UPSC Editorials Quiz : 14 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 Consider the following pairs: Mountain Range Location 1. Marrah Mountains Darfur 2. Red Sea Hills Eastern Sudan 3. Nuba Mountains South Kordofan Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched? (a) 1 only (b) 1 and 2 only (c) 2 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 Correct Solution: D Marrah Mountains: This range of volcanic peaks is located in the Darfur region of western Sudan. It is the highest point in Sudan and forms the Nile-Congo watershed. The region has been at the center of the conflict in Darfur. Red Sea Hills: This mountain range runs parallel to the Red Sea coast in eastern Sudan. It is an uplifted escarpment with rugged terrain and is an important geographical feature of the region. Nuba Mountains: These mountains are located in the South Kordofan state of Sudan. They are a series of inselbergs (isolated rock hills) rising from the surrounding clay plains. The Nuba Mountains have also been a site of conflict and are known for their unique cultural diversity. Incorrect Solution: D Marrah Mountains: This range of volcanic peaks is located in the Darfur region of western Sudan. It is the highest point in Sudan and forms the Nile-Congo watershed. The region has been at the center of the conflict in Darfur. Red Sea Hills: This mountain range runs parallel to the Red Sea coast in eastern Sudan. It is an uplifted escarpment with rugged terrain and is an important geographical feature of the region. Nuba Mountains: These mountains are located in the South Kordofan state of Sudan. They are a series of inselbergs (isolated rock hills) rising from the surrounding clay plains. The Nuba Mountains have also been a site of conflict and are known for their unique cultural diversity.

#### 1. Question

Consider the following pairs:

Mountain Range | Location

1.Marrah Mountains | Darfur
2.Red Sea Hills | Eastern Sudan
3.Nuba Mountains | South Kordofan

Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched?

• (a) 1 only

• (b) 1 and 2 only

• (c) 2 and 3 only

• (d) 1, 2 and 3

Solution: D

• Marrah Mountains: This range of volcanic peaks is located in the Darfur region of western Sudan. It is the highest point in Sudan and forms the Nile-Congo watershed. The region has been at the center of the conflict in Darfur.

• Red Sea Hills: This mountain range runs parallel to the Red Sea coast in eastern Sudan. It is an uplifted escarpment with rugged terrain and is an important geographical feature of the region.

• Nuba Mountains: These mountains are located in the South Kordofan state of Sudan. They are a series of inselbergs (isolated rock hills) rising from the surrounding clay plains. The Nuba Mountains have also been a site of conflict and are known for their unique cultural diversity.

Solution: D

• Question 2 of 5 2. Question Consider the following statements regarding Biochar. Statement-I: The use of biochar in agriculture can contribute to mitigating climate change. Statement-II: Biochar is a stable form of carbon that sequesters carbon in the soil for long periods, and it also reduces nitrous oxide emissions from the soil. 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 is correct. The application of biochar to agricultural soils is recognized as a negative emissions technology, meaning it helps to remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. This contributes to mitigating climate change. Statement-II is also correct. It provides the reasons why biochar helps mitigate climate change. Firstly, biochar is a highly stable form of carbon. When added to soil, it resists decomposition and can store carbon for hundreds or even thousands of years. This process is known as carbon sequestration. Secondly, biochar application has been shown to reduce nitrous oxide (N₂O) emissions from the soil by 30-50%. Nitrous oxide is a potent greenhouse gas, with a global warming potential 273 times that of carbon dioxide over a 100-year period. By reducing these emissions, biochar further contributes to climate change mitigation. Incorrect Solution: A Statement-I is correct. The application of biochar to agricultural soils is recognized as a negative emissions technology, meaning it helps to remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. This contributes to mitigating climate change. Statement-II is also correct. It provides the reasons why biochar helps mitigate climate change. Firstly, biochar is a highly stable form of carbon. When added to soil, it resists decomposition and can store carbon for hundreds or even thousands of years. This process is known as carbon sequestration. Secondly, biochar application has been shown to reduce nitrous oxide (N₂O) emissions from the soil by 30-50%. Nitrous oxide is a potent greenhouse gas, with a global warming potential 273 times that of carbon dioxide over a 100-year period. By reducing these emissions, biochar further contributes to climate change mitigation.

#### 2. Question

Consider the following statements regarding Biochar.

Statement-I: The use of biochar in agriculture can contribute to mitigating climate change. Statement-II: Biochar is a stable form of carbon that sequesters carbon in the soil for long periods, and it also reduces nitrous oxide emissions from the soil.

