UPSC Editorials Quiz : 12 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.

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• Question 1 of 5 1. Question Consider the following statements regarding Green Ammonia: Statement I: Green Ammonia is produced from green hydrogen. Statement II: The production of green hydrogen involves electrolysis powered by renewable energy. Statement III: The recent Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI) auction for Green Ammonia is expected to boost India’s clean fertilizer transition. Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements? (a) Both Statement II and Statement III are correct and both of them explain Statement I (b) Both Statement II and Statement III are correct but only one of them explains Statement I (c) Only one of the Statements II and III is correct and that explains Statement I (d) Neither Statement II nor Statement III is correct Correct Solution: B Statement I is a correct and fundamental definition of Green Ammonia. It is a derivative of green hydrogen. Statement II is also correct and it explains the “green” aspect of green hydrogen. The use of renewable energy for electrolysis is what distinguishes green hydrogen from other types of hydrogen production (e.g., grey or blue hydrogen). Statement III is also correct. The successful auction for Green Ammonia under the Strategic Interventions for Green Hydrogen Transition (SIGHT) Scheme is a significant step towards promoting the use of clean alternatives in the fertilizer industry, which is a major consumer of ammonia. However, this statement describes the implication or significance of Green Ammonia production, not the process of its creation. Therefore, both Statement II and Statement III are correct, but only Statement II directly explains the technical basis of Statement I. Incorrect Solution: B Statement I is a correct and fundamental definition of Green Ammonia. It is a derivative of green hydrogen. Statement II is also correct and it explains the “green” aspect of green hydrogen. The use of renewable energy for electrolysis is what distinguishes green hydrogen from other types of hydrogen production (e.g., grey or blue hydrogen). Statement III is also correct. The successful auction for Green Ammonia under the Strategic Interventions for Green Hydrogen Transition (SIGHT) Scheme is a significant step towards promoting the use of clean alternatives in the fertilizer industry, which is a major consumer of ammonia. However, this statement describes the implication or significance of Green Ammonia production, not the process of its creation. Therefore, both Statement II and Statement III are correct, but only Statement II directly explains the technical basis of Statement I.

#### 1. Question

Consider the following statements regarding Green Ammonia:

Statement I: Green Ammonia is produced from green hydrogen.

Statement II: The production of green hydrogen involves electrolysis powered by renewable energy.

Statement III: The recent Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI) auction for Green Ammonia is expected to boost India’s clean fertilizer transition.

Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

• (a) Both Statement II and Statement III are correct and both of them explain Statement I

• (b) Both Statement II and Statement III are correct but only one of them explains Statement I

• (c) Only one of the Statements II and III is correct and that explains Statement I

• (d) Neither Statement II nor Statement III is correct

Solution: B

• Statement I is a correct and fundamental definition of Green Ammonia. It is a derivative of green hydrogen.

• Statement II is also correct and it explains the “green” aspect of green hydrogen. The use of renewable energy for electrolysis is what distinguishes green hydrogen from other types of hydrogen production (e.g., grey or blue hydrogen).

• Statement III is also correct. The successful auction for Green Ammonia under the Strategic Interventions for Green Hydrogen Transition (SIGHT) Scheme is a significant step towards promoting the use of clean alternatives in the fertilizer industry, which is a major consumer of ammonia. However, this statement describes the implication or significance of Green Ammonia production, not the process of its creation.

• Therefore, both Statement II and Statement III are correct, but only Statement II directly explains the technical basis of Statement I.

Solution: B

• Statement I is a correct and fundamental definition of Green Ammonia. It is a derivative of green hydrogen.

• Therefore, both Statement II and Statement III are correct, but only Statement II directly explains the technical basis of Statement I.

