UPSC Editorials Quiz : 18 December 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 Consider the following statements about the GRIHA (Green Rating for Integrated Habitat Assessment) framework: It includes metrics for energy efficiency and resource conservation. It evaluates only the construction phase of a building. The GRIHA Council operates independently of any government ministry. How many of the above statements is/are correct? a) Only one b) Only two c) All three d) None Correct Solution: a) Statement 1 is correct because the GRIHA (Green Rating for Integrated Habitat Assessment) framework emphasizes sustainability, including energy efficiency, resource conservation, and minimizing environmental impacts. These are integral to the assessment process. Statement 2 is incorrect since GRIHA evaluates buildings across their entire lifecycle, from design and construction to operation and maintenance, ensuring a comprehensive approach to sustainability rather than focusing solely on the construction phase. Statement 3 is incorrect as the GRIHA Council operates in partnership with The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) and functions under the support of the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), making it closely aligned with governmental objectives. Incorrect Solution: a) Statement 1 is correct because the GRIHA (Green Rating for Integrated Habitat Assessment) framework emphasizes sustainability, including energy efficiency, resource conservation, and minimizing environmental impacts. These are integral to the assessment process. Statement 2 is incorrect since GRIHA evaluates buildings across their entire lifecycle, from design and construction to operation and maintenance, ensuring a comprehensive approach to sustainability rather than focusing solely on the construction phase. Statement 3 is incorrect as the GRIHA Council operates in partnership with The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) and functions under the support of the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), making it closely aligned with governmental objectives.

#### 1. Question

Consider the following statements about the GRIHA (Green Rating for Integrated Habitat Assessment) framework:

• It includes metrics for energy efficiency and resource conservation.

• It evaluates only the construction phase of a building.

• The GRIHA Council operates independently of any government ministry.

How many of the above statements is/are correct?

• a) Only one

• b) Only two

• c) All three

Solution: a)

Statement 1 is correct because the GRIHA (Green Rating for Integrated Habitat Assessment) framework emphasizes sustainability, including energy efficiency, resource conservation, and minimizing environmental impacts. These are integral to the assessment process.

Statement 2 is incorrect since GRIHA evaluates buildings across their entire lifecycle, from design and construction to operation and maintenance, ensuring a comprehensive approach to sustainability rather than focusing solely on the construction phase.

Statement 3 is incorrect as the GRIHA Council operates in partnership with The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) and functions under the support of the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), making it closely aligned with governmental objectives.

Solution: a)

• Question 2 of 5 2. Question Consider the following statements about the properties and uses of Copper: Copper has poor thermal conductivity compared to aluminum. It is widely used in electrical wiring due to its excellent ductility. Copper is magnetic and finds use in magnet manufacturing. How many of the above statements is/are correct? a) Only one b) Only two c) All three d) None Correct Solution: a) Statement 1 is incorrect as copper has better thermal conductivity than aluminum. Statement 2 is correct; its ductility makes it ideal for wiring. Statement 3 is incorrect as copper is not magnetic. About Copper: Copper is a reddish-brown, malleable, and ductile metal known for its excellent thermal and electrical conductivity. Properties:It is corrosion-resistant and possesses antimicrobial qualities, making it indispensable in electrical wiring, electronics, and various industrial applications. Incorrect Solution: a) Statement 1 is incorrect as copper has better thermal conductivity than aluminum. Statement 2 is correct; its ductility makes it ideal for wiring. Statement 3 is incorrect as copper is not magnetic. About Copper: Copper is a reddish-brown, malleable, and ductile metal known for its excellent thermal and electrical conductivity. Properties:It is corrosion-resistant and possesses antimicrobial qualities, making it indispensable in electrical wiring, electronics, and various industrial applications.

#### 2. Question

Consider the following statements about the properties and uses of Copper:

• Copper has poor thermal conductivity compared to aluminum.

• It is widely used in electrical wiring due to its excellent ductility.

• Copper is magnetic and finds use in magnet manufacturing.

How many of the above statements is/are correct?

• a) Only one

• b) Only two

• c) All three

Solution: a)

Statement 1 is incorrect as copper has better thermal conductivity than aluminum.

Statement 2 is correct; its ductility makes it ideal for wiring.

Statement 3 is incorrect as copper is not magnetic.

About Copper:

• Copper is a reddish-brown, malleable, and ductile metal known for its excellent thermal and electrical conductivity.

• Properties:It is corrosion-resistant and possesses antimicrobial qualities, making it indispensable in electrical wiring, electronics, and various industrial applications.

Solution: a)

Statement 1 is incorrect as copper has better thermal conductivity than aluminum.

Statement 2 is correct; its ductility makes it ideal for wiring.

