UPSC Editorials Quiz : 4 May 2026

Answer: D

Explanation:

• The ‘We Rise’ initiative, launched by NITI Aayog’s Women Entrepreneurship Platform (WEP) in collaboration with DP World, is a strategic public-private partnership. Its core aim is not just general entrepreneurship, but specifically identifying and nurturing high-potential women-led MSMEs to become export-ready.
• The initiative falls under the “Award to Reward” (ATR) framework, which seeks to scale businesses by providing them with the tools needed for international trade. This includes mentorship on trade compliance, branding, and cross-border logistics.
• By leveraging DP World’s global logistics infrastructure, the program helps women entrepreneurs overcome barriers to entry in foreign markets. This aligns with the broader national vision of Viksit Bharat @2047, emphasizing that inclusive economic growth requires women to be leaders in the global export ecosystem, rather than just domestic vendors. It addresses the “missing middle” in women’s entrepreneurship where businesses struggle to scale beyond a certain size due to lack of market linkages.

Answer: A

Explanation:

• The theme “Hand in Hand for Better Food and a Better Future” was the official slogan for World Food Day 2025, which coincided with the celebration of 80 years of partnership between the FAO and the Government of India.
• The theme reflects the collaborative nature of the relationship, moving from a “donor-recipient” model to one of “equal partners” in agricultural innovation. The celebration highlighted India’s success in leveraging FAO’s technical expertise to implement nutrition-sensitive and climate-resilient agriculture.
• Over the decades, this partnership has evolved to focus on modern challenges such as micro-irrigation, natural farming, and the digital transformation of agriculture through projects like AgriStack.

Answer: C

Explanation:

• The Marine Fisheries Census (MFC) 2025 represents a paradigm shift in India’s approach to maritime data management. Unlike previous manual iterations, this census is fully digital and paperless, utilizing geo-referenced data to ensure high spatial accuracy.
• The ICAR-CMFRI acts as the primary implementation agency, supported by the Fishery Survey of India (FSI), under the aegis of the Department of Fisheries. This transition to a digital format via the VYAS mobile application suite allows for real-time data validation and monitoring.
• Conceptually, the census is not merely a head-count but a strategic tool for socio-economic mapping. By gathering granular data on debt, insurance coverage, and income levels across 5,000 villages, the government aims to bridge gaps in welfare delivery. This data is critical for the effective execution of schemes like PMMSY and PM-MKSSY, ensuring that benefits reach the most vulnerable segments of the 1.2 million targeted households.
• The integration of drone-based aerial enumeration for fishing crafts further enhances transparency, preventing the duplication of assets and ensuring that policy planning is rooted in empirical evidence rather than estimates. This aligns with the broader national goal of sustainable fisheries management and Blue Economy objectives.

Answer: C

Explanation:

• Australian Wattle (Acacia mearnsii) is an invasive species (Category I) introduced for tannin and fuel. Its impact (Role A) is detrimental: it forms dense canopies that block sunlight for native grasses and its deep roots significantly reduce soil porosity and groundwater levels.
• The Nilgiri Marten is a rare, endemic carnivore (Category II) found in the Western Ghats. Its presence (Role B) serves as a biological indicator; a stable population suggests the ecosystem is intact and free from excessive fragmentation.
• Shola Forests are the stunted evergreen forests (Category III) found in valleys separated by vast grasslands. These forests and the associated grasslands (Role C) are crucial for hydrology, acting as natural sponges (aquifers) that sustain peninsular rivers like the Cauvery and Vaigai. The restoration project in Pampadum Shola (2020–2024) aimed specifically at reversing the damage caused by Wattle to restore this native balance.

Answer: D

Explanation:

• The Aabhar online store is a strategic initiative to link local craftsmanship with large-scale institutional buyers like the Indian Railways.
• Statement 1 is correct; the store is hosted on the GeM platform, which streamlines public procurement.
• Statement 2 is correct as the supply chain involves established bodies like KVIC, CCIE, and various State Handicraft Emporiums. This ensures that the products are authentic and represent India’s rich heritage.
• Statement 3 is correct. The conceptual goal of Aabhar is social inclusion. By showcasing items under the One District One Product (ODOP) and Geographical Indication (GI) categories, the store provides a digital storefront for marginalized artisans, tribes, and women-led enterprises who might otherwise lack market access. The Indian Railways will patronize this store for official gifts and ceremonies, which is a significant move under the ‘Vocal for Local’
• This initiative complements the ‘One Station One Product (OSOP)’ scheme, creating a dual-pronged approach to supporting traditional industries: physical stalls at stations and a digital presence on GeM. This ensures sustainable economic development for rural artisans by integrating them into the formal economy.