UPSC Editorials Quiz : 8 October 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 pairs: Scheme/Policy Primary Objective 1. PM Vishwakarma Scheme Providing end-to-end support, including skill training and credit, to traditional artisans and craftspeople. 2. MSME Competitive (LEAN) Scheme Assisting MSMEs in implementing lean manufacturing tools to reduce waste and improve productivity. 3. Udyam Registration Portal A single-window, online system for the classification and formal registration of MSMEs. How many of the above pairs are correctly matched? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) All three (d) None Correct Solution: C Pair 1 is correctly matched. The PM Vishwakarma scheme was launched in 2023 with the specific objective of providing holistic, end-to-end support to traditional artisans and craftspeople (Vishwakarmas) across 18 trades. The support includes recognition through a certificate and ID card, skill upgradation, a toolkit incentive, collateral-free credit support (up to ₹3 lakh), incentives for digital transactions, and marketing support. It aims to integrate these artisans into the formal economy and value chains. Pair 2 is correctly matched. The MSME Competitive (LEAN) Scheme is part of the MSME Champions scheme. Its primary objective is to improve the competitiveness of MSMEs by encouraging them to adopt ‘Lean Manufacturing’ principles. These principles focus on systematically eliminating waste from the manufacturing process, leading to improved productivity, quality, and cost-effectiveness. The scheme provides financial assistance and expert guidance to MSMEs for implementing these tools. Pair 3 is correctly matched. The Udyam Registration Portal was launched in July 2020 as a major reform for the MSME sector. It replaced the earlier complex Udyog Aadhaar Memorandum (UAM) process. It is a completely online, paperless, and free-of-cost registration process based on self-declaration. An enterprise that registers receives a permanent registration number and an ‘Udyam Registration Certificate’. This portal serves as the primary single-window system for the identification and classification of MSMEs, making it easier for them to access various government schemes and benefits. Incorrect Solution: C Pair 1 is correctly matched. The PM Vishwakarma scheme was launched in 2023 with the specific objective of providing holistic, end-to-end support to traditional artisans and craftspeople (Vishwakarmas) across 18 trades. The support includes recognition through a certificate and ID card, skill upgradation, a toolkit incentive, collateral-free credit support (up to ₹3 lakh), incentives for digital transactions, and marketing support. It aims to integrate these artisans into the formal economy and value chains. Pair 2 is correctly matched. The MSME Competitive (LEAN) Scheme is part of the MSME Champions scheme. Its primary objective is to improve the competitiveness of MSMEs by encouraging them to adopt ‘Lean Manufacturing’ principles. These principles focus on systematically eliminating waste from the manufacturing process, leading to improved productivity, quality, and cost-effectiveness. The scheme provides financial assistance and expert guidance to MSMEs for implementing these tools. Pair 3 is correctly matched. The Udyam Registration Portal was launched in July 2020 as a major reform for the MSME sector. It replaced the earlier complex Udyog Aadhaar Memorandum (UAM) process. It is a completely online, paperless, and free-of-cost registration process based on self-declaration. An enterprise that registers receives a permanent registration number and an ‘Udyam Registration Certificate’. This portal serves as the primary single-window system for the identification and classification of MSMEs, making it easier for them to access various government schemes and benefits.

#### 1. Question

Consider the following pairs:

Scheme/Policy | Primary Objective

1.PM Vishwakarma Scheme | Providing end-to-end support, including skill training and credit, to traditional artisans and craftspeople.
2.MSME Competitive (LEAN) Scheme | Assisting MSMEs in implementing lean manufacturing tools to reduce waste and improve productivity.
3.Udyam Registration Portal | A single-window, online system for the classification and formal registration of MSMEs.

How many of the above pairs are correctly matched?

• (a) Only one

• (b) Only two

• (c) All three

Solution: C

Pair 1 is correctly matched. The PM Vishwakarma scheme was launched in 2023 with the specific objective of providing holistic, end-to-end support to traditional artisans and craftspeople (Vishwakarmas) across 18 trades. The support includes recognition through a certificate and ID card, skill upgradation, a toolkit incentive, collateral-free credit support (up to ₹3 lakh), incentives for digital transactions, and marketing support. It aims to integrate these artisans into the formal economy and value chains.

Pair 2 is correctly matched. The MSME Competitive (LEAN) Scheme is part of the MSME Champions scheme. Its primary objective is to improve the competitiveness of MSMEs by encouraging them to adopt ‘Lean Manufacturing’ principles. These principles focus on systematically eliminating waste from the manufacturing process, leading to improved productivity, quality, and cost-effectiveness. The scheme provides financial assistance and expert guidance to MSMEs for implementing these tools.

