UPSC Editorials Quiz : 7 November 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.

#### Quiz-summary

0 of 5 questions completed

Questions:

#### Information

Best of luck! 🙂

You have already completed the quiz before. Hence you can not start it again.

Quiz is loading...

You must sign in or sign up to start the quiz.

You have to finish following quiz, to start this quiz:

0 of 5 questions answered correctly

Your time:

Time has elapsed

You have reached 0 of 0 points, (0)

#### Categories

• Not categorized 0%

• Question 1 of 5 1. Question Consider the following statements regarding Paris Agreement. Assertion (A): The Paris Agreement represents a shift from a top-down legally binding model to a bottom-up approach. Reason (R): It allows countries to voluntarily determine their emission targets through Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements? a) both a and r are correct, and r is the correct explanation of a b) both a and r are correct, but r is not the correct explanation of a c) a is correct, but r is incorrect d) a is incorrect, but r is correct Correct Solution: A The Paris framework replaced the Kyoto Protocol’s top-down model (with fixed targets for developed nations) with a bottom-up structure, empowering each nation to define its own NDCs reflecting domestic priorities and capabilities. This decentralised model encourages universal participation while respecting sovereignty and equity. Therefore, both A and R are correct, and R provides the correct explanation of A. Incorrect Solution: A The Paris framework replaced the Kyoto Protocol’s top-down model (with fixed targets for developed nations) with a bottom-up structure, empowering each nation to define its own NDCs reflecting domestic priorities and capabilities. This decentralised model encourages universal participation while respecting sovereignty and equity. Therefore, both A and R are correct, and R provides the correct explanation of A.

#### 1. Question

Consider the following statements regarding Paris Agreement.

Assertion (A): The Paris Agreement represents a shift from a top-down legally binding model to a bottom-up approach.

Reason (R): It allows countries to voluntarily determine their emission targets through Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs).

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

• a) both a and r are correct, and r is the correct explanation of a

• b) both a and r are correct, but r is not the correct explanation of a

• c) a is correct, but r is incorrect

• d) a is incorrect, but r is correct

Solution: A

The Paris framework replaced the Kyoto Protocol’s top-down model (with fixed targets for developed nations) with a bottom-up structure, empowering each nation to define its own NDCs reflecting domestic priorities and capabilities. This decentralised model encourages universal participation while respecting sovereignty and equity. Therefore, both A and R are correct, and R provides the correct explanation of A.

Solution: A

• Question 2 of 5 2. Question What is the fundamental difference between the classification of “Rare Earth Elements” (REEs) and “Critical Minerals”? (a) REEs are used in high-tech industries, while Critical Minerals are used primarily in traditional industries like steel and construction. (b) REEs are defined by their shared chemical and physical properties, while Critical Minerals are defined by their economic importance and supply chain vulnerability. (c) REEs are geographically abundant but difficult to extract, while Critical Minerals are geographically rare and concentrated. (d) REEs include non-metallic elements like graphite, while Critical Minerals include only metallic elements. Correct Solution: B Option (b) is the most accurate. Rare Earth Elements (REEs) is a scientific classification based on chemistry. It refers to 17 specific metallic elements (the 15 lanthanides, plus scandium and yttrium) that share similar properties and are often found together in geological deposits. Critical Minerals is an economic and strategic classification. This list is defined by a government or organisation based on two criteria: 1) How important the mineral is to the economy and national security (e.g., for EVs, defence, solar panels), and 2) How vulnerable its supply chain is to disruption (due to geopolitical concentration, lack of domestic production, etc.). Incorrect Solution: B Option (b) is the most accurate. Rare Earth Elements (REEs) is a scientific classification based on chemistry. It refers to 17 specific metallic elements (the 15 lanthanides, plus scandium and yttrium) that share similar properties and are often found together in geological deposits. Critical Minerals is an economic and strategic classification. This list is defined by a government or organisation based on two criteria: 1) How important the mineral is to the economy and national security (e.g., for EVs, defence, solar panels), and 2) How vulnerable its supply chain is to disruption (due to geopolitical concentration, lack of domestic production, etc.).

#### 2. Question

What is the fundamental difference between the classification of “Rare Earth Elements” (REEs) and “Critical Minerals”?

