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UPSC Editorials Quiz : 18 November 2025

Kartavya Desk Staff

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 UN Commission on Narcotic Drugs (CND): The CND Member States are elected by the UN General Assembly. It was established by a resolution of the UN Security Council. It oversees the implementation of international drug control treaties and the budget of the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC). 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 because the CND’s 53 Member States are elected for a four-year term by ECOSOC, not the UN General Assembly. Statement 2 is incorrect as it was established by ECOSOC in 1946, not the UN Security Council. Statement 3 is correct; the CND monitors treaty implementation and oversees the UNODC’s budget. About UN Commission on Narcotic Drugs (CND): Origin: Established by the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) in 1946 through Resolution 9(I). Expanded in 1991 to function as the governing body of the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC). Headquarters: Vienna, Austria Aim: Monitor and oversee: Implementation of international drug control treaties. Promote balanced policies: Address illicit drug production, trafficking, and substance abuse. Support evidence-based strategies: Enhance access to controlled substances for medical and scientific purposes. Membership: Comprises 53 Member States, elected by ECOSOC for a four-year term, ensuring equitable geographical representation. Functions: Normative Role: Discharges treaty-based responsibilities and strengthens global drug control mechanisms through decisions and resolutions. Operational Role: Oversees UNODC’s budget, conducts annual sessions, and facilitates intersessional policy reviews and collaboration. Policy Commitments: Leads the 2019 Ministerial Declaration follow-up, with a mid-term review in 2024 and final review in 2029. Incorrect Solution: A Statement 1 is incorrect because the CND’s 53 Member States are elected for a four-year term by ECOSOC, not the UN General Assembly. Statement 2 is incorrect as it was established by ECOSOC in 1946, not the UN Security Council. Statement 3 is correct; the CND monitors treaty implementation and oversees the UNODC’s budget. About UN Commission on Narcotic Drugs (CND): Origin: Established by the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) in 1946 through Resolution 9(I). Expanded in 1991 to function as the governing body of the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC). Headquarters: Vienna, Austria Aim: Monitor and oversee: Implementation of international drug control treaties. Promote balanced policies: Address illicit drug production, trafficking, and substance abuse. Support evidence-based strategies: Enhance access to controlled substances for medical and scientific purposes. Membership: Comprises 53 Member States, elected by ECOSOC for a four-year term, ensuring equitable geographical representation. Functions: Normative Role: Discharges treaty-based responsibilities and strengthens global drug control mechanisms through decisions and resolutions. Operational Role: Oversees UNODC’s budget, conducts annual sessions, and facilitates intersessional policy reviews and collaboration. Policy Commitments: Leads the 2019 Ministerial Declaration follow-up, with a mid-term review in 2024 and final review in 2029.

#### 1. Question

Consider the following statements regarding the UN Commission on Narcotic Drugs (CND):

• The CND Member States are elected by the UN General Assembly.

• It was established by a resolution of the UN Security Council.

• It oversees the implementation of international drug control treaties and the budget of the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC).

How many of the above statements is/are correct?

• (a) Only one

• (b) Only two

• (c) All three

Solution: A

Statement 1 is incorrect because the CND’s 53 Member States are elected for a four-year term by ECOSOC, not the UN General Assembly.

Statement 2 is incorrect as it was established by ECOSOC in 1946, not the UN Security Council.

Statement 3 is correct; the CND monitors treaty implementation and oversees the UNODC’s budget.

About UN Commission on Narcotic Drugs (CND):

• Established by the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) in 1946 through Resolution 9(I).

• Expanded in 1991 to function as the governing body of the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC).

• Headquarters: Vienna, Austria

• Monitor and oversee: Implementation of international drug control treaties.

• Promote balanced policies: Address illicit drug production, trafficking, and substance abuse.

• Support evidence-based strategies: Enhance access to controlled substances for medical and scientific purposes.

Membership: Comprises 53 Member States, elected by ECOSOC for a four-year term, ensuring equitable geographical representation.

Functions:

• Normative Role: Discharges treaty-based responsibilities and strengthens global drug control mechanisms through decisions and resolutions.

• Operational Role: Oversees UNODC’s budget, conducts annual sessions, and facilitates intersessional policy reviews and collaboration.

