UPSC Editorials Quiz : 11 September 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.

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• Question 1 of 5 1. Question Which of the following are key features of the UMEED Portal? Time-bound registration of Waqf properties within 6 months of the portal’s launch. Mandatory geotagging and digitization of property records. Automatic transfer of disputed properties to the ownership of the Central Waqf Council. Provision of legal awareness tools and support services for users. How many of the above statements are correct? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) Only three (d) All four Correct Solution: C Statement 1 is correct. The portal mandates that all Waqf properties must be registered within a strict timeline of 6 months from its launch, aiming to create a comprehensive and up-to-date database. Statement 2 is correct. To ensure accuracy and prevent disputes, the portal requires that all registered properties include precise measurements and geolocation data through geotagging and digitization. Statement 3 is incorrect. Unregistered properties after the deadline will be declared disputed, but they will be sent to the Waqf Tribunal for resolution, not automatically transferred to the ownership of the Central Waqf Council. The Waqf Tribunal is the designated judicial body for resolving such disputes. Statement 4 is correct. The portal is not just a registration platform; it also aims to empower beneficiaries by providing them with legal awareness tools and clarifying their rights and obligations under the amended law. Incorrect Solution: C Statement 1 is correct. The portal mandates that all Waqf properties must be registered within a strict timeline of 6 months from its launch, aiming to create a comprehensive and up-to-date database. Statement 2 is correct. To ensure accuracy and prevent disputes, the portal requires that all registered properties include precise measurements and geolocation data through geotagging and digitization. Statement 3 is incorrect. Unregistered properties after the deadline will be declared disputed, but they will be sent to the Waqf Tribunal for resolution, not automatically transferred to the ownership of the Central Waqf Council. The Waqf Tribunal is the designated judicial body for resolving such disputes. Statement 4 is correct. The portal is not just a registration platform; it also aims to empower beneficiaries by providing them with legal awareness tools and clarifying their rights and obligations under the amended law.

#### 1. Question

Which of the following are key features of the UMEED Portal?

• Time-bound registration of Waqf properties within 6 months of the portal’s launch.

• Mandatory geotagging and digitization of property records.

• Automatic transfer of disputed properties to the ownership of the Central Waqf Council.

• Provision of legal awareness tools and support services for users.

How many of the above statements are correct?

• (a) Only one

• (b) Only two

• (c) Only three

• (d) All four

Solution: C

• Statement 1 is correct. The portal mandates that all Waqf properties must be registered within a strict timeline of 6 months from its launch, aiming to create a comprehensive and up-to-date database.

• Statement 2 is correct. To ensure accuracy and prevent disputes, the portal requires that all registered properties include precise measurements and geolocation data through geotagging and digitization.

• Statement 3 is incorrect. Unregistered properties after the deadline will be declared disputed, but they will be sent to the Waqf Tribunal for resolution, not automatically transferred to the ownership of the Central Waqf Council. The Waqf Tribunal is the designated judicial body for resolving such disputes.

• Statement 4 is correct. The portal is not just a registration platform; it also aims to empower beneficiaries by providing them with legal awareness tools and clarifying their rights and obligations under the amended law.

