UPSC Editorials Quiz : 8 January 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 Consider the following statements. The Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI) is a statutory body established under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. The prevention of the infliction of unnecessary pain or suffering on animals is a Fundamental Duty of every citizen under Article 51A(g) of the Constitution of India. Which of the above statements are correct? (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 Correct Solution: B Statement 1 is incorrect. The Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI) is not established under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. Instead, it is a statutory body constituted under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960. The Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 deals primarily with the protection of wild animals, birds, and plants, creation of protected areas, and regulation of hunting and trade in wildlife, whereas animal welfare relating to prevention of cruelty to domestic and captive animals falls under the 1960 Act. Statement 2 is correct. Article 51A(g) of the Constitution of India, inserted by the 42nd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1976, explicitly makes it a Fundamental Duty of every citizen to protect and improve the natural environment, including forests, lakes, rivers, and wildlife, and to have compassion for living creatures. Judicial interpretations, particularly by the Supreme Court, have consistently read “compassion for living creatures” as encompassing the prevention of unnecessary pain or suffering to animals. Incorrect Solution: B Statement 1 is incorrect. The Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI) is not established under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. Instead, it is a statutory body constituted under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960. The Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 deals primarily with the protection of wild animals, birds, and plants, creation of protected areas, and regulation of hunting and trade in wildlife, whereas animal welfare relating to prevention of cruelty to domestic and captive animals falls under the 1960 Act. Statement 2 is correct. Article 51A(g) of the Constitution of India, inserted by the 42nd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1976, explicitly makes it a Fundamental Duty of every citizen to protect and improve the natural environment, including forests, lakes, rivers, and wildlife, and to have compassion for living creatures. Judicial interpretations, particularly by the Supreme Court, have consistently read “compassion for living creatures” as encompassing the prevention of unnecessary pain or suffering to animals.

#### 1. Question

Consider the following statements.

• The Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI) is a statutory body established under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.

• The prevention of the infliction of unnecessary pain or suffering on animals is a Fundamental Duty of every citizen under Article 51A(g) of the Constitution of India.

Which of the above statements are correct?

• (a) 1 only

• (b) 2 only

• (c) Both 1 and 2

• (d) Neither 1 nor 2

Solution: B

• Statement 1 is incorrect. The Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI) is not established under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. Instead, it is a statutory body constituted under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960. The Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 deals primarily with the protection of wild animals, birds, and plants, creation of protected areas, and regulation of hunting and trade in wildlife, whereas animal welfare relating to prevention of cruelty to domestic and captive animals falls under the 1960 Act.

• Statement 2 is correct. Article 51A(g) of the Constitution of India, inserted by the 42nd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1976, explicitly makes it a Fundamental Duty of every citizen to protect and improve the natural environment, including forests, lakes, rivers, and wildlife, and to have compassion for living creatures. Judicial interpretations, particularly by the Supreme Court, have consistently read “compassion for living creatures” as encompassing the prevention of unnecessary pain or suffering to animals.

Solution: B

• Question 2 of 5 2. Question The ‘Ram Air Turbine’ (RAT), frequently mentioned in aviation safety investigations, is primarily used for: (a) Increasing the thrust of the aircraft during takeoff (b) Cooling the landing gear during emergency braking (c) Generating emergency power when primary engines fail (d) Reducing noise pollution during landing Correct Solution: C The Ram Air Turbine (RAT) is a critical emergency safety device installed on modern commercial and military aircraft. It is designed to deploy automatically—or manually by pilots—when the aircraft experiences a severe systems failure, such as the loss of both main engines or primary electrical and hydraulic power sources. Once deployed, the RAT extends into the airstream, where airflow causes it to rotate. This rotation drives either an electrical generator, a hydraulic pump, or a combined system, depending on aircraft design. The power generated by the RAT is not sufficient for full aircraft operations, but it is vital for maintaining essential flight controls, basic avionics, cockpit instruments, and limited communication systems. This allows pilots to retain control of the aircraft long enough to attempt engine relight, stabilize flight, or conduct an emergency landing. Incorrect Solution: C The Ram Air Turbine (RAT) is a critical emergency safety device installed on modern commercial and military aircraft. It is designed to deploy automatically—or manually by pilots—when the aircraft experiences a severe systems failure, such as the loss of both main engines or primary electrical and hydraulic power sources. Once deployed, the RAT extends into the airstream, where airflow causes it to rotate. This rotation drives either an electrical generator, a hydraulic pump, or a combined system, depending on aircraft design. The power generated by the RAT is not sufficient for full aircraft operations, but it is vital for maintaining essential flight controls, basic avionics, cockpit instruments, and limited communication systems. This allows pilots to retain control of the aircraft long enough to attempt engine relight, stabilize flight, or conduct an emergency landing.

