UPSC Editorials Quiz : 9 July 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 statements regarding the eligibility and implementation of the Employment Linked Incentive (ELI) Scheme: Statement I: The scheme is designed to formalize the workforce by mandating that both the employee and the employer must be registered with the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) to avail benefits. Statement II: All incentive payments under the scheme, for both employees and employers, are made through the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) mode using the Aadhaar Bridge Payment System (ABPS). 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: C Statement I is correct. A core objective of the ELI scheme is to promote the formalization of the economy. A key eligibility criterion for both parts of the scheme is registration with the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO). First-time employees must be registered with EPFO to receive their incentive, and establishments must be registered with EPFO to claim benefits for new hires. This linkage to the social security framework is central to the scheme’s design. Statement II is incorrect. The scheme guidelines specify a differentiated payment process. Payments to the first-time employees under Part A are indeed made through the DBT mode using the Aadhaar Bridge Payment System (ABPS). However, payments to the employers under Part B are made directly into their PAN-linked bank accounts. Incorrect Solution: C Statement I is correct. A core objective of the ELI scheme is to promote the formalization of the economy. A key eligibility criterion for both parts of the scheme is registration with the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO). First-time employees must be registered with EPFO to receive their incentive, and establishments must be registered with EPFO to claim benefits for new hires. This linkage to the social security framework is central to the scheme’s design. Statement II is incorrect. The scheme guidelines specify a differentiated payment process. Payments to the first-time employees under Part A are indeed made through the DBT mode using the Aadhaar Bridge Payment System (ABPS). However, payments to the employers under Part B are made directly into their PAN-linked bank accounts.

#### 1. Question

Consider the following statements regarding the eligibility and implementation of the Employment Linked Incentive (ELI) Scheme:

Statement I: The scheme is designed to formalize the workforce by mandating that both the employee and the employer must be registered with the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) to avail benefits.

Statement II: All incentive payments under the scheme, for both employees and employers, are made through the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) mode using the Aadhaar Bridge Payment System (ABPS).

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: C

• Statement I is correct. A core objective of the ELI scheme is to promote the formalization of the economy. A key eligibility criterion for both parts of the scheme is registration with the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO). First-time employees must be registered with EPFO to receive their incentive, and establishments must be registered with EPFO to claim benefits for new hires. This linkage to the social security framework is central to the scheme’s design.

• Statement II is incorrect. The scheme guidelines specify a differentiated payment process. Payments to the first-time employees under Part A are indeed made through the DBT mode using the Aadhaar Bridge Payment System (ABPS). However, payments to the employers under Part B are made directly into their PAN-linked bank accounts.

Solution: C

• Question 2 of 5 2. Question Consider the following actions taken by the government: Upgrading Anganwadis to deliver Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE). Providing financial incentives to artisans for skill upgradation and modern tools. Establishing integrated textile parks with common infrastructure. Launching a national mission to nurture R&D in quantum technology. Which of the above actions are aligned with the vision of ‘Viksit Bharat @ 2047’? (a) 1 and 3 only (b) 2 and 4 only (c) 1, 2 and 3 only (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4 Correct Solution: D The vision of Viksit Bharat encompasses multiple pillars, including social progress, human capital development, economic growth, modern infrastructure, and technological advancement. All the given actions align with one or more of these pillars. Action 1: Upgrading Anganwadis under ‘Saksham Anganwadi and Poshan 2.0’ directly contributes to human capital development by focusing on early childhood education and nutrition, which is a foundational element for a developed nation. Action 2: Providing support to artisans through the PM Vishwakarma scheme aligns with the goals of inclusive economic growth, preserving cultural heritage, and integrating the traditional economy with the formal sector. Action 3: Establishing PM MITRA parks is a direct step towards building world-class infrastructure, boosting the manufacturing sector (Make in India), and enhancing global competitiveness, all key economic goals of Viksit Bharat. Action 4: Launching the National Quantum Mission is a strategic investment in cutting-edge science and technology, aiming to secure India’s position as a leader in future technologies, which is a critical component of the Viksit Bharat vision. Incorrect Solution: D The vision of Viksit Bharat encompasses multiple pillars, including social progress, human capital development, economic growth, modern infrastructure, and technological advancement. All the given actions align with one or more of these pillars. Action 1: Upgrading Anganwadis under ‘Saksham Anganwadi and Poshan 2.0’ directly contributes to human capital development by focusing on early childhood education and nutrition, which is a foundational element for a developed nation. Action 2: Providing support to artisans through the PM Vishwakarma scheme aligns with the goals of inclusive economic growth, preserving cultural heritage, and integrating the traditional economy with the formal sector. Action 3: Establishing PM MITRA parks is a direct step towards building world-class infrastructure, boosting the manufacturing sector (Make in India), and enhancing global competitiveness, all key economic goals of Viksit Bharat. Action 4: Launching the National Quantum Mission is a strategic investment in cutting-edge science and technology, aiming to secure India’s position as a leader in future technologies, which is a critical component of the Viksit Bharat vision.

