UPSC Editorials Quiz : 10 January 2026

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: Statement-I: The National Intelligence Grid (NATGRID) is designed as a counter-terrorism measure that functions as a centralized database permanently storing the personal transaction data of all citizens. Statement-II: NATGRID acts as a middleware linkage tool that facilitates real-time access to data held by various standalone provider agencies without storing the data itself. 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: D NATGRID was conceptualised after the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks as a technological enabler for counter-terrorism and internal security coordination. However, a common misconception—captured in Statement-I—is that it functions as a massive centralised database storing personal data of citizens. This is incorrect. NATGRID does not permanently store or warehouse raw personal transaction data such as bank records, telecom logs, or travel details. Such data continue to remain with their respective “data-provider” agencies like banks, telecom companies, immigration authorities, and transport databases. Statement-II correctly captures the core design philosophy of NATGRID. It operates as a secure middleware or federated access platform that allows authorised intelligence and law-enforcement agencies to query multiple databases in near real time, subject to legal and procedural safeguards. This architecture reduces duplication of databases, limits unnecessary data retention, and addresses privacy concerns by ensuring purpose-limited access rather than bulk storage. Incorrect Solution: D NATGRID was conceptualised after the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks as a technological enabler for counter-terrorism and internal security coordination. However, a common misconception—captured in Statement-I—is that it functions as a massive centralised database storing personal data of citizens. This is incorrect. NATGRID does not permanently store or warehouse raw personal transaction data such as bank records, telecom logs, or travel details. Such data continue to remain with their respective “data-provider” agencies like banks, telecom companies, immigration authorities, and transport databases. Statement-II correctly captures the core design philosophy of NATGRID. It operates as a secure middleware or federated access platform that allows authorised intelligence and law-enforcement agencies to query multiple databases in near real time, subject to legal and procedural safeguards. This architecture reduces duplication of databases, limits unnecessary data retention, and addresses privacy concerns by ensuring purpose-limited access rather than bulk storage.

#### 1. Question

Consider the following statements:

Statement-I: The National Intelligence Grid (NATGRID) is designed as a counter-terrorism measure that functions as a centralized database permanently storing the personal transaction data of all citizens.

Statement-II: NATGRID acts as a middleware linkage tool that facilitates real-time access to data held by various standalone provider agencies without storing the data itself.

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: D

• NATGRID was conceptualised after the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks as a technological enabler for counter-terrorism and internal security coordination. However, a common misconception—captured in Statement-I—is that it functions as a massive centralised database storing personal data of citizens. This is incorrect. NATGRID does not permanently store or warehouse raw personal transaction data such as bank records, telecom logs, or travel details. Such data continue to remain with their respective “data-provider” agencies like banks, telecom companies, immigration authorities, and transport databases.

• Statement-II correctly captures the core design philosophy of NATGRID. It operates as a secure middleware or federated access platform that allows authorised intelligence and law-enforcement agencies to query multiple databases in near real time, subject to legal and procedural safeguards. This architecture reduces duplication of databases, limits unnecessary data retention, and addresses privacy concerns by ensuring purpose-limited access rather than bulk storage.

Solution: D

• Question 2 of 5 2. Question With reference to the ‘First Advance Estimates’ of National Income for 2025-26, consider the following statements: If the Nominal GDP growth rate is higher than the Real GDP growth rate, it indicates a state of deflation in the economy. The GDP Deflator is calculated by adding the rate of inflation to the Real GDP growth rate. A narrowing gap between Nominal and Real GDP growth rates invariably signals a rise in the headline inflation rate. How many of the statements given above are correct? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) All three (d) None Correct Solution: D Nominal GDP growth exceeding real GDP growth does not indicate deflation; rather, it reflects positive inflation, since nominal GDP captures both real output growth and price rise. Deflation would imply falling prices, in which case nominal growth could even be lower than real growth. The second statement is also incorrect because the GDP deflator is not computed by simple addition. Conceptually, the GDP deflator represents the ratio of nominal GDP to real GDP, multiplied by 100. In growth-rate terms, the deflator approximately equals the difference between nominal and real GDP growth rates, not their sum. The third statement reverses the correct interpretation. A narrowing gap between nominal and real GDP growth generally indicates moderating inflation, not rising inflation. A widening gap signals higher price pressures. Incorrect Solution: D Nominal GDP growth exceeding real GDP growth does not indicate deflation; rather, it reflects positive inflation, since nominal GDP captures both real output growth and price rise. Deflation would imply falling prices, in which case nominal growth could even be lower than real growth. The second statement is also incorrect because the GDP deflator is not computed by simple addition. Conceptually, the GDP deflator represents the ratio of nominal GDP to real GDP, multiplied by 100. In growth-rate terms, the deflator approximately equals the difference between nominal and real GDP growth rates, not their sum. The third statement reverses the correct interpretation. A narrowing gap between nominal and real GDP growth generally indicates moderating inflation, not rising inflation. A widening gap signals higher price pressures.

