UPSC Editorials Quiz : 7 August 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 the Indian Flapshell Turtle (Lissemys punctata): The Indian flapshell turtle is primarily found in saltwater environments such as coastal estuaries and tidal zones. It is named “flapshell” because of the unique flaps of skin on its plastron that cover its limbs when retracted. It is classified as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List. 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. The Indian flapshell turtle is a freshwater species typically found in rivers, ponds, lakes, and canals, not in saltwater environments. Statement 2 is correct. The turtle is called “flapshell” because of the flaps of skin on its plastron, which can cover its limbs when retracted, providing protection. Statement 3 is incorrect. The Indian flapshell turtle is classified as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List, not Critically Endangered. Incorrect Solution: A Statement 1 is incorrect. The Indian flapshell turtle is a freshwater species typically found in rivers, ponds, lakes, and canals, not in saltwater environments. Statement 2 is correct. The turtle is called “flapshell” because of the flaps of skin on its plastron, which can cover its limbs when retracted, providing protection. Statement 3 is incorrect. The Indian flapshell turtle is classified as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List, not Critically Endangered.

#### 1. Question

Consider the following statements regarding the Indian Flapshell Turtle (Lissemys punctata):

• The Indian flapshell turtle is primarily found in saltwater environments such as coastal estuaries and tidal zones.

• It is named “flapshell” because of the unique flaps of skin on its plastron that cover its limbs when retracted.

• It is classified as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List.

How many of the above statements are correct?

• (a) Only one

• (b) Only two

• (c) All three

Solution: A

Statement 1 is incorrect. The Indian flapshell turtle is a freshwater species typically found in rivers, ponds, lakes, and canals, not in saltwater environments.

Statement 2 is correct. The turtle is called “flapshell” because of the flaps of skin on its plastron, which can cover its limbs when retracted, providing protection.

Statement 3 is incorrect. The Indian flapshell turtle is classified as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List, not Critically Endangered.

Solution: A

Statement 1 is incorrect. The Indian flapshell turtle is a freshwater species typically found in rivers, ponds, lakes, and canals, not in saltwater environments.

Statement 2 is correct. The turtle is called “flapshell” because of the flaps of skin on its plastron, which can cover its limbs when retracted, providing protection.

Statement 3 is incorrect. The Indian flapshell turtle is classified as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List, not Critically Endangered.

• Question 2 of 5 2. Question Consider the following statements regarding the legal framework and powers of the National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA): The NPPA has the authority to revise prices only once every year. NPPA’s mandate includes enforcing price controls for essential drugs under the Essential Commodities Act. It can initiate legal action against companies failing to comply with pricing regulations under DPCO. How many of the above statements are correct? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) All three (d) None Correct Solution: B Statement 1 is incorrect. The NPPA has the authority to revise prices as necessary, including in extraordinary situations, and not only once a year. Statement 2 is correct. Under the Essential Commodities Act, NPPA enforces price controls on essential drugs to ensure availability and affordability. Statement 3 is correct. NPPA has the power to initiate legal action against companies that do not comply with pricing regulations, as mandated under the DPCO, 2013. Incorrect Solution: B Statement 1 is incorrect. The NPPA has the authority to revise prices as necessary, including in extraordinary situations, and not only once a year. Statement 2 is correct. Under the Essential Commodities Act, NPPA enforces price controls on essential drugs to ensure availability and affordability. Statement 3 is correct. NPPA has the power to initiate legal action against companies that do not comply with pricing regulations, as mandated under the DPCO, 2013.

#### 2. Question

Consider the following statements regarding the legal framework and powers of the National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA):

• The NPPA has the authority to revise prices only once every year.

• NPPA’s mandate includes enforcing price controls for essential drugs under the Essential Commodities Act.

• It can initiate legal action against companies failing to comply with pricing regulations under DPCO.

How many of the above statements are correct?

• (a) Only one

• (b) Only two

• (c) All three

Solution: B

• Statement 1 is incorrect. The NPPA has the authority to revise prices as necessary, including in extraordinary situations, and not only once a year.