#### 2. Question

Consider the following actions taken by the government:

• Upgrading Anganwadis to deliver Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE).

• Providing financial incentives to artisans for skill upgradation and modern tools.

• Establishing integrated textile parks with common infrastructure.

• Launching a national mission to nurture R&D in quantum technology.

Which of the above actions are aligned with the vision of ‘Viksit Bharat @ 2047’?

• (a) 1 and 3 only

• (b) 2 and 4 only

• (c) 1, 2 and 3 only

• (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

Solution: D

The vision of Viksit Bharat encompasses multiple pillars, including social progress, human capital development, economic growth, modern infrastructure, and technological advancement. All the given actions align with one or more of these pillars.

• Action 1: Upgrading Anganwadis under ‘Saksham Anganwadi and Poshan 2.0’ directly contributes to human capital development by focusing on early childhood education and nutrition, which is a foundational element for a developed nation.

• Action 2: Providing support to artisans through the PM Vishwakarma scheme aligns with the goals of inclusive economic growth, preserving cultural heritage, and integrating the traditional economy with the formal sector.

• Action 3: Establishing PM MITRA parks is a direct step towards building world-class infrastructure, boosting the manufacturing sector (Make in India), and enhancing global competitiveness, all key economic goals of Viksit Bharat.

Action 4: Launching the National Quantum Mission is a strategic investment in cutting-edge science and technology, aiming to secure India’s position as a leader in future technologies, which is a critical component of the Viksit Bharat vision.

Solution: D

• Question 3 of 5 3. Question With reference to the Women Entrepreneurship Platform (WEP), consider the following statements: It is a statutory body established by an Act of Parliament to regulate women-led enterprises. The ‘WEP Nxt’ phase of the platform was launched in partnership with CISCO to introduce evidence-based decision-making. The platform has launched a chatbot that utilizes generative AI and natural language processing to provide real-time support to entrepreneurs. The WEP focuses exclusively on providing support to women entrepreneurs in urban areas. How many of the above statements is/are correct? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) Only three (d) All four Correct Solution: B The Women Entrepreneurship Platform (WEP) has evolved since its inception, adopting new technologies and partnerships to enhance its support ecosystem. Statement 1 is incorrect. WEP is not a statutory body. It began as an initiative incubated within NITI Aayog and has evolved into a public-private partnership-led aggregator platform. It does not have regulatory powers; its role is to enable and support, not regulate. Statement 2 is correct. In 2021, the next phase of the platform, titled “WEP Nxt,” was launched in partnership with CISCO. A key objective of this phase was to enable technology-led experiences and drive evidence-based decision-making to address the challenges faced by women entrepreneurs more effectively. Statement 3 is correct. WEP has embraced modern technology to improve its service delivery. It has introduced an in-house developed chatbot that leverages generative AI and advanced natural language processing (NLP) algorithms. This tool is designed to provide seamless, real-time support, instant access to resources, and personalized guidance to women entrepreneurs using the platform. Statement 4 is incorrect. The WEP’s mandate is national, and it does not focus exclusively on urban areas. In fact, many of its programs and partnerships are designed to reach women across different regions, including rural and semi-urban areas, to foster inclusive growth. For example, Project Maitri focused on homestay owners in the North-Eastern Region. Incorrect Solution: B The Women Entrepreneurship Platform (WEP) has evolved since its inception, adopting new technologies and partnerships to enhance its support ecosystem. Statement 1 is incorrect. WEP is not a statutory body. It began as an initiative incubated within NITI Aayog and has evolved into a public-private partnership-led aggregator platform. It does not have regulatory powers; its role is to enable and support, not regulate. Statement 2 is correct. In 2021, the next phase of the platform, titled “WEP Nxt,” was launched in partnership with CISCO. A key objective of this phase was to enable technology-led experiences and drive evidence-based decision-making to address the challenges faced by women entrepreneurs more effectively. Statement 3 is correct. WEP has embraced modern technology to improve its service delivery. It has introduced an in-house developed chatbot that leverages generative AI and advanced natural language processing (NLP) algorithms. This tool is designed to provide seamless, real-time support, instant access to resources, and personalized guidance to women entrepreneurs using the platform. Statement 4 is incorrect. The WEP’s mandate is national, and it does not focus exclusively on urban areas. In fact, many of its programs and partnerships are designed to reach women across different regions, including rural and semi-urban areas, to foster inclusive growth. For example, Project Maitri focused on homestay owners in the North-Eastern Region.

