UPSC Editorials Quiz : 5 August 2024

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. Mustard flowers contain both female and male reproductive organs, which makes the plant largely self-pollinating. GM mustard is the first approved GM crop in India, that is meant for human consumption. Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC) is responsible for approving proposals relating to genetically engineered organisms. 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. Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC) — the body that is responsible for approving proposals relating to genetically engineered organisms. Bacillus thuringiensis cotton (or Bt cotton) is the only GM crop that has been approved for cultivation in India so far. Mustard flowers contain both female (pistil) and male (stamen) reproductive organs, which makes the plant largely self-pollinating. The GM mustard developed by the DU scientists contains two alien genes — the first, ‘barnase’, gene interferes with pollen production and renders the plant male-sterile, and the resulting plant is crossed with fertile mustard flowers containing the second, ‘barstar’, gene which blocks the action of the barnase gene. The resulting plants are meant to be high-yield variants of mustard. Source Incorrect Solution: b) Statement 2 is incorrect. Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC) — the body that is responsible for approving proposals relating to genetically engineered organisms. Bacillus thuringiensis cotton (or Bt cotton) is the only GM crop that has been approved for cultivation in India so far. Mustard flowers contain both female (pistil) and male (stamen) reproductive organs, which makes the plant largely self-pollinating. The GM mustard developed by the DU scientists contains two alien genes — the first, ‘barnase’, gene interferes with pollen production and renders the plant male-sterile, and the resulting plant is crossed with fertile mustard flowers containing the second, ‘barstar’, gene which blocks the action of the barnase gene. The resulting plants are meant to be high-yield variants of mustard. Source

#### 1. Question

Consider the following statements.

• Mustard flowers contain both female and male reproductive organs, which makes the plant largely self-pollinating.

• GM mustard is the first approved GM crop in India, that is meant for human consumption.

• Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC) is responsible for approving proposals relating to genetically engineered organisms.

How many of the above statements is/are correct?

• a) Only one

• b) Only two

• c) All three

Solution: b)

Statement 2 is incorrect.

Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC) — the body that is responsible for approving proposals relating to genetically engineered organisms.

Bacillus thuringiensis cotton (or Bt cotton) is the only GM crop that has been approved for cultivation in India so far.

Mustard flowers contain both female (pistil) and male (stamen) reproductive organs, which makes the plant largely self-pollinating. The GM mustard developed by the DU scientists contains two alien genes — the first, ‘barnase’, gene interferes with pollen production and renders the plant male-sterile, and the resulting plant is crossed with fertile mustard flowers containing the second, ‘barstar’, gene which blocks the action of the barnase gene. The resulting plants are meant to be high-yield variants of mustard.

Solution: b)

Statement 2 is incorrect.

Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC) — the body that is responsible for approving proposals relating to genetically engineered organisms.

Bacillus thuringiensis cotton (or Bt cotton) is the only GM crop that has been approved for cultivation in India so far.

• Question 2 of 5 2. Question Consider the following statements regarding Listeria. Listeria is a bacteria that can lead to an infection called listeriosis. It is found in soil, vegetation, water and even the faeces of animals and humans. Most people who ingest listeria-infected food will fall sick or develop symptoms immediately. How many of the above statements is/are correct? a) Only one b) Only two c) All three d) None Correct Solution: b) Statement 3 is incorrect. Listeria or Listeria monocytogenes is a type of bacteria found in soil, vegetation, water, sewage and even the faeces of animals and humans. Listeria-contaminated food can lead to an infection called listeriosis. Most people who ingest listeria-infected food do not fall sick or develop symptoms. The bacteria can be present in the infected person’s system for up to two months until the symptoms present themselves, making it difficult to establish the connection between what was consumed and the infection. Symptoms include vomiting, nausea, cramps, severe headache, constipation and fever. People with compromised immune systems, pregnant persons and their offspring and the elderly (aged 65 and above) are vulnerable. Source Incorrect Solution: b) Statement 3 is incorrect. Listeria or Listeria monocytogenes is a type of bacteria found in soil, vegetation, water, sewage and even the faeces of animals and humans. Listeria-contaminated food can lead to an infection called listeriosis. Most people who ingest listeria-infected food do not fall sick or develop symptoms. The bacteria can be present in the infected person’s system for up to two months until the symptoms present themselves, making it difficult to establish the connection between what was consumed and the infection. Symptoms include vomiting, nausea, cramps, severe headache, constipation and fever. People with compromised immune systems, pregnant persons and their offspring and the elderly (aged 65 and above) are vulnerable. Source

#### 2. Question

Consider the following statements regarding Listeria.

• Listeria is a bacteria that can lead to an infection called listeriosis.

• It is found in soil, vegetation, water and even the faeces of animals and humans.

• Most people who ingest listeria-infected food will fall sick or develop symptoms immediately.

