UPSC Editorials Quiz : 12 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 With reference to Operation Guddar, which of the following statements best describes its primary operational focus? (a) A de-radicalization program aimed at the youth in South Kashmir. (b) An intelligence-driven counter-terrorism operation in forested terrains. (c) A border-sealing exercise to prevent cross-border infiltration in the Kulgam district. (d) A civilian outreach program to gather intelligence on militant activities. Correct Solution: B Operation Guddar is fundamentally a counter-terrorism operation specifically designed to neutralize active terrorists. Its key features include being jointly conducted by the J&K Police, Army, and CRPF, and being based on specific intelligence inputs. The operation is named after the Guddar forest area in the Kulgam district, highlighting its focus on high-risk, forested terrain which militants often use as hideouts. While civilian safety is a priority and intelligence gathering is crucial, the core objective is the active elimination of terror threats through coordinated security actions, not outreach or de-radicalization programs. The operation is internal to South Kashmir, not a border-sealing exercise. Incorrect Solution: B Operation Guddar is fundamentally a counter-terrorism operation specifically designed to neutralize active terrorists. Its key features include being jointly conducted by the J&K Police, Army, and CRPF, and being based on specific intelligence inputs. The operation is named after the Guddar forest area in the Kulgam district, highlighting its focus on high-risk, forested terrain which militants often use as hideouts. While civilian safety is a priority and intelligence gathering is crucial, the core objective is the active elimination of terror threats through coordinated security actions, not outreach or de-radicalization programs. The operation is internal to South Kashmir, not a border-sealing exercise.

#### 1. Question

With reference to Operation Guddar, which of the following statements best describes its primary operational focus?

• (a) A de-radicalization program aimed at the youth in South Kashmir.

• (b) An intelligence-driven counter-terrorism operation in forested terrains.

• (c) A border-sealing exercise to prevent cross-border infiltration in the Kulgam district.

• (d) A civilian outreach program to gather intelligence on militant activities.

Solution: B

• Operation Guddar is fundamentally a counter-terrorism operation specifically designed to neutralize active terrorists. Its key features include being jointly conducted by the J&K Police, Army, and CRPF, and being based on specific intelligence inputs.

The operation is named after the Guddar forest area in the Kulgam district, highlighting its focus on high-risk, forested terrain which militants often use as hideouts. While civilian safety is a priority and intelligence gathering is crucial, the core objective is the active elimination of terror threats through coordinated security actions, not outreach or de-radicalization programs. The operation is internal to South Kashmir, not a border-sealing exercise.

Solution: B

• Question 2 of 5 2. Question With reference to the global distribution and production of Rare Earth Elements (REEs), which of the following statements is correct? a) India holds the largest reserves of REEs, surpassing China. b) India is the largest exporter of refined REEs to the global market. c) China accounts for more than half of the global output of REEs. d) The United States is completely self-sufficient in its REE requirements. Correct Solution: C The global landscape of Rare Earth Elements (REEs) is heavily dominated by China. China holds approximately 50% of the world’s REE reserves and is responsible for over 60% of the global production, making it the most significant player in the REE market. This dominance extends to the refining process, with China controlling around 92% of the global refining capacity. While India possesses REE deposits, particularly in the form of monazite sands in states like Kerala and Odisha, its share of global reserves and production is significantly smaller compared to China. India’s production is less than 2% of the global total, and it is largely dependent on imports, with over 75% of its REE imports coming from China. The United States, despite having some domestic production, is not self-sufficient and relies heavily on imports to meet its demand for these critical materials. Incorrect Solution: C The global landscape of Rare Earth Elements (REEs) is heavily dominated by China. China holds approximately 50% of the world’s REE reserves and is responsible for over 60% of the global production, making it the most significant player in the REE market. This dominance extends to the refining process, with China controlling around 92% of the global refining capacity. While India possesses REE deposits, particularly in the form of monazite sands in states like Kerala and Odisha, its share of global reserves and production is significantly smaller compared to China. India’s production is less than 2% of the global total, and it is largely dependent on imports, with over 75% of its REE imports coming from China. The United States, despite having some domestic production, is not self-sufficient and relies heavily on imports to meet its demand for these critical materials.

#### 2. Question

With reference to the global distribution and production of Rare Earth Elements (REEs), which of the following statements is correct?

• a) India holds the largest reserves of REEs, surpassing China.

• b) India is the largest exporter of refined REEs to the global market.

• c) China accounts for more than half of the global output of REEs.

• d) The United States is completely self-sufficient in its REE requirements.

Solution: C

• The global landscape of Rare Earth Elements (REEs) is heavily dominated by China. China holds approximately 50% of the world’s REE reserves and is responsible for over 60% of the global production, making it the most significant player in the REE market.

• This dominance extends to the refining process, with China controlling around 92% of the global refining capacity. While India possesses REE deposits, particularly in the form of monazite sands in states like Kerala and Odisha, its share of global reserves and production is significantly smaller compared to China.

India’s production is less than 2% of the global total, and it is largely dependent on imports, with over 75% of its REE imports coming from China. The United States, despite having some domestic production, is not self-sufficient and relies heavily on imports to meet its demand for these critical materials.

