UPSC Editorials Quiz : 15 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 Which of the following environmental stressors are known causes of coral bleaching? A sudden and significant decrease in sea temperature. Increased solar irradiance, particularly during periods of high sea surface temperatures. Nutrient-rich runoff from agricultural lands. Extreme low tides that expose corals to air. Select the correct answer using the code given below: (a) 1, 2 and 3 only (b) 2 and 4 only (c) 1, 3 and 4 only (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4 Correct Solution: D Cold Stress: While less common than heat stress, a sudden drop in sea temperature can also cause corals to bleach. An example of this occurred in the Florida Keys in 2010. Solar Irradiance: High solar irradiance (overexposure to sunlight) can exacerbate the effects of elevated sea temperatures. The combination of high light and high temperature is particularly stressful for corals and can accelerate the bleaching process. Pollution and Runoff: Nutrient-rich runoff from agriculture and other land-based sources can lead to poor water quality. This can promote the growth of harmful algae that compete with corals and can also make corals more susceptible to bleaching and disease. Extreme Low Tides: During extreme low tides, shallow-water corals can be exposed to the air for prolonged periods. This exposure leads to both heat stress and desiccation, which can trigger bleaching. Incorrect Solution: D Cold Stress: While less common than heat stress, a sudden drop in sea temperature can also cause corals to bleach. An example of this occurred in the Florida Keys in 2010. Solar Irradiance: High solar irradiance (overexposure to sunlight) can exacerbate the effects of elevated sea temperatures. The combination of high light and high temperature is particularly stressful for corals and can accelerate the bleaching process. Pollution and Runoff: Nutrient-rich runoff from agriculture and other land-based sources can lead to poor water quality. This can promote the growth of harmful algae that compete with corals and can also make corals more susceptible to bleaching and disease. Extreme Low Tides: During extreme low tides, shallow-water corals can be exposed to the air for prolonged periods. This exposure leads to both heat stress and desiccation, which can trigger bleaching.

#### 1. Question

Which of the following environmental stressors are known causes of coral bleaching?

• A sudden and significant decrease in sea temperature.

• Increased solar irradiance, particularly during periods of high sea surface temperatures.

• Nutrient-rich runoff from agricultural lands.

• Extreme low tides that expose corals to air.

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

• (a) 1, 2 and 3 only

• (b) 2 and 4 only

• (c) 1, 3 and 4 only

• (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

Solution: D

• Cold Stress: While less common than heat stress, a sudden drop in sea temperature can also cause corals to bleach. An example of this occurred in the Florida Keys in 2010.

• Solar Irradiance: High solar irradiance (overexposure to sunlight) can exacerbate the effects of elevated sea temperatures. The combination of high light and high temperature is particularly stressful for corals and can accelerate the bleaching process.

• Pollution and Runoff: Nutrient-rich runoff from agriculture and other land-based sources can lead to poor water quality. This can promote the growth of harmful algae that compete with corals and can also make corals more susceptible to bleaching and disease.

• Extreme Low Tides: During extreme low tides, shallow-water corals can be exposed to the air for prolonged periods. This exposure leads to both heat stress and desiccation, which can trigger bleaching.

Solution: D

• Cold Stress: While less common than heat stress, a sudden drop in sea temperature can also cause corals to bleach. An example of this occurred in the Florida Keys in 2010.