Pair 3 is correctly matched. The Udyam Registration Portal was launched in July 2020 as a major reform for the MSME sector. It replaced the earlier complex Udyog Aadhaar Memorandum (UAM) process. It is a completely online, paperless, and free-of-cost registration process based on self-declaration. An enterprise that registers receives a permanent registration number and an ‘Udyam Registration Certificate’. This portal serves as the primary single-window system for the identification and classification of MSMEs, making it easier for them to access various government schemes and benefits.

Solution: C

• Question 2 of 5 2. Question The term ‘Disguised Unemployment’ is most likely to be found in which of the following sectors of the Indian economy? (a) The IT and software services sector. (b) The capital goods manufacturing sector. (c) The agricultural sector. (d) The banking and financial services sector. Correct Solution: C Disguised unemployment, or hidden unemployment, is a situation where more people are employed in an activity than are actually required, such that their marginal productivity is zero or close to zero. If some of these workers are withdrawn from the activity, the total output will not fall. Option (a) and (d) are incorrect. The IT, banking, and financial services sectors are part of the organised services sector. They are characterized by high productivity, formal employment contracts, and a clear relationship between the number of workers and output. The marginal productivity of an employee in these sectors is significantly positive. Option (b) is incorrect. The capital goods manufacturing sector is also typically part of the organised sector, requiring skilled labour and capital-intensive processes. While it can face cyclical unemployment, it is not characterized by disguised unemployment. Option (c) is correct. The agricultural sector in India is the classic example of an economy with widespread disguised unemployment. Due to a lack of alternative employment opportunities, entire families are often engaged on a small plot of land. While everyone appears to be working, the work could be done by fewer people without any loss in agricultural output. The contribution of the additional workers to production is negligible. This is a major reason for the low per-capita productivity in Indian agriculture and underscores the need for job creation in the manufacturing and services sectors to absorb this surplus labour. Incorrect Solution: C Disguised unemployment, or hidden unemployment, is a situation where more people are employed in an activity than are actually required, such that their marginal productivity is zero or close to zero. If some of these workers are withdrawn from the activity, the total output will not fall. Option (a) and (d) are incorrect. The IT, banking, and financial services sectors are part of the organised services sector. They are characterized by high productivity, formal employment contracts, and a clear relationship between the number of workers and output. The marginal productivity of an employee in these sectors is significantly positive. Option (b) is incorrect. The capital goods manufacturing sector is also typically part of the organised sector, requiring skilled labour and capital-intensive processes. While it can face cyclical unemployment, it is not characterized by disguised unemployment. Option (c) is correct. The agricultural sector in India is the classic example of an economy with widespread disguised unemployment. Due to a lack of alternative employment opportunities, entire families are often engaged on a small plot of land. While everyone appears to be working, the work could be done by fewer people without any loss in agricultural output. The contribution of the additional workers to production is negligible. This is a major reason for the low per-capita productivity in Indian agriculture and underscores the need for job creation in the manufacturing and services sectors to absorb this surplus labour.

#### 2. Question

The term ‘Disguised Unemployment’ is most likely to be found in which of the following sectors of the Indian economy?

• (a) The IT and software services sector.

• (b) The capital goods manufacturing sector.

• (c) The agricultural sector.

• (d) The banking and financial services sector.

Solution: C

• Disguised unemployment, or hidden unemployment, is a situation where more people are employed in an activity than are actually required, such that their marginal productivity is zero or close to zero. If some of these workers are withdrawn from the activity, the total output will not fall.

• Option (a) and (d) are incorrect. The IT, banking, and financial services sectors are part of the organised services sector. They are characterized by high productivity, formal employment contracts, and a clear relationship between the number of workers and output. The marginal productivity of an employee in these sectors is significantly positive.

• Option (b) is incorrect. The capital goods manufacturing sector is also typically part of the organised sector, requiring skilled labour and capital-intensive processes. While it can face cyclical unemployment, it is not characterized by disguised unemployment.

• Option (c) is correct. The agricultural sector in India is the classic example of an economy with widespread disguised unemployment. Due to a lack of alternative employment opportunities, entire families are often engaged on a small plot of land. While everyone appears to be working, the work could be done by fewer people without any loss in agricultural output. The contribution of the additional workers to production is negligible. This is a major reason for the low per-capita productivity in Indian agriculture and underscores the need for job creation in the manufacturing and services sectors to absorb this surplus labour.

