UPSC Editorials Quiz : 16 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.

#### 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 Scientists are exploring Majorana particles as building blocks for stable quantum computers. All of the following are characteristics of Majorana particles EXCEPT: (a) They are their own antiparticles. (b) They annihilate with each other upon meeting. (c) They are electrically neutral. (d) They belong to a category of particles called non-Abelian anyons. Correct Solution: B (a) is a characteristic. The defining feature of a Majorana particle is that it is its own antiparticle. (b) is NOT a characteristic. Unlike normal matter-antimatter pairs, Majorana particles do not annihilate with each other when they meet. This property is crucial for their potential use in quantum computing. (c) is a characteristic. Majorana particles have no electric charge. (d) is a characteristic. Majorana particles exhibit exotic quantum behavior and are classified as non-Abelian anyons. About Majorana Particles: What it is? A hypothetical particle that is its own antiparticle. Unlike electrons or protons, which annihilate with their antimatter counterparts, Majoranas are perfectly symmetric. Discovered by: Proposed in 1937 by Italian physicist Ettore Majorana. First suggested in theoretical particle physics; later explored in condensed matter systems as quasiparticles. Characteristics: Self-mirror nature: A Majorana particle is its own antiparticle. Unlike an electron (matter) and positron (antimatter), there’s no distinction. No annihilation with itself: If two Majoranas meet, they don’t destroy each other, unlike normal matter-antimatter pairs. Neutral in charge: They don’t carry electric charge, which makes them harder to detect directly. Appear in special materials: In labs, they show up as quasiparticles inside superconductors at extremely low temperatures, not as free particles in nature. Come in pairs: They usually exist in two separate halves. Together they form one quantum state, but each half is stored far apart, giving them natural error resistance. Exotic quantum behavior: They belong to a rare category called non-Abelian anyons. When you swap or “braid” them, the overall quantum state changes in a unique, predictable way. Hard to pin down: Signals that suggest their presence can often be mimicked by other effects, so scientists are cautious in confirming them. Applications: Quantum Computing: foundation of topological qubits, naturally robust against decoherence and noise. Particle Physics: search for fundamental Majorana fermions (e.g., whether neutrinos are Majorana particles). Condensed Matter Physics: advances in superconductors, nanowires, and quantum materials. Incorrect Solution: B (a) is a characteristic. The defining feature of a Majorana particle is that it is its own antiparticle. (b) is NOT a characteristic. Unlike normal matter-antimatter pairs, Majorana particles do not annihilate with each other when they meet. This property is crucial for their potential use in quantum computing. (c) is a characteristic. Majorana particles have no electric charge. (d) is a characteristic. Majorana particles exhibit exotic quantum behavior and are classified as non-Abelian anyons. About Majorana Particles: What it is? A hypothetical particle that is its own antiparticle. Unlike electrons or protons, which annihilate with their antimatter counterparts, Majoranas are perfectly symmetric. Discovered by: Proposed in 1937 by Italian physicist Ettore Majorana. First suggested in theoretical particle physics; later explored in condensed matter systems as quasiparticles. Characteristics: Self-mirror nature: A Majorana particle is its own antiparticle. Unlike an electron (matter) and positron (antimatter), there’s no distinction. No annihilation with itself: If two Majoranas meet, they don’t destroy each other, unlike normal matter-antimatter pairs. Neutral in charge: They don’t carry electric charge, which makes them harder to detect directly. Appear in special materials: In labs, they show up as quasiparticles inside superconductors at extremely low temperatures, not as free particles in nature. Come in pairs: They usually exist in two separate halves. Together they form one quantum state, but each half is stored far apart, giving them natural error resistance. Exotic quantum behavior: They belong to a rare category called non-Abelian anyons. When you swap or “braid” them, the overall quantum state changes in a unique, predictable way. Hard to pin down: Signals that suggest their presence can often be mimicked by other effects, so scientists are cautious in confirming them. Applications: Quantum Computing: foundation of topological qubits, naturally robust against decoherence and noise. Particle Physics: search for fundamental Majorana fermions (e.g., whether neutrinos are Majorana particles). Condensed Matter Physics: advances in superconductors, nanowires, and quantum materials.

