UPSC Editorials Quiz : 16 February 2026

Solution: A

• Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) are laboratory-produced molecules designed to function like natural antibodies in the immune system. They are generated from a single clone of B-lymphocytes, meaning all antibody molecules are identical and recognize the same specific antigenic epitope. This property gives them extremely high specificity.
• Because monoclonal antibodies bind to a single, well-defined target—such as a receptor, protein, or antigen expressed on cancer cells—they are extensively used in targeted therapy. In oncology, for instance, they can block growth factor receptors (e.g., HER2), mark tumor cells for immune destruction, or deliver cytotoxic agents directly to malignant cells. This precision minimizes damage to healthy tissues compared to conventional chemotherapy.
• Thus, the reason correctly explains the assertion: their clonal origin and specificity toward a single epitope make them ideal tools for targeted therapeutic interventions in cancer, autoimmune diseases, and infectious diseases.

Solution: D

• Statement 1 is incorrect; Bhashini is a public digital infrastructure (DPI) developed by MeitY under the National Language Translation Mission (NLTM), and it is intended as a public resource.
• Statement 2 is incorrect; while Bhashini supports text translation in 22+ languages, its more advanced voice-to-voice and voice-to-text tools are currently available in 12 languages (though expansion is planned).
• Statement 3 is incorrect; BhashaDaan is a citizen participation platform where individuals voluntarily donate voice samples or translate text to help co-create Indian language datasets. It is not a taxation framework. Bhashini is designed to remove language as a barrier to welfare access and digital participation.

Source

Solution: D

All three listed applications represent beneficial uses of microorganisms in environmental and agricultural contexts.

1. Bioremediation of oil spills: Certain bacteria such as Pseudomonas and Alcanivorax can degrade hydrocarbons present in crude oil. These microbes metabolize oil components as sources of carbon and energy, converting them into less harmful substances. This natural or enhanced microbial process is widely used to clean marine and terrestrial oil spill sites, reducing ecological damage.
2. Bioleaching of metals from ores: Microorganisms such as Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans are used in biomining. They oxidize metal sulfides and help extract metals like copper, uranium, and gold from low-grade ores. Bioleaching is environmentally preferable to conventional smelting because it requires less energy and produces fewer air pollutants.

III. Nitrogen fixation in agricultural soils: Symbiotic bacteria like Rhizobium in legume root nodules convert atmospheric nitrogen into ammonia, a usable form for plants. This enhances soil fertility, reduces dependence on synthetic fertilizers, and supports sustainable agriculture.

Solution: B

• Match I is incorrect. While the ED does enforce the Fugitive Economic Offenders Act, 2018, it works under the Department of Revenue, Ministry of Finance, not the Ministry of Home Affairs.
• Match II is correct; the DRI is the premier intelligence agency under the CBIC, Department of Revenue, Ministry of Finance, focused on anti-smuggling and customs violations.
• Match III is correct; the Directorate General of Systems and Data Management is a key technological arm of the Department of Revenue, Ministry of Finance, utilizing big data to assist tax officers in identifying evaders and shaping better tax policy.

Solution: C

• Hansa-3 (NG) is an upgraded version of the earlier Hansa-3 light aircraft developed by the CSIR-National Aerospace Laboratories (CSIR-NAL), based in Bengaluru. The “NG” stands for “Next Generation.”
• It is a two-seater, light general aviation aircraft primarily designed as a pilot trainer aircraft. The aircraft is intended for use by flying clubs and aviation training institutes for Commercial Pilot License (CPL) training. It features a glass cockpit, improved aerodynamics, enhanced fuel efficiency, and modern avionics compared to its predecessor.
• The aircraft aligns with India’s push for indigenous aviation manufacturing under initiatives promoting self-reliance in aerospace technology. It is neither a stealth drone nor a submarine, and it has no relation to agricultural crop development.