• Question 2 of 5 2. Question The recent classification of Hepatitis D virus (HDV) as a Group 1 carcinogen by the WHO and IARC is significant because: (a) It is the first time a virus has been linked to cancer. (b) It highlights the increased risk of liver cancer in individuals co-infected with HBV and HDV. (c) It indicates that a new, more effective vaccine for HDV has been developed. (d) It suggests that HDV is now more prevalent than Hepatitis B and C. Correct Solution: B The classification of HDV as a Group 1 carcinogen is a major development in the understanding of liver cancer. This classification places HDV in the same category as other known human carcinogens. The primary significance of this is that it officially recognizes the increased risk of liver cancer in individuals who are co-infected with both HBV and HDV. This co-infection leads to a more aggressive form of liver disease and a faster progression to cirrhosis and cancer. Option (a) is incorrect because other viruses, such as Hepatitis B and C, and the Human Papillomavirus (HPV), have long been known to be carcinogenic. Option (c) is incorrect as there is still no specific vaccine for HDV. Option (d) is incorrect as HDV is less prevalent than HBV and requires HBV for its replication. Incorrect Solution: B The classification of HDV as a Group 1 carcinogen is a major development in the understanding of liver cancer. This classification places HDV in the same category as other known human carcinogens. The primary significance of this is that it officially recognizes the increased risk of liver cancer in individuals who are co-infected with both HBV and HDV. This co-infection leads to a more aggressive form of liver disease and a faster progression to cirrhosis and cancer. Option (a) is incorrect because other viruses, such as Hepatitis B and C, and the Human Papillomavirus (HPV), have long been known to be carcinogenic. Option (c) is incorrect as there is still no specific vaccine for HDV. Option (d) is incorrect as HDV is less prevalent than HBV and requires HBV for its replication.

#### 2. Question

The recent classification of Hepatitis D virus (HDV) as a Group 1 carcinogen by the WHO and IARC is significant because:

• (a) It is the first time a virus has been linked to cancer.

• (b) It highlights the increased risk of liver cancer in individuals co-infected with HBV and HDV.

• (c) It indicates that a new, more effective vaccine for HDV has been developed.

• (d) It suggests that HDV is now more prevalent than Hepatitis B and C.

Solution: B

• The classification of HDV as a Group 1 carcinogen is a major development in the understanding of liver cancer. This classification places HDV in the same category as other known human carcinogens. The primary significance of this is that it officially recognizes the increased risk of liver cancer in individuals who are co-infected with both HBV and HDV. This co-infection leads to a more aggressive form of liver disease and a faster progression to cirrhosis and cancer.

• Option (a) is incorrect because other viruses, such as Hepatitis B and C, and the Human Papillomavirus (HPV), have long been known to be carcinogenic.

• Option (c) is incorrect as there is still no specific vaccine for HDV.

• Option (d) is incorrect as HDV is less prevalent than HBV and requires HBV for its replication.

Solution: B

• Option (a) is incorrect because other viruses, such as Hepatitis B and C, and the Human Papillomavirus (HPV), have long been known to be carcinogenic.

• Option (c) is incorrect as there is still no specific vaccine for HDV.

• Option (d) is incorrect as HDV is less prevalent than HBV and requires HBV for its replication.

• Question 3 of 5 3. Question The withdrawal of Russia from the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty is a cause for concern primarily because: (a) It will lead to an immediate and significant increase in the number of nuclear warheads globally. (b) It removes a key constraint on the development and deployment of a specific class of missiles, potentially triggering a new arms race. (c) It will result in the immediate dismantling of the New START Treaty. (d) It violates a United Nations Security Council resolution. Correct Solution: B The collapse of the INF Treaty is a significant blow to the global arms control architecture. The primary concern is that it removes the legal and political constraints on the development, production, and deployment of ground-launched ballistic and cruise missiles with ranges between 500 and 5,500 kilometers. This could lead to a new arms race, particularly in Europe and Asia, as countries may feel compelled to develop and deploy similar missiles to counter potential threats. While the withdrawal will not necessarily lead to an immediate increase in the total number of nuclear warheads (option a), it opens the door for the proliferation of a particularly destabilizing category of weapons. The future of the New START Treaty is uncertain, but Russia’s withdrawal from the INF Treaty does not automatically lead to its dismantling (option c). The withdrawal is a bilateral issue between Russia and the United States and not a direct violation of a UNSC resolution (option d). Incorrect Solution: B The collapse of the INF Treaty is a significant blow to the global arms control architecture. The primary concern is that it removes the legal and political constraints on the development, production, and deployment of ground-launched ballistic and cruise missiles with ranges between 500 and 5,500 kilometers. This could lead to a new arms race, particularly in Europe and Asia, as countries may feel compelled to develop and deploy similar missiles to counter potential threats. While the withdrawal will not necessarily lead to an immediate increase in the total number of nuclear warheads (option a), it opens the door for the proliferation of a particularly destabilizing category of weapons. The future of the New START Treaty is uncertain, but Russia’s withdrawal from the INF Treaty does not automatically lead to its dismantling (option c). The withdrawal is a bilateral issue between Russia and the United States and not a direct violation of a UNSC resolution (option d).

#### 3. Question

The withdrawal of Russia from the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty is a cause for concern primarily because:

• (a) It will lead to an immediate and significant increase in the number of nuclear warheads globally.