How many of the above statements is/are correct?

• a) Only one

• b) Only two

• c) All three

Solution: b)

Statement 3 is incorrect.

Listeria or Listeria monocytogenes is a type of bacteria found in soil, vegetation, water, sewage and even the faeces of animals and humans. Listeria-contaminated food can lead to an infection called listeriosis.

Most people who ingest listeria-infected food do not fall sick or develop symptoms. The bacteria can be present in the infected person’s system for up to two months until the symptoms present themselves, making it difficult to establish the connection between what was consumed and the infection.

Symptoms include vomiting, nausea, cramps, severe headache, constipation and fever.

People with compromised immune systems, pregnant persons and their offspring and the elderly (aged 65 and above) are vulnerable.

Solution: b)

Statement 3 is incorrect.

Symptoms include vomiting, nausea, cramps, severe headache, constipation and fever.

People with compromised immune systems, pregnant persons and their offspring and the elderly (aged 65 and above) are vulnerable.

• Question 3 of 5 3. Question Consider the following statements. Royalties refer to the fees paid to the owner of a product in exchange for the right to use that product. According to Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957 (MMDRA), those who obtain leases to conduct mining activities are required to pay royalty to the individual or corporation who leased the land to them. India’s states does not have the power to tax mining activities, and collecting “royalties” from mining leaseholders. How many of the above statements is/are correct? a) Only one b) Only two c) All three d) None Correct Solution: b) Statement 3 is incorrect. India’s states have the power to tax mining activities, and collecting “royalties” from mining leaseholders is entirely separate from, and does not interfere with, the power to impose taxes, a nine-judge Constitution Bench ruled. Following the judgment, states can generate additional revenues in the form of taxes on mining activities and on the land used to conduct these activities. Royalties refer to the fees paid to the owner of a product in exchange for the right to use that product. For example, if a movie studio wants to use an existing piece of music by a specific artist in their new film, they will have to pay a royalty fee that goes to the artist. Section 9 of the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957 (MMDRA) requires those who obtain leases to conduct mining activities to “pay royalty in respect of any mineral removed” to the individual or corporation who leased the land to them. Source Incorrect Solution: b) Statement 3 is incorrect. India’s states have the power to tax mining activities, and collecting “royalties” from mining leaseholders is entirely separate from, and does not interfere with, the power to impose taxes, a nine-judge Constitution Bench ruled. Following the judgment, states can generate additional revenues in the form of taxes on mining activities and on the land used to conduct these activities. Royalties refer to the fees paid to the owner of a product in exchange for the right to use that product. For example, if a movie studio wants to use an existing piece of music by a specific artist in their new film, they will have to pay a royalty fee that goes to the artist. Section 9 of the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957 (MMDRA) requires those who obtain leases to conduct mining activities to “pay royalty in respect of any mineral removed” to the individual or corporation who leased the land to them. Source

#### 3. Question

Consider the following statements.

• Royalties refer to the fees paid to the owner of a product in exchange for the right to use that product.

• According to Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957 (MMDRA), those who obtain leases to conduct mining activities are required to pay royalty to the individual or corporation who leased the land to them.

• India’s states does not have the power to tax mining activities, and collecting “royalties” from mining leaseholders.

How many of the above statements is/are correct?

• a) Only one

• b) Only two

• c) All three

Solution: b)

Statement 3 is incorrect.

India’s states have the power to tax mining activities, and collecting “royalties” from mining leaseholders is entirely separate from, and does not interfere with, the power to impose taxes, a nine-judge Constitution Bench ruled.

Following the judgment, states can generate additional revenues in the form of taxes on mining activities and on the land used to conduct these activities.

Royalties refer to the fees paid to the owner of a product in exchange for the right to use that product. For example, if a movie studio wants to use an existing piece of music by a specific artist in their new film, they will have to pay a royalty fee that goes to the artist.

Section 9 of the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957 (MMDRA) requires those who obtain leases to conduct mining activities to “pay royalty in respect of any mineral removed” to the individual or corporation who leased the land to them.

Solution: b)

Statement 3 is incorrect.

Following the judgment, states can generate additional revenues in the form of taxes on mining activities and on the land used to conduct these activities.