#### 3. Question

With reference to the Women Entrepreneurship Platform (WEP), consider the following statements:

• It is a statutory body established by an Act of Parliament to regulate women-led enterprises.

• The ‘WEP Nxt’ phase of the platform was launched in partnership with CISCO to introduce evidence-based decision-making.

• The platform has launched a chatbot that utilizes generative AI and natural language processing to provide real-time support to entrepreneurs.

• The WEP focuses exclusively on providing support to women entrepreneurs in urban areas.

How many of the above statements is/are correct?

• (a) Only one

• (b) Only two

• (c) Only three

• (d) All four

Solution: B

The Women Entrepreneurship Platform (WEP) has evolved since its inception, adopting new technologies and partnerships to enhance its support ecosystem.

• Statement 1 is incorrect. WEP is not a statutory body. It began as an initiative incubated within NITI Aayog and has evolved into a public-private partnership-led aggregator platform. It does not have regulatory powers; its role is to enable and support, not regulate.

• Statement 2 is correct. In 2021, the next phase of the platform, titled “WEP Nxt,” was launched in partnership with CISCO. A key objective of this phase was to enable technology-led experiences and drive evidence-based decision-making to address the challenges faced by women entrepreneurs more effectively.

• Statement 3 is correct. WEP has embraced modern technology to improve its service delivery. It has introduced an in-house developed chatbot that leverages generative AI and advanced natural language processing (NLP) algorithms. This tool is designed to provide seamless, real-time support, instant access to resources, and personalized guidance to women entrepreneurs using the platform.

Statement 4 is incorrect. The WEP’s mandate is national, and it does not focus exclusively on urban areas. In fact, many of its programs and partnerships are designed to reach women across different regions, including rural and semi-urban areas, to foster inclusive growth. For example, Project Maitri focused on homestay owners in the North-Eastern Region.

Solution: B

The Women Entrepreneurship Platform (WEP) has evolved since its inception, adopting new technologies and partnerships to enhance its support ecosystem.

• Question 4 of 5 4. Question With reference to India’s R&D ecosystem, consider the following statements: 1. India spends more than 1% of its GDP on R&D. 2. The private sector contributes over 70% to India’s total R&D expenditure. 3. The Anusandhan NRF aims to strengthen links between industry and academia. How many of the above statements is/are correct? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) All three (d) None Correct Solution: A Only Statement 3 is correct India’s Research and Development (R&D) expenditure remains relatively low compared to global standards. Contrary to Statement 1, India spends around 65% of its GDP on R&D—significantly below countries like the U.S., South Korea, or China, which allocate well above 2% of GDP. As for Statement 2, the private sector in India contributes approximately 35% to total R&D spending, not over 70% as claimed. Most of India’s R&D is still public sector-driven, particularly through institutions like CSIR, DRDO, ISRO, and ICAR. Statement 3 is correct. The Anusandhan National Research Foundation (NRF) is a major policy initiative aimed at revamping India’s innovation ecosystem. It is designed to strengthen the linkages between academia, industry, and government by providing a dedicated funding and governance structure to promote collaborative, interdisciplinary, and industry-relevant research. Incorrect Solution: A Only Statement 3 is correct India’s Research and Development (R&D) expenditure remains relatively low compared to global standards. Contrary to Statement 1, India spends around 65% of its GDP on R&D—significantly below countries like the U.S., South Korea, or China, which allocate well above 2% of GDP. As for Statement 2, the private sector in India contributes approximately 35% to total R&D spending, not over 70% as claimed. Most of India’s R&D is still public sector-driven, particularly through institutions like CSIR, DRDO, ISRO, and ICAR. Statement 3 is correct. The Anusandhan National Research Foundation (NRF) is a major policy initiative aimed at revamping India’s innovation ecosystem. It is designed to strengthen the linkages between academia, industry, and government by providing a dedicated funding and governance structure to promote collaborative, interdisciplinary, and industry-relevant research.