• (a) REEs are used in high-tech industries, while Critical Minerals are used primarily in traditional industries like steel and construction.

• (b) REEs are defined by their shared chemical and physical properties, while Critical Minerals are defined by their economic importance and supply chain vulnerability.

• (c) REEs are geographically abundant but difficult to extract, while Critical Minerals are geographically rare and concentrated.

• (d) REEs include non-metallic elements like graphite, while Critical Minerals include only metallic elements.

Solution: B

• Option (b) is the most accurate. Rare Earth Elements (REEs) is a scientific classification based on chemistry. It refers to 17 specific metallic elements (the 15 lanthanides, plus scandium and yttrium) that share similar properties and are often found together in geological deposits. Critical Minerals is an economic and strategic classification. This list is defined by a government or organisation based on two criteria: 1) How important the mineral is to the economy and national security (e.g., for EVs, defence, solar panels), and 2) How vulnerable its supply chain is to disruption (due to geopolitical concentration, lack of domestic production, etc.).

Solution: B

• Question 3 of 5 3. Question Consider the following statements regarding BRICS Pay. Statement-I: BRICS Pay is positioned as a strategic initiative to reduce dependency on the US dollar for cross-border settlements among member nations. Statement-II: The BRICS Pay architecture facilitates direct settlements among member nations using their local currencies, bypassing traditional dollar-denominated financial intermediaries. 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 II and Statement III are correct but only one of them explains 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. A primary geopolitical and economic goal of BRICS Pay is to challenge the dominance of the US dollar in global trade and finance, thereby enhancing the financial sovereignty of the member nations. This dependency makes them vulnerable to US monetary policy and sanctions. Statement-II is also correct. The core mechanism by which BRICS Pay achieves the goal in Statement-I is by enabling direct settlements in local currencies. By connecting national payment systems (like UPI, CIPS, SPFS, and Pix), it allows, for example, an Indian merchant to be paid in Rupees by a Russian buyer paying in Rubles, without needing to convert both currencies to USD as an intermediary step. Therefore, Statement-II provides the precise technical and financial mechanism (local currency settlement) that directly explains how Statement-I (reducing dollar dependency) is achieved. Incorrect Solution: A Statement-I is correct. A primary geopolitical and economic goal of BRICS Pay is to challenge the dominance of the US dollar in global trade and finance, thereby enhancing the financial sovereignty of the member nations. This dependency makes them vulnerable to US monetary policy and sanctions. Statement-II is also correct. The core mechanism by which BRICS Pay achieves the goal in Statement-I is by enabling direct settlements in local currencies. By connecting national payment systems (like UPI, CIPS, SPFS, and Pix), it allows, for example, an Indian merchant to be paid in Rupees by a Russian buyer paying in Rubles, without needing to convert both currencies to USD as an intermediary step. Therefore, Statement-II provides the precise technical and financial mechanism (local currency settlement) that directly explains how Statement-I (reducing dollar dependency) is achieved.

#### 3. Question

Consider the following statements regarding BRICS Pay.

Statement-I: BRICS Pay is positioned as a strategic initiative to reduce dependency on the US dollar for cross-border settlements among member nations.

Statement-II: The BRICS Pay architecture facilitates direct settlements among member nations using their local currencies, bypassing traditional dollar-denominated financial intermediaries.

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 II and Statement III are correct but only one of them explains 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. A primary geopolitical and economic goal of BRICS Pay is to challenge the dominance of the US dollar in global trade and finance, thereby enhancing the financial sovereignty of the member nations. This dependency makes them vulnerable to US monetary policy and sanctions.

• Statement-II is also correct. The core mechanism by which BRICS Pay achieves the goal in Statement-I is by enabling direct settlements in local currencies. By connecting national payment systems (like UPI, CIPS, SPFS, and Pix), it allows, for example, an Indian merchant to be paid in Rupees by a Russian buyer paying in Rubles, without needing to convert both currencies to USD as an intermediary step.

Therefore, Statement-II provides the precise technical and financial mechanism (local currency settlement) that directly explains how Statement-I (reducing dollar dependency) is achieved.

Solution: A

Therefore, Statement-II provides the precise technical and financial mechanism (local currency settlement) that directly explains how Statement-I (reducing dollar dependency) is achieved.

