UPSC Editorials Quiz : 11 August 2025

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.

#### Quiz-summary

0 of 5 questions completed

Questions:

#### Information

Best of luck! 🙂

You have already completed the quiz before. Hence you can not start it again.

Quiz is loading...

You must sign in or sign up to start the quiz.

You have to finish following quiz, to start this quiz:

0 of 5 questions answered correctly

Your time:

Time has elapsed

You have reached 0 of 0 points, (0)

#### Categories

• Not categorized 0%

• Question 1 of 5 1. Question The difficulty in predicting cloudbursts is NOT attributed to which of the following factors? (a) The short duration of the event. (b) The large geographical area over which they occur. (c) The lack of dense meteorological infrastructure in hilly regions. (d) The high cost associated with advanced forecasting models. Correct Solution: B The prediction of cloudbursts is a significant challenge for meteorologists due to several factors. These include their short duration, typically lasting less than an hour, which leaves a very small window for detection and warning. Furthermore, the inadequate infrastructure, such as a sparse network of Doppler radars and weather stations in the topographically complex and remote hilly areas where these events are most common, limits real-time monitoring capabilities. The high cost of installing and maintaining advanced radar systems and running sophisticated AI-based forecasting models is also a major barrier. However, the statement that they occur over a large geographical area is incorrect. In fact, the opposite is true. Cloudbursts are characterized by their small spatial scale, with the intense rainfall concentrated over a very limited area (typically 20–30 sq km, and sometimes as small as 1 sq km). Incorrect Solution: B The prediction of cloudbursts is a significant challenge for meteorologists due to several factors. These include their short duration, typically lasting less than an hour, which leaves a very small window for detection and warning. Furthermore, the inadequate infrastructure, such as a sparse network of Doppler radars and weather stations in the topographically complex and remote hilly areas where these events are most common, limits real-time monitoring capabilities. The high cost of installing and maintaining advanced radar systems and running sophisticated AI-based forecasting models is also a major barrier. However, the statement that they occur over a large geographical area is incorrect. In fact, the opposite is true. Cloudbursts are characterized by their small spatial scale, with the intense rainfall concentrated over a very limited area (typically 20–30 sq km, and sometimes as small as 1 sq km).

#### 1. Question

The difficulty in predicting cloudbursts is NOT attributed to which of the following factors?

• (a) The short duration of the event.

• (b) The large geographical area over which they occur.

• (c) The lack of dense meteorological infrastructure in hilly regions.

• (d) The high cost associated with advanced forecasting models.

Solution: B

• The prediction of cloudbursts is a significant challenge for meteorologists due to several factors. These include their short duration, typically lasting less than an hour, which leaves a very small window for detection and warning.

• Furthermore, the inadequate infrastructure, such as a sparse network of Doppler radars and weather stations in the topographically complex and remote hilly areas where these events are most common, limits real-time monitoring capabilities.

• The high cost of installing and maintaining advanced radar systems and running sophisticated AI-based forecasting models is also a major barrier.

• However, the statement that they occur over a large geographical area is incorrect. In fact, the opposite is true. Cloudbursts are characterized by their small spatial scale, with the intense rainfall concentrated over a very limited area (typically 20–30 sq km, and sometimes as small as 1 sq km).

Solution: B

• The high cost of installing and maintaining advanced radar systems and running sophisticated AI-based forecasting models is also a major barrier.