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 is correct. The application of biochar to agricultural soils is recognized as a negative emissions technology, meaning it helps to remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. This contributes to mitigating climate change.

• Statement-II is also correct. It provides the reasons why biochar helps mitigate climate change.

• Firstly, biochar is a highly stable form of carbon. When added to soil, it resists decomposition and can store carbon for hundreds or even thousands of years. This process is known as carbon sequestration.

• Secondly, biochar application has been shown to reduce nitrous oxide (N₂O) emissions from the soil by 30-50%. Nitrous oxide is a potent greenhouse gas, with a global warming potential 273 times that of carbon dioxide over a 100-year period. By reducing these emissions, biochar further contributes to climate change mitigation.

Solution: A

• Statement-II is also correct. It provides the reasons why biochar helps mitigate climate change.

• Question 3 of 5 3. Question Consider the following statements regarding the features of cyberspace: Actions in cyberspace are confined by national borders, and their impact is localized. Cyberspace has a dual-use nature, serving both civilian and military purposes. Attribution of actions in cyberspace is straightforward due to the traceable nature of digital footprints. How many of the above statements are correct? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) All three (d) None Correct Solution: A Statement 1 is incorrect. A defining feature of cyberspace is that it is a borderless domain. Actions taken in cyberspace can have immediate, global effects, transcending physical and national boundaries. A cyber-attack launched from one country can impact critical infrastructure in another country thousands of miles away. Statement 2 is correct. Cyberspace has a dual-use nature. The same infrastructure, technologies, and platforms can be used for both civilian purposes (e.g., e-commerce, communication, education) and military purposes (e.g., intelligence gathering, command and control, cyber warfare). This duality presents unique challenges for governance and security. Statement 3 is incorrect. Attribution in cyberspace is a significant challenge. Malicious actors can use various techniques, such as proxy servers, VPNs, and sophisticated malware, to obscure their identity and location, making it difficult to definitively trace an attack back to its source. The anonymity or pseudonymity afforded by cyberspace is one of its key features and a major hurdle for law enforcement and national security agencies. Incorrect Solution: A Statement 1 is incorrect. A defining feature of cyberspace is that it is a borderless domain. Actions taken in cyberspace can have immediate, global effects, transcending physical and national boundaries. A cyber-attack launched from one country can impact critical infrastructure in another country thousands of miles away. Statement 2 is correct. Cyberspace has a dual-use nature. The same infrastructure, technologies, and platforms can be used for both civilian purposes (e.g., e-commerce, communication, education) and military purposes (e.g., intelligence gathering, command and control, cyber warfare). This duality presents unique challenges for governance and security. Statement 3 is incorrect. Attribution in cyberspace is a significant challenge. Malicious actors can use various techniques, such as proxy servers, VPNs, and sophisticated malware, to obscure their identity and location, making it difficult to definitively trace an attack back to its source. The anonymity or pseudonymity afforded by cyberspace is one of its key features and a major hurdle for law enforcement and national security agencies.

#### 3. Question

Consider the following statements regarding the features of cyberspace:

• Actions in cyberspace are confined by national borders, and their impact is localized.

• Cyberspace has a dual-use nature, serving both civilian and military purposes.

• Attribution of actions in cyberspace is straightforward due to the traceable nature of digital footprints.

How many of the above statements are correct?

• (a) Only one

• (b) Only two

• (c) All three

Solution: A

• Statement 1 is incorrect. A defining feature of cyberspace is that it is a borderless domain. Actions taken in cyberspace can have immediate, global effects, transcending physical and national boundaries. A cyber-attack launched from one country can impact critical infrastructure in another country thousands of miles away.

• Statement 2 is correct. Cyberspace has a dual-use nature. The same infrastructure, technologies, and platforms can be used for both civilian purposes (e.g., e-commerce, communication, education) and military purposes (e.g., intelligence gathering, command and control, cyber warfare). This duality presents unique challenges for governance and security.

• Statement 3 is incorrect. Attribution in cyberspace is a significant challenge. Malicious actors can use various techniques, such as proxy servers, VPNs, and sophisticated malware, to obscure their identity and location, making it difficult to definitively trace an attack back to its source. The anonymity or pseudonymity afforded by cyberspace is one of its key features and a major hurdle for law enforcement and national security agencies.