• (b) It removes a key constraint on the development and deployment of a specific class of missiles, potentially triggering a new arms race.

• (c) It will result in the immediate dismantling of the New START Treaty.

• (d) It violates a United Nations Security Council resolution.

Solution: B

• The collapse of the INF Treaty is a significant blow to the global arms control architecture. The primary concern is that it removes the legal and political constraints on the development, production, and deployment of ground-launched ballistic and cruise missiles with ranges between 500 and 5,500 kilometers. This could lead to a new arms race, particularly in Europe and Asia, as countries may feel compelled to develop and deploy similar missiles to counter potential threats.

• While the withdrawal will not necessarily lead to an immediate increase in the total number of nuclear warheads (option a), it opens the door for the proliferation of a particularly destabilizing category of weapons.

• The future of the New START Treaty is uncertain, but Russia’s withdrawal from the INF Treaty does not automatically lead to its dismantling (option c).

• The withdrawal is a bilateral issue between Russia and the United States and not a direct violation of a UNSC resolution (option d).

Solution: B

• The future of the New START Treaty is uncertain, but Russia’s withdrawal from the INF Treaty does not automatically lead to its dismantling (option c).

• The withdrawal is a bilateral issue between Russia and the United States and not a direct violation of a UNSC resolution (option d).

• Question 4 of 5 4. Question Match the following: List I (Mineral) List II (Application) List III (Significance) A. Nickel (Ni) 1. Catalytic converters X. Supports net-zero carbon goals B. Copper (Cu) 2. EV batteries Y. Essential for renewable energy systems C. Platinum Group Elements (PGE) 3. Electric wires Z. Crucial for green hydrogen production Select the correct answer using the code given below: (a) A-2-Y, B-3-X, C-1-Z (b) A-2-X, B-3-Y, C-1-Z (c) A-1-Z, B-2-Y, C-3-X (d) A-3-X, B-1-Y, C-2-Z Correct Solution: B Nickel (Ni) is a key component in the cathodes of EV batteries (2). The development of a domestic supply of nickel is crucial for India’s clean energy transition and its goal of achieving net-zero carbon emissions (X). Copper (Cu) is an excellent conductor of electricity and is widely used in electric wires (3). Its high conductivity and efficiency make it essential for renewable energy systems, such as solar panels and wind turbines, as well as the broader electrical grid (Y). Platinum Group Elements (PGEs), such as platinum and palladium, are used as catalysts in catalytic converters to reduce harmful emissions from vehicles (1). They also play a vital role as catalysts in the production of green hydrogen through electrolysis and in fuel cells (Z). Incorrect Solution: B Nickel (Ni) is a key component in the cathodes of EV batteries (2). The development of a domestic supply of nickel is crucial for India’s clean energy transition and its goal of achieving net-zero carbon emissions (X). Copper (Cu) is an excellent conductor of electricity and is widely used in electric wires (3). Its high conductivity and efficiency make it essential for renewable energy systems, such as solar panels and wind turbines, as well as the broader electrical grid (Y). Platinum Group Elements (PGEs), such as platinum and palladium, are used as catalysts in catalytic converters to reduce harmful emissions from vehicles (1). They also play a vital role as catalysts in the production of green hydrogen through electrolysis and in fuel cells (Z).

#### 4. Question

Match the following:

| List I (Mineral) | List II (Application) | List III (Significance)

A. | Nickel (Ni) | 1. Catalytic converters | X. Supports net-zero carbon goals

B. | Copper (Cu) | 2. EV batteries | Y. Essential for renewable energy systems

C. | Platinum Group Elements (PGE) | 3. Electric wires | Z. Crucial for green hydrogen production

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

• (a) A-2-Y, B-3-X, C-1-Z

• (b) A-2-X, B-3-Y, C-1-Z

• (c) A-1-Z, B-2-Y, C-3-X

• (d) A-3-X, B-1-Y, C-2-Z

Solution: B

• Nickel (Ni) is a key component in the cathodes of EV batteries (2). The development of a domestic supply of nickel is crucial for India’s clean energy transition and its goal of achieving net-zero carbon emissions (X).

• Copper (Cu) is an excellent conductor of electricity and is widely used in electric wires (3). Its high conductivity and efficiency make it essential for renewable energy systems, such as solar panels and wind turbines, as well as the broader electrical grid (Y).

• Platinum Group Elements (PGEs), such as platinum and palladium, are used as catalysts in catalytic converters to reduce harmful emissions from vehicles (1). They also play a vital role as catalysts in the production of green hydrogen through electrolysis and in fuel cells (Z).