• Question 4 of 5 4. Question Consider the following statements regarding Soil microbiomes. Soil microbiomes provide a habitat for microorganisms that benefit the environment by delivering important ecosystem functions. Grazing herbivores are exposed to soil microbiomes via direct ingestion. They work as a reservoir of human pathogens that induce antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs). Which of the above statements is/are correct? a) 1, 2 b) 1, 3 c) 2, 3 d) 1, 2, 3 Correct Solution: d) Soil microbiomes play a crucial role in maintaining healthy water and environmental stability. Moreover, they underpin global food security that eventually affects the overall sustainability of terrestrial life in multiple ways, the experts said in a study published in the journal Nature Communications on June 3, 2023. These microbiomes provide a habitat for microorganisms that benefit the environment by delivering important ecosystem and host functions. But they also work as a reservoir of human pathogens that induce antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) and are sources of organic and inorganic pollutants. Soil microbiomes impact human and animal immune systems by interacting with them through food chains. They also directly influence the quality of the environment through air and water. Soil, for instance, “is a direct source of plant microbiomes, including beneficial and pathogenic microorganisms. Grazing herbivores are exposed to soil microbiomes via direct ingestion or the consumption of plant microbiomes, which provides a microbial source for the gut microbiome that can impact overall health and immune-system priming”. Incorrect Solution: d) Soil microbiomes play a crucial role in maintaining healthy water and environmental stability. Moreover, they underpin global food security that eventually affects the overall sustainability of terrestrial life in multiple ways, the experts said in a study published in the journal Nature Communications on June 3, 2023. These microbiomes provide a habitat for microorganisms that benefit the environment by delivering important ecosystem and host functions. But they also work as a reservoir of human pathogens that induce antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) and are sources of organic and inorganic pollutants. Soil microbiomes impact human and animal immune systems by interacting with them through food chains. They also directly influence the quality of the environment through air and water. Soil, for instance, “is a direct source of plant microbiomes, including beneficial and pathogenic microorganisms. Grazing herbivores are exposed to soil microbiomes via direct ingestion or the consumption of plant microbiomes, which provides a microbial source for the gut microbiome that can impact overall health and immune-system priming”.

#### 4. Question

Consider the following statements regarding Soil microbiomes.

• Soil microbiomes provide a habitat for microorganisms that benefit the environment by delivering important ecosystem functions.

• Grazing herbivores are exposed to soil microbiomes via direct ingestion.

• They work as a reservoir of human pathogens that induce antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs).

Which of the above statements is/are correct?

• d) 1, 2, 3

Solution: d)

Soil microbiomes play a crucial role in maintaining healthy water and environmental stability. Moreover, they underpin global food security that eventually affects the overall sustainability of terrestrial life in multiple ways, the experts said in a study published in the journal Nature Communications on June 3, 2023.

These microbiomes provide a habitat for microorganisms that benefit the environment by delivering important ecosystem and host functions. But they also work as a reservoir of human pathogens that induce antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) and are sources of organic and inorganic pollutants.

Soil microbiomes impact human and animal immune systems by interacting with them through food chains. They also directly influence the quality of the environment through air and water.

Soil, for instance, “is a direct source of plant microbiomes, including beneficial and pathogenic microorganisms. Grazing herbivores are exposed to soil microbiomes via direct ingestion or the consumption of plant microbiomes, which provides a microbial source for the gut microbiome that can impact overall health and immune-system priming”.

Solution: d)

Soil microbiomes impact human and animal immune systems by interacting with them through food chains. They also directly influence the quality of the environment through air and water.

• Question 5 of 5 5. Question Consider the following statements. The Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002 allows the Directorate of Enforcement (ED) to take cognizance of any offence under its schedule across the country. The Directorate of Enforcement (ED) cannot take cognizance of any offence in a state unless requested by the state government, or ordered by a court or the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC). Which of the above statements is/are incorrect? a) 1 only b) 2 only c) Both 1 and 2 d) Neither 1 nor 2 Correct Solution: b) Unlike laws governing other agencies, particularly the CBI, the PMLA allows the ED to take cognizance of any offence under its wide-ranging schedule across the country, with or without the consent of state governments. It has, therefore, been able to register money laundering cases against politicians or activists based on FIRs filed by state police forces — something the CBI is unable to do unless requested by the state government, or ordered by a court or the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC). Incorrect Solution: b) Unlike laws governing other agencies, particularly the CBI, the PMLA allows the ED to take cognizance of any offence under its wide-ranging schedule across the country, with or without the consent of state governments. It has, therefore, been able to register money laundering cases against politicians or activists based on FIRs filed by state police forces — something the CBI is unable to do unless requested by the state government, or ordered by a court or the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC).

#### 5. Question

Consider the following statements.

• The Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002 allows the Directorate of Enforcement (ED) to take cognizance of any offence under its schedule across the country.

• The Directorate of Enforcement (ED) cannot take cognizance of any offence in a state unless requested by the state government, or ordered by a court or the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC).

Which of the above statements is/are incorrect?

• c) Both 1 and 2

• d) Neither 1 nor 2

Solution: b)

Unlike laws governing other agencies, particularly the CBI, the PMLA allows the ED to take cognizance of any offence under its wide-ranging schedule across the country, with or without the consent of state governments.

It has, therefore, been able to register money laundering cases against politicians or activists based on FIRs filed by state police forces — something the CBI is unable to do unless requested by the state government, or ordered by a court or the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC).

Solution: b)

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