UPSC Editorials Quiz : 5 April 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 PRIME plan rolled out by the Railways: The plan is primarily aimed at reducing train journey times across India. It emphasizes improving the reliability and maintainability of signalling systems. Regular staff training on safety protocols is a key component of the plan. How many of the above statements is/are correct? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) All three (d) None Correct Solution: b) The PRIME (Plan for Reliability Improvement and Maintenance Effectiveness) plan, launched by Indian Railways, is a focused initiative to enhance operational safety and technical efficiency, especially in the domain of signalling systems. Its core aim is to ensure that signalling equipment across the network remains reliable and easy to maintain, thereby reducing instances of equipment failure which can lead to delays and safety concerns. A key component of the plan involves conducting regular and structured training programs for railway personnel, especially those involved in maintenance and operations, to standardize practices and reinforce safety protocols. However, unlike other speed enhancement or infrastructure modernization programs, the PRIME plan does not aim to directly reduce train journey times across India, making statement 1 incorrect. Incorrect Solution: b) The PRIME (Plan for Reliability Improvement and Maintenance Effectiveness) plan, launched by Indian Railways, is a focused initiative to enhance operational safety and technical efficiency, especially in the domain of signalling systems. Its core aim is to ensure that signalling equipment across the network remains reliable and easy to maintain, thereby reducing instances of equipment failure which can lead to delays and safety concerns. A key component of the plan involves conducting regular and structured training programs for railway personnel, especially those involved in maintenance and operations, to standardize practices and reinforce safety protocols. However, unlike other speed enhancement or infrastructure modernization programs, the PRIME plan does not aim to directly reduce train journey times across India, making statement 1 incorrect.

#### 1. Question

Consider the following statements about the PRIME plan rolled out by the Railways:

• The plan is primarily aimed at reducing train journey times across India.

• It emphasizes improving the reliability and maintainability of signalling systems.

• Regular staff training on safety protocols is a key component of the plan.

How many of the above statements is/are correct?

• (a) Only one

• (b) Only two

• (c) All three

Solution: b)

• The PRIME (Plan for Reliability Improvement and Maintenance Effectiveness) plan, launched by Indian Railways, is a focused initiative to enhance operational safety and technical efficiency, especially in the domain of signalling systems.

• Its core aim is to ensure that signalling equipment across the network remains reliable and easy to maintain, thereby reducing instances of equipment failure which can lead to delays and safety concerns.

• A key component of the plan involves conducting regular and structured training programs for railway personnel, especially those involved in maintenance and operations, to standardize practices and reinforce safety protocols.

• However, unlike other speed enhancement or infrastructure modernization programs, the PRIME plan does not aim to directly reduce train journey times across India, making statement 1 incorrect.

Solution: b)

• The PRIME (Plan for Reliability Improvement and Maintenance Effectiveness) plan, launched by Indian Railways, is a focused initiative to enhance operational safety and technical efficiency, especially in the domain of signalling systems.

• Its core aim is to ensure that signalling equipment across the network remains reliable and easy to maintain, thereby reducing instances of equipment failure which can lead to delays and safety concerns.

• A key component of the plan involves conducting regular and structured training programs for railway personnel, especially those involved in maintenance and operations, to standardize practices and reinforce safety protocols.

• However, unlike other speed enhancement or infrastructure modernization programs, the PRIME plan does not aim to directly reduce train journey times across India, making statement 1 incorrect.

• Question 2 of 5 2. Question Consider the following statements about the robotic mule recently inducted by the Indian Army: It can operate in extremely cold temperatures as low as -40°C. It can carry a payload of up to 50 kg, making it suitable for heavy artillery transport. It is designed to operate in unstructured urban and natural environments. How many of the above statements is/are incorrect? a) Only one b) Only two c) All three d) None Correct Solution: a) The robotic mule recently inducted by the Indian Army is a semi-autonomous quadruped machine developed for logistics support in terrains where traditional vehicles cannot operate efficiently. It is equipped to function in harsh climates, including extremely cold temperatures as low as -40°C, making it suitable for deployment in high-altitude and snowbound areas. Its mobility is optimized for unstructured and rugged environments—both urban ruins and natural mountainous landscapes—allowing it to traverse narrow paths and unstable ground where human movement is restricted or risky. However, while the robotic mule is useful for carrying essential supplies like ammunition, food, or surveillance equipment, it has a relatively limited payload capacity of only around 15 kg. This makes it unsuitable for transporting heavy artillery, which significantly exceeds this weight range. Therefore, while statements 1 and 3 are correct, statement 2 is incorrect. Incorrect Solution: a) The robotic mule recently inducted by the Indian Army is a semi-autonomous quadruped machine developed for logistics support in terrains where traditional vehicles cannot operate efficiently. It is equipped to function in harsh climates, including extremely cold temperatures as low as -40°C, making it suitable for deployment in high-altitude and snowbound areas. Its mobility is optimized for unstructured and rugged environments—both urban ruins and natural mountainous landscapes—allowing it to traverse narrow paths and unstable ground where human movement is restricted or risky. However, while the robotic mule is useful for carrying essential supplies like ammunition, food, or surveillance equipment, it has a relatively limited payload capacity of only around 15 kg. This makes it unsuitable for transporting heavy artillery, which significantly exceeds this weight range. Therefore, while statements 1 and 3 are correct, statement 2 is incorrect.

