UPSC Editorials Quiz : 14 August 2024

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 What phenomenon is responsible for the increase in lightning activity in Odisha? a) Deforestation b) Climate change c) Urbanization d) Increased cyclonic activity Correct Solution: b) Climate change is responsible for the increase in lightning activity in Odisha. According to research published by the Indian Meteorological Department in 2021, there is a direct correlation between long-term warming and lightning activity. Specifically, for every one degree Celsius increase in long-term warming, there is a nearly 10% increase in lightning activity. This relationship demonstrates how global climate change is exacerbating the frequency and intensity of lightning strikes in the region. Source Incorrect Solution: b) Climate change is responsible for the increase in lightning activity in Odisha. According to research published by the Indian Meteorological Department in 2021, there is a direct correlation between long-term warming and lightning activity. Specifically, for every one degree Celsius increase in long-term warming, there is a nearly 10% increase in lightning activity. This relationship demonstrates how global climate change is exacerbating the frequency and intensity of lightning strikes in the region. Source

#### 1. Question

What phenomenon is responsible for the increase in lightning activity in Odisha?

• a) Deforestation

• b) Climate change

• c) Urbanization

• d) Increased cyclonic activity

Solution: b)

Climate change is responsible for the increase in lightning activity in Odisha. According to research published by the Indian Meteorological Department in 2021, there is a direct correlation between long-term warming and lightning activity. Specifically, for every one degree Celsius increase in long-term warming, there is a nearly 10% increase in lightning activity. This relationship demonstrates how global climate change is exacerbating the frequency and intensity of lightning strikes in the region.

Solution: b)

• Question 2 of 5 2. Question Match the following extreme weather events with their corresponding descriptions: COLUMN 1 COLUMN 2 1. Loo A. Local thunderstorms in Bengal, Assam, and neighboring regions during pre-monsoon season 2. Nor’westers B. Strong dust storms observed over northwestern and central India before monsoon season 3. Aandhi C. Hot wind which blows over plains of India and Pakistan Select the option with correct matching pairs below. a) 1-A, 2-B, 3-C b) 1-B, 2-C, 3-A c) 1-C, 2-A, 3-B d) 1-C, 2-B, 3-A Correct Solution: c) The Loo is a strong, dusty, gusty, hot and dry summer wind from the west which blows over the Indo-Gangetic Plain region of North India and Pakistan. Nor’westers are local thunderstorms in Bengal, Assam, and neighboring regions during pre-monsoon season. Aandhi refers to strong dust storms observed over northwestern and central India before monsoon season. Incorrect Solution: c) The Loo is a strong, dusty, gusty, hot and dry summer wind from the west which blows over the Indo-Gangetic Plain region of North India and Pakistan. Nor’westers are local thunderstorms in Bengal, Assam, and neighboring regions during pre-monsoon season. Aandhi refers to strong dust storms observed over northwestern and central India before monsoon season.

#### 2. Question

Match the following extreme weather events with their corresponding descriptions: COLUMN 1 COLUMN 2 1. Loo A. Local thunderstorms in Bengal, Assam, and neighboring regions during pre-monsoon season 2. Nor’westers B. Strong dust storms observed over northwestern and central India before monsoon season 3. Aandhi C. Hot wind which blows over plains of India and Pakistan

Select the option with correct matching pairs below.

• a) 1-A, 2-B, 3-C

• b) 1-B, 2-C, 3-A

• c) 1-C, 2-A, 3-B

• d) 1-C, 2-B, 3-A

Solution: c)

The Loo is a strong, dusty, gusty, hot and dry summer wind from the west which blows over the Indo-Gangetic Plain region of North India and Pakistan.

Nor’westers are local thunderstorms in Bengal, Assam, and neighboring regions during pre-monsoon season.

Aandhi refers to strong dust storms observed over northwestern and central India before monsoon season.

Solution: c)

The Loo is a strong, dusty, gusty, hot and dry summer wind from the west which blows over the Indo-Gangetic Plain region of North India and Pakistan.

Nor’westers are local thunderstorms in Bengal, Assam, and neighboring regions during pre-monsoon season.

Aandhi refers to strong dust storms observed over northwestern and central India before monsoon season.