Solution: B

• Question 5 of 5 5. Question Consider the following statements regarding Biochar: It is a carbon-rich byproduct formed through the pyrolysis of agricultural residue. The application of biochar to soil invariably leads to a 30-50% increase in crop yields across all soil types. Biochar can be used as a partial replacement for cement in concrete, enhancing its mechanical strength and heat resistance. 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. Biochar is a stable, carbon-rich solid material produced from the pyrolysis of biomass. Pyrolysis is a thermochemical process that involves heating biomass (such as agricultural waste, wood, or manure) in a low-oxygen or oxygen-free environment. This process results in the creation of biochar, along with bio-oil and syngas as byproducts. The high carbon content and stability of biochar make it an effective tool for carbon sequestration when added to the soil. Statement 2 is incorrect. While biochar application can enhance crop yields, the increase is typically in the range of 10-25%, not 30-50%. The benefits of biochar are most pronounced in semi-arid, nutrient-depleted soils. The statement’s claim of an invariable 30-50% increase across all soil types is an overstatement and does not reflect the nuanced impact of biochar on agricultural productivity. Statement 3 is correct. Research, including studies from institutions like IIT-Madras, has demonstrated the potential of using biochar as a sustainable additive in construction materials. Incorporating a small percentage (2-5%) of biochar into concrete mixtures has been shown to improve the mechanical strength and increase heat resistance by approximately 20%. This application not only enhances the properties of concrete but also contributes to decarbonizing the construction sector by sequestering carbon and offering a green alternative to traditional cement. Incorrect Solution: B Statement 1 is correct. Biochar is a stable, carbon-rich solid material produced from the pyrolysis of biomass. Pyrolysis is a thermochemical process that involves heating biomass (such as agricultural waste, wood, or manure) in a low-oxygen or oxygen-free environment. This process results in the creation of biochar, along with bio-oil and syngas as byproducts. The high carbon content and stability of biochar make it an effective tool for carbon sequestration when added to the soil. Statement 2 is incorrect. While biochar application can enhance crop yields, the increase is typically in the range of 10-25%, not 30-50%. The benefits of biochar are most pronounced in semi-arid, nutrient-depleted soils. The statement’s claim of an invariable 30-50% increase across all soil types is an overstatement and does not reflect the nuanced impact of biochar on agricultural productivity. Statement 3 is correct. Research, including studies from institutions like IIT-Madras, has demonstrated the potential of using biochar as a sustainable additive in construction materials. Incorporating a small percentage (2-5%) of biochar into concrete mixtures has been shown to improve the mechanical strength and increase heat resistance by approximately 20%. This application not only enhances the properties of concrete but also contributes to decarbonizing the construction sector by sequestering carbon and offering a green alternative to traditional cement.

#### 5. Question

Consider the following statements regarding Biochar:

• It is a carbon-rich byproduct formed through the pyrolysis of agricultural residue.

• The application of biochar to soil invariably leads to a 30-50% increase in crop yields across all soil types.

• Biochar can be used as a partial replacement for cement in concrete, enhancing its mechanical strength and heat resistance.

How many of the above statements are correct?

• (a) Only one

• (b) Only two

• (c) All three

Solution: B

• Statement 1 is correct. Biochar is a stable, carbon-rich solid material produced from the pyrolysis of biomass. Pyrolysis is a thermochemical process that involves heating biomass (such as agricultural waste, wood, or manure) in a low-oxygen or oxygen-free environment. This process results in the creation of biochar, along with bio-oil and syngas as byproducts. The high carbon content and stability of biochar make it an effective tool for carbon sequestration when added to the soil.

• Statement 2 is incorrect. While biochar application can enhance crop yields, the increase is typically in the range of 10-25%, not 30-50%. The benefits of biochar are most pronounced in semi-arid, nutrient-depleted soils. The statement’s claim of an invariable 30-50% increase across all soil types is an overstatement and does not reflect the nuanced impact of biochar on agricultural productivity.

• Statement 3 is correct. Research, including studies from institutions like IIT-Madras, has demonstrated the potential of using biochar as a sustainable additive in construction materials. Incorporating a small percentage (2-5%) of biochar into concrete mixtures has been shown to improve the mechanical strength and increase heat resistance by approximately 20%. This application not only enhances the properties of concrete but also contributes to decarbonizing the construction sector by sequestering carbon and offering a green alternative to traditional cement.

Solution: B

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