• Policy Commitments: Leads the 2019 Ministerial Declaration follow-up, with a mid-term review in 2024 and final review in 2029.

Solution: A

Statement 1 is incorrect because the CND’s 53 Member States are elected for a four-year term by ECOSOC, not the UN General Assembly.

Statement 2 is incorrect as it was established by ECOSOC in 1946, not the UN Security Council.

Statement 3 is correct; the CND monitors treaty implementation and oversees the UNODC’s budget.

About UN Commission on Narcotic Drugs (CND):

• Established by the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) in 1946 through Resolution 9(I).

• Expanded in 1991 to function as the governing body of the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC).

• Headquarters: Vienna, Austria

• Monitor and oversee: Implementation of international drug control treaties.

• Promote balanced policies: Address illicit drug production, trafficking, and substance abuse.

• Support evidence-based strategies: Enhance access to controlled substances for medical and scientific purposes.

Membership: Comprises 53 Member States, elected by ECOSOC for a four-year term, ensuring equitable geographical representation.

Functions:

• Normative Role: Discharges treaty-based responsibilities and strengthens global drug control mechanisms through decisions and resolutions.

• Operational Role: Oversees UNODC’s budget, conducts annual sessions, and facilitates intersessional policy reviews and collaboration.

• Policy Commitments: Leads the 2019 Ministerial Declaration follow-up, with a mid-term review in 2024 and final review in 2029.

• Question 2 of 5 2. Question Consider the following statements about Nafithromycin: It is 10 times more effective than azithromycin in treating bacterial infections. It is the first new macrolide antibiotic introduced globally in over three decades. It is ineffective against atypical drug-resistant bacteria. It reduces the burden of antimicrobial resistance in vulnerable groups. How many of the above statements are correct? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) Only three (d) All four Correct Solution: C Statement 1 is correct, as Nafithromycin is 10 times more effective than azithromycin. Statement 2 is correct, as it marks the first global introduction of a new macrolide antibiotic in over 30 years. Statement 3 is incorrect, as Nafithromycin is effective against both typical and atypical drug-resistant bacteria. Statement 4 is correct, as it addresses AMR among children, the elderly, and other vulnerable populations. About Nafithromycin: Developed by: Wockhardt Ltd., with support from the Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC) under the Biotech Industry Program. Aim: To combat Community-Acquired Bacterial Pneumonia (CABP) and address infections caused by drug-resistant bacteria. Reduce the global and national burden of antimicrobial resistance. Effectiveness: 10 times more effective than existing treatments like azithromycin. Offers a three-day treatment regimen, significantly reducing recovery time. Effective against typical and atypical drug-resistant bacteria, with superior safety and minimal side effects. Significance: First in its Class:Marks the first global introduction of a new macrolide antibiotic in over 30 years. Addresses AMR:A critical tool in tackling AMR-related infections affecting vulnerable groups such as children and the elderly. Incorrect Solution: C Statement 1 is correct, as Nafithromycin is 10 times more effective than azithromycin. Statement 2 is correct, as it marks the first global introduction of a new macrolide antibiotic in over 30 years. Statement 3 is incorrect, as Nafithromycin is effective against both typical and atypical drug-resistant bacteria. Statement 4 is correct, as it addresses AMR among children, the elderly, and other vulnerable populations. About Nafithromycin: Developed by: Wockhardt Ltd., with support from the Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC) under the Biotech Industry Program. Aim: To combat Community-Acquired Bacterial Pneumonia (CABP) and address infections caused by drug-resistant bacteria. Reduce the global and national burden of antimicrobial resistance. Effectiveness: 10 times more effective than existing treatments like azithromycin. Offers a three-day treatment regimen, significantly reducing recovery time. Effective against typical and atypical drug-resistant bacteria, with superior safety and minimal side effects. Significance: First in its Class:Marks the first global introduction of a new macrolide antibiotic in over 30 years. Addresses AMR:A critical tool in tackling AMR-related infections affecting vulnerable groups such as children and the elderly.

#### 2. Question

Consider the following statements about Nafithromycin:

• It is 10 times more effective than azithromycin in treating bacterial infections.

• It is the first new macrolide antibiotic introduced globally in over three decades.

• It is ineffective against atypical drug-resistant bacteria.

• It reduces the burden of antimicrobial resistance in vulnerable groups.