#### 2. Question

Consider the following statements about the robotic mule recently inducted by the Indian Army:

• It can operate in extremely cold temperatures as low as -40°C.

• It can carry a payload of up to 50 kg, making it suitable for heavy artillery transport.

• It is designed to operate in unstructured urban and natural environments.

How many of the above statements is/are incorrect?

• a) Only one

• b) Only two

• c) All three

Solution: a)

• The robotic mule recently inducted by the Indian Army is a semi-autonomous quadruped machine developed for logistics support in terrains where traditional vehicles cannot operate efficiently.

• It is equipped to function in harsh climates, including extremely cold temperatures as low as -40°C, making it suitable for deployment in high-altitude and snowbound areas.

• Its mobility is optimized for unstructured and rugged environments—both urban ruins and natural mountainous landscapes—allowing it to traverse narrow paths and unstable ground where human movement is restricted or risky.

• However, while the robotic mule is useful for carrying essential supplies like ammunition, food, or surveillance equipment, it has a relatively limited payload capacity of only around 15 kg. This makes it unsuitable for transporting heavy artillery, which significantly exceeds this weight range. Therefore, while statements 1 and 3 are correct, statement 2 is incorrect.

Solution: a)

• The robotic mule recently inducted by the Indian Army is a semi-autonomous quadruped machine developed for logistics support in terrains where traditional vehicles cannot operate efficiently.

• It is equipped to function in harsh climates, including extremely cold temperatures as low as -40°C, making it suitable for deployment in high-altitude and snowbound areas.

• Its mobility is optimized for unstructured and rugged environments—both urban ruins and natural mountainous landscapes—allowing it to traverse narrow paths and unstable ground where human movement is restricted or risky.

• However, while the robotic mule is useful for carrying essential supplies like ammunition, food, or surveillance equipment, it has a relatively limited payload capacity of only around 15 kg. This makes it unsuitable for transporting heavy artillery, which significantly exceeds this weight range. Therefore, while statements 1 and 3 are correct, statement 2 is incorrect.

• Question 3 of 5 3. Question What is the main objective of the Pradhan Mantri Janjatiya Unnat Gram Abhiyan (PMJUGA)? a) To promote higher education in tribal communities. b) To implement forest conservation practices in tribal regions. c) To ensure the saturation of basic schemes in Scheduled Tribe-majority villages. d) To provide affordable healthcare facilities to tribal areas. Correct Solution: c) The Pradhan Mantri Janjatiya Unnat Gram Abhiyan (PMJUGA) is a holistic initiative launched with the core objective of accelerating development in tribal-dominated villages by ensuring saturation of various centrally sponsored schemes. The programme specifically targets Scheduled Tribe-majority villages, aiming to bridge critical gaps in access to basic amenities such as sanitation, education, health, drinking water, housing, electricity, and financial inclusion. Seventeen key Union Ministries are working in coordination under this mission to provide integrated and focused interventions. While components like forest-based livelihoods and natural resource management are included in the larger ecosystem approach of the initiative, they are supportive elements rather than the central aim. The overarching focus remains the comprehensive socio-economic upliftment of tribal communities by ensuring that no basic welfare scheme is left out of reach in these villages. Therefore, the most accurate description of its main goal is saturation of basic schemes in tribal-majority regions. Incorrect Solution: c) The Pradhan Mantri Janjatiya Unnat Gram Abhiyan (PMJUGA) is a holistic initiative launched with the core objective of accelerating development in tribal-dominated villages by ensuring saturation of various centrally sponsored schemes. The programme specifically targets Scheduled Tribe-majority villages, aiming to bridge critical gaps in access to basic amenities such as sanitation, education, health, drinking water, housing, electricity, and financial inclusion. Seventeen key Union Ministries are working in coordination under this mission to provide integrated and focused interventions. While components like forest-based livelihoods and natural resource management are included in the larger ecosystem approach of the initiative, they are supportive elements rather than the central aim. The overarching focus remains the comprehensive socio-economic upliftment of tribal communities by ensuring that no basic welfare scheme is left out of reach in these villages. Therefore, the most accurate description of its main goal is saturation of basic schemes in tribal-majority regions.

