UPSC Editorials Quiz : 6 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 Which of the following conditions has been retained by the 16th Finance Commission (FC) as a mandatory “entry condition” for states to access basic grants for their local bodies? (a) Privatization of all municipal water supply services. (b) Timely constitution and tabling of Action Taken Reports of State Finance Commissions (SFCs). (c) Reduction of the state’s total debt to less than 10% of its GSDP. (d) Achieving 100% digital literacy in all urban local governments. Correct Solution: B The 16th Finance Commission has maintained continuity with the reforms introduced by its predecessor by retaining specific “entry conditions” for basic grants. The most critical among these is the requirement for states to constitute State Finance Commissions (SFCs) on time and ensure that their Action Taken Reports are tabled in state legislatures within six months. This condition is designed to rejuvenate the institution of SFCs, which have historically suffered from inadequate staffing and a lack of tenure. By linking the release of Union Finance Commission (UFC) grants to these structural requirements, the Commission aims to ensure fiscal predictability and empower Urban Local Governments (ULGs). Recent data indicates that in several states, SFC grants are significantly larger on a per capita basis than UFC grants, highlighting their importance for the operational stability of cities. Incorrect Solution: B The 16th Finance Commission has maintained continuity with the reforms introduced by its predecessor by retaining specific “entry conditions” for basic grants. The most critical among these is the requirement for states to constitute State Finance Commissions (SFCs) on time and ensure that their Action Taken Reports are tabled in state legislatures within six months. This condition is designed to rejuvenate the institution of SFCs, which have historically suffered from inadequate staffing and a lack of tenure. By linking the release of Union Finance Commission (UFC) grants to these structural requirements, the Commission aims to ensure fiscal predictability and empower Urban Local Governments (ULGs). Recent data indicates that in several states, SFC grants are significantly larger on a per capita basis than UFC grants, highlighting their importance for the operational stability of cities.

#### 1. Question

Which of the following conditions has been retained by the 16th Finance Commission (FC) as a mandatory “entry condition” for states to access basic grants for their local bodies?

• (a) Privatization of all municipal water supply services.

• (b) Timely constitution and tabling of Action Taken Reports of State Finance Commissions (SFCs).

• (c) Reduction of the state’s total debt to less than 10% of its GSDP.

• (d) Achieving 100% digital literacy in all urban local governments.

Solution: B

• The 16th Finance Commission has maintained continuity with the reforms introduced by its predecessor by retaining specific “entry conditions” for basic grants. The most critical among these is the requirement for states to constitute State Finance Commissions (SFCs) on time and ensure that their Action Taken Reports are tabled in state legislatures within six months. This condition is designed to rejuvenate the institution of SFCs, which have historically suffered from inadequate staffing and a lack of tenure.

• By linking the release of Union Finance Commission (UFC) grants to these structural requirements, the Commission aims to ensure fiscal predictability and empower Urban Local Governments (ULGs). Recent data indicates that in several states, SFC grants are significantly larger on a per capita basis than UFC grants, highlighting their importance for the operational stability of cities.

Solution: B

• Question 2 of 5 2. Question Consider the following statements regarding Maritime Labour Convention (MLC), 2006: Statement I: The Maritime Labour Convention (MLC), 2006, is frequently referred to as the ‘Seafarers’ Bill of Rights’. Statement II: The Convention establishes minimum global requirements for working and living conditions for seafarers on ships. Statement III: The MLC ensures that social security protection for seafarers is maintained at a lower level than land-based workers to account for the unique risks of the maritime industry. Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements? (a) Both Statement II and Statement III are correct and both of them explain Statement I (b) Both Statement II and Statement III are correct but only one of them explains Statement I (c) Only one of the Statements II and III is correct and that explains Statement I (d) Neither Statement II nor Statement III is correct Correct Solution: C The Maritime Labour Convention, 2006 (MLC) was adopted by the International Labour Organization (ILO) to establish comprehensive global standards for seafarers’ working and living conditions. Statement I is correct. The convention is widely known as the “Seafarers’ Bill of Rights” because it consolidates numerous international labour standards into a single framework that protects the welfare, rights, and safety of seafarers. Statement II is correct. The MLC sets minimum global requirements for seafarers, including standards for employment conditions, wages, working hours, accommodation, medical care, health protection, welfare, and repatriation. Because it defines these fundamental labour protections, it justifies why the convention is called the Seafarers’ Bill of Rights. Statement III is incorrect. The convention does not require social security protection to be lower than that of land-based workers. Instead, it requires member states to ensure adequate social security protection for seafarers, aiming for comparable standards rather than reduced protection. Incorrect Solution: C The Maritime Labour Convention, 2006 (MLC) was adopted by the International Labour Organization (ILO) to establish comprehensive global standards for seafarers’ working and living conditions. Statement I is correct. The convention is widely known as the “Seafarers’ Bill of Rights” because it consolidates numerous international labour standards into a single framework that protects the welfare, rights, and safety of seafarers. Statement II is correct. The MLC sets minimum global requirements for seafarers, including standards for employment conditions, wages, working hours, accommodation, medical care, health protection, welfare, and repatriation. Because it defines these fundamental labour protections, it justifies why the convention is called the Seafarers’ Bill of Rights. Statement III is incorrect. The convention does not require social security protection to be lower than that of land-based workers. Instead, it requires member states to ensure adequate social security protection for seafarers, aiming for comparable standards rather than reduced protection.