Solution: C

• Question 3 of 5 3. Question With reference to the Western Ghats, consider the following statements: They are classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and are older than the Himalayan mountains. The highest peak of the Western Ghats, Anai Mudi, is located in the state of Karnataka. The formation of the Western Ghats is primarily a result of orogenic processes involving the folding of the Earth’s crust. They act as a significant hydrological divide, giving rise to major east-flowing peninsular rivers like the Godavari and Krishna. How many of the above statements is/are correct? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) Only three (d) All four Correct Solution: B Statement 1 is correct. The Western Ghats are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the world’s eight “hottest hotspots” of biodiversity. Geologically, they are part of the ancient Deccan Plateau, which dates back to the Precambrian Era, making them significantly older than the Himalayas, which are young fold mountains. Statement 2 is incorrect. Anai Mudi (2,695 m), the highest peak in the Western Ghats, is located in the state of Kerala, not Karnataka. It is part of the Anaimalai Hills at the southern end of the range. Statement 3 is incorrect. The Western Ghats were not formed by orogenic (mountain-building through folding) processes like the Himalayas. Their formation is attributed to the faulting and subsequent uplift of the western edge of the Deccan Plateau when the Indian plate broke away from Gondwanaland. This created a prominent escarpment, which is a key characteristic of the Ghats’ topography. Statement 4 is correct. The Western Ghats form a crucial watershed for peninsular India. They intercept the moisture-laden southwest monsoon winds, receiving high rainfall. This makes them the source of major east-flowing rivers such as the Godavari, Krishna, and Kaveri, which drain into the Bay of Bengal, and numerous west-flowing rivers that drain into the Arabian Sea. Incorrect Solution: B Statement 1 is correct. The Western Ghats are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the world’s eight “hottest hotspots” of biodiversity. Geologically, they are part of the ancient Deccan Plateau, which dates back to the Precambrian Era, making them significantly older than the Himalayas, which are young fold mountains. Statement 2 is incorrect. Anai Mudi (2,695 m), the highest peak in the Western Ghats, is located in the state of Kerala, not Karnataka. It is part of the Anaimalai Hills at the southern end of the range. Statement 3 is incorrect. The Western Ghats were not formed by orogenic (mountain-building through folding) processes like the Himalayas. Their formation is attributed to the faulting and subsequent uplift of the western edge of the Deccan Plateau when the Indian plate broke away from Gondwanaland. This created a prominent escarpment, which is a key characteristic of the Ghats’ topography. Statement 4 is correct. The Western Ghats form a crucial watershed for peninsular India. They intercept the moisture-laden southwest monsoon winds, receiving high rainfall. This makes them the source of major east-flowing rivers such as the Godavari, Krishna, and Kaveri, which drain into the Bay of Bengal, and numerous west-flowing rivers that drain into the Arabian Sea.

#### 3. Question

With reference to the Western Ghats, consider the following statements:

• They are classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and are older than the Himalayan mountains.

• The highest peak of the Western Ghats, Anai Mudi, is located in the state of Karnataka.

• The formation of the Western Ghats is primarily a result of orogenic processes involving the folding of the Earth’s crust.

• They act as a significant hydrological divide, giving rise to major east-flowing peninsular rivers like the Godavari and Krishna.

How many of the above statements is/are correct?

• (a) Only one

• (b) Only two

• (c) Only three

• (d) All four

Solution: B

• Statement 1 is correct. The Western Ghats are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the world’s eight “hottest hotspots” of biodiversity. Geologically, they are part of the ancient Deccan Plateau, which dates back to the Precambrian Era, making them significantly older than the Himalayas, which are young fold mountains.

• Statement 2 is incorrect. Anai Mudi (2,695 m), the highest peak in the Western Ghats, is located in the state of Kerala, not Karnataka. It is part of the Anaimalai Hills at the southern end of the range.

• Statement 3 is incorrect. The Western Ghats were not formed by orogenic (mountain-building through folding) processes like the Himalayas. Their formation is attributed to the faulting and subsequent uplift of the western edge of the Deccan Plateau when the Indian plate broke away from Gondwanaland. This created a prominent escarpment, which is a key characteristic of the Ghats’ topography.

• Statement 4 is correct. The Western Ghats form a crucial watershed for peninsular India. They intercept the moisture-laden southwest monsoon winds, receiving high rainfall. This makes them the source of major east-flowing rivers such as the Godavari, Krishna, and Kaveri, which drain into the Bay of Bengal, and numerous west-flowing rivers that drain into the Arabian Sea.