#### 3. Question

What is the main objective of the Pradhan Mantri Janjatiya Unnat Gram Abhiyan (PMJUGA)?

• a) To promote higher education in tribal communities.

• b) To implement forest conservation practices in tribal regions.

• c) To ensure the saturation of basic schemes in Scheduled Tribe-majority villages.

• d) To provide affordable healthcare facilities to tribal areas.

Solution: c)

• The Pradhan Mantri Janjatiya Unnat Gram Abhiyan (PMJUGA) is a holistic initiative launched with the core objective of accelerating development in tribal-dominated villages by ensuring saturation of various centrally sponsored schemes.

• The programme specifically targets Scheduled Tribe-majority villages, aiming to bridge critical gaps in access to basic amenities such as sanitation, education, health, drinking water, housing, electricity, and financial inclusion.

• Seventeen key Union Ministries are working in coordination under this mission to provide integrated and focused interventions.

• While components like forest-based livelihoods and natural resource management are included in the larger ecosystem approach of the initiative, they are supportive elements rather than the central aim. The overarching focus remains the comprehensive socio-economic upliftment of tribal communities by ensuring that no basic welfare scheme is left out of reach in these villages.

• Therefore, the most accurate description of its main goal is saturation of basic schemes in tribal-majority regions.

Solution: c)

• The Pradhan Mantri Janjatiya Unnat Gram Abhiyan (PMJUGA) is a holistic initiative launched with the core objective of accelerating development in tribal-dominated villages by ensuring saturation of various centrally sponsored schemes.

• The programme specifically targets Scheduled Tribe-majority villages, aiming to bridge critical gaps in access to basic amenities such as sanitation, education, health, drinking water, housing, electricity, and financial inclusion.

• Seventeen key Union Ministries are working in coordination under this mission to provide integrated and focused interventions.

• While components like forest-based livelihoods and natural resource management are included in the larger ecosystem approach of the initiative, they are supportive elements rather than the central aim. The overarching focus remains the comprehensive socio-economic upliftment of tribal communities by ensuring that no basic welfare scheme is left out of reach in these villages.

• Therefore, the most accurate description of its main goal is saturation of basic schemes in tribal-majority regions.

• Question 4 of 5 4. Question Consider the following statements about the Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act (2013): It mandates the establishment of Lokayuktas in all Indian states. The Lokayuktas have the same powers as the judiciary to enforce their decisions. The Lokpal deals with corruption cases at the national level, while Lokayuktas operate at the state level. How many of the above statements is/are correct? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) All three (d) None Correct Solution: b) Statement 2 is incorrect. The Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act (2013) was enacted to address corruption at both the national and state levels in India. It mandates the establishment of Lokayuktas in all Indian states to investigate allegations of corruption against public officials at the state level. This helps decentralize the anti-corruption mechanism, ensuring that states have an independent body to handle complaints. At the national level, the Lokpal deals with corruption cases involving central government officials, ensuring accountability at the federal level. The distinction between Lokpal (national) and Lokayuktas (state) highlights the dual approach to tackling corruption across different levels of governance. However, while Lokayuktas can investigate corruption cases and make recommendations, they do not have judicial powers to enforce their decisions, meaning their recommendations are not legally binding. This limits their ability to ensure corrective actions are taken, as the implementation of their recommendations depends on the government’s discretion. Incorrect Solution: b) Statement 2 is incorrect. The Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act (2013) was enacted to address corruption at both the national and state levels in India. It mandates the establishment of Lokayuktas in all Indian states to investigate allegations of corruption against public officials at the state level. This helps decentralize the anti-corruption mechanism, ensuring that states have an independent body to handle complaints. At the national level, the Lokpal deals with corruption cases involving central government officials, ensuring accountability at the federal level. The distinction between Lokpal (national) and Lokayuktas (state) highlights the dual approach to tackling corruption across different levels of governance. However, while Lokayuktas can investigate corruption cases and make recommendations, they do not have judicial powers to enforce their decisions, meaning their recommendations are not legally binding. This limits their ability to ensure corrective actions are taken, as the implementation of their recommendations depends on the government’s discretion.

#### 4. Question

Consider the following statements about the Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act (2013):

• It mandates the establishment of Lokayuktas in all Indian states.

• The Lokayuktas have the same powers as the judiciary to enforce their decisions.

• The Lokpal deals with corruption cases at the national level, while Lokayuktas operate at the state level.

How many of the above statements is/are correct?

