UPSC Editorials Quiz : 9 February 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 With reference to India’s participation in the Ramsar Convention, consider the following statements: India became a contracting party to the Ramsar Convention in 1971, the year the treaty was signed. The number of Ramsar sites in India has seen a growth of over 250% since 2014. All wetlands in India are automatically designated as Ramsar sites if they cover more than 5% of a state’s land area. How many of the above statements are correct? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) All three (d) None Correct Solution: A Statement 1 is incorrect because while the Ramsar Convention was signed in 1971, India became a Contracting Party on February 1, 1982. Statement 2 is correct. There has been a massive push for wetland conservation recently. As of February 2026, India has 98 Ramsar sites, which represents a 276% expansion in the network since 2014. This rapid inclusion reflects the government’s focus on using Ramsar designation as a tool for biodiversity conservation and climate resilience. Statement 3 is incorrect. Designation as a Ramsar site is not “automatic” based on land area. A wetland must meet specific scientific criteria (such as supporting vulnerable species or regularly supporting 20,000 or more waterbirds) and must be formally nominated by the national government to the Ramsar Secretariat. Currently, wetlands cover about 5% of India’s land area, but only a small fraction of these are designated as Ramsar sites of international importance. Incorrect Solution: A Statement 1 is incorrect because while the Ramsar Convention was signed in 1971, India became a Contracting Party on February 1, 1982. Statement 2 is correct. There has been a massive push for wetland conservation recently. As of February 2026, India has 98 Ramsar sites, which represents a 276% expansion in the network since 2014. This rapid inclusion reflects the government’s focus on using Ramsar designation as a tool for biodiversity conservation and climate resilience. Statement 3 is incorrect. Designation as a Ramsar site is not “automatic” based on land area. A wetland must meet specific scientific criteria (such as supporting vulnerable species or regularly supporting 20,000 or more waterbirds) and must be formally nominated by the national government to the Ramsar Secretariat. Currently, wetlands cover about 5% of India’s land area, but only a small fraction of these are designated as Ramsar sites of international importance.

#### 1. Question

With reference to India’s participation in the Ramsar Convention, consider the following statements:

• India became a contracting party to the Ramsar Convention in 1971, the year the treaty was signed.

• The number of Ramsar sites in India has seen a growth of over 250% since 2014.

• All wetlands in India are automatically designated as Ramsar sites if they cover more than 5% of a state’s land area.

How many of the above statements are correct?

• (a) Only one

• (b) Only two

• (c) All three

Solution: A

• Statement 1 is incorrect because while the Ramsar Convention was signed in 1971, India became a Contracting Party on February 1, 1982.

• Statement 2 is correct. There has been a massive push for wetland conservation recently. As of February 2026, India has 98 Ramsar sites, which represents a 276% expansion in the network since 2014. This rapid inclusion reflects the government’s focus on using Ramsar designation as a tool for biodiversity conservation and climate resilience.

Statement 3 is incorrect. Designation as a Ramsar site is not “automatic” based on land area. A wetland must meet specific scientific criteria (such as supporting vulnerable species or regularly supporting 20,000 or more waterbirds) and must be formally nominated by the national government to the Ramsar Secretariat. Currently, wetlands cover about 5% of India’s land area, but only a small fraction of these are designated as Ramsar sites of international importance.

Solution: A

• Statement 1 is incorrect because while the Ramsar Convention was signed in 1971, India became a Contracting Party on February 1, 1982.

• Question 2 of 5 2. Question With reference to the “Biopharma SHAKTI” scheme announced in the Union Budget 2026, consider the following statements: The scheme is primarily aimed at establishing India as a global hub for the production of biologics and biosimilars. It includes a mandate to convert all existing National Institutes of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPERs) into fully private entities. The initiative is exclusively dedicated to the manufacturing of traditional generic drugs to maintain the “Pharmacy of the World” status. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 1 and 2 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 Correct Solution: A The “Biopharma SHAKTI” (Strategy for Healthcare Advancement through Knowledge, Technology & Innovation) scheme represents a strategic pivot in India’s pharmaceutical sector. Statement 1 is correct; the scheme, with an outlay of ₹10,000 crore over five years, aims to build an ecosystem for the domestic production of biologics and biosimilars, moving India up the global value chain. Statement 2 is incorrect; the budget actually proposes the establishment of three new NIPERs and the upgradation of seven existing ones to strengthen advanced pharmaceutical education and research, rather than privatizing them. Statement 3 is also incorrect; while traditional generic drugs are a core strength of India, this specific scheme is focused on advanced biotechnology products and medical devices, expanding the bioeconomy beyond conventional pills. It also includes the creation of a network of 1,000 accredited clinical trial sites to enhance clinical research capabilities. Source Incorrect Solution: A The “Biopharma SHAKTI” (Strategy for Healthcare Advancement through Knowledge, Technology & Innovation) scheme represents a strategic pivot in India’s pharmaceutical sector. Statement 1 is correct; the scheme, with an outlay of ₹10,000 crore over five years, aims to build an ecosystem for the domestic production of biologics and biosimilars, moving India up the global value chain. Statement 2 is incorrect; the budget actually proposes the establishment of three new NIPERs and the upgradation of seven existing ones to strengthen advanced pharmaceutical education and research, rather than privatizing them. Statement 3 is also incorrect; while traditional generic drugs are a core strength of India, this specific scheme is focused on advanced biotechnology products and medical devices, expanding the bioeconomy beyond conventional pills. It also includes the creation of a network of 1,000 accredited clinical trial sites to enhance clinical research capabilities. Source

