UPSC Editorials Quiz : 7 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 The ’90-day oil stock’ rule is a core requirement for International Energy Agency (IEA) member countries. Which of the following best describes this mechanism? (a) Members must export 90 days' worth of their domestic production to help stabilize global prices. (b) Members must maintain emergency oil reserves equivalent to at least 90 days of their previous year's net imports. (c) Members are required to reduce their national consumption by 90% during a declared global energy emergency. (d) Members must contribute to a central IEA-managed oil bank located in Paris for emergency redistribution. Correct Solution: B The Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR) mechanism is the IEA’s most potent tool for market stabilization. Option (b) is the correct answer. All full members of the IEA are legally obligated to hold oil stocks—either through government-owned reserves or industry-held stocks—that equate to at least 90 days of their net imports from the previous year. In the event of a major global supply disruption (like the 2022 energy crisis), the IEA can coordinate a collective release of these stocks to increase supply and calm the markets. This is a crucial aspect of India’s current negotiations for full membership. As India’s oil demand grows, maintaining such a massive reserve is both a financial challenge and a strategic necessity. The IEA also monitors these stocks through its Monthly Oil Market Report, ensuring transparency and readiness. This mechanism ensures that the global economy is not crippled by sudden geopolitical events in oil-producing regions, providing a “cushion” that allows for diplomatic and technical solutions to be found without immediate economic collapse. Incorrect Solution: B The Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR) mechanism is the IEA’s most potent tool for market stabilization. Option (b) is the correct answer. All full members of the IEA are legally obligated to hold oil stocks—either through government-owned reserves or industry-held stocks—that equate to at least 90 days of their net imports from the previous year. In the event of a major global supply disruption (like the 2022 energy crisis), the IEA can coordinate a collective release of these stocks to increase supply and calm the markets. This is a crucial aspect of India’s current negotiations for full membership. As India’s oil demand grows, maintaining such a massive reserve is both a financial challenge and a strategic necessity. The IEA also monitors these stocks through its Monthly Oil Market Report, ensuring transparency and readiness. This mechanism ensures that the global economy is not crippled by sudden geopolitical events in oil-producing regions, providing a “cushion” that allows for diplomatic and technical solutions to be found without immediate economic collapse.

#### 1. Question

The ’90-day oil stock’ rule is a core requirement for International Energy Agency (IEA) member countries. Which of the following best describes this mechanism?

• (a) Members must export 90 days' worth of their domestic production to help stabilize global prices.

• (b) Members must maintain emergency oil reserves equivalent to at least 90 days of their previous year's net imports.

• (c) Members are required to reduce their national consumption by 90% during a declared global energy emergency.

• (d) Members must contribute to a central IEA-managed oil bank located in Paris for emergency redistribution.

Solution: B

• The Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR) mechanism is the IEA’s most potent tool for market stabilization. Option (b) is the correct answer. All full members of the IEA are legally obligated to hold oil stocks—either through government-owned reserves or industry-held stocks—that equate to at least 90 days of their net imports from the previous year.

• In the event of a major global supply disruption (like the 2022 energy crisis), the IEA can coordinate a collective release of these stocks to increase supply and calm the markets. This is a crucial aspect of India’s current negotiations for full membership. As India’s oil demand grows, maintaining such a massive reserve is both a financial challenge and a strategic necessity.

• The IEA also monitors these stocks through its Monthly Oil Market Report, ensuring transparency and readiness. This mechanism ensures that the global economy is not crippled by sudden geopolitical events in oil-producing regions, providing a “cushion” that allows for diplomatic and technical solutions to be found without immediate economic collapse.