#### 2. Question

Consider the following statements regarding Maritime Labour Convention (MLC), 2006:

Statement I: The Maritime Labour Convention (MLC), 2006, is frequently referred to as the ‘Seafarers’ Bill of Rights’.

Statement II: The Convention establishes minimum global requirements for working and living conditions for seafarers on ships.

Statement III: The MLC ensures that social security protection for seafarers is maintained at a lower level than land-based workers to account for the unique risks of the maritime industry.

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

• (a) Both Statement II and Statement III are correct and both of them explain Statement I

• (b) Both Statement II and Statement III are correct but only one of them explains Statement I

• (c) Only one of the Statements II and III is correct and that explains Statement I

• (d) Neither Statement II nor Statement III is correct

Solution: C

• The Maritime Labour Convention, 2006 (MLC) was adopted by the International Labour Organization (ILO) to establish comprehensive global standards for seafarers’ working and living conditions.

• Statement I is correct. The convention is widely known as the “Seafarers’ Bill of Rights” because it consolidates numerous international labour standards into a single framework that protects the welfare, rights, and safety of seafarers.

• Statement II is correct. The MLC sets minimum global requirements for seafarers, including standards for employment conditions, wages, working hours, accommodation, medical care, health protection, welfare, and repatriation. Because it defines these fundamental labour protections, it justifies why the convention is called the Seafarers’ Bill of Rights.

• Statement III is incorrect. The convention does not require social security protection to be lower than that of land-based workers. Instead, it requires member states to ensure adequate social security protection for seafarers, aiming for comparable standards rather than reduced protection.

Solution: C

• Question 3 of 5 3. Question Consider the following statements regarding the architectural style of the Hoysala Empire: The use of chloritic schist enabled the artisans to achieve a level of sculptural intricacy comparable to wood carving. The temples are typically characterized by a circular ground plan that maximizes the interior space for congregational worship. The presence of lathe-turned pillars in the interior halls is a distinct feature aimed at manipulating light and reflection. Which of the statements given above are correct? (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 Correct Solution: C The Hoysala architecture represents a unique transition in Indian temple building, primarily due to the material used. Statement 1 is correct because the shift to Soapstone (Chloritic Schist) was a game-changer. Unlike the harder granite used by predecessors, soapstone is relatively soft when quarried but hardens upon exposure to air. This property allowed Hoysala craftsmen to treat stone with the delicacy of sandalwood or ivory, resulting in the high-relief, three-dimensional carvings of jewelry and anatomical details seen at Belur and Halebidu. Statement 2 is incorrect because Hoysala temples are famous for their Stellate (star-shaped) plan, not circular plans. This was achieved by rotating a square around its center. The primary purpose of this jagged, star-shaped layout was to increase the external wall surface area, providing more “canvas” for the elaborate horizontal friezes. Statement 3 is correct as the lathe-turned pillars are a hallmark of the style. These were produced by rotating stone blocks on a mechanical lathe, creating perfectly symmetrical, polished rings. In the dim interiors of the Mantapas, these pillars possess a metallic sheen that reflects light from the doorways, enhancing the spiritual ambiance. Incorrect Solution: C The Hoysala architecture represents a unique transition in Indian temple building, primarily due to the material used. Statement 1 is correct because the shift to Soapstone (Chloritic Schist) was a game-changer. Unlike the harder granite used by predecessors, soapstone is relatively soft when quarried but hardens upon exposure to air. This property allowed Hoysala craftsmen to treat stone with the delicacy of sandalwood or ivory, resulting in the high-relief, three-dimensional carvings of jewelry and anatomical details seen at Belur and Halebidu. Statement 2 is incorrect because Hoysala temples are famous for their Stellate (star-shaped) plan, not circular plans. This was achieved by rotating a square around its center. The primary purpose of this jagged, star-shaped layout was to increase the external wall surface area, providing more “canvas” for the elaborate horizontal friezes. Statement 3 is correct as the lathe-turned pillars are a hallmark of the style. These were produced by rotating stone blocks on a mechanical lathe, creating perfectly symmetrical, polished rings. In the dim interiors of the Mantapas, these pillars possess a metallic sheen that reflects light from the doorways, enhancing the spiritual ambiance.