Statement 3 is incorrect as copper is not magnetic.

About Copper:

• Copper is a reddish-brown, malleable, and ductile metal known for its excellent thermal and electrical conductivity.

• Properties:It is corrosion-resistant and possesses antimicrobial qualities, making it indispensable in electrical wiring, electronics, and various industrial applications.

• Question 3 of 5 3. Question Which of the following nutrients is most deficient in Indian soils? a) Phosphate b) Potash c) Organic Carbon d) Nitrogen Correct Solution: d) Less than 5% of Indian soils have high nitrogen levels, making it the most deficient nutrient. In comparison, phosphate sufficiency is at 40%, potash at 32%, and organic carbon at 20%. Present Status of Soil in India: Aspect Details Topsoil Importance 95% of food production relies on topsoil, which takes 1,000 years to regenerate naturally. Nitrogen Deficiency Less than 5% of Indian soils have high nitrogen levels. Phosphate Sufficiency Only 40% of Indian soils have sufficient phosphate. Potash Sufficiency Only 32% of Indian soils have sufficient potash levels. Organic Carbon Sufficiency Just 20% of Indian soils are sufficient in organic carbon. Fertilizer Subsidy Urea accounts for two-thirds of the ₹1.88 lakh crore subsidy; globally cheapest at ~$70/tonne. Imbalanced Fertilizer Use Punjab uses 61% more nitrogen and 89% less potash than recommended. Incorrect Solution: d) Less than 5% of Indian soils have high nitrogen levels, making it the most deficient nutrient. In comparison, phosphate sufficiency is at 40%, potash at 32%, and organic carbon at 20%. Present Status of Soil in India: Aspect Details Topsoil Importance 95% of food production relies on topsoil, which takes 1,000 years to regenerate naturally. Nitrogen Deficiency Less than 5% of Indian soils have high nitrogen levels. Phosphate Sufficiency Only 40% of Indian soils have sufficient phosphate. Potash Sufficiency Only 32% of Indian soils have sufficient potash levels. Organic Carbon Sufficiency Just 20% of Indian soils are sufficient in organic carbon. Fertilizer Subsidy Urea accounts for two-thirds of the ₹1.88 lakh crore subsidy; globally cheapest at ~$70/tonne. Imbalanced Fertilizer Use Punjab uses 61% more nitrogen and 89% less potash than recommended.

#### 3. Question

Which of the following nutrients is most deficient in Indian soils?

• a) Phosphate

• c) Organic Carbon

• d) Nitrogen

Solution: d)

Less than 5% of Indian soils have high nitrogen levels, making it the most deficient nutrient. In comparison, phosphate sufficiency is at 40%, potash at 32%, and organic carbon at 20%.

Present Status of Soil in India:

Aspect | Details

Topsoil Importance | 95% of food production relies on topsoil, which takes 1,000 years to regenerate naturally.

Nitrogen Deficiency | Less than 5% of Indian soils have high nitrogen levels.

Phosphate Sufficiency | Only 40% of Indian soils have sufficient phosphate.

Potash Sufficiency | Only 32% of Indian soils have sufficient potash levels.

Organic Carbon Sufficiency | Just 20% of Indian soils are sufficient in organic carbon.

Fertilizer Subsidy | Urea accounts for two-thirds of the ₹1.88 lakh crore subsidy; globally cheapest at ~$70/tonne.

Imbalanced Fertilizer Use | Punjab uses 61% more nitrogen and 89% less potash than recommended.

Solution: d)

Less than 5% of Indian soils have high nitrogen levels, making it the most deficient nutrient. In comparison, phosphate sufficiency is at 40%, potash at 32%, and organic carbon at 20%.

Present Status of Soil in India:

Aspect | Details

Topsoil Importance | 95% of food production relies on topsoil, which takes 1,000 years to regenerate naturally.

Nitrogen Deficiency | Less than 5% of Indian soils have high nitrogen levels.

Phosphate Sufficiency | Only 40% of Indian soils have sufficient phosphate.

Potash Sufficiency | Only 32% of Indian soils have sufficient potash levels.

Organic Carbon Sufficiency | Just 20% of Indian soils are sufficient in organic carbon.

Fertilizer Subsidy | Urea accounts for two-thirds of the ₹1.88 lakh crore subsidy; globally cheapest at ~$70/tonne.

Imbalanced Fertilizer Use | Punjab uses 61% more nitrogen and 89% less potash than recommended.