#### 2. Question

With reference to the ‘First Advance Estimates’ of National Income for 2025-26, consider the following statements:

• If the Nominal GDP growth rate is higher than the Real GDP growth rate, it indicates a state of deflation in the economy.

• The GDP Deflator is calculated by adding the rate of inflation to the Real GDP growth rate.

• A narrowing gap between Nominal and Real GDP growth rates invariably signals a rise in the headline inflation rate.

How many of the statements given above are correct?

• (a) Only one

• (b) Only two

• (c) All three

Solution: D

• Nominal GDP growth exceeding real GDP growth does not indicate deflation; rather, it reflects positive inflation, since nominal GDP captures both real output growth and price rise. Deflation would imply falling prices, in which case nominal growth could even be lower than real growth.

• The second statement is also incorrect because the GDP deflator is not computed by simple addition. Conceptually, the GDP deflator represents the ratio of nominal GDP to real GDP, multiplied by 100. In growth-rate terms, the deflator approximately equals the difference between nominal and real GDP growth rates, not their sum.

• The third statement reverses the correct interpretation. A narrowing gap between nominal and real GDP growth generally indicates moderating inflation, not rising inflation. A widening gap signals higher price pressures.

Solution: D

• Question 3 of 5 3. Question Consider the following statements regarding the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA): It was established to provide support to refugees from the 1948 Palestine War. Its mandate is global, covering refugees in all conflict zones including Africa and Asia. It is the only UN agency dedicated to helping refugees from a specific region or conflict. The United States has historically been one of its largest donors. How many of the above statements are correct? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) Only three (d) All four Correct Solution: C UNRWA was established in 1949 by the United Nations General Assembly specifically to address the humanitarian needs arising from the 1948 Arab–Israeli War, which led to the displacement of a large number of Palestinian Arabs. Hence, Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is incorrect because UNRWA’s mandate is not global. Its operations are geographically restricted to five fields of operation: the West Bank, Gaza Strip, Jordan, Lebanon, and Syria. Refugees in other regions or from other conflicts fall under the mandate of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), not UNRWA. Statement 3 is correct. UNRWA is the only UN agency created to serve refugees from a specific population and conflict, whereas UNHCR has a universal mandate covering refugees worldwide. Statement 4 is also correct. Historically, the United States has been one of UNRWA’s largest single donors, although its funding has fluctuated significantly due to political decisions in recent years. Incorrect Solution: C UNRWA was established in 1949 by the United Nations General Assembly specifically to address the humanitarian needs arising from the 1948 Arab–Israeli War, which led to the displacement of a large number of Palestinian Arabs. Hence, Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is incorrect because UNRWA’s mandate is not global. Its operations are geographically restricted to five fields of operation: the West Bank, Gaza Strip, Jordan, Lebanon, and Syria. Refugees in other regions or from other conflicts fall under the mandate of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), not UNRWA. Statement 3 is correct. UNRWA is the only UN agency created to serve refugees from a specific population and conflict, whereas UNHCR has a universal mandate covering refugees worldwide. Statement 4 is also correct. Historically, the United States has been one of UNRWA’s largest single donors, although its funding has fluctuated significantly due to political decisions in recent years.

#### 3. Question

Consider the following statements regarding the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA):

• It was established to provide support to refugees from the 1948 Palestine War.

• Its mandate is global, covering refugees in all conflict zones including Africa and Asia.

• It is the only UN agency dedicated to helping refugees from a specific region or conflict.

• The United States has historically been one of its largest donors.

How many of the above statements are correct?

• (a) Only one

• (b) Only two

• (c) Only three

• (d) All four

Solution: C

• UNRWA was established in 1949 by the United Nations General Assembly specifically to address the humanitarian needs arising from the 1948 Arab–Israeli War, which led to the displacement of a large number of Palestinian Arabs. Hence, Statement 1 is correct.