#### 4. Question

With reference to India’s R&D ecosystem, consider the following statements:

1.India spends more than 1% of its GDP on R&D. 2. The private sector contributes over 70% to India’s total R&D expenditure. 3. The Anusandhan NRF aims to strengthen links between industry and academia.

How many of the above statements is/are correct?

• (a) Only one

• (b) Only two

• (c) All three

Solution: A

Only Statement 3 is correct

• India’s Research and Development (R&D) expenditure remains relatively low compared to global standards. Contrary to Statement 1, India spends around 65% of its GDP on R&D—significantly below countries like the U.S., South Korea, or China, which allocate well above 2% of GDP.

• As for Statement 2, the private sector in India contributes approximately 35% to total R&D spending, not over 70% as claimed. Most of India’s R&D is still public sector-driven, particularly through institutions like CSIR, DRDO, ISRO, and ICAR.

• Statement 3 is correct. The Anusandhan National Research Foundation (NRF) is a major policy initiative aimed at revamping India’s innovation ecosystem. It is designed to strengthen the linkages between academia, industry, and government by providing a dedicated funding and governance structure to promote collaborative, interdisciplinary, and industry-relevant research.

Solution: A

Only Statement 3 is correct

• Question 5 of 5 5. Question Which of the following factors are identified as key drivers of intensifying global drought hotspots? Unsustainable groundwater extraction and deforestation. Rising global temperatures leading to increased evapotranspiration. Effective early warning systems and adaptive land management. Select the correct answer using the code given below: (a) 1 only (b) 1 and 2 only (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 Correct Solution: B Statement 1 is correct. Human activities that lead to resource overexploitation are a significant driver. This includes unsustainable groundwater extraction, which depletes aquifers faster than they can be recharged, and deforestation, which disrupts local water cycles and reduces soil moisture retention. These practices aggravate hydrological imbalances and increase vulnerability to drought. Statement 2 is correct. Climate change, manifested through rising global temperatures, is a primary driver. Higher temperatures increase the rate of evapotranspiration—the process by which water is transferred from the land to the atmosphere by evaporation from the soil and other surfaces and by transpiration from plants. This process dries out the soil and vegetation more quickly, leading to prolonged dry spells. Statement 3 is incorrect. This statement describes solutions to mitigate drought, not causes. Effective early warning systems and adaptive land and water policies are components of good governance that help reduce vulnerability and build resilience against drought. Their absence or inadequacy is what deepens vulnerability. Incorrect Solution: B Statement 1 is correct. Human activities that lead to resource overexploitation are a significant driver. This includes unsustainable groundwater extraction, which depletes aquifers faster than they can be recharged, and deforestation, which disrupts local water cycles and reduces soil moisture retention. These practices aggravate hydrological imbalances and increase vulnerability to drought. Statement 2 is correct. Climate change, manifested through rising global temperatures, is a primary driver. Higher temperatures increase the rate of evapotranspiration—the process by which water is transferred from the land to the atmosphere by evaporation from the soil and other surfaces and by transpiration from plants. This process dries out the soil and vegetation more quickly, leading to prolonged dry spells. Statement 3 is incorrect. This statement describes solutions to mitigate drought, not causes. Effective early warning systems and adaptive land and water policies are components of good governance that help reduce vulnerability and build resilience against drought. Their absence or inadequacy is what deepens vulnerability.

#### 5. Question

Which of the following factors are identified as key drivers of intensifying global drought hotspots?

• Unsustainable groundwater extraction and deforestation.

• Rising global temperatures leading to increased evapotranspiration.

• Effective early warning systems and adaptive land management.

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

• (a) 1 only

• (b) 1 and 2 only

• (c) 1 and 3 only

• (d) 1, 2 and 3

Solution: B

• Statement 1 is correct. Human activities that lead to resource overexploitation are a significant driver. This includes unsustainable groundwater extraction, which depletes aquifers faster than they can be recharged, and deforestation, which disrupts local water cycles and reduces soil moisture retention. These practices aggravate hydrological imbalances and increase vulnerability to drought.

• Statement 2 is correct. Climate change, manifested through rising global temperatures, is a primary driver. Higher temperatures increase the rate of evapotranspiration—the process by which water is transferred from the land to the atmosphere by evaporation from the soil and other surfaces and by transpiration from plants. This process dries out the soil and vegetation more quickly, leading to prolonged dry spells.

• Statement 3 is incorrect. This statement describes solutions to mitigate drought, not causes. Effective early warning systems and adaptive land and water policies are components of good governance that help reduce vulnerability and build resilience against drought. Their absence or inadequacy is what deepens vulnerability.

Solution: B

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