Solution: C

• Question 2 of 5 2. Question Consider the following statements regarding the phenomenon of “cohabitation” in the French political system: It occurs when the President and the Prime Minister belong to the same political party. During cohabitation, the President’s influence over domestic policy is significantly enhanced. The constitutional reforms of 2000, which aligned the presidential and legislative election terms, have reduced the probability of cohabitation. It represents a failure of the constitutional machinery, leading to the dissolution of the National Assembly. How many of the above statements are correct? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) Only three (d) All four Correct Solution: A Statement 1 is incorrect. Cohabitation is a situation in French politics that occurs when the President and the majority in the National Assembly (and thus the Prime Minister) belong to different and opposing political camps. Statement 2 is incorrect. During cohabitation, the President’s power is generally curtailed. While the President retains a key role in foreign affairs and defence (the ‘domaine réservé’), the Prime Minister, backed by the parliamentary majority, dominates the domestic policy agenda. The President’s influence in this area is diminished, not enhanced. Statement 3 is correct. Before 2000, the President had a seven-year term and the National Assembly a five-year term. This mismatch often led to legislative elections midway through a presidential term, increasing the chance of the President’s party losing its majority. The 2000 reform shortened the presidential term to five years, aligning it with the legislative term. This makes it more likely that voters will elect a President and a parliamentary majority from the same political side, thus making cohabitation rarer. Statement 4 is incorrect. Cohabitation is not a constitutional failure but a workable, albeit sometimes tense, feature of the semi-presidential system. The constitution provides for this power-sharing arrangement, and it does not automatically lead to the dissolution of the Assembly. Incorrect Solution: A Statement 1 is incorrect. Cohabitation is a situation in French politics that occurs when the President and the majority in the National Assembly (and thus the Prime Minister) belong to different and opposing political camps. Statement 2 is incorrect. During cohabitation, the President’s power is generally curtailed. While the President retains a key role in foreign affairs and defence (the ‘domaine réservé’), the Prime Minister, backed by the parliamentary majority, dominates the domestic policy agenda. The President’s influence in this area is diminished, not enhanced. Statement 3 is correct. Before 2000, the President had a seven-year term and the National Assembly a five-year term. This mismatch often led to legislative elections midway through a presidential term, increasing the chance of the President’s party losing its majority. The 2000 reform shortened the presidential term to five years, aligning it with the legislative term. This makes it more likely that voters will elect a President and a parliamentary majority from the same political side, thus making cohabitation rarer. Statement 4 is incorrect. Cohabitation is not a constitutional failure but a workable, albeit sometimes tense, feature of the semi-presidential system. The constitution provides for this power-sharing arrangement, and it does not automatically lead to the dissolution of the Assembly.

#### 2. Question

Consider the following statements regarding the phenomenon of “cohabitation” in the French political system:

• It occurs when the President and the Prime Minister belong to the same political party.

• During cohabitation, the President’s influence over domestic policy is significantly enhanced.

• The constitutional reforms of 2000, which aligned the presidential and legislative election terms, have reduced the probability of cohabitation.

• It represents a failure of the constitutional machinery, leading to the dissolution of the National Assembly.

How many of the above statements are correct?

• (a) Only one

• (b) Only two

• (c) Only three

• (d) All four

Solution: A

• Statement 1 is incorrect. Cohabitation is a situation in French politics that occurs when the President and the majority in the National Assembly (and thus the Prime Minister) belong to different and opposing political camps.

• Statement 2 is incorrect. During cohabitation, the President’s power is generally curtailed. While the President retains a key role in foreign affairs and defence (the ‘domaine réservé’), the Prime Minister, backed by the parliamentary majority, dominates the domestic policy agenda. The President’s influence in this area is diminished, not enhanced.

• Statement 3 is correct. Before 2000, the President had a seven-year term and the National Assembly a five-year term. This mismatch often led to legislative elections midway through a presidential term, increasing the chance of the President’s party losing its majority. The 2000 reform shortened the presidential term to five years, aligning it with the legislative term. This makes it more likely that voters will elect a President and a parliamentary majority from the same political side, thus making cohabitation rarer.

Statement 4 is incorrect. Cohabitation is not a constitutional failure but a workable, albeit sometimes tense, feature of the semi-presidential system. The constitution provides for this power-sharing arrangement, and it does not automatically lead to the dissolution of the Assembly.

Solution: A

• Question 3 of 5 3. Question With respect to Mauritius, consider the following statements: It is a volcanic island encircled by coral reefs. The economy is primarily dependent on the export of petroleum products and minerals. A majority of its population consists of Indo-Mauritians, who are descendants of indentured labourers brought to the island in the 19th century. How many of the above statements are correct? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) All three (d) None Correct Solution: B Statement 1 is correct. Mauritius is geographically known for its volcanic origin. The island landscape features mountains and craters resulting from volcanic activity. It is also famous for being almost completely encircled by coral reefs, which creates calm lagoons and beautiful beaches, making it a major tourist destination. Statement 2 is incorrect. The Mauritian economy is diversified but is not primarily dependent on petroleum or mineral exports. Historically, sugarcane cultivation dominated its agriculture and exports. Today, its economy relies on tourism, textiles, sugar, and financial services. It has no significant petroleum or mineral reserves. Statement 3 is correct. The demographic profile of Mauritius is unique. The majority of the population, estimated to be around two-thirds, are Indo-Mauritians. They are descendants of indentured labourers brought by the British from India between 1834 and the early 20th century, primarily to work on sugar plantations after the abolition of slavery. This historical migration has profoundly shaped the country’s culture, politics, and society. Incorrect Solution: B Statement 1 is correct. Mauritius is geographically known for its volcanic origin. The island landscape features mountains and craters resulting from volcanic activity. It is also famous for being almost completely encircled by coral reefs, which creates calm lagoons and beautiful beaches, making it a major tourist destination. Statement 2 is incorrect. The Mauritian economy is diversified but is not primarily dependent on petroleum or mineral exports. Historically, sugarcane cultivation dominated its agriculture and exports. Today, its economy relies on tourism, textiles, sugar, and financial services. It has no significant petroleum or mineral reserves. Statement 3 is correct. The demographic profile of Mauritius is unique. The majority of the population, estimated to be around two-thirds, are Indo-Mauritians. They are descendants of indentured labourers brought by the British from India between 1834 and the early 20th century, primarily to work on sugar plantations after the abolition of slavery. This historical migration has profoundly shaped the country’s culture, politics, and society.