• Question 2 of 5 2. Question With reference to the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty, consider the following statements: Statement I: The INF Treaty was the first arms control agreement to eliminate an entire class of weapons. Statement II: The treaty banned all ground-launched ballistic and cruise missiles with ranges between 500 and 5,500 kilometers. 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 but 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: A The Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty, signed in 1987 between the United States and the Soviet Union, was a landmark achievement in arms control. Statement I is correct because the treaty was the first of its kind to eliminate an entire category of weapons, rather than just imposing limits on their numbers. This was a significant step towards de-escalation during the Cold War. Statement II is also correct and provides the specific details of the weapons that were eliminated. The treaty mandated the destruction of all ground-launched ballistic and cruise missiles with ranges between 500 and 5,500 kilometers. This specific range of missiles was considered particularly destabilizing as they could strike targets in Europe with very little warning time. Statement II is the correct explanation for Statement I. Incorrect Solution: A The Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty, signed in 1987 between the United States and the Soviet Union, was a landmark achievement in arms control. Statement I is correct because the treaty was the first of its kind to eliminate an entire category of weapons, rather than just imposing limits on their numbers. This was a significant step towards de-escalation during the Cold War. Statement II is also correct and provides the specific details of the weapons that were eliminated. The treaty mandated the destruction of all ground-launched ballistic and cruise missiles with ranges between 500 and 5,500 kilometers. This specific range of missiles was considered particularly destabilizing as they could strike targets in Europe with very little warning time. Statement II is the correct explanation for Statement I.

#### 2. Question

With reference to the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty, consider the following statements:

Statement I: The INF Treaty was the first arms control agreement to eliminate an entire class of weapons.

Statement II: The treaty banned all ground-launched ballistic and cruise missiles with ranges between 500 and 5,500 kilometers.

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 but 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: A

• The Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty, signed in 1987 between the United States and the Soviet Union, was a landmark achievement in arms control.

• Statement I is correct because the treaty was the first of its kind to eliminate an entire category of weapons, rather than just imposing limits on their numbers. This was a significant step towards de-escalation during the Cold War.

• Statement II is also correct and provides the specific details of the weapons that were eliminated. The treaty mandated the destruction of all ground-launched ballistic and cruise missiles with ranges between 500 and 5,500 kilometers. This specific range of missiles was considered particularly destabilizing as they could strike targets in Europe with very little warning time.

• Statement II is the correct explanation for Statement I.

Solution: A

• The Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty, signed in 1987 between the United States and the Soviet Union, was a landmark achievement in arms control.

• Statement II is the correct explanation for Statement I.

• Question 3 of 5 3. Question Consider the following statements regarding the “Great Recall Vote” in Taiwan: It is a constitutional provision that allows for the removal of elected officials. The recall process is initiated by the ruling party against opposition lawmakers. The “Bluebird Movement” was a protest against the recall vote. How many of the above statements are correct? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) All three (d) None Correct Solution: A The “Great Recall Vote” in Taiwan is a significant political event that highlights the country’s democratic processes. Statement 1 is correct. The recall mechanism is enshrined in Taiwan’s Public Officials Election and Recall Act, which empowers citizens to remove elected officials they believe have betrayed the public trust. Statement 2 is incorrect. While the recall vote is being supported by the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), the initiation of the recall process is a citizen-led initiative. It requires a certain percentage of signatures from the electorate to be initiated, making it a tool of direct democracy rather than a purely partisan maneuver by the ruling party. Statement 3 is also incorrect. The “Bluebird Movement” was a civil resistance protest that emerged in May 2024, before the recall vote was initiated. The protests were against the Kuomintang (KMT) party’s passage of controversial reform bills without following standard legislative procedures. The recall vote can be seen as a consequence of the political tensions that were highlighted by the Bluebird Movement, but the movement itself was not a protest against the recall. Incorrect Solution: A The “Great Recall Vote” in Taiwan is a significant political event that highlights the country’s democratic processes. Statement 1 is correct. The recall mechanism is enshrined in Taiwan’s Public Officials Election and Recall Act, which empowers citizens to remove elected officials they believe have betrayed the public trust. Statement 2 is incorrect. While the recall vote is being supported by the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), the initiation of the recall process is a citizen-led initiative. It requires a certain percentage of signatures from the electorate to be initiated, making it a tool of direct democracy rather than a purely partisan maneuver by the ruling party. Statement 3 is also incorrect. The “Bluebird Movement” was a civil resistance protest that emerged in May 2024, before the recall vote was initiated. The protests were against the Kuomintang (KMT) party’s passage of controversial reform bills without following standard legislative procedures. The recall vote can be seen as a consequence of the political tensions that were highlighted by the Bluebird Movement, but the movement itself was not a protest against the recall.