Solution: C

• Question 3 of 5 3. Question With reference to the industrial policy regime in India before 1991, consider the following: Industrial Licensing Reservation of industries for the public sector Quantitative restrictions on imports Phased Manufacturing Programme (PMP) How many of the above were key instruments of the ‘Licence Raj’ aimed at promoting Import Substitution Industrialization (ISI)? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) Only three (d) All four Correct Solution: D Industrial Licensing: This was the cornerstone of the system. Private firms were required to obtain a license from the government to start a new unit, expand capacity, or diversify production. This gave the state extensive control over the pattern of industrial investment. Reservation of industries for the public sector: A significant number of key industries, especially in heavy and strategic sectors (like mining, energy, and steel), were exclusively reserved for Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs). This was done to ensure state control over the “commanding heights” of the economy, a key tenet of the Nehruvian socialist model. Quantitative restrictions on imports: The ISI policy aimed to protect domestic industries from foreign competition to allow them to grow. This was achieved through high tariffs and, more importantly, strict quantitative restrictions (quotas) on the import of foreign goods, especially consumer goods. This forced domestic consumers and producers to rely on domestically produced items, regardless of quality or cost. Phased Manufacturing Programme (PMP): This was a specific policy tool under the ISI framework, particularly in sectors like automobiles. Firms, including foreign collaborations, were required to progressively increase the proportion of domestically sourced components in their final products over a specified period. The goal was to foster backward linkages and develop a domestic ancillary industry, thereby reducing reliance on imported parts and deepening the industrial base. Incorrect Solution: D Industrial Licensing: This was the cornerstone of the system. Private firms were required to obtain a license from the government to start a new unit, expand capacity, or diversify production. This gave the state extensive control over the pattern of industrial investment. Reservation of industries for the public sector: A significant number of key industries, especially in heavy and strategic sectors (like mining, energy, and steel), were exclusively reserved for Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs). This was done to ensure state control over the “commanding heights” of the economy, a key tenet of the Nehruvian socialist model. Quantitative restrictions on imports: The ISI policy aimed to protect domestic industries from foreign competition to allow them to grow. This was achieved through high tariffs and, more importantly, strict quantitative restrictions (quotas) on the import of foreign goods, especially consumer goods. This forced domestic consumers and producers to rely on domestically produced items, regardless of quality or cost. Phased Manufacturing Programme (PMP): This was a specific policy tool under the ISI framework, particularly in sectors like automobiles. Firms, including foreign collaborations, were required to progressively increase the proportion of domestically sourced components in their final products over a specified period. The goal was to foster backward linkages and develop a domestic ancillary industry, thereby reducing reliance on imported parts and deepening the industrial base.

#### 3. Question

With reference to the industrial policy regime in India before 1991, consider the following:

• Industrial Licensing

• Reservation of industries for the public sector

• Quantitative restrictions on imports

• Phased Manufacturing Programme (PMP)

How many of the above were key instruments of the ‘Licence Raj’ aimed at promoting Import Substitution Industrialization (ISI)?

• (a) Only one

• (b) Only two

• (c) Only three

• (d) All four

Solution: D

• Industrial Licensing: This was the cornerstone of the system. Private firms were required to obtain a license from the government to start a new unit, expand capacity, or diversify production. This gave the state extensive control over the pattern of industrial investment.

• Reservation of industries for the public sector: A significant number of key industries, especially in heavy and strategic sectors (like mining, energy, and steel), were exclusively reserved for Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs). This was done to ensure state control over the “commanding heights” of the economy, a key tenet of the Nehruvian socialist model.

• Quantitative restrictions on imports: The ISI policy aimed to protect domestic industries from foreign competition to allow them to grow. This was achieved through high tariffs and, more importantly, strict quantitative restrictions (quotas) on the import of foreign goods, especially consumer goods. This forced domestic consumers and producers to rely on domestically produced items, regardless of quality or cost.

• Phased Manufacturing Programme (PMP): This was a specific policy tool under the ISI framework, particularly in sectors like automobiles. Firms, including foreign collaborations, were required to progressively increase the proportion of domestically sourced components in their final products over a specified period. The goal was to foster backward linkages and develop a domestic ancillary industry, thereby reducing reliance on imported parts and deepening the industrial base.