Solution: B

• Question 2 of 5 2. Question Consider the following statements: Statement I: The use of Soapstone allowed Hoysala artisans to create deep, three-dimensional carvings that were not possible with the granite used by earlier dynasties. Statement II: Soapstone is a type of metamorphic rock known as Chloritic Schist which is relatively soft when freshly quarried. 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 correct but Statement-II is incorrect (d) Statement-I is incorrect but Statement-II is correct Correct Solution: A Statement I is correct. The Hoysala style is defined by its extreme ornamentation, including the carving of intricate jewelry, lace-like patterns, and even fingernails on stone. This was a departure from the “austere” or simpler styles of the Early Chalukyas or Pallavas, who primarily used Granite, a much harder and more brittle rock that limits the depth and detail of carving. Statement II is correct. Soapstone, or Chloritic Schist, is a metamorphic rock. Its defining physical property is its low hardness (talc-rich composition). When it is first taken out of the ground, it contains “quarry water,” making it soft enough to be worked with fine chisels similar to how one might work with wood. Statement II explains Statement I because it is precisely this geological softness that provided the technical possibility for the artistic splendor. Without the specific material property of Chloritic Schist, the Hoysala artisans would not have been able to “treat stone like sandalwood.” Once the carving is finished and the stone is exposed to the atmosphere, it hardens, preserving the incredible detail for centuries. Incorrect Solution: A Statement I is correct. The Hoysala style is defined by its extreme ornamentation, including the carving of intricate jewelry, lace-like patterns, and even fingernails on stone. This was a departure from the “austere” or simpler styles of the Early Chalukyas or Pallavas, who primarily used Granite, a much harder and more brittle rock that limits the depth and detail of carving. Statement II is correct. Soapstone, or Chloritic Schist, is a metamorphic rock. Its defining physical property is its low hardness (talc-rich composition). When it is first taken out of the ground, it contains “quarry water,” making it soft enough to be worked with fine chisels similar to how one might work with wood. Statement II explains Statement I because it is precisely this geological softness that provided the technical possibility for the artistic splendor. Without the specific material property of Chloritic Schist, the Hoysala artisans would not have been able to “treat stone like sandalwood.” Once the carving is finished and the stone is exposed to the atmosphere, it hardens, preserving the incredible detail for centuries.

#### 2. Question

Consider the following statements:

Statement I: The use of Soapstone allowed Hoysala artisans to create deep, three-dimensional carvings that were not possible with the granite used by earlier dynasties.

Statement II: Soapstone is a type of metamorphic rock known as Chloritic Schist which is relatively soft when freshly quarried.

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 correct but Statement-II is incorrect

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

Solution: A

• Statement I is correct. The Hoysala style is defined by its extreme ornamentation, including the carving of intricate jewelry, lace-like patterns, and even fingernails on stone. This was a departure from the “austere” or simpler styles of the Early Chalukyas or Pallavas, who primarily used Granite, a much harder and more brittle rock that limits the depth and detail of carving.

• Statement II is correct. Soapstone, or Chloritic Schist, is a metamorphic rock. Its defining physical property is its low hardness (talc-rich composition). When it is first taken out of the ground, it contains “quarry water,” making it soft enough to be worked with fine chisels similar to how one might work with wood.

• Statement II explains Statement I because it is precisely this geological softness that provided the technical possibility for the artistic splendor. Without the specific material property of Chloritic Schist, the Hoysala artisans would not have been able to “treat stone like sandalwood.” Once the carving is finished and the stone is exposed to the atmosphere, it hardens, preserving the incredible detail for centuries.

Solution: A

• Question 3 of 5 3. Question With reference to the application of Carbon Capture and Utilisation (CCU) technologies, consider the following statements: These technologies can be retrofitted to existing industrial plants, thereby extending their operational life without a total shutdown. The primary aim of CCU is to replace the need for renewable energy sources in industrial sectors. CCU helps industries reach Net Zero by treating carbon as an industrial input rather than a waste product. 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 Statement 1 is correct. A key feature of CCU is its retrofitting capability, which is essential for heavy industries (like cement or steel) that cannot easily switch to new technologies. Statement 2 is incorrect. CCU is not a replacement for renewables; it is a complementary technology designed to handle the emissions that are hard to eliminate through electrification or renewables alone. Statement 3 is correct. By creating a circular carbon economy, CCU decouples economic growth from emissions. Treating CO2 as a feedstock (input) allows for the production of urea, fuels, and building materials, supporting the goal of Net Zero. Incorrect Solution: C Statement 1 is correct. A key feature of CCU is its retrofitting capability, which is essential for heavy industries (like cement or steel) that cannot easily switch to new technologies. Statement 2 is incorrect. CCU is not a replacement for renewables; it is a complementary technology designed to handle the emissions that are hard to eliminate through electrification or renewables alone. Statement 3 is correct. By creating a circular carbon economy, CCU decouples economic growth from emissions. Treating CO2 as a feedstock (input) allows for the production of urea, fuels, and building materials, supporting the goal of Net Zero.