#### 1. Question

Scientists are exploring Majorana particles as building blocks for stable quantum computers. All of the following are characteristics of Majorana particles EXCEPT:

• (a) They are their own antiparticles.

• (b) They annihilate with each other upon meeting.

• (c) They are electrically neutral.

• (d) They belong to a category of particles called non-Abelian anyons.

Solution: B

• (a) is a characteristic. The defining feature of a Majorana particle is that it is its own antiparticle.

• (b) is NOT a characteristic. Unlike normal matter-antimatter pairs, Majorana particles do not annihilate with each other when they meet. This property is crucial for their potential use in quantum computing.

• (c) is a characteristic. Majorana particles have no electric charge.

• (d) is a characteristic. Majorana particles exhibit exotic quantum behavior and are classified as non-Abelian anyons.

About Majorana Particles:

What it is?

• A hypothetical particle that is its own antiparticle.

• Unlike electrons or protons, which annihilate with their antimatter counterparts, Majoranas are perfectly symmetric.

Discovered by:

• Proposed in 1937 by Italian physicist Ettore Majorana.

• First suggested in theoretical particle physics; later explored in condensed matter systems as quasiparticles.

Characteristics:

• Self-mirror nature: A Majorana particle is its own antiparticle. Unlike an electron (matter) and positron (antimatter), there’s no distinction.

• No annihilation with itself: If two Majoranas meet, they don’t destroy each other, unlike normal matter-antimatter pairs.

• Neutral in charge: They don’t carry electric charge, which makes them harder to detect directly.

• Appear in special materials: In labs, they show up as quasiparticles inside superconductors at extremely low temperatures, not as free particles in nature.

• Come in pairs: They usually exist in two separate halves. Together they form one quantum state, but each half is stored far apart, giving them natural error resistance.

• Exotic quantum behavior: They belong to a rare category called non-Abelian anyons. When you swap or “braid” them, the overall quantum state changes in a unique, predictable way.

• Hard to pin down: Signals that suggest their presence can often be mimicked by other effects, so scientists are cautious in confirming them.

Applications:

• Quantum Computing: foundation of topological qubits, naturally robust against decoherence and noise.

• Particle Physics: search for fundamental Majorana fermions (e.g., whether neutrinos are Majorana particles).

• Condensed Matter Physics: advances in superconductors, nanowires, and quantum materials.

Solution: B

• (a) is a characteristic. The defining feature of a Majorana particle is that it is its own antiparticle.

• (c) is a characteristic. Majorana particles have no electric charge.

• (d) is a characteristic. Majorana particles exhibit exotic quantum behavior and are classified as non-Abelian anyons.

About Majorana Particles:

What it is?

• A hypothetical particle that is its own antiparticle.

• Unlike electrons or protons, which annihilate with their antimatter counterparts, Majoranas are perfectly symmetric.

Discovered by:

• Proposed in 1937 by Italian physicist Ettore Majorana.

• First suggested in theoretical particle physics; later explored in condensed matter systems as quasiparticles.

Characteristics:

• Self-mirror nature: A Majorana particle is its own antiparticle. Unlike an electron (matter) and positron (antimatter), there’s no distinction.

• No annihilation with itself: If two Majoranas meet, they don’t destroy each other, unlike normal matter-antimatter pairs.

• Neutral in charge: They don’t carry electric charge, which makes them harder to detect directly.

• Appear in special materials: In labs, they show up as quasiparticles inside superconductors at extremely low temperatures, not as free particles in nature.

• Come in pairs: They usually exist in two separate halves. Together they form one quantum state, but each half is stored far apart, giving them natural error resistance.

• Exotic quantum behavior: They belong to a rare category called non-Abelian anyons. When you swap or “braid” them, the overall quantum state changes in a unique, predictable way.

• Hard to pin down: Signals that suggest their presence can often be mimicked by other effects, so scientists are cautious in confirming them.