Solution: D

• Question 4 of 5 4. Question Consider the following statements regarding the Sustainable Mountain Development Summit (SMDS): It is an annual summit organized by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change. The summit provides a platform for the ‘Mountain Legislators’ Meet’ to facilitate policy dialogue. 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 Sustainable Mountain Development Summit (SMDS) is organized by the Integrated Mountain Initiative (IMI), which is a civil society-led network. It is not organized by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, although government officials do participate in the summit. Statement 2 is correct. A key feature of the SMDS is the ‘Mountain Legislators’ Meet’ (MLM). This provides a unique platform for elected representatives from the IHR states to engage in policy dialogue, share experiences, and collaborate on solutions for the sustainable development of their region. Incorrect Solution: B Statement 1 is incorrect. The Sustainable Mountain Development Summit (SMDS) is organized by the Integrated Mountain Initiative (IMI), which is a civil society-led network. It is not organized by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, although government officials do participate in the summit. Statement 2 is correct. A key feature of the SMDS is the ‘Mountain Legislators’ Meet’ (MLM). This provides a unique platform for elected representatives from the IHR states to engage in policy dialogue, share experiences, and collaborate on solutions for the sustainable development of their region.

#### 4. Question

Consider the following statements regarding the Sustainable Mountain Development Summit (SMDS):

• It is an annual summit organized by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.

• The summit provides a platform for the ‘Mountain Legislators’ Meet’ to facilitate policy dialogue.

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 Sustainable Mountain Development Summit (SMDS) is organized by the Integrated Mountain Initiative (IMI), which is a civil society-led network. It is not organized by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, although government officials do participate in the summit.

Statement 2 is correct. A key feature of the SMDS is the ‘Mountain Legislators’ Meet’ (MLM). This provides a unique platform for elected representatives from the IHR states to engage in policy dialogue, share experiences, and collaborate on solutions for the sustainable development of their region.

Solution: B

• Question 5 of 5 5. Question Consider the following statements regarding PM E-DRIVE scheme: The Government of India has launched the PM E-DRIVE scheme to promote the adoption of electric vehicles. The scheme provides subsidies for setting up public EV charging stations. Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL) is the designated Project Implementation Agency for the scheme. How many of the above statements are correct? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) All three (d) None Correct Solution: C Statement 1 is correct; the PM E-DRIVE scheme is a key government initiative aimed at accelerating the adoption of electric vehicles in the country. A critical component of this strategy is addressing “range anxiety” among potential EV users by ensuring the availability of charging infrastructure. Statement 2 is correct. A major thrust of the PM E-DRIVE scheme is to expand the network of public EV charging stations. To this end, the scheme provides significant subsidies—up to 100% in some cases—for the installation of charging infrastructure at various locations, including government premises, public transport hubs, and highways. Statement 3 is also correct. To ensure the effective and streamlined execution of this ambitious plan, the government has designated Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL), a public sector undertaking, as the Project Implementation Agency (PIA). Incorrect Solution: C Statement 1 is correct; the PM E-DRIVE scheme is a key government initiative aimed at accelerating the adoption of electric vehicles in the country. A critical component of this strategy is addressing “range anxiety” among potential EV users by ensuring the availability of charging infrastructure. Statement 2 is correct. A major thrust of the PM E-DRIVE scheme is to expand the network of public EV charging stations. To this end, the scheme provides significant subsidies—up to 100% in some cases—for the installation of charging infrastructure at various locations, including government premises, public transport hubs, and highways. Statement 3 is also correct. To ensure the effective and streamlined execution of this ambitious plan, the government has designated Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL), a public sector undertaking, as the Project Implementation Agency (PIA).

#### 5. Question

Consider the following statements regarding PM E-DRIVE scheme:

• The Government of India has launched the PM E-DRIVE scheme to promote the adoption of electric vehicles.

• The scheme provides subsidies for setting up public EV charging stations.

• Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL) is the designated Project Implementation Agency for the scheme.

How many of the above statements are correct?

• (a) Only one

• (b) Only two

• (c) All three

Solution: C

• Statement 1 is correct; the PM E-DRIVE scheme is a key government initiative aimed at accelerating the adoption of electric vehicles in the country. A critical component of this strategy is addressing “range anxiety” among potential EV users by ensuring the availability of charging infrastructure.

• Statement 2 is correct. A major thrust of the PM E-DRIVE scheme is to expand the network of public EV charging stations. To this end, the scheme provides significant subsidies—up to 100% in some cases—for the installation of charging infrastructure at various locations, including government premises, public transport hubs, and highways.

• Statement 3 is also correct. To ensure the effective and streamlined execution of this ambitious plan, the government has designated Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL), a public sector undertaking, as the Project Implementation Agency (PIA).

Solution: C

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