UPSC Editorials Quiz : 5 March 2026

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 Match the following economic terms from the new National Accounts series with their definitions: Column I (Term) Column II (Definition) (A) Gross Value Added (GVA) (i) GDP adjusted for price changes using a granular deflator. (B) Double Deflation (ii) Output value minus the value of intermediate consumption. (C) Real GDP (iii) Removing price effects separately from both inputs and outputs. Select the correct answer using the code given below: (a) A-ii, B-iii, C-i (b) A-i, B-ii, C-iii (c) A-iii, B-i, C-ii (c) A-iii, B-i, C-ii Correct Solution: A Gross Value Added (GVA) represents the value of output produced by an economic sector after subtracting the value of intermediate inputs used in production. It measures the actual contribution of each sector (such as agriculture, industry, or services) to the economy. Hence, it corresponds to “output value minus the value of intermediate consumption.” Double Deflation is a methodological approach used in national accounting to measure real value added more accurately. In this method, price changes are removed separately from outputs and intermediate inputs, instead of applying a single deflator to value added. This improves accuracy, especially in sectors where input and output prices move differently. Therefore, it corresponds to removing price effects separately from both inputs and outputs. Real GDP refers to Gross Domestic Product adjusted for inflation, meaning that the effect of price changes is removed so that only the change in the actual quantity of goods and services produced is measured. In modern national accounting systems, this adjustment uses detailed or granular deflators across sectors. Hence, Real GDP corresponds to GDP adjusted for price changes using a granular deflator. Incorrect Solution: A Gross Value Added (GVA) represents the value of output produced by an economic sector after subtracting the value of intermediate inputs used in production. It measures the actual contribution of each sector (such as agriculture, industry, or services) to the economy. Hence, it corresponds to “output value minus the value of intermediate consumption.” Double Deflation is a methodological approach used in national accounting to measure real value added more accurately. In this method, price changes are removed separately from outputs and intermediate inputs, instead of applying a single deflator to value added. This improves accuracy, especially in sectors where input and output prices move differently. Therefore, it corresponds to removing price effects separately from both inputs and outputs. Real GDP refers to Gross Domestic Product adjusted for inflation, meaning that the effect of price changes is removed so that only the change in the actual quantity of goods and services produced is measured. In modern national accounting systems, this adjustment uses detailed or granular deflators across sectors. Hence, Real GDP corresponds to GDP adjusted for price changes using a granular deflator.

#### 1. Question

Match the following economic terms from the new National Accounts series with their definitions:

Column I (Term) | Column II (Definition)

(A) Gross Value Added (GVA) | (i) GDP adjusted for price changes using a granular deflator.

(B) Double Deflation | (ii) Output value minus the value of intermediate consumption.

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

• (a) A-ii, B-iii, C-i

• (b) A-i, B-ii, C-iii

• (c) A-iii, B-i, C-ii

Solution: A

• Gross Value Added (GVA) represents the value of output produced by an economic sector after subtracting the value of intermediate inputs used in production. It measures the actual contribution of each sector (such as agriculture, industry, or services) to the economy. Hence, it corresponds to “output value minus the value of intermediate consumption.”

• Double Deflation is a methodological approach used in national accounting to measure real value added more accurately. In this method, price changes are removed separately from outputs and intermediate inputs, instead of applying a single deflator to value added. This improves accuracy, especially in sectors where input and output prices move differently. Therefore, it corresponds to removing price effects separately from both inputs and outputs.

• Real GDP refers to Gross Domestic Product adjusted for inflation, meaning that the effect of price changes is removed so that only the change in the actual quantity of goods and services produced is measured. In modern national accounting systems, this adjustment uses detailed or granular deflators across sectors. Hence, Real GDP corresponds to GDP adjusted for price changes using a granular deflator.