Applications:

• Quantum Computing: foundation of topological qubits, naturally robust against decoherence and noise.

• Particle Physics: search for fundamental Majorana fermions (e.g., whether neutrinos are Majorana particles).

• Condensed Matter Physics: advances in superconductors, nanowires, and quantum materials.

• Question 2 of 5 2. Question Consider the following statements regarding the Sharm el-Sheikh Dialogue under the UNFCCC: It is a formal dialogue focused exclusively on mobilizing financial contributions from developed countries to developing countries as mandated by Article 9 of the Paris Agreement. The dialogue is co-chaired by representatives from two developed countries to ensure alignment with global financial standards. Its primary objective is to advance the understanding and implementation of Article 2.1(c) of the Paris Agreement, which deals with making all finance flows consistent with low-emission, climate-resilient development. 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 dialogue’s focus is on Article 2.1(c) of the Paris Agreement, which is about aligning all global finance flows (public and private) with climate goals. While it aims to be complementary to Article 9 (developed-to-developing country finance), its scope is much broader and not exclusively about mobilizing Article 9 funds. It addresses the systemic shift of the entire financial system. Statement 2 is incorrect. The dialogue’s structure is designed for balance and inclusivity. It is co-chaired by one representative from a developed country and one from a developing country, ensuring that perspectives from both the Global North and South are represented in its leadership. Statement 3 is correct. It was established to facilitate discussions on how to operationalize Article 2.1(c), which calls for “Making finance flows consistent with a pathway towards low greenhouse gas emissions and climate-resilient development.” Incorrect Solution: A Statement 1 is incorrect. The dialogue’s focus is on Article 2.1(c) of the Paris Agreement, which is about aligning all global finance flows (public and private) with climate goals. While it aims to be complementary to Article 9 (developed-to-developing country finance), its scope is much broader and not exclusively about mobilizing Article 9 funds. It addresses the systemic shift of the entire financial system. Statement 2 is incorrect. The dialogue’s structure is designed for balance and inclusivity. It is co-chaired by one representative from a developed country and one from a developing country, ensuring that perspectives from both the Global North and South are represented in its leadership. Statement 3 is correct. It was established to facilitate discussions on how to operationalize Article 2.1(c), which calls for “Making finance flows consistent with a pathway towards low greenhouse gas emissions and climate-resilient development.”

#### 2. Question

Consider the following statements regarding the Sharm el-Sheikh Dialogue under the UNFCCC:

• It is a formal dialogue focused exclusively on mobilizing financial contributions from developed countries to developing countries as mandated by Article 9 of the Paris Agreement.

• The dialogue is co-chaired by representatives from two developed countries to ensure alignment with global financial standards.

• Its primary objective is to advance the understanding and implementation of Article 2.1(c) of the Paris Agreement, which deals with making all finance flows consistent with low-emission, climate-resilient development.

How many of the above statements are correct?

• (a) Only one

• (b) Only two

• (c) All three

Solution: A

• Statement 1 is incorrect. The dialogue’s focus is on Article 2.1(c) of the Paris Agreement, which is about aligning all global finance flows (public and private) with climate goals. While it aims to be complementary to Article 9 (developed-to-developing country finance), its scope is much broader and not exclusively about mobilizing Article 9 funds. It addresses the systemic shift of the entire financial system.

• Statement 2 is incorrect. The dialogue’s structure is designed for balance and inclusivity. It is co-chaired by one representative from a developed country and one from a developing country, ensuring that perspectives from both the Global North and South are represented in its leadership.

Statement 3 is correct. It was established to facilitate discussions on how to operationalize Article 2.1(c), which calls for “Making finance flows consistent with a pathway towards low greenhouse gas emissions and climate-resilient development.”