How many of the above statements are correct?

• (a) Only one

• (b) Only two

• (c) Only three

• (d) All four

Solution: C

Statement 1 is correct, as Nafithromycin is 10 times more effective than azithromycin. Statement 2 is correct, as it marks the first global introduction of a new macrolide antibiotic in over 30 years. Statement 3 is incorrect, as Nafithromycin is effective against both typical and atypical drug-resistant bacteria. Statement 4 is correct, as it addresses AMR among children, the elderly, and other vulnerable populations.

About Nafithromycin:

Developed by: Wockhardt Ltd., with support from the Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC) under the Biotech Industry Program.

• To combat Community-Acquired Bacterial Pneumonia (CABP) and address infections caused by drug-resistant bacteria.

• Reduce the global and national burden of antimicrobial resistance.

Effectiveness:

• 10 times more effective than existing treatments like azithromycin.

• Offers a three-day treatment regimen, significantly reducing recovery time.

• Effective against typical and atypical drug-resistant bacteria, with superior safety and minimal side effects.

Significance:

• First in its Class:Marks the first global introduction of a new macrolide antibiotic in over 30 years.

• Addresses AMR:A critical tool in tackling AMR-related infections affecting vulnerable groups such as children and the elderly.

Solution: C

Statement 1 is correct, as Nafithromycin is 10 times more effective than azithromycin. Statement 2 is correct, as it marks the first global introduction of a new macrolide antibiotic in over 30 years. Statement 3 is incorrect, as Nafithromycin is effective against both typical and atypical drug-resistant bacteria. Statement 4 is correct, as it addresses AMR among children, the elderly, and other vulnerable populations.

About Nafithromycin:

Developed by: Wockhardt Ltd., with support from the Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC) under the Biotech Industry Program.

• To combat Community-Acquired Bacterial Pneumonia (CABP) and address infections caused by drug-resistant bacteria.

• Reduce the global and national burden of antimicrobial resistance.

Effectiveness:

• 10 times more effective than existing treatments like azithromycin.

• Offers a three-day treatment regimen, significantly reducing recovery time.

• Effective against typical and atypical drug-resistant bacteria, with superior safety and minimal side effects.

Significance:

• First in its Class:Marks the first global introduction of a new macrolide antibiotic in over 30 years.

• Addresses AMR:A critical tool in tackling AMR-related infections affecting vulnerable groups such as children and the elderly.

• Question 3 of 5 3. Question What happens when antimatter comes into contact with matter? a) Antimatter absorbs matter and becomes stable. b) Both annihilate each other, producing energy. c) They neutralize and become electrically inert. d) They combine to form heavier particles. Correct Solution: B What is Antimatter? Antimatter consists of antiparticles, each having the same mass but opposite charge as their matter counterparts. Example: The antielectron (positron) is positively charged, unlike the negatively charged electron. Discovered by: Theorized by:Paul A.M. Dirac (1928). Observed by:Carl Anderson in cosmic rays (1932). Characteristics: Charge:Opposite to that of corresponding matter particles. Mass:Identical to matter particles. Behavior:Annihilates upon contact with matter, producing energy. Existence:Scarce in the observable universe. Origin of Antimatter: Antimatter was formed during the Big Bangalongside matter. A tiny asymmetry in matter-antimatter populations led to the annihilation of antimatter, leaving matter dominant. Incorrect Solution: B What is Antimatter? Antimatter consists of antiparticles, each having the same mass but opposite charge as their matter counterparts. Example: The antielectron (positron) is positively charged, unlike the negatively charged electron. Discovered by: Theorized by:Paul A.M. Dirac (1928). Observed by:Carl Anderson in cosmic rays (1932). Characteristics: Charge:Opposite to that of corresponding matter particles. Mass:Identical to matter particles. Behavior:Annihilates upon contact with matter, producing energy. Existence:Scarce in the observable universe. Origin of Antimatter: Antimatter was formed during the Big Bangalongside matter. A tiny asymmetry in matter-antimatter populations led to the annihilation of antimatter, leaving matter dominant.

#### 3. Question

What happens when antimatter comes into contact with matter?

• a) Antimatter absorbs matter and becomes stable.

• b) Both annihilate each other, producing energy.