Solution: A

• Question 4 of 5 4. Question Consider the following statements regarding Amphibious operations: Statement I: Amphibious operations are inherently complex and high-risk military endeavors. Statement II: These operations require the seamless integration of disparate military forces and are susceptible to weather conditions. Statement III: The success of an amphibious assault is primarily dependent on achieving overwhelming numerical superiority on the landing beach. 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: C Amphibious operations are complex military undertakings launched from the sea by naval and landing forces, often with significant air participation, with the primary purpose of projecting power ashore onto a hostile or potentially hostile coastline. They are designed to introduce a ground force to accomplish a specific mission, which can range from prosecuting further combat operations to establishing advanced bases or denying enemy access to an area. Statement I is correct. Amphibious operations are widely regarded as among the most complex and risky of all military operations. Statement II is also correct, and it explains why Statement I is true. The complexity and risk arise from the need to coordinate naval, air, and land forces, each with its own command structure, equipment, and doctrine. This tri-service integration must be flawless. Furthermore, amphibious operations are highly vulnerable to adverse weather and sea conditions, which can disrupt landing schedules, endanger troops and equipment, and compromise the entire mission. These factors contribute significantly to the inherent difficulty of such operations. Statement III is incorrect. While numerical superiority can be an advantage, it is not the primary determinant of success in a modern amphibious assault. Other factors such as surprise, speed, intelligence, naval and air fire support, and the ability to disrupt the enemy’s command and control are often more critical. The history of warfare is replete with examples of successful amphibious landings conducted by smaller, but better-led and technologically superior forces. Incorrect Solution: C Amphibious operations are complex military undertakings launched from the sea by naval and landing forces, often with significant air participation, with the primary purpose of projecting power ashore onto a hostile or potentially hostile coastline. They are designed to introduce a ground force to accomplish a specific mission, which can range from prosecuting further combat operations to establishing advanced bases or denying enemy access to an area. Statement I is correct. Amphibious operations are widely regarded as among the most complex and risky of all military operations. Statement II is also correct, and it explains why Statement I is true. The complexity and risk arise from the need to coordinate naval, air, and land forces, each with its own command structure, equipment, and doctrine. This tri-service integration must be flawless. Furthermore, amphibious operations are highly vulnerable to adverse weather and sea conditions, which can disrupt landing schedules, endanger troops and equipment, and compromise the entire mission. These factors contribute significantly to the inherent difficulty of such operations. Statement III is incorrect. While numerical superiority can be an advantage, it is not the primary determinant of success in a modern amphibious assault. Other factors such as surprise, speed, intelligence, naval and air fire support, and the ability to disrupt the enemy’s command and control are often more critical. The history of warfare is replete with examples of successful amphibious landings conducted by smaller, but better-led and technologically superior forces.

#### 4. Question

Consider the following statements regarding Amphibious operations:

Statement I: Amphibious operations are inherently complex and high-risk military endeavors.

Statement II: These operations require the seamless integration of disparate military forces and are susceptible to weather conditions.

Statement III: The success of an amphibious assault is primarily dependent on achieving overwhelming numerical superiority on the landing beach.

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: C

Amphibious operations are complex military undertakings launched from the sea by naval and landing forces, often with significant air participation, with the primary purpose of projecting power ashore onto a hostile or potentially hostile coastline. They are designed to introduce a ground force to accomplish a specific mission, which can range from prosecuting further combat operations to establishing advanced bases or denying enemy access to an area.

• Statement I is correct. Amphibious operations are widely regarded as among the most complex and risky of all military operations.

• Statement II is also correct, and it explains why Statement I is true. The complexity and risk arise from the need to coordinate naval, air, and land forces, each with its own command structure, equipment, and doctrine. This tri-service integration must be flawless. Furthermore, amphibious operations are highly vulnerable to adverse weather and sea conditions, which can disrupt landing schedules, endanger troops and equipment, and compromise the entire mission. These factors contribute significantly to the inherent difficulty of such operations.

• Statement III is incorrect. While numerical superiority can be an advantage, it is not the primary determinant of success in a modern amphibious assault. Other factors such as surprise, speed, intelligence, naval and air fire support, and the ability to disrupt the enemy’s command and control are often more critical. The history of warfare is replete with examples of successful amphibious landings conducted by smaller, but better-led and technologically superior forces.

Solution: C

• Statement I is correct. Amphibious operations are widely regarded as among the most complex and risky of all military operations.