Solution: A

• Question 3 of 5 3. Question Match the river with its key geographical characteristic: List I (River) List II (Characteristic) A. Mahi 1. Cascades from the Deccan Plateau to the Konkan region B. Kalu 2. Forms a wide estuary at its mouth in the Gulf of Khambhat C. Yarlung Zangbo 3. Takes a sharp southerly turn at the Great Bend Select the correct answer using the code given below: (a) A-1, B-2, C-3 (b) A-2, B-3, C-1 (c) A-3, B-1, C-2 (d) A-2, B-1, C-3 Correct Solution: D Mahi (A): The Mahi river is a west-flowing river that empties into the Arabian Sea through the Gulf of Khambhat. Its mouth type is a wide estuary. Therefore, A matches with 2. Kalu (B): The Kalu river originates in the Sahyadri ranges on the Deccan Plateau and flows westward. Its course involves a significant descent to the coastal Konkan plains, creating dramatic waterfalls. It cascades from the Deccan Plateau to the Konkan region. Therefore, B matches with 1. Yarlung Zangbo (C): This river becomes the Brahmaputra in India, flows eastward across the Tibetan plateau before reaching a major topographical feature known as the Namcha Barwa syntaxis. Here, it takes a sharp hairpin turn to the south, known as the Great Bend, to enter India. Therefore, C matches with 3. Incorrect Solution: D Mahi (A): The Mahi river is a west-flowing river that empties into the Arabian Sea through the Gulf of Khambhat. Its mouth type is a wide estuary. Therefore, A matches with 2. Kalu (B): The Kalu river originates in the Sahyadri ranges on the Deccan Plateau and flows westward. Its course involves a significant descent to the coastal Konkan plains, creating dramatic waterfalls. It cascades from the Deccan Plateau to the Konkan region. Therefore, B matches with 1. Yarlung Zangbo (C): This river becomes the Brahmaputra in India, flows eastward across the Tibetan plateau before reaching a major topographical feature known as the Namcha Barwa syntaxis. Here, it takes a sharp hairpin turn to the south, known as the Great Bend, to enter India. Therefore, C matches with 3.

#### 3. Question

Match the river with its key geographical characteristic:

| List I (River) | | List II (Characteristic)

A. | Mahi | 1. | Cascades from the Deccan Plateau to the Konkan region

B. | Kalu | 2. | Forms a wide estuary at its mouth in the Gulf of Khambhat

C. | Yarlung Zangbo | 3. | Takes a sharp southerly turn at the Great Bend

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

• (a) A-1, B-2, C-3

• (b) A-2, B-3, C-1

• (c) A-3, B-1, C-2

• (d) A-2, B-1, C-3

Solution: D

• Mahi (A): The Mahi river is a west-flowing river that empties into the Arabian Sea through the Gulf of Khambhat. Its mouth type is a wide estuary. Therefore, A matches with 2.

• Kalu (B): The Kalu river originates in the Sahyadri ranges on the Deccan Plateau and flows westward. Its course involves a significant descent to the coastal Konkan plains, creating dramatic waterfalls. It cascades from the Deccan Plateau to the Konkan region. Therefore, B matches with 1.

• Yarlung Zangbo (C): This river becomes the Brahmaputra in India, flows eastward across the Tibetan plateau before reaching a major topographical feature known as the Namcha Barwa syntaxis. Here, it takes a sharp hairpin turn to the south, known as the Great Bend, to enter India. Therefore, C matches with 3.

Solution: D

• Mahi (A): The Mahi river is a west-flowing river that empties into the Arabian Sea through the Gulf of Khambhat. Its mouth type is a wide estuary. Therefore, A matches with 2.

• Question 4 of 5 4. Question Which of the following statements about the Gola Rainforest National Park is/are correct? It is the largest tropical rainforest in Sierra Leone and has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The park is home to the endangered pygmy hippopotamus. 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: C Statement 1 is correct. The Gola Rainforest National Park is the largest remaining tract of tropical rainforest in Sierra Leone. Along with the Tiwai Island Wildlife Sanctuary, it was recently inscribed as the country’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site. Statement 2 is correct. The park is a biodiversity hotspot and provides a critical habitat for numerous species, including the elusive and endangered pygmy hippopotamus. Incorrect Solution: C Statement 1 is correct. The Gola Rainforest National Park is the largest remaining tract of tropical rainforest in Sierra Leone. Along with the Tiwai Island Wildlife Sanctuary, it was recently inscribed as the country’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site. Statement 2 is correct. The park is a biodiversity hotspot and provides a critical habitat for numerous species, including the elusive and endangered pygmy hippopotamus.