• Question 3 of 5 3. Question Why has the income threshold for determining the creamy layer not been revised since 2017? a) The Supreme Court prohibited any revisions b) The threshold is automatically adjusted for inflation c) A committee was formed to review the criteria, but no progress has been made d) The government decided the current threshold is sufficient Correct Solution: c) The income threshold for determining the creamy layer has remained stagnant at Rs 8 lakh since 2017 due to a lack of progress in the review process. In March 2019, the union government constituted a committee headed by former DoPT secretary B P Sharma to review the creamy layer criteria. However, no advancements have been made in this regard. This situation highlights the complexities involved in revising such socio-economic parameters, which require careful consideration of various factors including inflation, changing economic conditions, and the potential impact on different segments of society. The delay in revision can potentially affect the effectiveness of the reservation policy in addressing current socio-economic realities. Source Incorrect Solution: c) The income threshold for determining the creamy layer has remained stagnant at Rs 8 lakh since 2017 due to a lack of progress in the review process. In March 2019, the union government constituted a committee headed by former DoPT secretary B P Sharma to review the creamy layer criteria. However, no advancements have been made in this regard. This situation highlights the complexities involved in revising such socio-economic parameters, which require careful consideration of various factors including inflation, changing economic conditions, and the potential impact on different segments of society. The delay in revision can potentially affect the effectiveness of the reservation policy in addressing current socio-economic realities. Source

#### 3. Question

Why has the income threshold for determining the creamy layer not been revised since 2017?

• a) The Supreme Court prohibited any revisions

• b) The threshold is automatically adjusted for inflation

• c) A committee was formed to review the criteria, but no progress has been made

• d) The government decided the current threshold is sufficient

• Solution: c)

The income threshold for determining the creamy layer has remained stagnant at Rs 8 lakh since 2017 due to a lack of progress in the review process. In March 2019, the union government constituted a committee headed by former DoPT secretary B P Sharma to review the creamy layer criteria. However, no advancements have been made in this regard. This situation highlights the complexities involved in revising such socio-economic parameters, which require careful consideration of various factors including inflation, changing economic conditions, and the potential impact on different segments of society. The delay in revision can potentially affect the effectiveness of the reservation policy in addressing current socio-economic realities.

• Solution: c)

• Question 4 of 5 4. Question Consider the following statements regarding White phosphorus. White phosphorus is a highly toxic, wax-like substance known for its ability to burn at extremely high temperatures. It is used by militaries to create smokescreens due to its fast-spreading fires and thick smoke production. It is categorized as an “incendiary weapon” and is banned by international conventions. Which of the above statements is/are correct? a) 1, 3 b) 1 only c) 1, 2 d) 1, 2, 3 Correct Solution: c) About White phosphorus: It is a highly toxic, wax-like substance known for its ability to burn at extremely high temperatures, exceeding 800 degrees Celsius (1,500 degrees Fahrenheit). It can melt metal and is often used by militaries to create smokescreensdue to its fast-spreading fires and thick smoke production that can last for about seven minutes. White phosphorus is harmful to humans and can cause severe burns, penetrating down to the bone.The chemicals can be absorbed by the body, leading to dysfunction in multiple organs, including the liver, kidneys, and heart White phosphorus munitions can be delivered through artillery shells, bombs, rockets, or grenades. This substance is colourless, white, or yellow and emits a garlic-like odour. While white phosphorus is not banned by international conventions, it is not categorized as an “incendiary weapon” intended to cause fires or burns. Instead, it is considered a multipurpose munition. Protocol III of the 1980 Convention on Certain Conventional Weapons prohibits incendiaries or the use of other substances to attack civilian populations, but it allows militaries to argue that white phosphorus is used only as a smokescreen, signal, or to illuminate a target. Incorrect Solution: c) About White phosphorus: It is a highly toxic, wax-like substance known for its ability to burn at extremely high temperatures, exceeding 800 degrees Celsius (1,500 degrees Fahrenheit). It can melt metal and is often used by militaries to create smokescreensdue to its fast-spreading fires and thick smoke production that can last for about seven minutes. White phosphorus is harmful to humans and can cause severe burns, penetrating down to the bone.The chemicals can be absorbed by the body, leading to dysfunction in multiple organs, including the liver, kidneys, and heart White phosphorus munitions can be delivered through artillery shells, bombs, rockets, or grenades. This substance is colourless, white, or yellow and emits a garlic-like odour. While white phosphorus is not banned by international conventions, it is not categorized as an “incendiary weapon” intended to cause fires or burns. Instead, it is considered a multipurpose munition. Protocol III of the 1980 Convention on Certain Conventional Weapons prohibits incendiaries or the use of other substances to attack civilian populations, but it allows militaries to argue that white phosphorus is used only as a smokescreen, signal, or to illuminate a target.