#### 3. Question

Consider the following statements regarding the “Great Recall Vote” in Taiwan:

• It is a constitutional provision that allows for the removal of elected officials.

• The recall process is initiated by the ruling party against opposition lawmakers.

• The “Bluebird Movement” was a protest against the recall vote.

How many of the above statements are correct?

• (a) Only one

• (b) Only two

• (c) All three

Solution: A

• The “Great Recall Vote” in Taiwan is a significant political event that highlights the country’s democratic processes.

• Statement 1 is correct. The recall mechanism is enshrined in Taiwan’s Public Officials Election and Recall Act, which empowers citizens to remove elected officials they believe have betrayed the public trust.

• Statement 2 is incorrect. While the recall vote is being supported by the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), the initiation of the recall process is a citizen-led initiative. It requires a certain percentage of signatures from the electorate to be initiated, making it a tool of direct democracy rather than a purely partisan maneuver by the ruling party.

• Statement 3 is also incorrect. The “Bluebird Movement” was a civil resistance protest that emerged in May 2024, before the recall vote was initiated. The protests were against the Kuomintang (KMT) party’s passage of controversial reform bills without following standard legislative procedures. The recall vote can be seen as a consequence of the political tensions that were highlighted by the Bluebird Movement, but the movement itself was not a protest against the recall.

Solution: A

• The “Great Recall Vote” in Taiwan is a significant political event that highlights the country’s democratic processes.

• Question 4 of 5 4. Question With reference to the Bhalukona–Jamnidih block, consider the following statements: The block is located in the state of Odisha. It is a potential source of Nickel, Copper, and Platinum Group Elements (PGEs). The mineral exploration in this block is allowed only through public sector undertaking. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 2 only (b) 1 and 2 only (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 Correct Solution: A The Bhalukona–Jamnidih block is a geologically significant area with the potential for strategic mineral resources. Statement 1 is incorrect. The block is located in the Mahasamund district of Chhattisgarh, not Odisha. It is part of the Neo-Archaean Sonakhan Greenstone Belt in the Bastar Craton. Statement 2 is correct. The block has been identified as a potential zone for Nickel–Copper–Platinum Group Elements (Ni–Cu–PGE) sulphide mineralization. These are critical and strategic metals that are essential for various modern industries, including electric vehicles, renewable energy, and defense. Statement 3 is incorrect. The exploration and mining rights for the Bhalukona–Jamnidih block have been licensed to Deccan Gold Mining Ltd. (DGML), which is a private sector mining company. This marks a significant step in involving the private sector in the exploration of critical minerals in India. Incorrect Solution: A The Bhalukona–Jamnidih block is a geologically significant area with the potential for strategic mineral resources. Statement 1 is incorrect. The block is located in the Mahasamund district of Chhattisgarh, not Odisha. It is part of the Neo-Archaean Sonakhan Greenstone Belt in the Bastar Craton. Statement 2 is correct. The block has been identified as a potential zone for Nickel–Copper–Platinum Group Elements (Ni–Cu–PGE) sulphide mineralization. These are critical and strategic metals that are essential for various modern industries, including electric vehicles, renewable energy, and defense. Statement 3 is incorrect. The exploration and mining rights for the Bhalukona–Jamnidih block have been licensed to Deccan Gold Mining Ltd. (DGML), which is a private sector mining company. This marks a significant step in involving the private sector in the exploration of critical minerals in India.

#### 4. Question

With reference to the Bhalukona–Jamnidih block, consider the following statements:

• The block is located in the state of Odisha.

• It is a potential source of Nickel, Copper, and Platinum Group Elements (PGEs).

• The mineral exploration in this block is allowed only through public sector undertaking.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

• (a) 2 only

• (b) 1 and 2 only

• (c) 1 and 3 only

• (d) 1, 2 and 3

Solution: A

• The Bhalukona–Jamnidih block is a geologically significant area with the potential for strategic mineral resources.