• Question 4 of 5 4. Question Consider the following statements regarding Parliamentary approval for the removal of judges: The motion requires a two-thirds majority of members present and voting in each house of Parliament. The motion must also secure a majority of the total membership of each house. Both houses must pass the motion independently before it is sent to the President. How many of the above statements is/are correct? a) Only one b) Only two c) All three d) None Correct Solution: c) Statement 1 is correct, as a two-thirds majority of members present and voting is required in both houses. Statement 2 is correct, as a majority of the total membership is also mandatory for the motion to pass. Statement 3 is correct, as both houses must approve the motion independently before it is sent to the President for final action. Judges Inquiry Act, 1968: The procedure for removal is elaborated in the Judges Inquiry Act, 1968, which outlines the following steps: Initiation of Motion: A motion for impeachment can originate in either house of Parliament. Requires: At least 100 members from the Lok Sabha to sign a notice to the Speaker. At least 50 members from the Rajya Sabha to sign a notice to the Chairman. Admission of Motion: The Speaker or Chairman may consult relevant individuals and materials before deciding whether to admit or reject the motion Investigation Committee Formation: If admitted, a three-member committee is constituted: A Supreme Court judge. The Chief Justice of a High Court. A distinguished jurist. The committee investigates the charges and frames them accordingly Report Submission: After investigation, the committee submits its report to the Speaker or Chairman. If misbehaviour or incapacity is found, the motion is taken up for consideration in Parliament. Parliamentary Approval: The motion must be adopted by both houses: Requires a majority of total membership and a two-thirds majority of those present and voting in each house Presidential Order: Once both houses pass the motion, it is sent to the President, who issues an order for removal History: No Supreme Court judge has been successfully impeached so far; notable attempts include those against Justice V. Ramaswami and Justice Dipak Misra, both of which did not succeed in Parliament Incorrect Solution: c) Statement 1 is correct, as a two-thirds majority of members present and voting is required in both houses. Statement 2 is correct, as a majority of the total membership is also mandatory for the motion to pass. Statement 3 is correct, as both houses must approve the motion independently before it is sent to the President for final action. Judges Inquiry Act, 1968: The procedure for removal is elaborated in the Judges Inquiry Act, 1968, which outlines the following steps: Initiation of Motion: A motion for impeachment can originate in either house of Parliament. Requires: At least 100 members from the Lok Sabha to sign a notice to the Speaker. At least 50 members from the Rajya Sabha to sign a notice to the Chairman. Admission of Motion: The Speaker or Chairman may consult relevant individuals and materials before deciding whether to admit or reject the motion Investigation Committee Formation: If admitted, a three-member committee is constituted: A Supreme Court judge. The Chief Justice of a High Court. A distinguished jurist. The committee investigates the charges and frames them accordingly Report Submission: After investigation, the committee submits its report to the Speaker or Chairman. If misbehaviour or incapacity is found, the motion is taken up for consideration in Parliament. Parliamentary Approval: The motion must be adopted by both houses: Requires a majority of total membership and a two-thirds majority of those present and voting in each house Presidential Order: Once both houses pass the motion, it is sent to the President, who issues an order for removal History: No Supreme Court judge has been successfully impeached so far; notable attempts include those against Justice V. Ramaswami and Justice Dipak Misra, both of which did not succeed in Parliament

#### 4. Question

Consider the following statements regarding Parliamentary approval for the removal of judges:

• The motion requires a two-thirds majority of members present and voting in each house of Parliament.

• The motion must also secure a majority of the total membership of each house.

• Both houses must pass the motion independently before it is sent to the President.

How many of the above statements is/are correct?

• a) Only one

• b) Only two

• c) All three

Solution: c)

Statement 1 is correct, as a two-thirds majority of members present and voting is required in both houses.

Statement 2 is correct, as a majority of the total membership is also mandatory for the motion to pass.

Statement 3 is correct, as both houses must approve the motion independently before it is sent to the President for final action.

Judges Inquiry Act, 1968:

• The procedure for removal is elaborated in the Judges Inquiry Act, 1968, which outlines the following steps:

Initiation of Motion:

• A motion for impeachment can originate in either house of Parliament.

• Requires: At least 100 members from the Lok Sabha to sign a notice to the Speaker. At least 50 members from the Rajya Sabha to sign a notice to the Chairman.

• At least 100 members from the Lok Sabha to sign a notice to the Speaker.

• At least 50 members from the Rajya Sabha to sign a notice to the Chairman.

Admission of Motion:

• The Speaker or Chairman may consult relevant individuals and materials before deciding whether to admit or reject the motion

Investigation Committee Formation:

• If admitted, a three-member committee is constituted:

• A Supreme Court judge.

• The Chief Justice of a High Court.

• A distinguished jurist.

The committee investigates the charges and frames them accordingly

Report Submission:

• After investigation, the committee submits its report to the Speaker or Chairman.