#### 2. Question

The ‘Ram Air Turbine’ (RAT), frequently mentioned in aviation safety investigations, is primarily used for:

• (a) Increasing the thrust of the aircraft during takeoff

• (b) Cooling the landing gear during emergency braking

• (c) Generating emergency power when primary engines fail

• (d) Reducing noise pollution during landing

Solution: C

• The Ram Air Turbine (RAT) is a critical emergency safety device installed on modern commercial and military aircraft. It is designed to deploy automatically—or manually by pilots—when the aircraft experiences a severe systems failure, such as the loss of both main engines or primary electrical and hydraulic power sources. Once deployed, the RAT extends into the airstream, where airflow causes it to rotate. This rotation drives either an electrical generator, a hydraulic pump, or a combined system, depending on aircraft design.

The power generated by the RAT is not sufficient for full aircraft operations, but it is vital for maintaining essential flight controls, basic avionics, cockpit instruments, and limited communication systems. This allows pilots to retain control of the aircraft long enough to attempt engine relight, stabilize flight, or conduct an emergency landing.

Solution: C

• Question 3 of 5 3. Question Consider the following statements. Statement-I: India and other developing nations have raised strong objections to the European Union’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) at the World Trade Organization (WTO), labeling it as a discriminatory trade barrier. Statement-II: The concept of “Carbon Leakage” occurs when businesses transfer production to countries with laxer emission constraints, thereby negating the climate efforts of the country with stricter regulations. 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: B Statement-I is correct. India and several other developing countries have consistently objected to the European Union’s CBAM in multilateral forums, including the World Trade Organization. Their objections focus on concerns that CBAM functions as a disguised trade barrier, violates the principles of non-discrimination and Common but Differentiated Responsibilities (CBDR), and disproportionately burdens developing economies with lower historical emissions and limited technological capacity. Statement-II is also correct. “Carbon leakage” is a well-established concept in climate economics, describing the relocation of emission-intensive industries from jurisdictions with strict climate policies to those with weaker regulations, which can undermine global emission-reduction efforts. However, Statement-II is not the correct explanation for Statement-I. The EU justifies CBAM precisely as a response to carbon leakage, whereas the objections raised by India and other developing countries stem from equity, developmental, and trade-law concerns, not from a denial of the carbon-leakage phenomenon itself. Incorrect Solution: B Statement-I is correct. India and several other developing countries have consistently objected to the European Union’s CBAM in multilateral forums, including the World Trade Organization. Their objections focus on concerns that CBAM functions as a disguised trade barrier, violates the principles of non-discrimination and Common but Differentiated Responsibilities (CBDR), and disproportionately burdens developing economies with lower historical emissions and limited technological capacity. Statement-II is also correct. “Carbon leakage” is a well-established concept in climate economics, describing the relocation of emission-intensive industries from jurisdictions with strict climate policies to those with weaker regulations, which can undermine global emission-reduction efforts. However, Statement-II is not the correct explanation for Statement-I. The EU justifies CBAM precisely as a response to carbon leakage, whereas the objections raised by India and other developing countries stem from equity, developmental, and trade-law concerns, not from a denial of the carbon-leakage phenomenon itself.

#### 3. Question

Consider the following statements.

Statement-I: India and other developing nations have raised strong objections to the European Union’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) at the World Trade Organization (WTO), labeling it as a discriminatory trade barrier.

Statement-II: The concept of “Carbon Leakage” occurs when businesses transfer production to countries with laxer emission constraints, thereby negating the climate efforts of the country with stricter regulations.

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: B

• Statement-I is correct. India and several other developing countries have consistently objected to the European Union’s CBAM in multilateral forums, including the World Trade Organization. Their objections focus on concerns that CBAM functions as a disguised trade barrier, violates the principles of non-discrimination and Common but Differentiated Responsibilities (CBDR), and disproportionately burdens developing economies with lower historical emissions and limited technological capacity.

• Statement-II is also correct. “Carbon leakage” is a well-established concept in climate economics, describing the relocation of emission-intensive industries from jurisdictions with strict climate policies to those with weaker regulations, which can undermine global emission-reduction efforts.

• However, Statement-II is not the correct explanation for Statement-I. The EU justifies CBAM precisely as a response to carbon leakage, whereas the objections raised by India and other developing countries stem from equity, developmental, and trade-law concerns, not from a denial of the carbon-leakage phenomenon itself.

