UPSC Editorials Quiz : 7 September 2024

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 Which of the following initiatives is a key part of India’s efforts to secure a supply of critical minerals from overseas? a) National Mineral Policy 2019 b) Mineral Conservation and Development Rules, 2017 c) Khanij Bidesh India Limited (KABIL) d) Atal Innovation Mission Correct Solution: c) Khanij Bidesh India Limited (KABIL) is a joint venture formed by three public sector undertakings to secure overseas supply of critical minerals for India. KABIL has been engaged with mineral-rich countries, and in 2024, it signed its first major agreement for lithium exploration and mining in Argentina. This venture is part of India’s broader strategy to ensure access to essential resources like lithium, which is crucial for battery manufacturing and the transition to renewable energy. Source Incorrect Solution: c) Khanij Bidesh India Limited (KABIL) is a joint venture formed by three public sector undertakings to secure overseas supply of critical minerals for India. KABIL has been engaged with mineral-rich countries, and in 2024, it signed its first major agreement for lithium exploration and mining in Argentina. This venture is part of India’s broader strategy to ensure access to essential resources like lithium, which is crucial for battery manufacturing and the transition to renewable energy. Source

#### 1. Question

Which of the following initiatives is a key part of India’s efforts to secure a supply of critical minerals from overseas?

• a) National Mineral Policy 2019

• b) Mineral Conservation and Development Rules, 2017

• c) Khanij Bidesh India Limited (KABIL)

• d) Atal Innovation Mission

Solution: c)

• Khanij Bidesh India Limited (KABIL) is a joint venture formed by three public sector undertakings to secure overseas supply of critical minerals for India.

• KABIL has been engaged with mineral-rich countries, and in 2024, it signed its first major agreement for lithium exploration and mining in Argentina.

• This venture is part of India’s broader strategy to ensure access to essential resources like lithium, which is crucial for battery manufacturing and the transition to renewable energy.

Solution: c)

• Khanij Bidesh India Limited (KABIL) is a joint venture formed by three public sector undertakings to secure overseas supply of critical minerals for India.

• KABIL has been engaged with mineral-rich countries, and in 2024, it signed its first major agreement for lithium exploration and mining in Argentina.

• This venture is part of India’s broader strategy to ensure access to essential resources like lithium, which is crucial for battery manufacturing and the transition to renewable energy.

• Question 2 of 5 2. Question What does “PDS leakage” refer to in the context of the National Food Security Act (NFSA) 2013? a) The wastage of food grains during transportation b) The amount of food grains released by the FCI that fail to reach the consumers c) The amount of money lost in maintaining the PDS system d) The over-allocation of food grains to non-eligible households Correct Solution: b) “PDS leakage” refers to the proportion of food grains, such as rice and wheat, released by the Food Corporation of India (FCI) that fail to reach consumers, usually due to inefficiencies or corruption in the distribution process. This issue was one of the major concerns addressed by the NFSA 2013, and reforms have significantly reduced leakages across many states. Source Incorrect Solution: b) “PDS leakage” refers to the proportion of food grains, such as rice and wheat, released by the Food Corporation of India (FCI) that fail to reach consumers, usually due to inefficiencies or corruption in the distribution process. This issue was one of the major concerns addressed by the NFSA 2013, and reforms have significantly reduced leakages across many states. Source

#### 2. Question

What does “PDS leakage” refer to in the context of the National Food Security Act (NFSA) 2013?

• a) The wastage of food grains during transportation

• b) The amount of food grains released by the FCI that fail to reach the consumers

• c) The amount of money lost in maintaining the PDS system

• d) The over-allocation of food grains to non-eligible households

Solution: b)

“PDS leakage” refers to the proportion of food grains, such as rice and wheat, released by the Food Corporation of India (FCI) that fail to reach consumers, usually due to inefficiencies or corruption in the distribution process. This issue was one of the major concerns addressed by the NFSA 2013, and reforms have significantly reduced leakages across many states.

Solution: b)

• Question 3 of 5 3. Question Consider the following statements regarding India’s Critical Mineral Mission: The mission focuses solely on expanding domestic mineral production and excludes overseas mineral acquisition. The Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2023 allows private sector participation in exploring certain minerals that were earlier on the atomic list. Recycling of critical minerals is a key priority under the Critical Mineral Mission. Which of the above statements is/are correct? a) 1 and 2 only b) 2 and 3 only c) 1 and 3 only d) 2 only Correct Solution: b) Statement 1 is incorrect because the Critical Mineral Mission encompasses both expanding domestic production and acquiring overseas mineral assets. Statement 2 is correct, as the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2023 removes six minerals from the atomic list, allowing the private sector to explore these minerals. Statement 3 is also correct, as the mission prioritizes the recycling of critical minerals to ensure a sustainable supply chain. The comprehensive focus of the mission is on securing essential resources for India’s future technological needs, both domestically and internationally. Source Incorrect Solution: b) Statement 1 is incorrect because the Critical Mineral Mission encompasses both expanding domestic production and acquiring overseas mineral assets. Statement 2 is correct, as the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2023 removes six minerals from the atomic list, allowing the private sector to explore these minerals. Statement 3 is also correct, as the mission prioritizes the recycling of critical minerals to ensure a sustainable supply chain. The comprehensive focus of the mission is on securing essential resources for India’s future technological needs, both domestically and internationally. Source

#### 3. Question

Consider the following statements regarding India’s Critical Mineral Mission:

• The mission focuses solely on expanding domestic mineral production and excludes overseas mineral acquisition.