• Statement 2 is correct. Under the Essential Commodities Act, NPPA enforces price controls on essential drugs to ensure availability and affordability.

• Statement 3 is correct. NPPA has the power to initiate legal action against companies that do not comply with pricing regulations, as mandated under the DPCO, 2013.

Solution: B

• Statement 1 is incorrect. The NPPA has the authority to revise prices as necessary, including in extraordinary situations, and not only once a year.

• Statement 2 is correct. Under the Essential Commodities Act, NPPA enforces price controls on essential drugs to ensure availability and affordability.

• Statement 3 is correct. NPPA has the power to initiate legal action against companies that do not comply with pricing regulations, as mandated under the DPCO, 2013.

• Question 3 of 5 3. Question Consider the following statements regarding the properties and industrial importance of coking coal: Coking coal has a low carbon content and is unsuitable for blast furnace operations. It produces by-products like coke oven gas, tar, and ammonia sulphate, which are useful for various industries. India is self-sufficient in coking coal production due to vast domestic reserves. How many of the above statements is/are incorrect? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) All three (d) None Correct Solution: B Only Statement 2 is correct: Coking coal does indeed produce valuable by-products such as coke oven gas, tar, benzole, and ammonia sulphate, which are widely used across chemical and power industries. Coking coal has a high carbon content, essential for blast furnace operations in steel production, making it suitable for these applications. Additionally, India is not self-sufficient in coking coal production due to limited domestic reserves, and as a result, it remains a net importer to meet its industrial demands. This reliance highlights India’s dependency on coking coal imports despite its status as a major steel producer. Incorrect Solution: B Only Statement 2 is correct: Coking coal does indeed produce valuable by-products such as coke oven gas, tar, benzole, and ammonia sulphate, which are widely used across chemical and power industries. Coking coal has a high carbon content, essential for blast furnace operations in steel production, making it suitable for these applications. Additionally, India is not self-sufficient in coking coal production due to limited domestic reserves, and as a result, it remains a net importer to meet its industrial demands. This reliance highlights India’s dependency on coking coal imports despite its status as a major steel producer.

#### 3. Question

Consider the following statements regarding the properties and industrial importance of coking coal:

• Coking coal has a low carbon content and is unsuitable for blast furnace operations.

• It produces by-products like coke oven gas, tar, and ammonia sulphate, which are useful for various industries.

• India is self-sufficient in coking coal production due to vast domestic reserves.

How many of the above statements is/are incorrect?

• (a) Only one

• (b) Only two

• (c) All three

Solution: B

Only Statement 2 is correct: Coking coal does indeed produce valuable by-products such as coke oven gas, tar, benzole, and ammonia sulphate, which are widely used across chemical and power industries.

Coking coal has a high carbon content, essential for blast furnace operations in steel production, making it suitable for these applications.

Additionally, India is not self-sufficient in coking coal production due to limited domestic reserves, and as a result, it remains a net importer to meet its industrial demands. This reliance highlights India’s dependency on coking coal imports despite its status as a major steel producer.

Solution: B

Coking coal has a high carbon content, essential for blast furnace operations in steel production, making it suitable for these applications.

• Question 4 of 5 4. Question Why are tardigrades often referred to as “extreme survivors” in the biological world? a) They have a unique nervous system that enables rapid adaptation to environmental changes. b) They can survive in diverse habitats but are restricted to specific temperature zones. c) They can withstand extreme environmental conditions, including high radiation and temperatures. d) They have a complex reproductive system capable of genetic adaptation in one generation. Correct Solution: C Tardigrades are known for their extraordinary ability to endure extreme environmental stresses, which include high levels of radiation, intense temperatures, and extended periods without food or water. They can survive temperatures ranging from as high as 150°C to as low as -272°C, close to absolute zero. They are also capable of entering a dehydrated, cryptobiotic state where they can withstand nearly all environmental extremes and revive even after years of desiccation. This resilience is largely due to their unique cellular mechanisms that protect DNA and cell structures from damage under extreme conditions. Incorrect Solution: C Tardigrades are known for their extraordinary ability to endure extreme environmental stresses, which include high levels of radiation, intense temperatures, and extended periods without food or water. They can survive temperatures ranging from as high as 150°C to as low as -272°C, close to absolute zero. They are also capable of entering a dehydrated, cryptobiotic state where they can withstand nearly all environmental extremes and revive even after years of desiccation. This resilience is largely due to their unique cellular mechanisms that protect DNA and cell structures from damage under extreme conditions.