Solution: B

• Question 4 of 5 4. Question Consider the following statements regarding the rights under Article 25 and 26 of the Constitution of India, in light of recent judicial pronouncements: The “Essential Religious Practices” test is used by the Judiciary to determine which religious practices are eligible for constitutional protection under Article 25. The State government is empowered to prohibit a religious practice solely on the ground of “Law and Order” apprehension without providing concrete evidence of such a threat. The protection of monuments and heritage sites under the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) acts as a reasonable restriction on the secular activity associated with a religious practice, such as public congregation. 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 Correct:The Supreme Court (and High Courts) evolved the “Essential Religious Practices” doctrine (Shirur Mutt case) to distinguish between the core, integral parts of a religion (protected) and superstitious/secular accretions (not protected). The Madras HC applied this to affirm that lighting the Deepam is essential to the temple’s tradition. Statement 2 is Incorrect:While Article 25 is subject to “Public Order,” the Courts have consistently ruled that a mere apprehension of disturbance is not enough. The State cannot ban a right simply because it fears it cannot manage the crowd or security. The Madras HC explicitly called the State’s fear an “imaginary ghost” and rejected the ban, stating that law and order is the State’s duty to maintain, not a tool to deny rights. Statement 3 is Correct:Rights under Article 25 are not absolute and are subject to other fundamental rights and public order, morality, and health. Furthermore, the State (through ASI) can regulate the secular aspects of religion (administration, property, access). The Court allowed the ritual but banned public access to the hilltop to protect the monument, showing that heritage conservation is a valid ground for regulating the manner of practice. Incorrect Solution: B Statement 1 is Correct:The Supreme Court (and High Courts) evolved the “Essential Religious Practices” doctrine (Shirur Mutt case) to distinguish between the core, integral parts of a religion (protected) and superstitious/secular accretions (not protected). The Madras HC applied this to affirm that lighting the Deepam is essential to the temple’s tradition. Statement 2 is Incorrect:While Article 25 is subject to “Public Order,” the Courts have consistently ruled that a mere apprehension of disturbance is not enough. The State cannot ban a right simply because it fears it cannot manage the crowd or security. The Madras HC explicitly called the State’s fear an “imaginary ghost” and rejected the ban, stating that law and order is the State’s duty to maintain, not a tool to deny rights. Statement 3 is Correct:Rights under Article 25 are not absolute and are subject to other fundamental rights and public order, morality, and health. Furthermore, the State (through ASI) can regulate the secular aspects of religion (administration, property, access). The Court allowed the ritual but banned public access to the hilltop to protect the monument, showing that heritage conservation is a valid ground for regulating the manner of practice.

#### 4. Question

Consider the following statements regarding the rights under Article 25 and 26 of the Constitution of India, in light of recent judicial pronouncements:

• The “Essential Religious Practices” test is used by the Judiciary to determine which religious practices are eligible for constitutional protection under Article 25.

• The State government is empowered to prohibit a religious practice solely on the ground of “Law and Order” apprehension without providing concrete evidence of such a threat.

• The protection of monuments and heritage sites under the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) acts as a reasonable restriction on the secular activity associated with a religious practice, such as public congregation.

How many of the above statements are correct?

• (a) Only one

• (b) Only two

• (c) All three

Solution: B

• Statement 1 is Correct:The Supreme Court (and High Courts) evolved the “Essential Religious Practices” doctrine (Shirur Mutt case) to distinguish between the core, integral parts of a religion (protected) and superstitious/secular accretions (not protected). The Madras HC applied this to affirm that lighting the Deepam is essential to the temple’s tradition.

• Statement 2 is Incorrect:While Article 25 is subject to “Public Order,” the Courts have consistently ruled that a mere apprehension of disturbance is not enough. The State cannot ban a right simply because it fears it cannot manage the crowd or security. The Madras HC explicitly called the State’s fear an “imaginary ghost” and rejected the ban, stating that law and order is the State’s duty to maintain, not a tool to deny rights.

• Statement 3 is Correct:Rights under Article 25 are not absolute and are subject to other fundamental rights and public order, morality, and health. Furthermore, the State (through ASI) can regulate the secular aspects of religion (administration, property, access). The Court allowed the ritual but banned public access to the hilltop to protect the monument, showing that heritage conservation is a valid ground for regulating the manner of practice.