• The Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2023 allows private sector participation in exploring certain minerals that were earlier on the atomic list.

• Recycling of critical minerals is a key priority under the Critical Mineral Mission.

Which of the above statements is/are correct?

• a) 1 and 2 only

• b) 2 and 3 only

• c) 1 and 3 only

Solution: b)

Statement 1 is incorrect because the Critical Mineral Mission encompasses both expanding domestic production and acquiring overseas mineral assets.

Statement 2 is correct, as the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2023 removes six minerals from the atomic list, allowing the private sector to explore these minerals.

Statement 3 is also correct, as the mission prioritizes the recycling of critical minerals to ensure a sustainable supply chain. The comprehensive focus of the mission is on securing essential resources for India’s future technological needs, both domestically and internationally.

Solution: b)

Statement 1 is incorrect because the Critical Mineral Mission encompasses both expanding domestic production and acquiring overseas mineral assets.

Statement 2 is correct, as the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2023 removes six minerals from the atomic list, allowing the private sector to explore these minerals.

• Question 4 of 5 4. Question Consider the following statements regarding food irradiation: Food irradiation prevents spoilage by slowing down decay and delaying premature ripening. Irradiation processing usually requires multiple treatments to achieve food safety. It reduces the need for chemical preservatives, contributing to a more sustainable food supply chain. The Codex Alimentarius Commission played a key role in setting global standards for food irradiation. How many of the above statements is/are correct? a) Only one b) Only two c) Only three d) All four Correct Solution: c) Statement 1 is correct because food irradiation prevents spoilage by slowing down the process of decay and delaying ripening, sprouting, or germination. Statement 3 is also correct, as irradiation reduces the need for chemical preservatives, promoting a more sustainable food supply chain. Statement 2 is incorrect because irradiation typically requires just one exposure treatment to achieve the desired food safety effects, simplifying food safety practices. Statement 4 is also correct, as the Codex Alimentarius Commission established global standards for food irradiation. Source Incorrect Solution: c) Statement 1 is correct because food irradiation prevents spoilage by slowing down the process of decay and delaying ripening, sprouting, or germination. Statement 3 is also correct, as irradiation reduces the need for chemical preservatives, promoting a more sustainable food supply chain. Statement 2 is incorrect because irradiation typically requires just one exposure treatment to achieve the desired food safety effects, simplifying food safety practices. Statement 4 is also correct, as the Codex Alimentarius Commission established global standards for food irradiation. Source

#### 4. Question

Consider the following statements regarding food irradiation:

• Food irradiation prevents spoilage by slowing down decay and delaying premature ripening.

• Irradiation processing usually requires multiple treatments to achieve food safety.

• It reduces the need for chemical preservatives, contributing to a more sustainable food supply chain.

• The Codex Alimentarius Commission played a key role in setting global standards for food irradiation.

How many of the above statements is/are correct?

• a) Only one

• b) Only two

• c) Only three

• d) All four

Solution: c)

Statement 1 is correct because food irradiation prevents spoilage by slowing down the process of decay and delaying ripening, sprouting, or germination.

Statement 3 is also correct, as irradiation reduces the need for chemical preservatives, promoting a more sustainable food supply chain.

Statement 2 is incorrect because irradiation typically requires just one exposure treatment to achieve the desired food safety effects, simplifying food safety practices.

Statement 4 is also correct, as the Codex Alimentarius Commission established global standards for food irradiation.

Solution: c)

Statement 1 is correct because food irradiation prevents spoilage by slowing down the process of decay and delaying ripening, sprouting, or germination.

Statement 3 is also correct, as irradiation reduces the need for chemical preservatives, promoting a more sustainable food supply chain.

Statement 2 is incorrect because irradiation typically requires just one exposure treatment to achieve the desired food safety effects, simplifying food safety practices.

Statement 4 is also correct, as the Codex Alimentarius Commission established global standards for food irradiation.

• Question 5 of 5 5. Question How is Africa significant to India’s energy security, according to the data provided for 2022-23? a) Africa is the sole source of India’s renewable energy b) India sources 15% of its total oil demand from Africa c) India relies on Africa for 50% of its coal supply d) Africa is India’s largest supplier of uranium Correct Solution: b) Africa is a crucial partner in India’s energy security, with India sourcing approximately 34 million tonnes of oil — accounting for 15% of its total demand — from the continent. The bilateral trade between the two regions includes a significant focus on the mining and mineral sectors, which is integral to both India’s energy needs and its broader economic objectives. Source Incorrect Solution: b) Africa is a crucial partner in India’s energy security, with India sourcing approximately 34 million tonnes of oil — accounting for 15% of its total demand — from the continent. The bilateral trade between the two regions includes a significant focus on the mining and mineral sectors, which is integral to both India’s energy needs and its broader economic objectives. Source

#### 5. Question

How is Africa significant to India’s energy security, according to the data provided for 2022-23?

• a) Africa is the sole source of India’s renewable energy

• b) India sources 15% of its total oil demand from Africa

• c) India relies on Africa for 50% of its coal supply

• d) Africa is India’s largest supplier of uranium

Solution: b)

Africa is a crucial partner in India’s energy security, with India sourcing approximately 34 million tonnes of oil — accounting for 15% of its total demand — from the continent. The bilateral trade between the two regions includes a significant focus on the mining and mineral sectors, which is integral to both India’s energy needs and its broader economic objectives.

Solution: b)

Join our Official Telegram Channel HERE for Motivation and Fast Updates

Join our Twitter Channel HERE

Follow our Instagram Channel HERE