#### 4. Question

Which of the following statements about the Gola Rainforest National Park is/are correct?

• It is the largest tropical rainforest in Sierra Leone and has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

• The park is home to the endangered pygmy hippopotamus.

Which of the above statements are correct?

• (a) 1 only

• (b) 2 only

• (c) Both 1 and 2

• (d) Neither 1 nor 2

Solution: C

• Statement 1 is correct. The Gola Rainforest National Park is the largest remaining tract of tropical rainforest in Sierra Leone. Along with the Tiwai Island Wildlife Sanctuary, it was recently inscribed as the country’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site.

• Statement 2 is correct. The park is a biodiversity hotspot and provides a critical habitat for numerous species, including the elusive and endangered pygmy hippopotamus.

Solution: C

• Statement 2 is correct. The park is a biodiversity hotspot and provides a critical habitat for numerous species, including the elusive and endangered pygmy hippopotamus.

• Question 5 of 5 5. Question Consider the following statements regarding Foreigners Tribunals Statement-I: The Foreigners Tribunals in Assam are vested with the responsibility of determining the citizenship status of suspected individuals. Statement-II: The decisions of the Foreigners Tribunals are final and cannot be challenged in any court of law. 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: C Statement-I is correct. The primary function of the Foreigners Tribunals (FTs) in Assam is to conduct inquiries and determine whether a person is a “foreigner” under Indian law. They examine documents and witnesses to adjudicate on the citizenship status of individuals who are suspected of being illegal immigrants. This is a quasi-judicial function that has significant implications for the individuals involved. Statement-II is incorrect. The decisions of the Foreigners Tribunals are not final and can be challenged in higher courts. An individual who is declared a foreigner by a tribunal has the right to appeal the decision in the Gauhati High Court and subsequently in the Supreme Court of India. This provides a mechanism for judicial review and ensures that there are avenues for redressal against erroneous decisions. Incorrect Solution: C Statement-I is correct. The primary function of the Foreigners Tribunals (FTs) in Assam is to conduct inquiries and determine whether a person is a “foreigner” under Indian law. They examine documents and witnesses to adjudicate on the citizenship status of individuals who are suspected of being illegal immigrants. This is a quasi-judicial function that has significant implications for the individuals involved. Statement-II is incorrect. The decisions of the Foreigners Tribunals are not final and can be challenged in higher courts. An individual who is declared a foreigner by a tribunal has the right to appeal the decision in the Gauhati High Court and subsequently in the Supreme Court of India. This provides a mechanism for judicial review and ensures that there are avenues for redressal against erroneous decisions.

#### 5. Question

Consider the following statements regarding Foreigners Tribunals

Statement-I: The Foreigners Tribunals in Assam are vested with the responsibility of determining the citizenship status of suspected individuals.

Statement-II: The decisions of the Foreigners Tribunals are final and cannot be challenged in any court of law.

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: C

• Statement-I is correct. The primary function of the Foreigners Tribunals (FTs) in Assam is to conduct inquiries and determine whether a person is a “foreigner” under Indian law. They examine documents and witnesses to adjudicate on the citizenship status of individuals who are suspected of being illegal immigrants. This is a quasi-judicial function that has significant implications for the individuals involved.

Statement-II is incorrect. The decisions of the Foreigners Tribunals are not final and can be challenged in higher courts. An individual who is declared a foreigner by a tribunal has the right to appeal the decision in the Gauhati High Court and subsequently in the Supreme Court of India. This provides a mechanism for judicial review and ensures that there are avenues for redressal against erroneous decisions.

Solution: C

Join our Official Telegram Channel HERE for Motivation and Fast Updates

Join our Twitter Channel HERE

Follow our Instagram Channel HERE