#### 2. Question

With reference to the “Biopharma SHAKTI” scheme announced in the Union Budget 2026, consider the following statements:

• The scheme is primarily aimed at establishing India as a global hub for the production of biologics and biosimilars.

• It includes a mandate to convert all existing National Institutes of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPERs) into fully private entities.

• The initiative is exclusively dedicated to the manufacturing of traditional generic drugs to maintain the “Pharmacy of the World” status.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

• (a) 1 only

• (b) 2 and 3 only

• (c) 1 and 2 only

• (d) 1, 2 and 3

Solution: A

• The “Biopharma SHAKTI” (Strategy for Healthcare Advancement through Knowledge, Technology & Innovation) scheme represents a strategic pivot in India’s pharmaceutical sector.

• Statement 1 is correct; the scheme, with an outlay of ₹10,000 crore over five years, aims to build an ecosystem for the domestic production of biologics and biosimilars, moving India up the global value chain.

• Statement 2 is incorrect; the budget actually proposes the establishment of three new NIPERs and the upgradation of seven existing ones to strengthen advanced pharmaceutical education and research, rather than privatizing them.

• Statement 3 is also incorrect; while traditional generic drugs are a core strength of India, this specific scheme is focused on advanced biotechnology products and medical devices, expanding the bioeconomy beyond conventional pills. It also includes the creation of a network of 1,000 accredited clinical trial sites to enhance clinical research capabilities.

Solution: A

• The “Biopharma SHAKTI” (Strategy for Healthcare Advancement through Knowledge, Technology & Innovation) scheme represents a strategic pivot in India’s pharmaceutical sector.

• Question 3 of 5 3. Question Consider the following statements. Potential growth rate is defined as the maximum rate an economy can grow without triggering unwanted levels of inflation. Total Factor Productivity (TFP) is one of the main factors determining the potential growth rate. 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: C Statement 1 is correct: Potential GDP growth represents the “speed limit” of an economy—the pace at which it can expand by fully optimizing its resources (capital and labor) without causing the economy to “overheat” and lead to excessive inflation. Statement 2 is correct: The potential growth rate is determined by three factors: the capital stock(infrastructure, machinery), labour input (number of people and their skill sets), and Total Factor Productivity (TFP), which measures the efficiency with which labor and capital are utilized. Sustained investments in education and skilling, alongside manufacturing initiatives like PLI schemes, have been credited for this step-up in India’s long-term economic capacity. Source Incorrect Solution: C Statement 1 is correct: Potential GDP growth represents the “speed limit” of an economy—the pace at which it can expand by fully optimizing its resources (capital and labor) without causing the economy to “overheat” and lead to excessive inflation. Statement 2 is correct: The potential growth rate is determined by three factors: the capital stock(infrastructure, machinery), labour input (number of people and their skill sets), and Total Factor Productivity (TFP), which measures the efficiency with which labor and capital are utilized. Sustained investments in education and skilling, alongside manufacturing initiatives like PLI schemes, have been credited for this step-up in India’s long-term economic capacity. Source

#### 3. Question

Consider the following statements.

• Potential growth rate is defined as the maximum rate an economy can grow without triggering unwanted levels of inflation.

• Total Factor Productivity (TFP) is one of the main factors determining the potential growth rate.

Which of the above statements are correct?

• (a) 1 only

• (b) 2 only

• (c) Both 1 and 2

• (d) Neither 1 nor 2

Solution: C

• Statement 1 is correct: Potential GDP growth represents the “speed limit” of an economy—the pace at which it can expand by fully optimizing its resources (capital and labor) without causing the economy to “overheat” and lead to excessive inflation.

• Statement 2 is correct: The potential growth rate is determined by three factors: the capital stock(infrastructure, machinery), labour input (number of people and their skill sets), and Total Factor Productivity (TFP), which measures the efficiency with which labor and capital are utilized. Sustained investments in education and skilling, alongside manufacturing initiatives like PLI schemes, have been credited for this step-up in India’s long-term economic capacity.