• Question 2 of 5 2. Question Consider the following statements regarding Biochar: The byproducts of biochar production, syngas and bio-oil, have significant energy generation potential. The application of biochar in construction is limited to non-structural elements due to its low compressive strength. Biochar’s porous structure makes it effective for wastewater treatment. 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. The pyrolysis process that creates biochar also yields valuable byproducts, including syngas and bio-oil. These have significant energy potential. Syngas can be used to generate electricity, and bio-oil can be a substitute for fossil fuels like diesel and kerosene, thereby reducing dependence on them and cutting emissions. Statement 2 is incorrect. Adding biochar to concrete can boost its mechanical strength. This suggests that it can be used in structural applications, not just non-structural ones. The research is focused on enhancing the properties of concrete, making it stronger and more durable, while also sequestering carbon. Statement 3 is correct. Biochar has a highly porous structure with a large surface area. This property makes it an excellent adsorbent material, capable of trapping pollutants and impurities. This makes it effective for wastewater treatment, where it can be used to remove contaminants from water. The potential for its use in decentralized wastewater treatment systems is significant. Incorrect Solution: B Statement 1 is correct. The pyrolysis process that creates biochar also yields valuable byproducts, including syngas and bio-oil. These have significant energy potential. Syngas can be used to generate electricity, and bio-oil can be a substitute for fossil fuels like diesel and kerosene, thereby reducing dependence on them and cutting emissions. Statement 2 is incorrect. Adding biochar to concrete can boost its mechanical strength. This suggests that it can be used in structural applications, not just non-structural ones. The research is focused on enhancing the properties of concrete, making it stronger and more durable, while also sequestering carbon. Statement 3 is correct. Biochar has a highly porous structure with a large surface area. This property makes it an excellent adsorbent material, capable of trapping pollutants and impurities. This makes it effective for wastewater treatment, where it can be used to remove contaminants from water. The potential for its use in decentralized wastewater treatment systems is significant.

#### 2. Question

Consider the following statements regarding Biochar:

• The byproducts of biochar production, syngas and bio-oil, have significant energy generation potential.

• The application of biochar in construction is limited to non-structural elements due to its low compressive strength.

• Biochar’s porous structure makes it effective for wastewater treatment.

How many of the above statements are correct?

• (a) Only one

• (b) Only two

• (c) All three

Solution: B

• Statement 1 is correct. The pyrolysis process that creates biochar also yields valuable byproducts, including syngas and bio-oil. These have significant energy potential. Syngas can be used to generate electricity, and bio-oil can be a substitute for fossil fuels like diesel and kerosene, thereby reducing dependence on them and cutting emissions.

• Statement 2 is incorrect. Adding biochar to concrete can boost its mechanical strength. This suggests that it can be used in structural applications, not just non-structural ones. The research is focused on enhancing the properties of concrete, making it stronger and more durable, while also sequestering carbon.

• Statement 3 is correct. Biochar has a highly porous structure with a large surface area. This property makes it an excellent adsorbent material, capable of trapping pollutants and impurities. This makes it effective for wastewater treatment, where it can be used to remove contaminants from water. The potential for its use in decentralized wastewater treatment systems is significant.

Solution: B

• Question 3 of 5 3. Question Consider the following statements: Statement I: The international community faces significant challenges in holding state and non-state actors accountable for malicious activities in cyberspace. Statement II: The borderless nature of cyberspace and the use of anonymizing techniques by malicious actors make attribution difficult. Statement III: The dual-use nature of cyber tools means that the same technology can be used for both legitimate and malicious purposes, complicating the determination of intent. Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements? (a) Statement II is the only correct explanation for Statement I (b) Both Statement II and Statement III are correct and both of them explain Statement I (c) Only Statement III is correct and it explains Statement I (d) Neither Statement II nor Statement III is a correct explanation for Statement I Correct Solution: B Statement I is correct. It accurately describes a central problem in global cyber governance: the difficulty of accountability. When a cyber-attack occurs, identifying the perpetrator and holding them responsible, whether through legal or diplomatic means, is a major challenge. Statement II is correct and provides a key explanation for Statement I. The borderless and global nature of the internet means that an attacker can be located anywhere in the world. Furthermore, the use of sophisticated techniques to anonymize their identity and location (e.g., proxies, botnets, dark web) creates a “problem of attribution,” making it hard to prove who was behind an attack. Statement III is also correct and provides another crucial explanation for Statement I. The dual-use nature of cyber tools poses a significant challenge. A piece of software or a technique could be part of a legitimate cybersecurity research tool or a weapon for espionage or sabotage. This ambiguity makes it difficult to determine the intent behind an action and to distinguish between defensive and offensive activities, further complicating the process of assigning accountability. Incorrect Solution: B Statement I is correct. It accurately describes a central problem in global cyber governance: the difficulty of accountability. When a cyber-attack occurs, identifying the perpetrator and holding them responsible, whether through legal or diplomatic means, is a major challenge. Statement II is correct and provides a key explanation for Statement I. The borderless and global nature of the internet means that an attacker can be located anywhere in the world. Furthermore, the use of sophisticated techniques to anonymize their identity and location (e.g., proxies, botnets, dark web) creates a “problem of attribution,” making it hard to prove who was behind an attack. Statement III is also correct and provides another crucial explanation for Statement I. The dual-use nature of cyber tools poses a significant challenge. A piece of software or a technique could be part of a legitimate cybersecurity research tool or a weapon for espionage or sabotage. This ambiguity makes it difficult to determine the intent behind an action and to distinguish between defensive and offensive activities, further complicating the process of assigning accountability.

