UPSC Editorials Quiz : 17 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.

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• Question 1 of 5 1. Question Consider the following statements regarding the Manki-Munda system: The system was a pre-colonial governance model with formal provisions for land tax and revenue collection. Captain Thomas Wilkinson codified the system, integrating it into the British colonial administration while preserving a degree of its autonomy. The roles of both Manki (head of a cluster of villages) and Munda (village head) are traditionally hereditary. How many of the above statements are correct? (a) All three statements are correct. (b) Only two statements are correct. (c) Only one statement is correct. (d) None of the statements are correct. Correct Solution: B Statement I is correct. Due to its unique atomic structure, electrons can move through graphene with very little resistance, making it an exceptionally good conductor of electricity, even better than copper. This property makes it highly desirable for electronic applications. Statement II is also correct. Graphene is renowned for its incredible mechanical strength, being about 200 times stronger than steel by weight. This makes it one of the strongest materials ever tested. Statement III is incorrect. A key characteristic of 2D materials is their flexibility and stretchability. Graphene can be stretched by up to 20% of its original size. This property makes them ideal for flexible electronics, foldable screens, and wearable devices, not for rigid structures. Incorrect Solution: B Statement I is correct. Due to its unique atomic structure, electrons can move through graphene with very little resistance, making it an exceptionally good conductor of electricity, even better than copper. This property makes it highly desirable for electronic applications. Statement II is also correct. Graphene is renowned for its incredible mechanical strength, being about 200 times stronger than steel by weight. This makes it one of the strongest materials ever tested. Statement III is incorrect. A key characteristic of 2D materials is their flexibility and stretchability. Graphene can be stretched by up to 20% of its original size. This property makes them ideal for flexible electronics, foldable screens, and wearable devices, not for rigid structures.

#### 1. Question

Consider the following statements regarding the Manki-Munda system:

• The system was a pre-colonial governance model with formal provisions for land tax and revenue collection.

• Captain Thomas Wilkinson codified the system, integrating it into the British colonial administration while preserving a degree of its autonomy.

• The roles of both Manki (head of a cluster of villages) and Munda (village head) are traditionally hereditary.

How many of the above statements are correct?

• (a) All three statements are correct.

• (b) Only two statements are correct.

• (c) Only one statement is correct.

• (d) None of the statements are correct.

Solution: B

• Statement I is correct. Due to its unique atomic structure, electrons can move through graphene with very little resistance, making it an exceptionally good conductor of electricity, even better than copper. This property makes it highly desirable for electronic applications.

• Statement II is also correct. Graphene is renowned for its incredible mechanical strength, being about 200 times stronger than steel by weight. This makes it one of the strongest materials ever tested.

Statement III is incorrect. A key characteristic of 2D materials is their flexibility and stretchability. Graphene can be stretched by up to 20% of its original size. This property makes them ideal for flexible electronics, foldable screens, and wearable devices, not for rigid structures.

Solution: B

• Question 2 of 5 2. Question With reference to the geography of Sudan, which of the following is an incorrect pair? (a) Marra Mountains: Volcanic highlands (b) Khartoum: Confluence of White and Blue Nile (c) Qawz region: Sand dunes (d) Gezira plain: Barren rocky desert Correct Solution: D (a) is a correct pair. The Marra Mountains in the Darfur region are indeed a range of volcanic highlands. (b) is a correct pair. The capital city, Khartoum, is located at the confluence of the White Nile and the Blue Nile. (c) is a correct pair. The Qawz region in Sudan is characterized by sand dunes. (d) is an incorrect pair. The Gezira plain, located between the White and Blue Nile south of Khartoum, is known for its fertile alluvial clays, not for being a barren rocky desert. Incorrect Solution: D (a) is a correct pair. The Marra Mountains in the Darfur region are indeed a range of volcanic highlands. (b) is a correct pair. The capital city, Khartoum, is located at the confluence of the White Nile and the Blue Nile. (c) is a correct pair. The Qawz region in Sudan is characterized by sand dunes. (d) is an incorrect pair. The Gezira plain, located between the White and Blue Nile south of Khartoum, is known for its fertile alluvial clays, not for being a barren rocky desert.

#### 2. Question

With reference to the geography of Sudan, which of the following is an incorrect pair?

• (a) Marra Mountains: Volcanic highlands

• (b) Khartoum: Confluence of White and Blue Nile

• (c) Qawz region: Sand dunes

• (d) Gezira plain: Barren rocky desert

Solution: D

• (a) is a correct pair. The Marra Mountains in the Darfur region are indeed a range of volcanic highlands.