Solution: B

• Question 5 of 5 5. Question Consider the following pairs regarding environmental terms/concepts mentioned in recent news: Term/Concept Context/Definition 1. “Think like a mountain” An ecological philosophy emphasizing the interconnectedness of ecosystems, recently invoked regarding the Aravallis. 2. Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism A tax on carbon-intensive imports designed to prevent “Carbon Leakage.” 3. Deepathoon A massive afforestation technique using seed bombs, pioneered in the Western Ghats. 4. Green Protectionism The use of environmental standards to shield domestic industries from foreign competition. How many of the above pairs are correctly matched? (a) Only one pair (b) Only two pairs (c) Only three pairs (d) All four pairs Correct Solution: C Pair 1 is correctly matched. “Think like a mountain,” a concept popularised by conservationist Aldo Leopold, reflects an ecological worldview that stresses long-term, system-wide interconnections rather than short-term human interests. In recent environmental discourse, the idea has been invoked in the context of conserving the Aravalli Range, highlighting how fragmented or piecemeal interventions can destabilise entire landscapes, water systems, and biodiversity networks. Pair 2 is also correct. The Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) is explicitly designed to impose a carbon-equivalent cost on imported goods from jurisdictions with weaker climate policies, with the stated objective of preventing carbon leakage and maintaining competitive neutrality for domestic industries facing stricter emission norms. Pair 3 is incorrectly matched. “Deepathoon” does not refer to a large-scale, seed-bomb-based afforestation technique pioneered in the Western Ghats. It is often associated with traditional or localised ecological or agricultural practices rather than a formally recognised mass afforestation method of that nature. Pair 4 is correctly matched. “Green protectionism” is a critical term used to describe situations where environmental regulations or standards are employed, intentionally or otherwise, to protect domestic industries from foreign competition under the guise of environmental protection. Incorrect Solution: C Pair 1 is correctly matched. “Think like a mountain,” a concept popularised by conservationist Aldo Leopold, reflects an ecological worldview that stresses long-term, system-wide interconnections rather than short-term human interests. In recent environmental discourse, the idea has been invoked in the context of conserving the Aravalli Range, highlighting how fragmented or piecemeal interventions can destabilise entire landscapes, water systems, and biodiversity networks. Pair 2 is also correct. The Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) is explicitly designed to impose a carbon-equivalent cost on imported goods from jurisdictions with weaker climate policies, with the stated objective of preventing carbon leakage and maintaining competitive neutrality for domestic industries facing stricter emission norms. Pair 3 is incorrectly matched. “Deepathoon” does not refer to a large-scale, seed-bomb-based afforestation technique pioneered in the Western Ghats. It is often associated with traditional or localised ecological or agricultural practices rather than a formally recognised mass afforestation method of that nature. Pair 4 is correctly matched. “Green protectionism” is a critical term used to describe situations where environmental regulations or standards are employed, intentionally or otherwise, to protect domestic industries from foreign competition under the guise of environmental protection.

#### 5. Question

Consider the following pairs regarding environmental terms/concepts mentioned in recent news:

| Term/Concept | Context/Definition

1.| “Think like a mountain” | An ecological philosophy emphasizing the interconnectedness of ecosystems, recently invoked regarding the Aravallis.
2.| Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism | A tax on carbon-intensive imports designed to prevent “Carbon Leakage.”
3.| Deepathoon | A massive afforestation technique using seed bombs, pioneered in the Western Ghats.
4.| Green Protectionism | The use of environmental standards to shield domestic industries from foreign competition.

How many of the above pairs are correctly matched?

• (a) Only one pair

• (b) Only two pairs

• (c) Only three pairs

• (d) All four pairs

Solution: C

• Pair 1 is correctly matched. “Think like a mountain,” a concept popularised by conservationist Aldo Leopold, reflects an ecological worldview that stresses long-term, system-wide interconnections rather than short-term human interests. In recent environmental discourse, the idea has been invoked in the context of conserving the Aravalli Range, highlighting how fragmented or piecemeal interventions can destabilise entire landscapes, water systems, and biodiversity networks.

• Pair 2 is also correct. The Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) is explicitly designed to impose a carbon-equivalent cost on imported goods from jurisdictions with weaker climate policies, with the stated objective of preventing carbon leakage and maintaining competitive neutrality for domestic industries facing stricter emission norms.

• Pair 3 is incorrectly matched. “Deepathoon” does not refer to a large-scale, seed-bomb-based afforestation technique pioneered in the Western Ghats. It is often associated with traditional or localised ecological or agricultural practices rather than a formally recognised mass afforestation method of that nature.

• Pair 4 is correctly matched. “Green protectionism” is a critical term used to describe situations where environmental regulations or standards are employed, intentionally or otherwise, to protect domestic industries from foreign competition under the guise of environmental protection.

Solution: C

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