#### 3. Question

Consider the following statements:

Statement I: The international community faces significant challenges in holding state and non-state actors accountable for malicious activities in cyberspace.

Statement II: The borderless nature of cyberspace and the use of anonymizing techniques by malicious actors make attribution difficult.

Statement III: The dual-use nature of cyber tools means that the same technology can be used for both legitimate and malicious purposes, complicating the determination of intent.

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

• (a) Statement II is the only correct explanation for Statement I

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

• (c) Only Statement III is correct and it explains Statement I

• (d) Neither Statement II nor Statement III is a correct explanation for Statement I

Solution: B

• Statement I is correct. It accurately describes a central problem in global cyber governance: the difficulty of accountability. When a cyber-attack occurs, identifying the perpetrator and holding them responsible, whether through legal or diplomatic means, is a major challenge.

• Statement II is correct and provides a key explanation for Statement I. The borderless and global nature of the internet means that an attacker can be located anywhere in the world. Furthermore, the use of sophisticated techniques to anonymize their identity and location (e.g., proxies, botnets, dark web) creates a “problem of attribution,” making it hard to prove who was behind an attack.

• Statement III is also correct and provides another crucial explanation for Statement I. The dual-use nature of cyber tools poses a significant challenge. A piece of software or a technique could be part of a legitimate cybersecurity research tool or a weapon for espionage or sabotage. This ambiguity makes it difficult to determine the intent behind an action and to distinguish between defensive and offensive activities, further complicating the process of assigning accountability.

Solution: B

• Question 4 of 5 4. Question Consider the following statements regarding the Election Commission of India (ECI): The ECI is a statutory body established by an Act of Parliament. The Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) and other Election Commissioners are appointed by the President of India and hold office for a term of five years or up to the age of 65 years, whichever is earlier. The ECI has quasi-judicial powers to resolve disputes related to splits and mergers of recognized political parties. 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. The Election Commission of India is a constitutional body, not a statutory body. It is established under Article 324 of the Constitution of India. This article vests the ‘superintendence, direction and control of elections’ in the ECI. Statement 2 is also incorrect. The tenure of the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) and other Election Commissioners is six years or up to the age of 65 years, whichever is earlier, not five years. Statement 3 is correct. The ECI has quasi-judicial functions, which include settling disputes relating to splits and mergers of recognized political parties and allotting symbols to them. This power is crucial for maintaining order and clarity within the political landscape, especially during elections. The Commission’s decisions in these matters are binding on the factions involved. Incorrect Solution: A Statement 1 is incorrect. The Election Commission of India is a constitutional body, not a statutory body. It is established under Article 324 of the Constitution of India. This article vests the ‘superintendence, direction and control of elections’ in the ECI. Statement 2 is also incorrect. The tenure of the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) and other Election Commissioners is six years or up to the age of 65 years, whichever is earlier, not five years. Statement 3 is correct. The ECI has quasi-judicial functions, which include settling disputes relating to splits and mergers of recognized political parties and allotting symbols to them. This power is crucial for maintaining order and clarity within the political landscape, especially during elections. The Commission’s decisions in these matters are binding on the factions involved.

#### 4. Question

Consider the following statements regarding the Election Commission of India (ECI):

• The ECI is a statutory body established by an Act of Parliament.

• The Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) and other Election Commissioners are appointed by the President of India and hold office for a term of five years or up to the age of 65 years, whichever is earlier.