• (b) is a correct pair. The capital city, Khartoum, is located at the confluence of the White Nile and the Blue Nile.

• (c) is a correct pair. The Qawz region in Sudan is characterized by sand dunes.

• (d) is an incorrect pair. The Gezira plain, located between the White and Blue Nile south of Khartoum, is known for its fertile alluvial clays, not for being a barren rocky desert.

Solution: D

• (a) is a correct pair. The Marra Mountains in the Darfur region are indeed a range of volcanic highlands.

• (b) is a correct pair. The capital city, Khartoum, is located at the confluence of the White Nile and the Blue Nile.

• (c) is a correct pair. The Qawz region in Sudan is characterized by sand dunes.

• (d) is an incorrect pair. The Gezira plain, located between the White and Blue Nile south of Khartoum, is known for its fertile alluvial clays, not for being a barren rocky desert.

• Question 3 of 5 3. Question With reference to the Indian aluminium industry, consider the following statements: Statement I: India possesses significant reserves of bauxite, the primary raw material for aluminium production. Statement II: Despite having a large installed capacity for aluminium extrusion, the actual utilization is low. 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: B Statement-I is correct. India is endowed with substantial bauxite reserves, with major deposits located in states like Odisha, Jharkhand, Gujarat, and Chhattisgarh. This provides a strong raw material base for the domestic aluminium industry. Statement-II is also correct. The Indian aluminium extrusion industry has an installed capacity of 3 million tonnes per annum, but the actual utilization is only 1.2 million tonnes. This indicates a significant underutilization of capacity. However, the low utilization mentioned in Statement-II is not a direct consequence of the availability of bauxite mentioned in Statement-I. The underutilization is caused by other factors, such as low per capita consumption, competition from substitutes like UPVC, and a surge in cheap imports. Incorrect Solution: B Statement-I is correct. India is endowed with substantial bauxite reserves, with major deposits located in states like Odisha, Jharkhand, Gujarat, and Chhattisgarh. This provides a strong raw material base for the domestic aluminium industry. Statement-II is also correct. The Indian aluminium extrusion industry has an installed capacity of 3 million tonnes per annum, but the actual utilization is only 1.2 million tonnes. This indicates a significant underutilization of capacity. However, the low utilization mentioned in Statement-II is not a direct consequence of the availability of bauxite mentioned in Statement-I. The underutilization is caused by other factors, such as low per capita consumption, competition from substitutes like UPVC, and a surge in cheap imports.

#### 3. Question

With reference to the Indian aluminium industry, consider the following statements:

Statement I: India possesses significant reserves of bauxite, the primary raw material for aluminium production.

Statement II: Despite having a large installed capacity for aluminium extrusion, the actual utilization is low.

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: B

• Statement-I is correct. India is endowed with substantial bauxite reserves, with major deposits located in states like Odisha, Jharkhand, Gujarat, and Chhattisgarh. This provides a strong raw material base for the domestic aluminium industry.

• Statement-II is also correct. The Indian aluminium extrusion industry has an installed capacity of 3 million tonnes per annum, but the actual utilization is only 1.2 million tonnes. This indicates a significant underutilization of capacity. However, the low utilization mentioned in Statement-II is not a direct consequence of the availability of bauxite mentioned in Statement-I.

• The underutilization is caused by other factors, such as low per capita consumption, competition from substitutes like UPVC, and a surge in cheap imports.

Solution: B

• The underutilization is caused by other factors, such as low per capita consumption, competition from substitutes like UPVC, and a surge in cheap imports.

• Question 4 of 5 4. Question The term ‘Xenes’, recently in news, refers to: (a) A new category of Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups. (b) A framework for environmental auditing. (c) A type of 2D material similar to graphene. (d) A disputed territory near the Lipulekh Pass. Correct Solution: C ‘Xenes‘ are a relatively new and emerging class of 2D materials. They are monolayer materials composed of a single element from Group 14 of the periodic table, similar to how graphene is a monolayer of carbon. Examples of Xenes include silicene (from silicon), germanene (from germanium), and stanene (from tin). These materials are being extensively researched for their unique electronic and spintronic properties, which could lead to advancements in fields like quantum computing and next-generation electronics. The term is not related to tribal groups, environmental auditing, or geopolitical disputes. It is a specific term within the field of materials science, highlighting the ongoing discovery and exploration of novel 2D materials beyond graphene. Incorrect Solution: C ‘Xenes‘ are a relatively new and emerging class of 2D materials. They are monolayer materials composed of a single element from Group 14 of the periodic table, similar to how graphene is a monolayer of carbon. Examples of Xenes include silicene (from silicon), germanene (from germanium), and stanene (from tin). These materials are being extensively researched for their unique electronic and spintronic properties, which could lead to advancements in fields like quantum computing and next-generation electronics. The term is not related to tribal groups, environmental auditing, or geopolitical disputes. It is a specific term within the field of materials science, highlighting the ongoing discovery and exploration of novel 2D materials beyond graphene.