#### 3. Question

Consider the following statements regarding the architectural style of the Hoysala Empire:

• The use of chloritic schist enabled the artisans to achieve a level of sculptural intricacy comparable to wood carving.

• The temples are typically characterized by a circular ground plan that maximizes the interior space for congregational worship.

• The presence of lathe-turned pillars in the interior halls is a distinct feature aimed at manipulating light and reflection.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

• (a) 1 and 2 only

• (b) 2 and 3 only

• (c) 1 and 3 only

• (d) 1, 2 and 3

Solution: C

• The Hoysala architecture represents a unique transition in Indian temple building, primarily due to the material used.

• Statement 1 is correct because the shift to Soapstone (Chloritic Schist) was a game-changer. Unlike the harder granite used by predecessors, soapstone is relatively soft when quarried but hardens upon exposure to air. This property allowed Hoysala craftsmen to treat stone with the delicacy of sandalwood or ivory, resulting in the high-relief, three-dimensional carvings of jewelry and anatomical details seen at Belur and Halebidu.

• Statement 2 is incorrect because Hoysala temples are famous for their Stellate (star-shaped) plan, not circular plans. This was achieved by rotating a square around its center. The primary purpose of this jagged, star-shaped layout was to increase the external wall surface area, providing more “canvas” for the elaborate horizontal friezes.

• Statement 3 is correct as the lathe-turned pillars are a hallmark of the style. These were produced by rotating stone blocks on a mechanical lathe, creating perfectly symmetrical, polished rings. In the dim interiors of the Mantapas, these pillars possess a metallic sheen that reflects light from the doorways, enhancing the spiritual ambiance.

Solution: C

• The Hoysala architecture represents a unique transition in Indian temple building, primarily due to the material used.

• Question 4 of 5 4. Question With reference to the security and regulatory aspects of satellite communication devices in India, consider the following statements: The use of certain satellite phone services by foreign vessels in Indian territorial waters is restricted due to challenges in signal interception and tracing. Modern hybrid devices that combine cellular and satellite connectivity are exempt from declaration under the National Security Act. Which of the statements given above is/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. In India, the use of satellite phones is strictly regulated due to national security concerns. Many satellite communication systems—especially those operating through networks like Thuraya and Iridium Satellite Network—are difficult for security agencies to intercept or trace compared to conventional cellular networks. Because of these challenges, the use of such devices by foreign vessels in Indian Territorial Waters is restricted unless specific authorization is obtained. This regulation is enforced to prevent unlawful communication and ensure maritime security. Statement 2 is incorrect. Modern devices that combine cellular and satellite connectivity (hybrid communication devices) are not automatically exempt from declaration or regulatory oversight. In fact, such devices often fall under strict regulatory frameworks because they can switch between terrestrial and satellite communication networks. Their use may require permission from authorities such as the Department of Telecommunications (India), and possession without authorization can lead to legal penalties. Hence, they are not exempt from declaration under national security regulations. Incorrect Solution: A Statement 1 is correct. In India, the use of satellite phones is strictly regulated due to national security concerns. Many satellite communication systems—especially those operating through networks like Thuraya and Iridium Satellite Network—are difficult for security agencies to intercept or trace compared to conventional cellular networks. Because of these challenges, the use of such devices by foreign vessels in Indian Territorial Waters is restricted unless specific authorization is obtained. This regulation is enforced to prevent unlawful communication and ensure maritime security. Statement 2 is incorrect. Modern devices that combine cellular and satellite connectivity (hybrid communication devices) are not automatically exempt from declaration or regulatory oversight. In fact, such devices often fall under strict regulatory frameworks because they can switch between terrestrial and satellite communication networks. Their use may require permission from authorities such as the Department of Telecommunications (India), and possession without authorization can lead to legal penalties. Hence, they are not exempt from declaration under national security regulations.

#### 4. Question

With reference to the security and regulatory aspects of satellite communication devices in India, consider the following statements:

• The use of certain satellite phone services by foreign vessels in Indian territorial waters is restricted due to challenges in signal interception and tracing.

• Modern hybrid devices that combine cellular and satellite connectivity are exempt from declaration under the National Security Act.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

• (a) 1 only

• (b) 2 only

• (c) Both 1 and 2

• (d) Neither 1 nor 2

Solution: A

• Statement 1 is correct. In India, the use of satellite phones is strictly regulated due to national security concerns. Many satellite communication systems—especially those operating through networks like Thuraya and Iridium Satellite Network—are difficult for security agencies to intercept or trace compared to conventional cellular networks. Because of these challenges, the use of such devices by foreign vessels in Indian Territorial Waters is restricted unless specific authorization is obtained. This regulation is enforced to prevent unlawful communication and ensure maritime security.