• The ECI has quasi-judicial powers to resolve disputes related to splits and mergers of recognized political parties.

How many of the above statements are correct?

• (a) Only one

• (b) Only two

• (c) All three

Solution: A

• Statement 1 is incorrect. The Election Commission of India is a constitutional body, not a statutory body. It is established under Article 324 of the Constitution of India. This article vests the ‘superintendence, direction and control of elections’ in the ECI.

• Statement 2 is also incorrect. The tenure of the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) and other Election Commissioners is six years or up to the age of 65 years, whichever is earlier, not five years.

• Statement 3 is correct. The ECI has quasi-judicial functions, which include settling disputes relating to splits and mergers of recognized political parties and allotting symbols to them. This power is crucial for maintaining order and clarity within the political landscape, especially during elections. The Commission’s decisions in these matters are binding on the factions involved.

Solution: A

• Question 5 of 5 5. Question Consider the following statements regarding groundwater contamination in India: A significant portion of India’s rural drinking water and irrigation needs are met by groundwater. The overuse of chemical fertilizers in agriculture can lead to nitrate contamination of groundwater. Pathogen contamination from sewage leaks is a major anthropogenic source of groundwater pollution. How many of the above statements are correct? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) All three (d) None Correct Solution: C Statement 1 is correct. Over 85% of rural drinking water and 65% of irrigation needs in India are dependent on groundwater, making it the lifeline of the country’s water economy. This heavy reliance makes the issue of its contamination a critical national concern. Statement 2 is correct. Agricultural runoff from the overuse of chemical fertilisers and pesticides is a primary source of nitrate and phosphate leaching into aquifers. States like Punjab and Haryana, with intensive agriculture, face significant nitrate contamination, which can lead to health issues like “Blue Baby Syndrome”. Statement 3 is correct. Sewage and septic leaks are a major anthropogenic (human-induced) source of groundwater contamination, particularly in peri-urban and rural areas. This introduces pathogens like bacteria and viruses into the water, leading to waterborne diseases such as cholera, dysentery, and hepatitis. Incorrect Solution: C Statement 1 is correct. Over 85% of rural drinking water and 65% of irrigation needs in India are dependent on groundwater, making it the lifeline of the country’s water economy. This heavy reliance makes the issue of its contamination a critical national concern. Statement 2 is correct. Agricultural runoff from the overuse of chemical fertilisers and pesticides is a primary source of nitrate and phosphate leaching into aquifers. States like Punjab and Haryana, with intensive agriculture, face significant nitrate contamination, which can lead to health issues like “Blue Baby Syndrome”. Statement 3 is correct. Sewage and septic leaks are a major anthropogenic (human-induced) source of groundwater contamination, particularly in peri-urban and rural areas. This introduces pathogens like bacteria and viruses into the water, leading to waterborne diseases such as cholera, dysentery, and hepatitis.

#### 5. Question

Consider the following statements regarding groundwater contamination in India:

• A significant portion of India’s rural drinking water and irrigation needs are met by groundwater.

• The overuse of chemical fertilizers in agriculture can lead to nitrate contamination of groundwater.

• Pathogen contamination from sewage leaks is a major anthropogenic source of groundwater pollution.

How many of the above statements are correct?

• (a) Only one

• (b) Only two

• (c) All three

Solution: C

• Statement 1 is correct. Over 85% of rural drinking water and 65% of irrigation needs in India are dependent on groundwater, making it the lifeline of the country’s water economy. This heavy reliance makes the issue of its contamination a critical national concern.

• Statement 2 is correct. Agricultural runoff from the overuse of chemical fertilisers and pesticides is a primary source of nitrate and phosphate leaching into aquifers. States like Punjab and Haryana, with intensive agriculture, face significant nitrate contamination, which can lead to health issues like “Blue Baby Syndrome”.

• Statement 3 is correct. Sewage and septic leaks are a major anthropogenic (human-induced) source of groundwater contamination, particularly in peri-urban and rural areas. This introduces pathogens like bacteria and viruses into the water, leading to waterborne diseases such as cholera, dysentery, and hepatitis.

Solution: C

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