• Statement 2 is incorrect because UNRWA’s mandate is not global. Its operations are geographically restricted to five fields of operation: the West Bank, Gaza Strip, Jordan, Lebanon, and Syria. Refugees in other regions or from other conflicts fall under the mandate of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), not UNRWA.

• Statement 3 is correct. UNRWA is the only UN agency created to serve refugees from a specific population and conflict, whereas UNHCR has a universal mandate covering refugees worldwide.

• Statement 4 is also correct. Historically, the United States has been one of UNRWA’s largest single donors, although its funding has fluctuated significantly due to political decisions in recent years.

Solution: C

• Statement 3 is correct. UNRWA is the only UN agency created to serve refugees from a specific population and conflict, whereas UNHCR has a universal mandate covering refugees worldwide.

• Question 4 of 5 4. Question Match the following technologies with their primary advantage in the context of Electric Mobility: Technology Primary Advantage 1. Solid State Battery Higher energy density and reduced fire risk compared to liquid electrolytes. 2. Regenerative Braking Converts kinetic energy back into stored chemical energy during deceleration. Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched? (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 Correct Solution: C Solid-state batteries replace the flammable liquid or gel electrolyte used in conventional lithium-ion batteries with a solid electrolyte (ceramic, polymer, or sulfide-based). This structural change enables the use of lithium metal anodes, which significantly increases energy density, allowing more energy to be stored in the same physical space—an important advantage for electric mobility. From a safety perspective, the absence of liquid electrolytes greatly reduces the risk of leakage, thermal runaway, and fire, which are major concerns in present-day EV batteries. Solid electrolytes are also more stable at higher temperatures and less prone to dendrite-induced short circuits. Consequently, solid-state batteries are widely viewed as a next-generation battery technology capable of delivering longer driving ranges, faster charging, and enhanced safety for electric vehicles. Regenerative braking is a defining feature of electric and hybrid vehicles. During deceleration or braking, the electric motor operates in reverse as a generator, converting the vehicle’s kinetic energy into electrical energy. This electrical energy is then stored in the battery in chemical form for later use. The process improves overall energy efficiency, extends driving range, and reduces wear on mechanical braking systems. Incorrect Solution: C Solid-state batteries replace the flammable liquid or gel electrolyte used in conventional lithium-ion batteries with a solid electrolyte (ceramic, polymer, or sulfide-based). This structural change enables the use of lithium metal anodes, which significantly increases energy density, allowing more energy to be stored in the same physical space—an important advantage for electric mobility. From a safety perspective, the absence of liquid electrolytes greatly reduces the risk of leakage, thermal runaway, and fire, which are major concerns in present-day EV batteries. Solid electrolytes are also more stable at higher temperatures and less prone to dendrite-induced short circuits. Consequently, solid-state batteries are widely viewed as a next-generation battery technology capable of delivering longer driving ranges, faster charging, and enhanced safety for electric vehicles. Regenerative braking is a defining feature of electric and hybrid vehicles. During deceleration or braking, the electric motor operates in reverse as a generator, converting the vehicle’s kinetic energy into electrical energy. This electrical energy is then stored in the battery in chemical form for later use. The process improves overall energy efficiency, extends driving range, and reduces wear on mechanical braking systems.

#### 4. Question

Match the following technologies with their primary advantage in the context of Electric Mobility:

Technology | Primary Advantage

1.Solid State Battery | Higher energy density and reduced fire risk compared to liquid electrolytes.
2.Regenerative Braking | Converts kinetic energy back into stored chemical energy during deceleration.

Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched?

• (a) 1 only

• (b) 2 only

• (c) Both 1 and 2

• (d) Neither 1 nor 2

Solution: C

• Solid-state batteries replace the flammable liquid or gel electrolyte used in conventional lithium-ion batteries with a solid electrolyte (ceramic, polymer, or sulfide-based). This structural change enables the use of lithium metal anodes, which significantly increases energy density, allowing more energy to be stored in the same physical space—an important advantage for electric mobility.

• From a safety perspective, the absence of liquid electrolytes greatly reduces the risk of leakage, thermal runaway, and fire, which are major concerns in present-day EV batteries. Solid electrolytes are also more stable at higher temperatures and less prone to dendrite-induced short circuits. Consequently, solid-state batteries are widely viewed as a next-generation battery technology capable of delivering longer driving ranges, faster charging, and enhanced safety for electric vehicles.