Statement 2 is incorrect. Modern devices that combine cellular and satellite connectivity (hybrid communication devices) are not automatically exempt from declaration or regulatory oversight. In fact, such devices often fall under strict regulatory frameworks because they can switch between terrestrial and satellite communication networks. Their use may require permission from authorities such as the Department of Telecommunications (India), and possession without authorization can lead to legal penalties. Hence, they are not exempt from declaration under national security regulations.

Solution: A

• Question 5 of 5 5. Question The ‘ALARA’ principle in nuclear safety is often described as the operational wing of the Linear No-Threshold (LNT) model. In this context, consider the following statements: ALARA mandates that radiation exposure must be minimized regardless of the economic or social costs involved. The principle relies on the three pillars of protection: Time, Distance, and Shielding. It encourages a culture of continuous improvement rather than merely adhering to legal limit benchmarks. Which of the statements given above 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 The ALARA Principle (As Low As Reasonably Achievable) is a key concept in radiation protection. It is closely associated with the Linear No‑Threshold Model (LNT), which assumes that even small doses of ionizing radiation carry some risk and that risk increases linearly with dose. Statement 1 is incorrect. ALARA does not require radiation exposure to be minimized regardless of economic or social costs. The principle explicitly includes the term “reasonably achievable”, meaning radiation exposure should be reduced while taking into account economic and societal considerations. Absolute minimization without regard to feasibility is not required. Statement 2 is correct. Radiation protection under ALARA commonly relies on three fundamental methods: Time – reduce the duration of exposure Distance – increase the distance from the radiation source Shielding – place protective materials between the source and the individual These methods help limit radiation doses effectively. Statement 3 is correct. ALARA promotes a culture of optimization and continuous improvement in radiation safety practices. Instead of merely staying below regulatory dose limits, organizations are encouraged to continually seek ways to further reduce exposure through better procedures, technologies, and monitoring. Incorrect Solution: B The ALARA Principle (As Low As Reasonably Achievable) is a key concept in radiation protection. It is closely associated with the Linear No‑Threshold Model (LNT), which assumes that even small doses of ionizing radiation carry some risk and that risk increases linearly with dose. Statement 1 is incorrect. ALARA does not require radiation exposure to be minimized regardless of economic or social costs. The principle explicitly includes the term “reasonably achievable”, meaning radiation exposure should be reduced while taking into account economic and societal considerations. Absolute minimization without regard to feasibility is not required. Statement 2 is correct. Radiation protection under ALARA commonly relies on three fundamental methods: Time – reduce the duration of exposure Distance – increase the distance from the radiation source Shielding – place protective materials between the source and the individual These methods help limit radiation doses effectively. Statement 3 is correct. ALARA promotes a culture of optimization and continuous improvement in radiation safety practices. Instead of merely staying below regulatory dose limits, organizations are encouraged to continually seek ways to further reduce exposure through better procedures, technologies, and monitoring.

#### 5. Question

The ‘ALARA’ principle in nuclear safety is often described as the operational wing of the Linear No-Threshold (LNT) model. In this context, consider the following statements:

• ALARA mandates that radiation exposure must be minimized regardless of the economic or social costs involved.

• The principle relies on the three pillars of protection: Time, Distance, and Shielding.

• It encourages a culture of continuous improvement rather than merely adhering to legal limit benchmarks.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

• (a) 1 and 2 only

• (b) 2 and 3 only

• (c) 1 and 3 only

• (d) 1, 2 and 3

Solution: B

The ALARA Principle (As Low As Reasonably Achievable) is a key concept in radiation protection. It is closely associated with the Linear No‑Threshold Model (LNT), which assumes that even small doses of ionizing radiation carry some risk and that risk increases linearly with dose.

Statement 1 is incorrect. ALARA does not require radiation exposure to be minimized regardless of economic or social costs. The principle explicitly includes the term “reasonably achievable”, meaning radiation exposure should be reduced while taking into account economic and societal considerations. Absolute minimization without regard to feasibility is not required.

Statement 2 is correct. Radiation protection under ALARA commonly relies on three fundamental methods:

• Time – reduce the duration of exposure

• Distance – increase the distance from the radiation source

• Shielding – place protective materials between the source and the individual

These methods help limit radiation doses effectively.

Statement 3 is correct. ALARA promotes a culture of optimization and continuous improvement in radiation safety practices. Instead of merely staying below regulatory dose limits, organizations are encouraged to continually seek ways to further reduce exposure through better procedures, technologies, and monitoring.

Solution: B

Statement 2 is correct. Radiation protection under ALARA commonly relies on three fundamental methods:

• Time – reduce the duration of exposure

• Distance – increase the distance from the radiation source

• Shielding – place protective materials between the source and the individual

These methods help limit radiation doses effectively.

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