#### 3. Question

With reference to the application of Carbon Capture and Utilisation (CCU) technologies, consider the following statements:

• These technologies can be retrofitted to existing industrial plants, thereby extending their operational life without a total shutdown.

• The primary aim of CCU is to replace the need for renewable energy sources in industrial sectors.

• CCU helps industries reach Net Zero by treating carbon as an industrial input rather than a waste product.

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

• Statement 1 is correct. A key feature of CCU is its retrofitting capability, which is essential for heavy industries (like cement or steel) that cannot easily switch to new technologies.

• Statement 2 is incorrect. CCU is not a replacement for renewables; it is a complementary technology designed to handle the emissions that are hard to eliminate through electrification or renewables alone.

• Statement 3 is correct. By creating a circular carbon economy, CCU decouples economic growth from emissions. Treating CO2 as a feedstock (input) allows for the production of urea, fuels, and building materials, supporting the goal of Net Zero.

Solution: C

• Statement 1 is correct. A key feature of CCU is its retrofitting capability, which is essential for heavy industries (like cement or steel) that cannot easily switch to new technologies.

• Question 4 of 5 4. Question With reference to climate technology, consider the following statements: Direct Air Capture (DAC) technology is recognized as a negative emissions technology important for meeting global climate targets. Captured CO2 through DAC can be used to produce polyethylene, plastics, and dry ice for food preservation. The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has launched the Nature Solutions Finance Hub to scale up financing specifically for industrial carbon removal technologies. 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: A Statement 1 is correct. Direct Air Capture (DAC) is an innovative technology that pulls CO2 directly from the atmosphere, making it a recognized “negative emissions technology” essential for reaching net-zero goals. Statement 2 is correct. The CO2 captured through DAC is not just waste; it has industrial value. It can be converted into ethylene or methanol, which are the building blocks for polyethylene and other plastics. It is also used to produce dry ice, which is valuable for food processing and preservation. Statement 3 is incorrect. The ADB’s Nature Solutions Finance Hub for Asia and the Pacific, launched in 2023, is aimed at scaling up financing for Nature-based Solutions (NbS)—such as reforestation or restoring mangroves—to address biodiversity loss and climate risks. It is not specifically for industrial technologies like DAC. Incorrect Solution: A Statement 1 is correct. Direct Air Capture (DAC) is an innovative technology that pulls CO2 directly from the atmosphere, making it a recognized “negative emissions technology” essential for reaching net-zero goals. Statement 2 is correct. The CO2 captured through DAC is not just waste; it has industrial value. It can be converted into ethylene or methanol, which are the building blocks for polyethylene and other plastics. It is also used to produce dry ice, which is valuable for food processing and preservation. Statement 3 is incorrect. The ADB’s Nature Solutions Finance Hub for Asia and the Pacific, launched in 2023, is aimed at scaling up financing for Nature-based Solutions (NbS)—such as reforestation or restoring mangroves—to address biodiversity loss and climate risks. It is not specifically for industrial technologies like DAC.

#### 4. Question

With reference to climate technology, consider the following statements:

• Direct Air Capture (DAC) technology is recognized as a negative emissions technology important for meeting global climate targets.

• Captured CO2 through DAC can be used to produce polyethylene, plastics, and dry ice for food preservation.

• The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has launched the Nature Solutions Finance Hub to scale up financing specifically for industrial carbon removal technologies.