• If misbehaviour or incapacity is found, the motion is taken up for consideration in Parliament.

Parliamentary Approval:

• The motion must be adopted by both houses:

• Requires a majority of total membership and a two-thirds majority of those present and voting in each house

Presidential Order:

• Once both houses pass the motion, it is sent to the President, who issues an order for removal

• No Supreme Court judge has been successfully impeached so far; notable attempts include those against Justice V. Ramaswami and Justice Dipak Misra, both of which did not succeed in Parliament

Solution: c)

Statement 1 is correct, as a two-thirds majority of members present and voting is required in both houses.

Statement 2 is correct, as a majority of the total membership is also mandatory for the motion to pass.

Statement 3 is correct, as both houses must approve the motion independently before it is sent to the President for final action.

Judges Inquiry Act, 1968:

• The procedure for removal is elaborated in the Judges Inquiry Act, 1968, which outlines the following steps:

Initiation of Motion:

• A motion for impeachment can originate in either house of Parliament.

• Requires: At least 100 members from the Lok Sabha to sign a notice to the Speaker. At least 50 members from the Rajya Sabha to sign a notice to the Chairman.

• At least 100 members from the Lok Sabha to sign a notice to the Speaker.

• At least 50 members from the Rajya Sabha to sign a notice to the Chairman.

Admission of Motion:

• The Speaker or Chairman may consult relevant individuals and materials before deciding whether to admit or reject the motion

Investigation Committee Formation:

• If admitted, a three-member committee is constituted:

• A Supreme Court judge.

• The Chief Justice of a High Court.

• A distinguished jurist.

The committee investigates the charges and frames them accordingly

Report Submission:

• After investigation, the committee submits its report to the Speaker or Chairman.

• If misbehaviour or incapacity is found, the motion is taken up for consideration in Parliament.

Parliamentary Approval:

• The motion must be adopted by both houses:

• Requires a majority of total membership and a two-thirds majority of those present and voting in each house

Presidential Order:

• Once both houses pass the motion, it is sent to the President, who issues an order for removal

• No Supreme Court judge has been successfully impeached so far; notable attempts include those against Justice V. Ramaswami and Justice Dipak Misra, both of which did not succeed in Parliament

• Question 5 of 5 5. Question Which of the following is a unique characteristic of salt flats after rainfall? a) The ground becomes highly fertile for agriculture. b) They form reflective surfaces that act as natural mirrors. c) The mineral layers become compressed to form salt domes. d) They expand significantly due to water absorption. Correct Solution: b) After rainfall, salt flats transform into highly reflective surfaces due to the formation of a thin, even layer of water on top of the salt crust. This water layer acts as a mirror, reflecting the sky, clouds, and surrounding landscapes, creating a striking visual effect often referred to as a “natural mirror.” This phenomenon is most famously observed in places like the Salar de Uyuni in Bolivia. Salt flats do not become fertile for agriculture, as the high salinity is detrimental to most plant growth. Similarly, they do not significantly expand since the salt crust is rigid and impermeable. Lastly, salt domes form through geological processes involving the upward movement of salt under pressure, not through the layering or compression caused by rainfall. Incorrect Solution: b) After rainfall, salt flats transform into highly reflective surfaces due to the formation of a thin, even layer of water on top of the salt crust. This water layer acts as a mirror, reflecting the sky, clouds, and surrounding landscapes, creating a striking visual effect often referred to as a “natural mirror.” This phenomenon is most famously observed in places like the Salar de Uyuni in Bolivia. Salt flats do not become fertile for agriculture, as the high salinity is detrimental to most plant growth. Similarly, they do not significantly expand since the salt crust is rigid and impermeable. Lastly, salt domes form through geological processes involving the upward movement of salt under pressure, not through the layering or compression caused by rainfall.

#### 5. Question

Which of the following is a unique characteristic of salt flats after rainfall?

• a) The ground becomes highly fertile for agriculture.

• b) They form reflective surfaces that act as natural mirrors.

• c) The mineral layers become compressed to form salt domes.

• d) They expand significantly due to water absorption.

Solution: b)

After rainfall, salt flats transform into highly reflective surfaces due to the formation of a thin, even layer of water on top of the salt crust. This water layer acts as a mirror, reflecting the sky, clouds, and surrounding landscapes, creating a striking visual effect often referred to as a “natural mirror.” This phenomenon is most famously observed in places like the Salar de Uyuni in Bolivia.

Salt flats do not become fertile for agriculture, as the high salinity is detrimental to most plant growth. Similarly, they do not significantly expand since the salt crust is rigid and impermeable. Lastly, salt domes form through geological processes involving the upward movement of salt under pressure, not through the layering or compression caused by rainfall.

Solution: b)

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