#### 4. Question

Consider the following statements regarding White phosphorus.

• White phosphorus is a highly toxic, wax-like substance known for its ability to burn at extremely high temperatures.

• It is used by militaries to create smokescreens due to its fast-spreading fires and thick smoke production.

• It is categorized as an “incendiary weapon” and is banned by international conventions.

Which of the above statements is/are correct?

• d) 1, 2, 3

Solution: c)

About White phosphorus:

• It is a highly toxic, wax-like substance known for its ability to burn at extremely high temperatures, exceeding 800 degrees Celsius (1,500 degrees Fahrenheit).

• It can melt metal and is often used by militaries to create smokescreensdue to its fast-spreading fires and thick smoke production that can last for about seven minutes.

• White phosphorus is harmful to humans and can cause severe burns, penetrating down to the bone.The chemicals can be absorbed by the body, leading to dysfunction in multiple organs, including the liver, kidneys, and heart

• White phosphorus munitions can be delivered through artillery shells, bombs, rockets, or grenades. This substance is colourless, white, or yellow and emits a garlic-like odour.

While white phosphorus is not banned by international conventions, it is not categorized as an “incendiary weapon” intended to cause fires or burns.

Instead, it is considered a multipurpose munition. Protocol III of the 1980 Convention on Certain Conventional Weapons prohibits incendiaries or the use of other substances to attack civilian populations, but it allows militaries to argue that white phosphorus is used only as a smokescreen, signal, or to illuminate a target.

Solution: c)

About White phosphorus:

• It is a highly toxic, wax-like substance known for its ability to burn at extremely high temperatures, exceeding 800 degrees Celsius (1,500 degrees Fahrenheit).

• It can melt metal and is often used by militaries to create smokescreensdue to its fast-spreading fires and thick smoke production that can last for about seven minutes.

• White phosphorus munitions can be delivered through artillery shells, bombs, rockets, or grenades. This substance is colourless, white, or yellow and emits a garlic-like odour.

While white phosphorus is not banned by international conventions, it is not categorized as an “incendiary weapon” intended to cause fires or burns.

• Question 5 of 5 5. Question What physiological factor is primarily responsible for the athletic performance differences between men and women? a) Chromosome count b) Muscle fiber type c) Bone density d) Circulating testosterone levels Correct Solution: d) Circulating testosterone is considered the primary factor responsible for athletic performance differences between men and women. Testosterone has been shown to increase muscle mass and strength, bone size and density, and circulating hemoglobin levels. These physiological changes contribute significantly to athletic performance advantages. While other factors like bone density and muscle fiber type are influenced by testosterone, they are secondary effects rather than the primary cause. The hormone’s direct impact on multiple physiological systems makes it the key differentiator in athletic performance between sexes. Source Incorrect Solution: d) Circulating testosterone is considered the primary factor responsible for athletic performance differences between men and women. Testosterone has been shown to increase muscle mass and strength, bone size and density, and circulating hemoglobin levels. These physiological changes contribute significantly to athletic performance advantages. While other factors like bone density and muscle fiber type are influenced by testosterone, they are secondary effects rather than the primary cause. The hormone’s direct impact on multiple physiological systems makes it the key differentiator in athletic performance between sexes. Source

#### 5. Question

What physiological factor is primarily responsible for the athletic performance differences between men and women?

• a) Chromosome count

• b) Muscle fiber type

• c) Bone density

• d) Circulating testosterone levels

• Solution: d)

Circulating testosterone is considered the primary factor responsible for athletic performance differences between men and women. Testosterone has been shown to increase muscle mass and strength, bone size and density, and circulating hemoglobin levels. These physiological changes contribute significantly to athletic performance advantages. While other factors like bone density and muscle fiber type are influenced by testosterone, they are secondary effects rather than the primary cause. The hormone’s direct impact on multiple physiological systems makes it the key differentiator in athletic performance between sexes.

• Solution: d)

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