Solution: A

• Question 2 of 5 2. Question With reference to the recent CPCB report on urban food systems, which of the following best describes the “irrigation trap” in the context of contaminated vegetables? (a) The excessive use of organic fertilizers leading to nitrogen leaching in urban soil. (b) The use of wastewater and industrial effluent for irrigating crops in urban peripheries, leading to heavy metal accumulation. (c) A method of precision irrigation that unintentionally depletes the groundwater table. (d) The process where high-yield seeds are trapped in soils with low microbial activity. Correct Solution: B The CPCB report to the NGT highlighted a toxic “irrigation trap” where urban expansion and agricultural distress have forced farmers in urban peripheries to use polluted water sources. This wastewater, often contaminated with industrial effluent and sewage, leads to the accumulation of hazardous heavy metals like Lead (Pb) and Cadmium in the soil and subsequently in the vegetables. The report revealed that over 25% of sampled vegetables around Bengaluru were contaminated with high levels of lead and banned pesticides, imposing a “silent health tax” on urban citizens. This demonstrates a breakdown in the “Farm-to-Fork” regulatory chain. Incorrect Solution: B The CPCB report to the NGT highlighted a toxic “irrigation trap” where urban expansion and agricultural distress have forced farmers in urban peripheries to use polluted water sources. This wastewater, often contaminated with industrial effluent and sewage, leads to the accumulation of hazardous heavy metals like Lead (Pb) and Cadmium in the soil and subsequently in the vegetables. The report revealed that over 25% of sampled vegetables around Bengaluru were contaminated with high levels of lead and banned pesticides, imposing a “silent health tax” on urban citizens. This demonstrates a breakdown in the “Farm-to-Fork” regulatory chain.

#### 2. Question

With reference to the recent CPCB report on urban food systems, which of the following best describes the “irrigation trap” in the context of contaminated vegetables?

• (a) The excessive use of organic fertilizers leading to nitrogen leaching in urban soil.

• (b) The use of wastewater and industrial effluent for irrigating crops in urban peripheries, leading to heavy metal accumulation.

• (c) A method of precision irrigation that unintentionally depletes the groundwater table.

• (d) The process where high-yield seeds are trapped in soils with low microbial activity.

Solution: B

• The CPCB report to the NGT highlighted a toxic “irrigation trap” where urban expansion and agricultural distress have forced farmers in urban peripheries to use polluted water sources. This wastewater, often contaminated with industrial effluent and sewage, leads to the accumulation of hazardous heavy metals like Lead (Pb) and Cadmium in the soil and subsequently in the vegetables.

• The report revealed that over 25% of sampled vegetables around Bengaluru were contaminated with high levels of lead and banned pesticides, imposing a “silent health tax” on urban citizens. This demonstrates a breakdown in the “Farm-to-Fork” regulatory chain.

Solution: B

• Question 3 of 5 3. Question With reference to the 16th Finance Commission (FC) and the funding of Indian cities, consider the following statements: The 16th Finance Commission has retained the 15th FC’s entry conditions for basic grants, mandating the timely constitution of State Finance Commissions (SFCs). The Finance Commission grants are now the only source of funding for urban infrastructure, as Centrally Sponsored Schemes (CSS) have been officially phased out. Which of the above statements are correct? (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 Correct Solution: A Statement 1 is correct as the 16th Finance Commission has signaled continuity by retaining the “entry conditions” introduced by its predecessor. These conditions require states to constitute State Finance Commissions (SFCs) on time and table their Action Taken Reports in the legislature to access basic grants. This is intended to rejuvenate the institution of SFCs and ensure fiscal predictability. Statement 2 is incorrect because, while the 16th FC has increased the scale of its allocations, Centrally Sponsored Schemes (CSS) administered by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) have not been phased out; however, their funding has seen a relative decline compared to FC grants in recent years. FC grants are described as a “predictable source,” but not the only Source Incorrect Solution: A Statement 1 is correct as the 16th Finance Commission has signaled continuity by retaining the “entry conditions” introduced by its predecessor. These conditions require states to constitute State Finance Commissions (SFCs) on time and table their Action Taken Reports in the legislature to access basic grants. This is intended to rejuvenate the institution of SFCs and ensure fiscal predictability. Statement 2 is incorrect because, while the 16th FC has increased the scale of its allocations, Centrally Sponsored Schemes (CSS) administered by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) have not been phased out; however, their funding has seen a relative decline compared to FC grants in recent years. FC grants are described as a “predictable source,” but not the only Source

#### 3. Question

With reference to the 16th Finance Commission (FC) and the funding of Indian cities, consider the following statements:

• The 16th Finance Commission has retained the 15th FC’s entry conditions for basic grants, mandating the timely constitution of State Finance Commissions (SFCs).

• The Finance Commission grants are now the only source of funding for urban infrastructure, as Centrally Sponsored Schemes (CSS) have been officially phased out.