• Regenerative braking is a defining feature of electric and hybrid vehicles. During deceleration or braking, the electric motor operates in reverse as a generator, converting the vehicle’s kinetic energy into electrical energy. This electrical energy is then stored in the battery in chemical form for later use. The process improves overall energy efficiency, extends driving range, and reduces wear on mechanical braking systems.

Solution: C

• Question 5 of 5 5. Question Mount Merapi, which erupted in October 2025, is a ‘Stratovolcano’. Which of the following is a characteristic feature of stratovolcanoes? (a) They are formed by highly fluid basaltic lava that spreads over large areas (Shield type). (b) They are conical mountains formed by layers of hardened lava, tephra, pumice, and ash, known for explosive eruptions. (c) They have gentle slopes and rarely explode violently. (d) They are exclusively found at divergent plate boundaries (Mid-Ocean Ridges). Correct Solution: B Option (b) is correct: Stratovolcanoes (Composite Volcanoes) are the classic cone-shaped volcanoes. Formation: They are built by alternating layers (strata) of lava, ash, and tephra. Magma: They typically have high-viscosity (sticky) magma (andesitic/rhyolitic) rich in silica. Eruption Style: The viscous magma traps gases, leading to pressure build-up and violent, explosive eruptions (often with pyroclastic flows). Location: They are primarily found at Convergent Plate Boundaries (Subduction Zones) like the Ring of Fire, not divergent boundaries (where Shield volcanoes/Basalt flows are common). Incorrect Solution: B Option (b) is correct: Stratovolcanoes (Composite Volcanoes) are the classic cone-shaped volcanoes. Formation: They are built by alternating layers (strata) of lava, ash, and tephra. Magma: They typically have high-viscosity (sticky) magma (andesitic/rhyolitic) rich in silica. Eruption Style: The viscous magma traps gases, leading to pressure build-up and violent, explosive eruptions (often with pyroclastic flows). Location: They are primarily found at Convergent Plate Boundaries (Subduction Zones) like the Ring of Fire, not divergent boundaries (where Shield volcanoes/Basalt flows are common).

#### 5. Question

Mount Merapi, which erupted in October 2025, is a ‘Stratovolcano’. Which of the following is a characteristic feature of stratovolcanoes?

• (a) They are formed by highly fluid basaltic lava that spreads over large areas (Shield type).

• (b) They are conical mountains formed by layers of hardened lava, tephra, pumice, and ash, known for explosive eruptions.

• (c) They have gentle slopes and rarely explode violently.

• (d) They are exclusively found at divergent plate boundaries (Mid-Ocean Ridges).

Solution: B

• Option (b) is correct: Stratovolcanoes (Composite Volcanoes) are the classic cone-shaped volcanoes. Formation: They are built by alternating layers (strata) of lava, ash, and tephra. Magma: They typically have high-viscosity (sticky) magma (andesitic/rhyolitic) rich in silica. Eruption Style: The viscous magma traps gases, leading to pressure build-up and violent, explosive eruptions (often with pyroclastic flows). Location: They are primarily found at Convergent Plate Boundaries (Subduction Zones) like the Ring of Fire, not divergent boundaries (where Shield volcanoes/Basalt flows are common).

• Formation: They are built by alternating layers (strata) of lava, ash, and tephra.

• Magma: They typically have high-viscosity (sticky) magma (andesitic/rhyolitic) rich in silica.

• Eruption Style: The viscous magma traps gases, leading to pressure build-up and violent, explosive eruptions (often with pyroclastic flows).

• Location: They are primarily found at Convergent Plate Boundaries (Subduction Zones) like the Ring of Fire, not divergent boundaries (where Shield volcanoes/Basalt flows are common).

Solution: B

• Formation: They are built by alternating layers (strata) of lava, ash, and tephra.

• Magma: They typically have high-viscosity (sticky) magma (andesitic/rhyolitic) rich in silica.

• Eruption Style: The viscous magma traps gases, leading to pressure build-up and violent, explosive eruptions (often with pyroclastic flows).

• Location: They are primarily found at Convergent Plate Boundaries (Subduction Zones) like the Ring of Fire, not divergent boundaries (where Shield volcanoes/Basalt flows are common).

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