• Statement 1 is incorrect. The block is located in the Mahasamund district of Chhattisgarh, not Odisha. It is part of the Neo-Archaean Sonakhan Greenstone Belt in the Bastar Craton.

• Statement 2 is correct. The block has been identified as a potential zone for Nickel–Copper–Platinum Group Elements (Ni–Cu–PGE) sulphide mineralization. These are critical and strategic metals that are essential for various modern industries, including electric vehicles, renewable energy, and defense.

• Statement 3 is incorrect. The exploration and mining rights for the Bhalukona–Jamnidih block have been licensed to Deccan Gold Mining Ltd. (DGML), which is a private sector mining company. This marks a significant step in involving the private sector in the exploration of critical minerals in India.

Solution: A

• The Bhalukona–Jamnidih block is a geologically significant area with the potential for strategic mineral resources.

• Statement 1 is incorrect. The block is located in the Mahasamund district of Chhattisgarh, not Odisha. It is part of the Neo-Archaean Sonakhan Greenstone Belt in the Bastar Craton.

• Question 5 of 5 5. Question Which of the following statements best describes the significance of the Carriage of Goods by Sea Bill, 2025? (a) It mainly focusses on the safety and security of Indian seafarers. (b) It introduces a new tax regime for the maritime sector to boost government revenue. (c) It modernizes India's maritime trade laws to align with global standards and promote ease of doing business. (d) It nationalizes all private ports in India to bring them under government control. Correct Solution: C The Carriage of Goods by Sea Bill, 2025, is a comprehensive legislative reform with a clear and specific purpose. The most accurate description of its significance is that it modernizes India’s maritime trade laws. This modernization is achieved by replacing the outdated Carriage of Goods by Sea Act, 1925, and aligning Indian law with international best practices like the Hague-Visby Rules. The bill’s objectives are twofold: to create a more efficient and predictable legal framework for maritime trade and to enhance India’s competitiveness as a global maritime hub. By simplifying legal procedures and reducing ambiguities, the bill promotes the ease of doing business for companies involved in maritime trade. Incorrect Solution: C The Carriage of Goods by Sea Bill, 2025, is a comprehensive legislative reform with a clear and specific purpose. The most accurate description of its significance is that it modernizes India’s maritime trade laws. This modernization is achieved by replacing the outdated Carriage of Goods by Sea Act, 1925, and aligning Indian law with international best practices like the Hague-Visby Rules. The bill’s objectives are twofold: to create a more efficient and predictable legal framework for maritime trade and to enhance India’s competitiveness as a global maritime hub. By simplifying legal procedures and reducing ambiguities, the bill promotes the ease of doing business for companies involved in maritime trade.

#### 5. Question

Which of the following statements best describes the significance of the Carriage of Goods by Sea Bill, 2025?

• (a) It mainly focusses on the safety and security of Indian seafarers.

• (b) It introduces a new tax regime for the maritime sector to boost government revenue.

• (c) It modernizes India's maritime trade laws to align with global standards and promote ease of doing business.

• (d) It nationalizes all private ports in India to bring them under government control.

Solution: C

• The Carriage of Goods by Sea Bill, 2025, is a comprehensive legislative reform with a clear and specific purpose. The most accurate description of its significance is that it modernizes India’s maritime trade laws. This modernization is achieved by replacing the outdated Carriage of Goods by Sea Act, 1925, and aligning Indian law with international best practices like the Hague-Visby Rules.

• The bill’s objectives are twofold: to create a more efficient and predictable legal framework for maritime trade and to enhance India’s competitiveness as a global maritime hub. By simplifying legal procedures and reducing ambiguities, the bill promotes the ease of doing business for companies involved in maritime trade.

Solution: C

Join our Official Telegram Channel HERE for Motivation and Fast Updates

Join our Twitter Channel HERE

Follow our Instagram Channel HERE