Which of the above statements are correct?

• (a) 1 only

• (b) 2 only

• (c) Both 1 and 2

• (d) Neither 1 nor 2

Solution: A

• Statement 1 is correct as the 16th Finance Commission has signaled continuity by retaining the “entry conditions” introduced by its predecessor. These conditions require states to constitute State Finance Commissions (SFCs) on time and table their Action Taken Reports in the legislature to access basic grants. This is intended to rejuvenate the institution of SFCs and ensure fiscal predictability.

• Statement 2 is incorrect because, while the 16th FC has increased the scale of its allocations, Centrally Sponsored Schemes (CSS) administered by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) have not been phased out; however, their funding has seen a relative decline compared to FC grants in recent years. FC grants are described as a “predictable source,” but not the only

Solution: A

• Question 4 of 5 4. Question Regarding the Privilege Notice and Parliamentary proceedings, consider the following: Statement I: A Privilege Notice, once admitted, must be referred to the Committee of Privileges for investigation. Statement II: The House reserves the right to debate and decide on punishments like admonition or reprimand directly. Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements? (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 incorrect but Statement-II is correct (d) Statement-I is correct but Statement-II is incorrect Correct Solution: C The procedural flow of a privilege matter offers flexibility to the Presiding Officer. Statement-I is incorrect because referral to the Committee of Privileges is not mandatory. Once the Speaker or Chairman admits a notice, they have two options: they can either refer it to the Committee for a detailed investigation or, if the breach is clear and simple, they can allow the House to take it up directly. The Committee is usually invoked for complex cases requiring the examination of witnesses and evidence. Statement-II is correct; the final authority to punish lies with the House itself. Even if the Committee submits a report, the House must debate and adopt it. Common punishments include admonition (a formal warning) or reprimand (a more severe formal scolding). In extreme cases of contempt or breach, the House can even order the imprisonment or expulsion of the offender. The significance of this process lies in maintaining the decorum and accountability of members. Incorrect Solution: C The procedural flow of a privilege matter offers flexibility to the Presiding Officer. Statement-I is incorrect because referral to the Committee of Privileges is not mandatory. Once the Speaker or Chairman admits a notice, they have two options: they can either refer it to the Committee for a detailed investigation or, if the breach is clear and simple, they can allow the House to take it up directly. The Committee is usually invoked for complex cases requiring the examination of witnesses and evidence. Statement-II is correct; the final authority to punish lies with the House itself. Even if the Committee submits a report, the House must debate and adopt it. Common punishments include admonition (a formal warning) or reprimand (a more severe formal scolding). In extreme cases of contempt or breach, the House can even order the imprisonment or expulsion of the offender. The significance of this process lies in maintaining the decorum and accountability of members.

#### 4. Question

Regarding the Privilege Notice and Parliamentary proceedings, consider the following:

Statement I: A Privilege Notice, once admitted, must be referred to the Committee of Privileges for investigation.

Statement II: The House reserves the right to debate and decide on punishments like admonition or reprimand directly.

Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

• (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 incorrect but Statement-II is correct

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

Solution: C

• The procedural flow of a privilege matter offers flexibility to the Presiding Officer.

• Statement-I is incorrect because referral to the Committee of Privileges is not mandatory. Once the Speaker or Chairman admits a notice, they have two options: they can either refer it to the Committee for a detailed investigation or, if the breach is clear and simple, they can allow the House to take it up directly. The Committee is usually invoked for complex cases requiring the examination of witnesses and evidence.

• Statement-II is correct; the final authority to punish lies with the House itself. Even if the Committee submits a report, the House must debate and adopt it. Common punishments include admonition (a formal warning) or reprimand (a more severe formal scolding). In extreme cases of contempt or breach, the House can even order the imprisonment or expulsion of the offender. The significance of this process lies in maintaining the decorum and accountability of members.

Solution: C

• The procedural flow of a privilege matter offers flexibility to the Presiding Officer.

