UPSC Editorials Quiz : 16 September 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 is the main environmental benefit of nano-fertilizers compared to traditional fertilizers? a) Nano-fertilizers completely eliminate the need for chemical fertilizers b) Nano-fertilizers increase nutrient runoff into water bodies, enhancing aquatic ecosystems c) Nano-fertilizers are entirely organic and biodegradable d) Nano-fertilizers reduce nutrient wastage and pollution, cutting fertilizer use by 50% Correct Solution: d) The main environmental advantage of nano-fertilizers is their high nutrient use efficiency (NUE), with over 85% efficiency, as plants absorb nitrogen more effectively due to the nano-sized particles. This results in reduced nutrient wastage, with fertilizer usage cut by up to 50%, thereby minimizing soil, water, and air pollution. Nano-fertilizers do not completely eliminate traditional fertilizers or promote nutrient runoff. Instead, they help reduce the environmental fallout of conventional fertilizer use by improving nutrient delivery to crops and minimizing waste. Incorrect Solution: d) The main environmental advantage of nano-fertilizers is their high nutrient use efficiency (NUE), with over 85% efficiency, as plants absorb nitrogen more effectively due to the nano-sized particles. This results in reduced nutrient wastage, with fertilizer usage cut by up to 50%, thereby minimizing soil, water, and air pollution. Nano-fertilizers do not completely eliminate traditional fertilizers or promote nutrient runoff. Instead, they help reduce the environmental fallout of conventional fertilizer use by improving nutrient delivery to crops and minimizing waste.

#### 1. Question

What is the main environmental benefit of nano-fertilizers compared to traditional fertilizers?

• a) Nano-fertilizers completely eliminate the need for chemical fertilizers

• b) Nano-fertilizers increase nutrient runoff into water bodies, enhancing aquatic ecosystems

• c) Nano-fertilizers are entirely organic and biodegradable

• d) Nano-fertilizers reduce nutrient wastage and pollution, cutting fertilizer use by 50%

Solution: d)

The main environmental advantage of nano-fertilizers is their high nutrient use efficiency (NUE), with over 85% efficiency, as plants absorb nitrogen more effectively due to the nano-sized particles. This results in reduced nutrient wastage, with fertilizer usage cut by up to 50%, thereby minimizing soil, water, and air pollution. Nano-fertilizers do not completely eliminate traditional fertilizers or promote nutrient runoff. Instead, they help reduce the environmental fallout of conventional fertilizer use by improving nutrient delivery to crops and minimizing waste.

Solution: d)

• Question 2 of 5 2. Question Consider the following statements regarding swamps: Swamps are found only in tropical regions. Swamps can be either freshwater or saltwater ecosystems. Swamps are usually located in areas with poor drainage where water accumulates. How many of the above statements is/are correct? a) Only one b) Only two c) All three d) None Correct Solution: b) Statements 2 and 3 are correct. Swamps can be freshwater or saltwater ecosystems, depending on their proximity to rivers, lakes, or coastlines. They are typically found in areas with poor drainage where water accumulates, such as floodplains, coastal regions, or low-lying areas. Statement 1 is incorrect because swamps are not limited to tropical regions; they can occur in various climatic zones, including temperate and subtropical regions. Incorrect Solution: b) Statements 2 and 3 are correct. Swamps can be freshwater or saltwater ecosystems, depending on their proximity to rivers, lakes, or coastlines. They are typically found in areas with poor drainage where water accumulates, such as floodplains, coastal regions, or low-lying areas. Statement 1 is incorrect because swamps are not limited to tropical regions; they can occur in various climatic zones, including temperate and subtropical regions.

#### 2. Question

Consider the following statements regarding swamps:

• Swamps are found only in tropical regions.

• Swamps can be either freshwater or saltwater ecosystems.

• Swamps are usually located in areas with poor drainage where water accumulates.

How many of the above statements is/are correct?

• a) Only one

• b) Only two

• c) All three

Solution: b)

Statements 2 and 3 are correct. Swamps can be freshwater or saltwater ecosystems, depending on their proximity to rivers, lakes, or coastlines. They are typically found in areas with poor drainage where water accumulates, such as floodplains, coastal regions, or low-lying areas. Statement 1 is incorrect because swamps are not limited to tropical regions; they can occur in various climatic zones, including temperate and subtropical regions.

Solution: b)

• Question 3 of 5 3. Question Which of the following is one of the major concerns regarding the use of salt pan lands in Mumbai for affordable housing? a) Salt pan lands are environmentally significant as they act as rainwater sinks and protect against flooding. b) Salt pan lands are too small in area for large-scale housing projects. c) Salt pan lands are already developed and cannot be repurposed for housing. d) Salt production in these lands has not been profitable, leading to land abandonment. Correct Solution: a) Salt pan lands in Mumbai serve important environmental functions. They act as rainwater sinks, which help in mitigating flooding during the monsoon season. Additionally, they provide habitats for migratory birds and other wildlife. The proposal to use these lands for affordable housing raises concerns about the loss of these natural functions and the potential exacerbation of flooding in a city already prone to waterlogging during heavy rains. Thus, the primary concern is the environmental impact, not the size of the land or profitability of salt production. Incorrect Solution: a) Salt pan lands in Mumbai serve important environmental functions. They act as rainwater sinks, which help in mitigating flooding during the monsoon season. Additionally, they provide habitats for migratory birds and other wildlife. The proposal to use these lands for affordable housing raises concerns about the loss of these natural functions and the potential exacerbation of flooding in a city already prone to waterlogging during heavy rains. Thus, the primary concern is the environmental impact, not the size of the land or profitability of salt production.