#### 3. Question

With respect to Mauritius, consider the following statements:

• It is a volcanic island encircled by coral reefs.

• The economy is primarily dependent on the export of petroleum products and minerals.

• A majority of its population consists of Indo-Mauritians, who are descendants of indentured labourers brought to the island in the 19th century.

How many of the above statements are correct?

• (a) Only one

• (b) Only two

• (c) All three

Solution: B

• Statement 1 is correct. Mauritius is geographically known for its volcanic origin. The island landscape features mountains and craters resulting from volcanic activity. It is also famous for being almost completely encircled by coral reefs, which creates calm lagoons and beautiful beaches, making it a major tourist destination.

• Statement 2 is incorrect. The Mauritian economy is diversified but is not primarily dependent on petroleum or mineral exports. Historically, sugarcane cultivation dominated its agriculture and exports. Today, its economy relies on tourism, textiles, sugar, and financial services. It has no significant petroleum or mineral reserves.

Statement 3 is correct. The demographic profile of Mauritius is unique. The majority of the population, estimated to be around two-thirds, are Indo-Mauritians. They are descendants of indentured labourers brought by the British from India between 1834 and the early 20th century, primarily to work on sugar plantations after the abolition of slavery. This historical migration has profoundly shaped the country’s culture, politics, and society.

Solution: B

• Question 4 of 5 4. Question Which technology, mentioned in the Technology Perspective and Capability Roadmap (TPCR-2025), is specifically aimed at providing persistent Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) and is described as a ‘stratospheric airship’? (a) Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs) (b) High-Altitude Pseudo-Satellites (HAPS) (c) Directed-Energy Weapons (DEWs) (d) Scramjet Propulsion Missiles Correct Solution: B (a) Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs) operate underwater for naval purposes like mine countermeasures and anti-submarine warfare. (b) High-Altitude Pseudo-Satellites (HAPS) are long-endurance, unmanned aerial platforms that operate in the stratosphere (above commercial air traffic and weather) for extended periods. They can function like satellites for surveillance, reconnaissance, and communications but are more flexible and less expensive to deploy. HAPS and stratospheric airships for providing persistent ISR. (c) Directed-Energy Weapons (DEWs) are systems like lasers that use energy to damage or destroy targets, not for ISR. (d) Scramjet Propulsion is an engine technology for achieving hypersonic speeds in missiles and aircraft, related to strike capability, not persistent surveillance. Incorrect Solution: B (a) Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs) operate underwater for naval purposes like mine countermeasures and anti-submarine warfare. (b) High-Altitude Pseudo-Satellites (HAPS) are long-endurance, unmanned aerial platforms that operate in the stratosphere (above commercial air traffic and weather) for extended periods. They can function like satellites for surveillance, reconnaissance, and communications but are more flexible and less expensive to deploy. HAPS and stratospheric airships for providing persistent ISR. (c) Directed-Energy Weapons (DEWs) are systems like lasers that use energy to damage or destroy targets, not for ISR. (d) Scramjet Propulsion is an engine technology for achieving hypersonic speeds in missiles and aircraft, related to strike capability, not persistent surveillance.

#### 4. Question

Which technology, mentioned in the Technology Perspective and Capability Roadmap (TPCR-2025), is specifically aimed at providing persistent Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) and is described as a ‘stratospheric airship’?