Solution: B

• Question 4 of 5 4. Question Consider the following statements regarding Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY): Statement-I: The delivery mechanism of the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY) is fundamentally dependent on the pre-existing Public Distribution System (PDS) infrastructure. Statement-II: PMGKAY is an intervention implemented under the legal framework of the National Food Security Act (NFSA), 2013, which uses the network of Fair Price Shops for the distribution of subsidized foodgrains. 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: A Statement-I makes a correct observation that PMGKAY’s implementation relies on the vast PDS network. The scheme does not create a new distribution channel but leverages the existing system of Fair Price Shops (FPSs), warehouses, and supply chains. Statement-II explains the legal and operational basis for this dependence. It correctly states that PMGKAY functions as a scheme under the ambit of the NFSA, 2013. The NFSA itself mandates the PDS, specifically the network of approximately 5.4 lakh Fair Price Shops, as its primary tool for distributing foodgrains to eligible beneficiaries. Since PMGKAY targets the same beneficiaries identified under the NFSA (AAY and PHH), it logically and necessarily uses the same established PDS infrastructure for its delivery. Therefore, both statements are correct, and Statement-II provides the direct legal and structural reason for the fact stated in Statement-I, making it the correct explanation. Incorrect Solution: A Statement-I makes a correct observation that PMGKAY’s implementation relies on the vast PDS network. The scheme does not create a new distribution channel but leverages the existing system of Fair Price Shops (FPSs), warehouses, and supply chains. Statement-II explains the legal and operational basis for this dependence. It correctly states that PMGKAY functions as a scheme under the ambit of the NFSA, 2013. The NFSA itself mandates the PDS, specifically the network of approximately 5.4 lakh Fair Price Shops, as its primary tool for distributing foodgrains to eligible beneficiaries. Since PMGKAY targets the same beneficiaries identified under the NFSA (AAY and PHH), it logically and necessarily uses the same established PDS infrastructure for its delivery. Therefore, both statements are correct, and Statement-II provides the direct legal and structural reason for the fact stated in Statement-I, making it the correct explanation.

#### 4. Question

Consider the following statements regarding Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY):

Statement-I: The delivery mechanism of the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY) is fundamentally dependent on the pre-existing Public Distribution System (PDS) infrastructure.

Statement-II: PMGKAY is an intervention implemented under the legal framework of the National Food Security Act (NFSA), 2013, which uses the network of Fair Price Shops for the distribution of subsidized foodgrains.

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: A

• Statement-I makes a correct observation that PMGKAY’s implementation relies on the vast PDS network. The scheme does not create a new distribution channel but leverages the existing system of Fair Price Shops (FPSs), warehouses, and supply chains.

• Statement-II explains the legal and operational basis for this dependence. It correctly states that PMGKAY functions as a scheme under the ambit of the NFSA, 2013. The NFSA itself mandates the PDS, specifically the network of approximately 5.4 lakh Fair Price Shops, as its primary tool for distributing foodgrains to eligible beneficiaries. Since PMGKAY targets the same beneficiaries identified under the NFSA (AAY and PHH), it logically and necessarily uses the same established PDS infrastructure for its delivery.

• Therefore, both statements are correct, and Statement-II provides the direct legal and structural reason for the fact stated in Statement-I, making it the correct explanation.

Solution: A

• Therefore, both statements are correct, and Statement-II provides the direct legal and structural reason for the fact stated in Statement-I, making it the correct explanation.

• Question 5 of 5 5. Question Consider the following statements about the geography of Afghanistan: The Hari Rud River originates in central Afghanistan and flows north to form the border with Turkmenistan before entering the Caspian Sea. The Registan Desert, a large sandy desert, is located in the Northern Plains region of the country. Which of the above statements are correct? (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 Correct Solution: D Statement 1 is incorrect. While the Hari Rud River form part of the border between Afghanistan and Iran (not Turkmenistan for most of its border course), it flows westward from its source in central Afghanistan and eventually dissipates in the Karakum Desert in Turkmenistan. It does not flow into the Caspian Sea. Statement 2 is incorrect. The Registan Desert is a prominent feature of the Southwestern Plateau of Afghanistan, located south of the Helmand River. The Northern Plains are a distinct geographical region known for being relatively fertile and densely populated. Incorrect Solution: D Statement 1 is incorrect. While the Hari Rud River form part of the border between Afghanistan and Iran (not Turkmenistan for most of its border course), it flows westward from its source in central Afghanistan and eventually dissipates in the Karakum Desert in Turkmenistan. It does not flow into the Caspian Sea. Statement 2 is incorrect. The Registan Desert is a prominent feature of the Southwestern Plateau of Afghanistan, located south of the Helmand River. The Northern Plains are a distinct geographical region known for being relatively fertile and densely populated.

#### 5. Question

Consider the following statements about the geography of Afghanistan:

• The Hari Rud River originates in central Afghanistan and flows north to form the border with Turkmenistan before entering the Caspian Sea.

• The Registan Desert, a large sandy desert, is located in the Northern Plains region of the country.

Which of the above statements are correct?

• (a) 1 only

• (b) 2 only

• (c) Both 1 and 2

• (d) Neither 1 nor 2

Solution: D

• Statement 1 is incorrect. While the Hari Rud River form part of the border between Afghanistan and Iran (not Turkmenistan for most of its border course), it flows westward from its source in central Afghanistan and eventually dissipates in the Karakum Desert in Turkmenistan. It does not flow into the Caspian Sea.

• Statement 2 is incorrect. The Registan Desert is a prominent feature of the Southwestern Plateau of Afghanistan, located south of the Helmand River. The Northern Plains are a distinct geographical region known for being relatively fertile and densely populated.

Solution: D

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