• c) They neutralize and become electrically inert.

• d) They combine to form heavier particles.

Solution: B

What is Antimatter?

Antimatter consists of antiparticles, each having the same mass but opposite charge as their matter counterparts.

Example: The antielectron (positron) is positively charged, unlike the negatively charged electron.

Discovered by:

Theorized by:Paul A.M. Dirac (1928).

Observed by:Carl Anderson in cosmic rays (1932).

Characteristics:

Charge:Opposite to that of corresponding matter particles.

Mass:Identical to matter particles.

Behavior:Annihilates upon contact with matter, producing energy.

Existence:Scarce in the observable universe.

Origin of Antimatter:

• Antimatter was formed during the Big Bangalongside matter.

• A tiny asymmetry in matter-antimatter populations led to the annihilation of antimatter, leaving matter dominant.

Solution: B

What is Antimatter?

Antimatter consists of antiparticles, each having the same mass but opposite charge as their matter counterparts.

Example: The antielectron (positron) is positively charged, unlike the negatively charged electron.

Discovered by:

Theorized by:Paul A.M. Dirac (1928).

Observed by:Carl Anderson in cosmic rays (1932).

Characteristics:

Charge:Opposite to that of corresponding matter particles.

Mass:Identical to matter particles.

Behavior:Annihilates upon contact with matter, producing energy.

Existence:Scarce in the observable universe.

Origin of Antimatter:

• Antimatter was formed during the Big Bangalongside matter.

• A tiny asymmetry in matter-antimatter populations led to the annihilation of antimatter, leaving matter dominant.

• Question 4 of 5 4. Question Consider the following statements regarding soil degradation in India: Wind erosion impacts a larger area than water erosion. Chemical overuse leads to soil acidification and nutrient imbalance. Deforestation primarily contributes to soil salinity in India. How many of the above statements is/are incorrect? a) Only one b) Only two c) All three d) None Correct Solution: B Statement 1 is incorrect: Wind erosion affects 9 million hectares, much less than the 94 million hectares impacted by water erosion. Statement 2 is correct: Chemical overuse, such as excessive application of urea, causes soil acidification and nutrient imbalance. Statement 3 is incorrect: Deforestation increases vulnerability to erosion, not salinity. Factors Impacting Soil: Water Erosion:Heavy rainfall and poor land management practices result in topsoil loss in over 94 million hectares. Wind Erosion:Affects 9 million hectares in arid regions like Rajasthan and Gujarat. Salinity:Improper irrigation practices lead to salinization, impacting coastal and irrigated zones. Chemical Overuse:Excessive use of urea and other fertilizers causes nutrient imbalance and soil acidification. Deforestation:Removal of vegetation increases vulnerability to erosion and loss of soil cover. Incorrect Solution: B Statement 1 is incorrect: Wind erosion affects 9 million hectares, much less than the 94 million hectares impacted by water erosion. Statement 2 is correct: Chemical overuse, such as excessive application of urea, causes soil acidification and nutrient imbalance. Statement 3 is incorrect: Deforestation increases vulnerability to erosion, not salinity. Factors Impacting Soil: Water Erosion:Heavy rainfall and poor land management practices result in topsoil loss in over 94 million hectares. Wind Erosion:Affects 9 million hectares in arid regions like Rajasthan and Gujarat. Salinity:Improper irrigation practices lead to salinization, impacting coastal and irrigated zones. Chemical Overuse:Excessive use of urea and other fertilizers causes nutrient imbalance and soil acidification. Deforestation:Removal of vegetation increases vulnerability to erosion and loss of soil cover.

#### 4. Question

Consider the following statements regarding soil degradation in India:

• Wind erosion impacts a larger area than water erosion.

• Chemical overuse leads to soil acidification and nutrient imbalance.

• Deforestation primarily contributes to soil salinity in India.

How many of the above statements is/are incorrect?

• a) Only one

• b) Only two

• c) All three

Solution: B

Statement 1 is incorrect: Wind erosion affects 9 million hectares, much less than the 94 million hectares impacted by water erosion.

Statement 2 is correct: Chemical overuse, such as excessive application of urea, causes soil acidification and nutrient imbalance.

Statement 3 is incorrect: Deforestation increases vulnerability to erosion, not salinity.