#### 4. Question

The term ‘Xenes’, recently in news, refers to:

• (a) A new category of Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups.

• (b) A framework for environmental auditing.

• (c) A type of 2D material similar to graphene.

• (d) A disputed territory near the Lipulekh Pass.

Solution: C

• ‘Xenes‘ are a relatively new and emerging class of 2D materials. They are monolayer materials composed of a single element from Group 14 of the periodic table, similar to how graphene is a monolayer of carbon. Examples of Xenes include silicene (from silicon), germanene (from germanium), and stanene (from tin).

• These materials are being extensively researched for their unique electronic and spintronic properties, which could lead to advancements in fields like quantum computing and next-generation electronics. The term is not related to tribal groups, environmental auditing, or geopolitical disputes.

• It is a specific term within the field of materials science, highlighting the ongoing discovery and exploration of novel 2D materials beyond graphene.

Solution: C

• It is a specific term within the field of materials science, highlighting the ongoing discovery and exploration of novel 2D materials beyond graphene.

• Question 5 of 5 5. Question Consider the following statements regarding the role of “environment auditors”, as per newly established Environment Audit Rules, 2025: They are authorized to compute environmental compensation for non-compliance. Their appointment is mandatory for all industrial projects, irrespective of size. They will function as verifiers under the Green Credit Rules. How many of the above statements are incorrect? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) All three (d) None Correct Solution: A Statement 2 is incorrect. The newly established Environment Audit Rules, 2025, empower the environment auditors with significant responsibilities. One of their key functions is to report non-compliance with environmental laws and to compute the environmental compensation payable by the violating entity. This gives them a quasi-regulatory role. They are also designated to act as verifiers under various schemes, including the Green Credit Rules, E-Waste Rules, and Plastic Waste Rules, which enhances their importance in the emerging landscape of green finance and circular economy. Their appointment is not mandatory for all industrial projects. The applicability of the audit would likely depend on the category, size, and pollution potential of the project, as is the case with other environmental regulations. The aim is to supplement the work of Pollution Control Boards, not to create a universal mandate for all industries. Incorrect Solution: A Statement 2 is incorrect. The newly established Environment Audit Rules, 2025, empower the environment auditors with significant responsibilities. One of their key functions is to report non-compliance with environmental laws and to compute the environmental compensation payable by the violating entity. This gives them a quasi-regulatory role. They are also designated to act as verifiers under various schemes, including the Green Credit Rules, E-Waste Rules, and Plastic Waste Rules, which enhances their importance in the emerging landscape of green finance and circular economy. Their appointment is not mandatory for all industrial projects. The applicability of the audit would likely depend on the category, size, and pollution potential of the project, as is the case with other environmental regulations. The aim is to supplement the work of Pollution Control Boards, not to create a universal mandate for all industries.

#### 5. Question

Consider the following statements regarding the role of “environment auditors”, as per newly established Environment Audit Rules, 2025:

• They are authorized to compute environmental compensation for non-compliance.

• Their appointment is mandatory for all industrial projects, irrespective of size.

• They will function as verifiers under the Green Credit Rules.

How many of the above statements are incorrect?

• (a) Only one

• (b) Only two

• (c) All three

Solution: A

Statement 2 is incorrect.

• The newly established Environment Audit Rules, 2025, empower the environment auditors with significant responsibilities. One of their key functions is to report non-compliance with environmental laws and to compute the environmental compensation payable by the violating entity. This gives them a quasi-regulatory role.

• They are also designated to act as verifiers under various schemes, including the Green Credit Rules, E-Waste Rules, and Plastic Waste Rules, which enhances their importance in the emerging landscape of green finance and circular economy. Their appointment is not mandatory for all industrial projects.

• The applicability of the audit would likely depend on the category, size, and pollution potential of the project, as is the case with other environmental regulations. The aim is to supplement the work of Pollution Control Boards, not to create a universal mandate for all industries.

Solution: A

Statement 2 is incorrect.

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