• (a) Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs)

• (b) High-Altitude Pseudo-Satellites (HAPS)

• (c) Directed-Energy Weapons (DEWs)

• (d) Scramjet Propulsion Missiles

Solution: B

• (a) Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs) operate underwater for naval purposes like mine countermeasures and anti-submarine warfare.

• (b) High-Altitude Pseudo-Satellites (HAPS) are long-endurance, unmanned aerial platforms that operate in the stratosphere (above commercial air traffic and weather) for extended periods. They can function like satellites for surveillance, reconnaissance, and communications but are more flexible and less expensive to deploy. HAPS and stratospheric airships for providing persistent ISR.

• (c) Directed-Energy Weapons (DEWs) are systems like lasers that use energy to damage or destroy targets, not for ISR.

• (d) Scramjet Propulsion is an engine technology for achieving hypersonic speeds in missiles and aircraft, related to strike capability, not persistent surveillance.

Solution: B

• (a) Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs) operate underwater for naval purposes like mine countermeasures and anti-submarine warfare.

• (c) Directed-Energy Weapons (DEWs) are systems like lasers that use energy to damage or destroy targets, not for ISR.

• (d) Scramjet Propulsion is an engine technology for achieving hypersonic speeds in missiles and aircraft, related to strike capability, not persistent surveillance.

• Question 5 of 5 5. Question Consider the following statements regarding Afghanistan’s geography: Being a landlocked country, Afghanistan relies on neighbouring countries like Iran and Pakistan for access to maritime trade routes. The Amu Darya river forms a significant portion of Afghanistan’s southern border with Pakistan. The Wakhan Corridor provides Afghanistan with a short but strategic border with China. How many of the above statements are correct? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) All three (d) None Correct Solution: B Statement 1 is correct. Afghanistan is a landlocked country, meaning it has no direct access to the sea. It is geographically enclosed by its neighbours. Consequently, for maritime trade, it depends on ports in neighbouring countries, primarily Karachi in Pakistan and Chabahar in Iran. Statement 2 is incorrect. The Amu Darya river flows in the north of Afghanistan and forms its border with Central Asian countries like Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, and Turkmenistan, not with Pakistan in the south. The border with Pakistan is defined by the Durand Line, which traverses mountainous terrain. Statement 3 is correct. The Wakhan Corridor is a narrow panhandle of territory in northeastern Afghanistan. It extends to the east and provides Afghanistan with a very short (approximately 76 km) but strategically important border with the Xinjiang region of China. Incorrect Solution: B Statement 1 is correct. Afghanistan is a landlocked country, meaning it has no direct access to the sea. It is geographically enclosed by its neighbours. Consequently, for maritime trade, it depends on ports in neighbouring countries, primarily Karachi in Pakistan and Chabahar in Iran. Statement 2 is incorrect. The Amu Darya river flows in the north of Afghanistan and forms its border with Central Asian countries like Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, and Turkmenistan, not with Pakistan in the south. The border with Pakistan is defined by the Durand Line, which traverses mountainous terrain. Statement 3 is correct. The Wakhan Corridor is a narrow panhandle of territory in northeastern Afghanistan. It extends to the east and provides Afghanistan with a very short (approximately 76 km) but strategically important border with the Xinjiang region of China.

#### 5. Question

Consider the following statements regarding Afghanistan’s geography:

• Being a landlocked country, Afghanistan relies on neighbouring countries like Iran and Pakistan for access to maritime trade routes.

• The Amu Darya river forms a significant portion of Afghanistan’s southern border with Pakistan.

• The Wakhan Corridor provides Afghanistan with a short but strategic border with China.

How many of the above statements are correct?

• (a) Only one

• (b) Only two

• (c) All three

Solution: B

• Statement 1 is correct. Afghanistan is a landlocked country, meaning it has no direct access to the sea. It is geographically enclosed by its neighbours. Consequently, for maritime trade, it depends on ports in neighbouring countries, primarily Karachi in Pakistan and Chabahar in Iran.

• Statement 2 is incorrect. The Amu Darya river flows in the north of Afghanistan and forms its border with Central Asian countries like Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, and Turkmenistan, not with Pakistan in the south. The border with Pakistan is defined by the Durand Line, which traverses mountainous terrain.

• Statement 3 is correct. The Wakhan Corridor is a narrow panhandle of territory in northeastern Afghanistan. It extends to the east and provides Afghanistan with a very short (approximately 76 km) but strategically important border with the Xinjiang region of China.

Solution: B

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