UPSC Editorials Quiz : 14 March 2026

Solution: D

• The measurement of GDP in India involves multiple approaches, primarily the production (or value-added) approach, which estimates the value of goods and services produced across sectors. The expenditure side—consumption, investment, government spending, and net exports—is then used to reconcile estimates.
• One key challenge discussed in economic analyses is the emergence of “statistical discrepancies”, which occur when the production estimates and expenditure estimates do not match perfectly. Such discrepancies are common in national accounting systems globally because the data sources and methodologies differ.
• Another crucial issue concerns deflators, which convert nominal GDP into real GDP by adjusting for inflation. If the price indices used as deflators are inaccurate or outdated, they can distort the measurement of real growth.
• India has attempted to address this by expanding the number of deflators used in calculations, thereby improving price adjustment across sectors.

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Solution: B

• The concept of Loss and Damage emerged within global climate negotiations to address irreversible harms caused by climate change, especially in vulnerable developing countries. These harms include coastal erosion, flooding, drought, loss of livelihoods, and displacement of communities.
• Statement 1 is correct because developing nations have argued that industrialized countries bear historical responsibility for greenhouse gas emissions, and therefore should contribute financially to addressing the resulting damages.
• Statement 2 is also correct. The Loss and Damage Fund, agreed upon during international climate negotiations, aims to provide financial assistance to countries that suffer severe climate impacts, particularly those with limited adaptive capacity. The fund represents a shift in global climate policy toward recognizing the equity dimension of climate change.
• Statement 3 is incorrect because the mechanism is not limited only to small island states. Although island nations are among the most vulnerable, other developing countries—such as those facing floods, droughts, or glacial melt—can also seek support.

Solution: B

• The demographic transition describes the transformation of population structures as societies develop economically and socially. In the early stages, countries experience high birth and death rates, but improvements in healthcare and living standards gradually reduce mortality and fertility. Statement 1 correctly captures this transition.
• Statement 2 is also correct because when fertility rates decline significantly, the proportion of elderly citizens in the population increases, eventually leading to population ageing. Many developed countries are currently experiencing this challenge.
• Statement 3 is incorrect because the demographic dividend occurs when the working-age population becomes larger relative to dependents, creating a potential boost in economic productivity and growth. Countries can harness this dividend only if they invest in education, employment opportunities, and skill development.
• Countries that fail to create jobs during the demographic dividend phase may experience social and economic pressures despite favourable age structures.

Solution: C

• Semiconductor fabrication is crucial for electronics, communication infrastructure, artificial intelligence, and defence technologies. Many countries are investing heavily in domestic chip manufacturing to reduce supply chain vulnerabilities.
• Rare earth minerals are essential for electric vehicles, wind turbines, electronics, and defence systems. Their strategic importance arises from the concentration of mining and processing capacities in a few countries.
• Quantum computing represents a frontier technology with potential applications in cryptography, materials science, drug discovery, and complex simulations. Governments worldwide view it as a strategic domain for technological leadership.

Solution: A

• Statement 1 is correct. Under Article 324(5) of the Constitution, the CEC enjoys security of tenure and can only be removed in the same manner and on the same grounds—”proved misbehaviour or incapacity”—as a Judge of the Supreme Court.
• Statement 2 is correct. According to the Judges (Inquiry) Act, 1968, which governs the removal process, a notice must be signed by 100 members in the Lok Sabha or 50 in the Rajya Sabha before being submitted to the Speaker or Chairman.
• Statement 3 is incorrect. The 2023 Act relates to the appointment of the CEC and ECs, not their removal. For removal, once the parliamentary motion is passed by a special majority, the final order is issued by the President. The Selection Committee’s role is limited to the initial appointment process.

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