#### 3. Question

Which of the following is one of the major concerns regarding the use of salt pan lands in Mumbai for affordable housing?

• a) Salt pan lands are environmentally significant as they act as rainwater sinks and protect against flooding.

• b) Salt pan lands are too small in area for large-scale housing projects.

• c) Salt pan lands are already developed and cannot be repurposed for housing.

• d) Salt production in these lands has not been profitable, leading to land abandonment.

Solution: a)

Salt pan lands in Mumbai serve important environmental functions. They act as rainwater sinks, which help in mitigating flooding during the monsoon season. Additionally, they provide habitats for migratory birds and other wildlife. The proposal to use these lands for affordable housing raises concerns about the loss of these natural functions and the potential exacerbation of flooding in a city already prone to waterlogging during heavy rains. Thus, the primary concern is the environmental impact, not the size of the land or profitability of salt production.

Solution: a)

• Question 4 of 5 4. Question What does the term “Disease X” refer to? a) A hypothetical pathogen that could cause a future pandemic b) A new type of influenza virus c) A bacterial infection caused by unknown sources d) A known disease caused by mutations in genetic material Correct Solution: a) Disease X is a term coined by scientists and the World Health Organization (WHO) to describe a hypothetical pathogen that has the potential to cause a major future pandemic. It refers to a yet-unknown virus, bacterium, or fungus that could emerge with no existing treatment or cure. Disease X represents the unpredictability of future microbial threats to human health and emphasizes the need for preparedness. Incorrect Solution: a) Disease X is a term coined by scientists and the World Health Organization (WHO) to describe a hypothetical pathogen that has the potential to cause a major future pandemic. It refers to a yet-unknown virus, bacterium, or fungus that could emerge with no existing treatment or cure. Disease X represents the unpredictability of future microbial threats to human health and emphasizes the need for preparedness.

#### 4. Question

What does the term “Disease X” refer to?

• a) A hypothetical pathogen that could cause a future pandemic

• b) A new type of influenza virus

• c) A bacterial infection caused by unknown sources

• d) A known disease caused by mutations in genetic material

Solution: a)

Disease X is a term coined by scientists and the World Health Organization (WHO) to describe a hypothetical pathogen that has the potential to cause a major future pandemic. It refers to a yet-unknown virus, bacterium, or fungus that could emerge with no existing treatment or cure. Disease X represents the unpredictability of future microbial threats to human health and emphasizes the need for preparedness.

Solution: a)

• Question 5 of 5 5. Question What is a significant advantage of using electroencephalography (EEG) as a diagnostic tool? a) It can detect deep brain structures without any supplementary techniques. b) It requires minimal setup time and is insensitive to hair thickness. c) It is non-invasive, cost-effective, and emits no radiation. d) It can replace MRI in all diagnostic scenarios. Correct Solution: c) EEG stands for electroencephalography, combining “Electro” for electricity, “encephalo” for the brain, and “graphy” for representation. It is an instrument that measures brain electrical activity generated by neurons, essential in fields such as neuroscience and neurolinguistics. Uses: Common applications include epilepsy diagnosis, monitoring anaesthesia effects, assessing sleep patterns, coma activity, and brain death. Functioning: Neurons in the brain create electrical signals, detected by EEG to differentiate normal and abnormal brain states. Advantages: EEG is cost-effective, non-invasive, portable, and emits no radiation or noise. Disadvantages: Setup involves time and sensitivity to hair thickness, and it primarily detects surface brain activity, sometimes needing support from MRI and advanced data processing for deeper insights. Incorrect Solution: c) EEG stands for electroencephalography, combining “Electro” for electricity, “encephalo” for the brain, and “graphy” for representation. It is an instrument that measures brain electrical activity generated by neurons, essential in fields such as neuroscience and neurolinguistics. Uses: Common applications include epilepsy diagnosis, monitoring anaesthesia effects, assessing sleep patterns, coma activity, and brain death. Functioning: Neurons in the brain create electrical signals, detected by EEG to differentiate normal and abnormal brain states. Advantages: EEG is cost-effective, non-invasive, portable, and emits no radiation or noise. Disadvantages: Setup involves time and sensitivity to hair thickness, and it primarily detects surface brain activity, sometimes needing support from MRI and advanced data processing for deeper insights.

#### 5. Question

What is a significant advantage of using electroencephalography (EEG) as a diagnostic tool?

• a) It can detect deep brain structures without any supplementary techniques.

• b) It requires minimal setup time and is insensitive to hair thickness.

• c) It is non-invasive, cost-effective, and emits no radiation.

• d) It can replace MRI in all diagnostic scenarios.

Solution: c)

EEG stands for electroencephalography, combining “Electro” for electricity, “encephalo” for the brain, and “graphy” for representation. It is an instrument that measures brain electrical activity generated by neurons, essential in fields such as neuroscience and neurolinguistics.

• Uses: Common applications include epilepsy diagnosis, monitoring anaesthesia effects, assessing sleep patterns, coma activity, and brain death.

• Functioning: Neurons in the brain create electrical signals, detected by EEG to differentiate normal and abnormal brain states.

• Advantages: EEG is cost-effective, non-invasive, portable, and emits no radiation or noise.

Disadvantages: Setup involves time and sensitivity to hair thickness, and it primarily detects surface brain activity, sometimes needing support from MRI and advanced data processing for deeper insights.

Solution: c)

• Uses: Common applications include epilepsy diagnosis, monitoring anaesthesia effects, assessing sleep patterns, coma activity, and brain death.

• Functioning: Neurons in the brain create electrical signals, detected by EEG to differentiate normal and abnormal brain states.

• Advantages: EEG is cost-effective, non-invasive, portable, and emits no radiation or noise.

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