UPSC Editorials Quiz : 6 May 2026

Solution: D

• In a landmark ruling on May 4, 2026, the Supreme Court, led by CJI Surya Kant, held that survivors of acid attacks who suffered internal injuries—such as damage to the esophagus and stomach—must be recognized under the RPwD Act, 2016.
• Previously, a literal reading of Schedule 2(zc) focused on “disfigurement,” which often excluded those forced to consume acid. The Court adopted a “purposive interpretation” to ensure that the law’s social welfare objectives are met, ruling that denying recognition to those with “invisible” internal injuries was a textbook example of under-classification.
• This ruling is significant because it provides ingestion survivors access to disability certificates, which are essential for financial aid and specialized medical care. Furthermore, the Court linked this access to the fundamental right to live with dignity under Article 21. It also suggested making acid sellers co-accused in criminal cases and criticized the “tardy trials” that delay justice for victims across states like Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal.

Solution: A

The Union Cabinet, led by the Prime Minister, approved the Mission for Cotton Productivity (2026–27 to 2030–31) with a total outlay of Rs 5,659.22 crore. The mission is a strategic agricultural intervention aimed at addressing structural bottlenecks and declining growth in the sector. Its core goal is to increase lint productivity from the current 440 kg/ha to 755 kg/ha by 2031, benefiting approximately 32 lakh farmers across major producing states like Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Telangana. This initiative is viewed as a milestone for achieving self-reliance in the textile value chain.

Solution: B

• “Project Freedom” was initiated by the U.S. administration on May 4, 2026, as a military operation to escort commercial ships through the Strait of Hormuz during the height of the West Asia war. The Strait of Hormuz is a critical maritime chokepoint; for instance, India relies on this route for nearly 60% of its LNG imports, mostly from Qatar. Although the operation was paused shortly after its launch to allow for diplomatic negotiations with Tehran, the U.S. maintained that the naval blockade in the region would remain in effect until a final agreement was signed.

Solution: C

The Great Indian Bustard (GIB), locally known as Ghorad, is a bird of extreme conservation importance.

• 1-A-i: It is listed as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List. This status signifies that the species faces an extremely high risk of extinction in the wild, with a global population estimated at fewer than 150 individuals.
• 2-B-ii: Adult males can weigh up to 15 kg, making the GIB one of the heaviest flying birds in the world. Their ostrich-like appearance and large size make them susceptible to collisions with overhead power lines, a major cause of mortality.
• 3-C-iii: Their primary habitat consists of dry, open grasslands and scrublands. They are considered the flagship species of India’s grassland ecosystem (often called the “Guardian of the Grasslands”). Their presence indicates the ecological health of Open Natural Ecosystems, which are vital for carbon sequestration and supporting diverse pastoral livelihoods. They are also slow breeders, typically laying only one egg per year in a ground nest, which makes their eggs highly vulnerable to predators like foxes and stray dogs.

Solution: B

• Statement 1 is correct. The Baltic Sea is a semi-enclosed inland sea known for its brackish nature (a mix of freshwater from over 200 rivers and saltwater from the North Sea). This unique mix creates vertical salinity layering, where more saline water stays at the bottom and fresher water remains at the surface, leading to a highly stratified ecosystem.
• Statement 2 is correct. The only connection between the Baltic Sea and the open ocean (Atlantic) is through the North Sea, via the narrow straits of Kattegat and Skagerrak.
• Statement 3 is incorrect. The Baltic Sea actually has low biodiversity. Its young geological age and unstable, brackish salinity mean only a few species can survive there. Furthermore, its semi-enclosed nature results in very slow water circulation. It takes nearly 30 years for the water in the Baltic to be completely renewed. This slow exchange makes the sea highly sensitive to pollutants, such as the chemicals leaking from the 1.6 million tonnes of World War II munitions currently rusting on its floor.