• (a) Only one

• (b) Only two

• (c) All three

Solution: b)

Statement 2 is incorrect.

The Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act (2013) was enacted to address corruption at both the national and state levels in India. It mandates the establishment of Lokayuktas in all Indian states to investigate allegations of corruption against public officials at the state level. This helps decentralize the anti-corruption mechanism, ensuring that states have an independent body to handle complaints.

At the national level, the Lokpal deals with corruption cases involving central government officials, ensuring accountability at the federal level. The distinction between Lokpal (national) and Lokayuktas (state) highlights the dual approach to tackling corruption across different levels of governance.

However, while Lokayuktas can investigate corruption cases and make recommendations, they do not have judicial powers to enforce their decisions, meaning their recommendations are not legally binding. This limits their ability to ensure corrective actions are taken, as the implementation of their recommendations depends on the government’s discretion.

Solution: b)

Statement 2 is incorrect.

The Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act (2013) was enacted to address corruption at both the national and state levels in India. It mandates the establishment of Lokayuktas in all Indian states to investigate allegations of corruption against public officials at the state level. This helps decentralize the anti-corruption mechanism, ensuring that states have an independent body to handle complaints.

At the national level, the Lokpal deals with corruption cases involving central government officials, ensuring accountability at the federal level. The distinction between Lokpal (national) and Lokayuktas (state) highlights the dual approach to tackling corruption across different levels of governance.

However, while Lokayuktas can investigate corruption cases and make recommendations, they do not have judicial powers to enforce their decisions, meaning their recommendations are not legally binding. This limits their ability to ensure corrective actions are taken, as the implementation of their recommendations depends on the government’s discretion.

• Question 5 of 5 5. Question Consider the following statements regarding the India Semiconductor Mission (ISM): ISM is part of India’s Digital India Initiative. It offers a 50% capital expenditure subsidy for semiconductor projects. ISM’s focus is only on civilian and defense semiconductor manufacturing. ISM aims to reduce India’s dependency on semiconductor imports. How many of the above statements is/are correct? (a) Only one (b) Only two c) Only three d) All four Correct Solution: b) The India Semiconductor Mission (ISM) offers a 50% capital expenditure subsidy to encourage domestic semiconductor manufacturing, making statement 2 correct. The primary goal of ISM is to reduce India’s dependency on semiconductor imports, especially for critical technologies, making statement 4 correct. However, ISM is not specifically part of the Digital India Initiative (statement 1) and does not solely focus on both civilian and defense manufacturing (statement 3), as its scope is broader, covering the overall semiconductor ecosystem. Therefore, only statements 2 and 4 are correct. Incorrect Solution: b) The India Semiconductor Mission (ISM) offers a 50% capital expenditure subsidy to encourage domestic semiconductor manufacturing, making statement 2 correct. The primary goal of ISM is to reduce India’s dependency on semiconductor imports, especially for critical technologies, making statement 4 correct. However, ISM is not specifically part of the Digital India Initiative (statement 1) and does not solely focus on both civilian and defense manufacturing (statement 3), as its scope is broader, covering the overall semiconductor ecosystem. Therefore, only statements 2 and 4 are correct.

#### 5. Question

Consider the following statements regarding the India Semiconductor Mission (ISM):

• ISM is part of India’s Digital India Initiative.

• It offers a 50% capital expenditure subsidy for semiconductor projects.

• ISM’s focus is only on civilian and defense semiconductor manufacturing.

• ISM aims to reduce India’s dependency on semiconductor imports.

How many of the above statements is/are correct?

• (a) Only one

• (b) Only two

• c) Only three

• d) All four

Solution: b)

The India Semiconductor Mission (ISM) offers a 50% capital expenditure subsidy to encourage domestic semiconductor manufacturing, making statement 2 correct.

The primary goal of ISM is to reduce India’s dependency on semiconductor imports, especially for critical technologies, making statement 4 correct.

However, ISM is not specifically part of the Digital India Initiative (statement 1) and does not solely focus on both civilian and defense manufacturing (statement 3), as its scope is broader, covering the overall semiconductor ecosystem. Therefore, only statements 2 and 4 are correct.

Solution: b)

The India Semiconductor Mission (ISM) offers a 50% capital expenditure subsidy to encourage domestic semiconductor manufacturing, making statement 2 correct.

The primary goal of ISM is to reduce India’s dependency on semiconductor imports, especially for critical technologies, making statement 4 correct.

However, ISM is not specifically part of the Digital India Initiative (statement 1) and does not solely focus on both civilian and defense manufacturing (statement 3), as its scope is broader, covering the overall semiconductor ecosystem. Therefore, only statements 2 and 4 are correct.

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