industries. Potential of North East India in Harnessing Biotechnology: Rich Biodiversity: Home to 8,000+ plant species, 850+ medicinal plants, and vast agro-climatic diversity. Indigenous Knowledge: Tribal communities possess traditional expertise in herbal medicine and organic farming. Agri-Biotech Growth: Suitable for high-value medicinal crops, organic farming, and sustainable agriculture. Biotech-Based Industry: Potential for biofuels, essential oils, pharmaceuticals, and processed food industries. Government Initiatives Driving Biotech Growth in North East India: DBT North Eastern Programme: Allocates 10% of DBT’s budget to the region for biotech development. Twinning R&D Programme: Established 65+ collaborations benefiting 450+ researchers & 2000+ students. Biotech Hubs: Set up 126 Biotech Hubs in universities to promote research and training. BLiSS (Biotech Labs in Schools): Introduced biotechnology education at the secondary level since 2014. Agri-Biotech & Citrus Research: Developing disease-free crops, medicinal plants, and sustainable farming models. Mobile App for Livestock Management: Pig Disease Diagnosis Expert System (PDDES) launched for disease detection. Genomics Research in Human Health: Training scientists in genetics-based disease analysis. Incorrect Solution: D Statement-I is incorrect because the North East region of India has abundant biodiversity, rich agro-climatic diversity, and indigenous knowledge systems, making it ideal for biotechnology. Statement-II is correct because various government initiatives, including the DBT North Eastern Programme, Biotech Hubs, and Twinning R&D Programme, have significantly boosted biotech-based research and industries. Potential of North East India in Harnessing Biotechnology: Rich Biodiversity: Home to 8,000+ plant species, 850+ medicinal plants, and vast agro-climatic diversity. Indigenous Knowledge: Tribal communities possess traditional expertise in herbal medicine and organic farming. Agri-Biotech Growth: Suitable for high-value medicinal crops, organic farming, and sustainable agriculture. Biotech-Based Industry: Potential for biofuels, essential oils, pharmaceuticals, and processed food industries. Government Initiatives Driving Biotech Growth in North East India: DBT North Eastern Programme: Allocates 10% of DBT’s budget to the region for biotech development. Twinning R&D Programme: Established 65+ collaborations benefiting 450+ researchers & 2000+ students. Biotech Hubs: Set up 126 Biotech Hubs in universities to promote research and training. BLiSS (Biotech Labs in Schools): Introduced biotechnology education at the secondary level since 2014. Agri-Biotech & Citrus Research: Developing disease-free crops, medicinal plants, and sustainable farming models. Mobile App for Livestock Management: Pig Disease Diagnosis Expert System (PDDES) launched for disease detection. Genomics Research in Human Health: Training scientists in genetics-based disease analysis.

#### 4. Question

Consider the following statements regarding biotechnology in North East region.

Statement-I: The North East region of India has limited potential for biotechnology growth due to a lack of natural resources. Statement-II: Government initiatives such as DBT North Eastern Programme and Biotech Hubs have promoted biotech research and industrial applications in the region.

Which one of the following is correct?

• (a) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is the correct explanation for Statement-I

• (b) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is not the correct explanation for Statement-I

• (c) Statement-I is correct but Statement-II is incorrect

• (d) Statement-I is incorrect but Statement-II is correct

Solution: D

Statement-I is incorrect because the North East region of India has abundant biodiversity, rich agro-climatic diversity, and indigenous knowledge systems, making it ideal for biotechnology. Statement-II is correct because various government initiatives, including the DBT North Eastern Programme, Biotech Hubs, and Twinning R&D Programme, have significantly boosted biotech-based research and industries.

Potential of North East India in Harnessing Biotechnology:

• Rich Biodiversity: Home to 8,000+ plant species, 850+ medicinal plants, and vast agro-climatic diversity.

• Indigenous Knowledge: Tribal communities possess traditional expertise in herbal medicine and organic farming.

• Agri-Biotech Growth: Suitable for high-value medicinal crops, organic farming, and sustainable agriculture.

• Biotech-Based Industry: Potential for biofuels, essential oils, pharmaceuticals, and processed food industries.

Government Initiatives Driving Biotech Growth in North East India:

• DBT North Eastern Programme: Allocates 10% of DBT’s budget to the region for biotech development.

• Twinning R&D Programme: Established 65+ collaborations benefiting 450+ researchers & 2000+ students.

• Biotech Hubs: Set up 126 Biotech Hubs in universities to promote research and training.

• BLiSS (Biotech Labs in Schools): Introduced biotechnology education at the secondary level since 2014.

• Agri-Biotech & Citrus Research: Developing disease-free crops, medicinal plants, and sustainable farming models.

• Mobile App for Livestock Management: Pig Disease Diagnosis Expert System (PDDES) launched for disease detection.

• Genomics Research in Human Health: Training scientists in genetics-based disease analysis.