#### 4. Question

Why are tardigrades often referred to as “extreme survivors” in the biological world?

• a) They have a unique nervous system that enables rapid adaptation to environmental changes.

• b) They can survive in diverse habitats but are restricted to specific temperature zones.

• c) They can withstand extreme environmental conditions, including high radiation and temperatures.

• d) They have a complex reproductive system capable of genetic adaptation in one generation.

Solution: C

• Tardigrades are known for their extraordinary ability to endure extreme environmental stresses, which include high levels of radiation, intense temperatures, and extended periods without food or water.

• They can survive temperatures ranging from as high as 150°C to as low as -272°C, close to absolute zero.

• They are also capable of entering a dehydrated, cryptobiotic state where they can withstand nearly all environmental extremes and revive even after years of desiccation.

• This resilience is largely due to their unique cellular mechanisms that protect DNA and cell structures from damage under extreme conditions.

Solution: C

• They can survive temperatures ranging from as high as 150°C to as low as -272°C, close to absolute zero.

• They are also capable of entering a dehydrated, cryptobiotic state where they can withstand nearly all environmental extremes and revive even after years of desiccation.

• This resilience is largely due to their unique cellular mechanisms that protect DNA and cell structures from damage under extreme conditions.

• Question 5 of 5 5. Question Consider the following statements about the Great Indian Bustard: The Great Indian Bustard is classified as Endangered on the IUCN Red List. It primarily inhabits forested regions across central India. The bird’s diet includes grass seeds, insects, and small rodents. 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. The Great Indian Bustard is classified as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List, indicating an extremely high risk of extinction in the wild. Statement 2 is incorrect. The species prefers dry grasslands and scrublands and is mainly found in the Thar Desert of Rajasthan, not in forested regions. Statement 3 is correct. The Great Indian Bustard is an opportunistic feeder, consuming grass seeds, insects, small rodents, and reptiles. Incorrect Solution: A Statement 1 is incorrect. The Great Indian Bustard is classified as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List, indicating an extremely high risk of extinction in the wild. Statement 2 is incorrect. The species prefers dry grasslands and scrublands and is mainly found in the Thar Desert of Rajasthan, not in forested regions. Statement 3 is correct. The Great Indian Bustard is an opportunistic feeder, consuming grass seeds, insects, small rodents, and reptiles.

#### 5. Question

Consider the following statements about the Great Indian Bustard:

• The Great Indian Bustard is classified as Endangered on the IUCN Red List.

• It primarily inhabits forested regions across central India.

• The bird’s diet includes grass seeds, insects, and small rodents.

How many of the above statements are correct?

• (a) Only one

• (b) Only two

• (c) All three

Solution: A

Statement 1 is incorrect. The Great Indian Bustard is classified as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List, indicating an extremely high risk of extinction in the wild.

Statement 2 is incorrect. The species prefers dry grasslands and scrublands and is mainly found in the Thar Desert of Rajasthan, not in forested regions.

Statement 3 is correct. The Great Indian Bustard is an opportunistic feeder, consuming grass seeds, insects, small rodents, and reptiles.

Solution: A

Statement 1 is incorrect. The Great Indian Bustard is classified as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List, indicating an extremely high risk of extinction in the wild.

Statement 2 is incorrect. The species prefers dry grasslands and scrublands and is mainly found in the Thar Desert of Rajasthan, not in forested regions.

Statement 3 is correct. The Great Indian Bustard is an opportunistic feeder, consuming grass seeds, insects, small rodents, and reptiles.

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