• Question 5 of 5 5. Question With reference to the 2025 UNESCO Asia-Pacific Awards for Cultural Heritage Conservation, consider the following statements: These awards recognize conservation projects that prioritize modern architectural aesthetics over original cultural authenticity. The initiative is restricted to projects funded and executed by government heritage departments. The Our Lady of Grace Cathedral in Vasai recently received the Award of Merit under this initiative. How many of the above statements are correct? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) All three (d) None Correct Solution: A Statement 1 is incorrect because the UNESCO Asia-Pacific Awards specifically honour restoration efforts that combine technical excellence with cultural authenticity. The criteria place a high premium on the “understanding of place” and ensuring that the historical integrity of the site is preserved rather than replaced by modern aesthetics. Statement 2 is also incorrect; the awards are open to the private sector and public-private partnerships, encouraging a broad spectrum of stakeholders, including local communities, to participate in heritage conservation. Statement 3 is correct, as the Our Lady of Grace Cathedral in Vasai, Maharashtra, was conferred with the Award of Merit in 2025 for its exemplary restoration. The Vasai Cathedral restoration is a significant example of community-funded conservation. Built roughly 475 years ago during the Portuguese era, the cathedral reflects Portuguese ecclesiastical architecture. A key highlight of its restoration was the avoidance of modern cement, opting instead for traditional stone and mud mortar, which preserves the building’s original breathability and structural logic. This approach aligns with UNESCO’s goal of promoting sustainable heritage management and adaptive reuse. By involving the local community in funding and craftsmanship, the project ensures that both the tangible (structure) and intangible (living worship) aspects of the heritage are maintained for future generations. Incorrect Solution: A Statement 1 is incorrect because the UNESCO Asia-Pacific Awards specifically honour restoration efforts that combine technical excellence with cultural authenticity. The criteria place a high premium on the “understanding of place” and ensuring that the historical integrity of the site is preserved rather than replaced by modern aesthetics. Statement 2 is also incorrect; the awards are open to the private sector and public-private partnerships, encouraging a broad spectrum of stakeholders, including local communities, to participate in heritage conservation. Statement 3 is correct, as the Our Lady of Grace Cathedral in Vasai, Maharashtra, was conferred with the Award of Merit in 2025 for its exemplary restoration. The Vasai Cathedral restoration is a significant example of community-funded conservation. Built roughly 475 years ago during the Portuguese era, the cathedral reflects Portuguese ecclesiastical architecture. A key highlight of its restoration was the avoidance of modern cement, opting instead for traditional stone and mud mortar, which preserves the building’s original breathability and structural logic. This approach aligns with UNESCO’s goal of promoting sustainable heritage management and adaptive reuse. By involving the local community in funding and craftsmanship, the project ensures that both the tangible (structure) and intangible (living worship) aspects of the heritage are maintained for future generations.

#### 5. Question

With reference to the 2025 UNESCO Asia-Pacific Awards for Cultural Heritage Conservation, consider the following statements:

• These awards recognize conservation projects that prioritize modern architectural aesthetics over original cultural authenticity.

• The initiative is restricted to projects funded and executed by government heritage departments.

• The Our Lady of Grace Cathedral in Vasai recently received the Award of Merit under this initiative.

How many of the above statements are correct?

• (a) Only one

• (b) Only two

• (c) All three

Solution: A

• Statement 1 is incorrect because the UNESCO Asia-Pacific Awards specifically honour restoration efforts that combine technical excellence with cultural authenticity. The criteria place a high premium on the “understanding of place” and ensuring that the historical integrity of the site is preserved rather than replaced by modern aesthetics.

• Statement 2 is also incorrect; the awards are open to the private sector and public-private partnerships, encouraging a broad spectrum of stakeholders, including local communities, to participate in heritage conservation.

• Statement 3 is correct, as the Our Lady of Grace Cathedral in Vasai, Maharashtra, was conferred with the Award of Merit in 2025 for its exemplary restoration.

• The Vasai Cathedral restoration is a significant example of community-funded conservation. Built roughly 475 years ago during the Portuguese era, the cathedral reflects Portuguese ecclesiastical architecture.

• A key highlight of its restoration was the avoidance of modern cement, opting instead for traditional stone and mud mortar, which preserves the building’s original breathability and structural logic. This approach aligns with UNESCO’s goal of promoting sustainable heritage management and adaptive reuse.

• By involving the local community in funding and craftsmanship, the project ensures that both the tangible (structure) and intangible (living worship) aspects of the heritage are maintained for future generations.

Solution: A

• Statement 3 is correct, as the Our Lady of Grace Cathedral in Vasai, Maharashtra, was conferred with the Award of Merit in 2025 for its exemplary restoration.

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