Solution: C

• Question 4 of 5 4. Question Which one of the following is correct in respect of the ‘Global Digital Compact’ (GDC) discussed at recent UN Summits? (a) It is a binding trade treaty under the World Trade Organization (WTO) aimed at eliminating tariffs on digital goods. (b) It is a framework emphasizing 'human-centric' technology, open-source Digital Public Infrastructure, and bridging the digital divide, advocated by India. (c) It is a cybersecurity alliance formed exclusively by the G7 nations to counter cyber-espionage. (d) It is a European Union regulation mandating the localization of all user data within national borders. Correct Solution: B Option (b) is Correct: The Global Digital Compact is an initiative under the UN’s “Summit of the Future.” India has played a pivotal role in shaping it, advocating for a “human-centric” India emphasizes the sharing of Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) (like UPI, Aadhaar) and open-source models to bridge the global digital divide, rather than allowing digital technologies to be dominated by a few corporations or “finance-centric” models. Option (a) is Incorrect: It is a UN initiative, not a WTO trade treaty. Option (c) is Incorrect: It is a global initiative involving the UN membership, not an exclusive G7 security alliance. Option (d) is Incorrect: This description resembles the GDPR or data sovereignty laws, not the GDC. Incorrect Solution: B Option (b) is Correct: The Global Digital Compact is an initiative under the UN’s “Summit of the Future.” India has played a pivotal role in shaping it, advocating for a “human-centric” India emphasizes the sharing of Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) (like UPI, Aadhaar) and open-source models to bridge the global digital divide, rather than allowing digital technologies to be dominated by a few corporations or “finance-centric” models. Option (a) is Incorrect: It is a UN initiative, not a WTO trade treaty. Option (c) is Incorrect: It is a global initiative involving the UN membership, not an exclusive G7 security alliance. Option (d) is Incorrect: This description resembles the GDPR or data sovereignty laws, not the GDC.

#### 4. Question

Which one of the following is correct in respect of the ‘Global Digital Compact’ (GDC) discussed at recent UN Summits?

• (a) It is a binding trade treaty under the World Trade Organization (WTO) aimed at eliminating tariffs on digital goods.

• (b) It is a framework emphasizing 'human-centric' technology, open-source Digital Public Infrastructure, and bridging the digital divide, advocated by India.

• (c) It is a cybersecurity alliance formed exclusively by the G7 nations to counter cyber-espionage.

• (d) It is a European Union regulation mandating the localization of all user data within national borders.

Solution: B

• Option (b) is Correct: The Global Digital Compact is an initiative under the UN’s “Summit of the Future.” India has played a pivotal role in shaping it, advocating for a “human-centric” India emphasizes the sharing of Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) (like UPI, Aadhaar) and open-source models to bridge the global digital divide, rather than allowing digital technologies to be dominated by a few corporations or “finance-centric” models.

• Option (a) is Incorrect: It is a UN initiative, not a WTO trade treaty.

• Option (c) is Incorrect: It is a global initiative involving the UN membership, not an exclusive G7 security alliance.

• Option (d) is Incorrect: This description resembles the GDPR or data sovereignty laws, not the GDC.

Solution: B

• Option (a) is Incorrect: It is a UN initiative, not a WTO trade treaty.

• Option (c) is Incorrect: It is a global initiative involving the UN membership, not an exclusive G7 security alliance.

• Option (d) is Incorrect: This description resembles the GDPR or data sovereignty laws, not the GDC.

• Question 5 of 5 5. Question The term “Pocket Veto” in the context of the Indian Constitution is often discussed in relation to: (a) The power of the Speaker to indefinitely delay the decision on disqualification of members under the Tenth Schedule. (b) The practice of Governors keeping a Bill pending indefinitely without taking any decision under Article 200. (c) The power of the Rajya Sabha to withhold Money Bills for a period exceeding fourteen days. (d) The authority of the President to seek advisory opinions from the Supreme Court but refuse to implement them. Correct Solution: B Option (b) is Correct: “Pocket Veto” refers to the situation where an executive head (President or Governor) neither ratifies nor rejects a Bill, nor returns it for reconsideration, but simply keeps it pending indefinitely. Since the Constitution does not prescribe a specific time limit for assent (using vague terms like “as soon as possible” for return), this inaction effectively kills the Bill. Incorrect Solution: B Option (b) is Correct: “Pocket Veto” refers to the situation where an executive head (President or Governor) neither ratifies nor rejects a Bill, nor returns it for reconsideration, but simply keeps it pending indefinitely. Since the Constitution does not prescribe a specific time limit for assent (using vague terms like “as soon as possible” for return), this inaction effectively kills the Bill.

#### 5. Question

The term “Pocket Veto” in the context of the Indian Constitution is often discussed in relation to:

• (a) The power of the Speaker to indefinitely delay the decision on disqualification of members under the Tenth Schedule.

• (b) The practice of Governors keeping a Bill pending indefinitely without taking any decision under Article 200.

• (c) The power of the Rajya Sabha to withhold Money Bills for a period exceeding fourteen days.

• (d) The authority of the President to seek advisory opinions from the Supreme Court but refuse to implement them.

Solution: B

Option (b) is Correct: “Pocket Veto” refers to the situation where an executive head (President or Governor) neither ratifies nor rejects a Bill, nor returns it for reconsideration, but simply keeps it pending indefinitely. Since the Constitution does not prescribe a specific time limit for assent (using vague terms like “as soon as possible” for return), this inaction effectively kills the Bill.

Solution: B

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