• Question 4 of 5 4. Question Consider the following statements: Statement I: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) publishes the Financial Stability Report (FSR) annually. Statement II: The FSR provides an assessment of the risks to the stability of the Indian financial system. 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: D Statement-I is incorrect. The Financial Stability Report (FSR) is not an annual publication. The RBI releases its FSR biannually (twice a year). Statement-II is correct. It is the RBI’s primary report for assessing the health and stability of the financial system, identifying risks from banking (like NPAs), financial markets, and the regulatory landscape. Incorrect Solution: D Statement-I is incorrect. The Financial Stability Report (FSR) is not an annual publication. The RBI releases its FSR biannually (twice a year). Statement-II is correct. It is the RBI’s primary report for assessing the health and stability of the financial system, identifying risks from banking (like NPAs), financial markets, and the regulatory landscape.

#### 4. Question

Consider the following statements:

Statement I: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) publishes the Financial Stability Report (FSR) annually.

Statement II: The FSR provides an assessment of the risks to the stability of the Indian financial system.

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: D

• Statement-I is incorrect. The Financial Stability Report (FSR) is not an annual publication. The RBI releases its FSR biannually (twice a year).

• Statement-II is correct. It is the RBI’s primary report for assessing the health and stability of the financial system, identifying risks from banking (like NPAs), financial markets, and the regulatory landscape.

Solution: D

• Statement-I is incorrect. The Financial Stability Report (FSR) is not an annual publication. The RBI releases its FSR biannually (twice a year).

• Question 5 of 5 5. Question Which of the following statements best describes the “Repairability Index” initiative launched by the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution? (a) A government-run e-commerce platform for selling refurbished electronics. (b) A mandatory rating system for electronics based on their energy consumption. (c) A framework to provide consumers with information on the ease of repairing products, promoting the "Right to Repair". (d) A subsidy scheme for small businesses involved in the electronics repair industry. Correct Solution: C The Repairability Index (RI) launched by the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution in India is designed to rate how repair-friendly electronic devices (initially smartphones and tablets) are. This is in line with the consumer-rights focus and sustainability agenda, not with energy consumption or subsidy schemes. The RI will provide a self-declared score by manufacturers based on criteria such as ease of disassembly, availability of spare parts, access to repair information, software update support, tools and fasteners. The score aims to empower consumers to compare products on how easily they can be repaired, thus promoting reuse over early replacement and reducing electronic waste. Incorrect Solution: C The Repairability Index (RI) launched by the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution in India is designed to rate how repair-friendly electronic devices (initially smartphones and tablets) are. This is in line with the consumer-rights focus and sustainability agenda, not with energy consumption or subsidy schemes. The RI will provide a self-declared score by manufacturers based on criteria such as ease of disassembly, availability of spare parts, access to repair information, software update support, tools and fasteners. The score aims to empower consumers to compare products on how easily they can be repaired, thus promoting reuse over early replacement and reducing electronic waste.

#### 5. Question

Which of the following statements best describes the “Repairability Index” initiative launched by the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution?

• (a) A government-run e-commerce platform for selling refurbished electronics.

• (b) A mandatory rating system for electronics based on their energy consumption.

• (c) A framework to provide consumers with information on the ease of repairing products, promoting the "Right to Repair".

• (d) A subsidy scheme for small businesses involved in the electronics repair industry.

Solution: C

The Repairability Index (RI) launched by the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution in India is designed to rate how repair-friendly electronic devices (initially smartphones and tablets) are. This is in line with the consumer-rights focus and sustainability agenda, not with energy consumption or subsidy schemes.

• The RI will provide a self-declared score by manufacturers based on criteria such as ease of disassembly, availability of spare parts, access to repair information, software update support, tools and fasteners.

• The score aims to empower consumers to compare products on how easily they can be repaired, thus promoting reuse over early replacement and reducing electronic waste.

Solution: C

• The score aims to empower consumers to compare products on how easily they can be repaired, thus promoting reuse over early replacement and reducing electronic waste.

Join our Official Telegram Channel HERE for Motivation and Fast Updates

Join our Twitter Channel HERE

Follow our Instagram Channel HERE