• Question 5 of 5 5. Question Consider the following statements regarding the World Trade Organization (WTO): It provides a forum for negotiations to reduce tariffs but not non-tariff barriers to trade. The Trade Policy Review Mechanism is a core function of the WTO to promote transparency in members’ trade policies. The WTO collaborates with the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank on global economic policy matters. The WTO’s mandate is limited to trade in goods and does not cover services or intellectual property rights. How many of the above statements are correct? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) Only three (d) All four Correct Solution: B Statement 1 is incorrect. The WTO’s objective is to promote free trade by reducing both tariffs and non-tariff barriers. Non-tariff barriers, such as quotas, import licensing, and sanitary and phytosanitary measures, can be significant obstacles to trade, and they are a key area of negotiation within the WTO. Statement 2 is correct. The Trade Policy Review Mechanism (TPRM) is a fundamental function of the WTO. Under the TPRM, member countries’ trade policies are regularly reviewed and assessed. This process enhances transparency and understanding of countries’ trade policies and practices. Statement 3 is correct. The WTO maintains a close working relationship with other international economic institutions, notably the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank. This cooperation is aimed at achieving greater coherence in global economic policymaking. They collaborate on research, technical assistance, and policy advice. Statement 4 is incorrect. The scope of the WTO is much broader than just trade in goods. The agreements administered by the WTO cover trade in services (through the General Agreement on Trade in Services – GATS) and intellectual property rights (through the Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights – TRIPS). The inclusion of services and intellectual property was a major outcome of the Uruguay Round that led to the WTO’s creation. Incorrect Solution: B Statement 1 is incorrect. The WTO’s objective is to promote free trade by reducing both tariffs and non-tariff barriers. Non-tariff barriers, such as quotas, import licensing, and sanitary and phytosanitary measures, can be significant obstacles to trade, and they are a key area of negotiation within the WTO. Statement 2 is correct. The Trade Policy Review Mechanism (TPRM) is a fundamental function of the WTO. Under the TPRM, member countries’ trade policies are regularly reviewed and assessed. This process enhances transparency and understanding of countries’ trade policies and practices. Statement 3 is correct. The WTO maintains a close working relationship with other international economic institutions, notably the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank. This cooperation is aimed at achieving greater coherence in global economic policymaking. They collaborate on research, technical assistance, and policy advice. Statement 4 is incorrect. The scope of the WTO is much broader than just trade in goods. The agreements administered by the WTO cover trade in services (through the General Agreement on Trade in Services – GATS) and intellectual property rights (through the Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights – TRIPS). The inclusion of services and intellectual property was a major outcome of the Uruguay Round that led to the WTO’s creation.

#### 5. Question

Consider the following statements regarding the World Trade Organization (WTO):

• It provides a forum for negotiations to reduce tariffs but not non-tariff barriers to trade.

• The Trade Policy Review Mechanism is a core function of the WTO to promote transparency in members’ trade policies.

• The WTO collaborates with the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank on global economic policy matters.

• The WTO’s mandate is limited to trade in goods and does not cover services or intellectual property rights.

How many of the above statements are correct?

• (a) Only one

• (b) Only two

• (c) Only three

• (d) All four

Solution: B

• Statement 1 is incorrect. The WTO’s objective is to promote free trade by reducing both tariffs and non-tariff barriers. Non-tariff barriers, such as quotas, import licensing, and sanitary and phytosanitary measures, can be significant obstacles to trade, and they are a key area of negotiation within the WTO.

• Statement 2 is correct. The Trade Policy Review Mechanism (TPRM) is a fundamental function of the WTO. Under the TPRM, member countries’ trade policies are regularly reviewed and assessed. This process enhances transparency and understanding of countries’ trade policies and practices.

• Statement 3 is correct. The WTO maintains a close working relationship with other international economic institutions, notably the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank. This cooperation is aimed at achieving greater coherence in global economic policymaking. They collaborate on research, technical assistance, and policy advice.

• Statement 4 is incorrect. The scope of the WTO is much broader than just trade in goods. The agreements administered by the WTO cover trade in services (through the General Agreement on Trade in Services – GATS) and intellectual property rights (through the Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights – TRIPS). The inclusion of services and intellectual property was a major outcome of the Uruguay Round that led to the WTO’s creation.

Solution: B

Join our Official Telegram Channel HERE for Motivation and Fast Updates

Join our Twitter Channel HERE

Follow our Instagram Channel HERE