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: A

• Statement 1 is correct. Direct Air Capture (DAC) is an innovative technology that pulls CO2 directly from the atmosphere, making it a recognized “negative emissions technology” essential for reaching net-zero goals.

• Statement 2 is correct. The CO2 captured through DAC is not just waste; it has industrial value. It can be converted into ethylene or methanol, which are the building blocks for polyethylene and other plastics. It is also used to produce dry ice, which is valuable for food processing and preservation.

• Statement 3 is incorrect. The ADB’s Nature Solutions Finance Hub for Asia and the Pacific, launched in 2023, is aimed at scaling up financing for Nature-based Solutions (NbS)—such as reforestation or restoring mangroves—to address biodiversity loss and climate risks. It is not specifically for industrial technologies like DAC.

Solution: A

• Question 5 of 5 5. Question In the context of the Union Budget 2026-27, what does the term “Care Economy” primarily refer to? (a) The financial sector's investment in private healthcare insurance for senior citizens. (b) The system of activities involving the provision of care and services for children, the elderly, and the infirm, often including unpaid domestic labour. (c) A new government subsidy scheme for the manufacturing of medical equipment and ventilators. (d) The regulation of international pharmaceutical companies operating within India. Correct Solution: B The Care Economy encompasses both paid and unpaid labour related to caregiving, such as childcare, elder care, and household management. In the 2026-27 Union Budget, the Indian government has elevated this sector to a national priority for inclusive growth. This is because much of this labour, historically performed by women, has gone “unmeasured” despite being a “silent force” behind national economic achievements. To institutionalize this support, the Gender Budget has crossed ₹5 lakh crore for the first time in India’s history. The government aims to transition from viewing women merely as beneficiaries to recognizing them as drivers of development through “women-led development” models. Key initiatives include upgrading Anganwadi centers and expanding working women’s hostels to help women balance professional and domestic responsibilities. By supporting the care ecosystem, the state intends to further increase the Female Labour Force Participation Rate (FLFPR), which has already risen to 41.7% in 2023-24. Source Incorrect Solution: B The Care Economy encompasses both paid and unpaid labour related to caregiving, such as childcare, elder care, and household management. In the 2026-27 Union Budget, the Indian government has elevated this sector to a national priority for inclusive growth. This is because much of this labour, historically performed by women, has gone “unmeasured” despite being a “silent force” behind national economic achievements. To institutionalize this support, the Gender Budget has crossed ₹5 lakh crore for the first time in India’s history. The government aims to transition from viewing women merely as beneficiaries to recognizing them as drivers of development through “women-led development” models. Key initiatives include upgrading Anganwadi centers and expanding working women’s hostels to help women balance professional and domestic responsibilities. By supporting the care ecosystem, the state intends to further increase the Female Labour Force Participation Rate (FLFPR), which has already risen to 41.7% in 2023-24. Source

#### 5. Question

In the context of the Union Budget 2026-27, what does the term “Care Economy” primarily refer to?

• (a) The financial sector's investment in private healthcare insurance for senior citizens.

• (b) The system of activities involving the provision of care and services for children, the elderly, and the infirm, often including unpaid domestic labour.

• (c) A new government subsidy scheme for the manufacturing of medical equipment and ventilators.

• (d) The regulation of international pharmaceutical companies operating within India.

Solution: B

• The Care Economy encompasses both paid and unpaid labour related to caregiving, such as childcare, elder care, and household management. In the 2026-27 Union Budget, the Indian government has elevated this sector to a national priority for inclusive growth. This is because much of this labour, historically performed by women, has gone “unmeasured” despite being a “silent force” behind national economic achievements. To institutionalize this support, the Gender Budget has crossed ₹5 lakh crore for the first time in India’s history.

• The government aims to transition from viewing women merely as beneficiaries to recognizing them as drivers of development through “women-led development” models. Key initiatives include upgrading Anganwadi centers and expanding working women’s hostels to help women balance professional and domestic responsibilities. By supporting the care ecosystem, the state intends to further increase the Female Labour Force Participation Rate (FLFPR), which has already risen to 41.7% in 2023-24.

Solution: B

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