Factors Impacting Soil:

Water Erosion:Heavy rainfall and poor land management practices result in topsoil loss in over 94 million hectares.

Wind Erosion:Affects 9 million hectares in arid regions like Rajasthan and Gujarat.

Salinity:Improper irrigation practices lead to salinization, impacting coastal and irrigated zones.

Chemical Overuse:Excessive use of urea and other fertilizers causes nutrient imbalance and soil acidification.

Deforestation:Removal of vegetation increases vulnerability to erosion and loss of soil cover.

Solution: B

Statement 1 is incorrect: Wind erosion affects 9 million hectares, much less than the 94 million hectares impacted by water erosion.

Statement 2 is correct: Chemical overuse, such as excessive application of urea, causes soil acidification and nutrient imbalance.

Statement 3 is incorrect: Deforestation increases vulnerability to erosion, not salinity.

Factors Impacting Soil:

Water Erosion:Heavy rainfall and poor land management practices result in topsoil loss in over 94 million hectares.

Wind Erosion:Affects 9 million hectares in arid regions like Rajasthan and Gujarat.

Salinity:Improper irrigation practices lead to salinization, impacting coastal and irrigated zones.

Chemical Overuse:Excessive use of urea and other fertilizers causes nutrient imbalance and soil acidification.

Deforestation:Removal of vegetation increases vulnerability to erosion and loss of soil cover.

• Question 5 of 5 5. Question The Hindon River originates from which region? a) Aravalli Hills, Rajasthan b) Western Ghats, Maharashtra c) Vindhya Ranges, Madhya Pradesh d) Lower Shivalik ranges, Uttar Pradesh Correct Solution: D About Hindon River: Source:Lower Shivalik ranges, Saharanpur District, Uttar Pradesh. Flows through:Uttar Pradesh only. Course:Travels for approximately 400 km, merging into the Yamuna River in Noida. Major Cities:Saharanpur, Muzaffarnagar, Shamli, Baghpat, Ghaziabad, Gautam Buddh Nagar. Tributaries: Kali (West) River:Carries industrial and domestic pollutants. Krishni River:Contributes additional pollution from agricultural runoff and industrial waste. Incorrect Solution: D About Hindon River: Source:Lower Shivalik ranges, Saharanpur District, Uttar Pradesh. Flows through:Uttar Pradesh only. Course:Travels for approximately 400 km, merging into the Yamuna River in Noida. Major Cities:Saharanpur, Muzaffarnagar, Shamli, Baghpat, Ghaziabad, Gautam Buddh Nagar. Tributaries: Kali (West) River:Carries industrial and domestic pollutants. Krishni River:Contributes additional pollution from agricultural runoff and industrial waste.

#### 5. Question

The Hindon River originates from which region?

• a) Aravalli Hills, Rajasthan

• b) Western Ghats, Maharashtra

• c) Vindhya Ranges, Madhya Pradesh

• d) Lower Shivalik ranges, Uttar Pradesh

Solution: D

About Hindon River:

Source:Lower Shivalik ranges, Saharanpur District, Uttar Pradesh.

Flows through:Uttar Pradesh only.

Course:Travels for approximately 400 km, merging into the Yamuna River in Noida.

Major Cities:Saharanpur, Muzaffarnagar, Shamli, Baghpat, Ghaziabad, Gautam Buddh Nagar.

Tributaries: Kali (West) River:Carries industrial and domestic pollutants. Krishni River:Contributes additional pollution from agricultural runoff and industrial waste.

Kali (West) River:Carries industrial and domestic pollutants.

Krishni River:Contributes additional pollution from agricultural runoff and industrial waste.

Solution: D

About Hindon River:

Source:Lower Shivalik ranges, Saharanpur District, Uttar Pradesh.

Flows through:Uttar Pradesh only.

Course:Travels for approximately 400 km, merging into the Yamuna River in Noida.

Major Cities:Saharanpur, Muzaffarnagar, Shamli, Baghpat, Ghaziabad, Gautam Buddh Nagar.

Tributaries: Kali (West) River:Carries industrial and domestic pollutants. Krishni River:Contributes additional pollution from agricultural runoff and industrial waste.

Kali (West) River:Carries industrial and domestic pollutants.

Krishni River:Contributes additional pollution from agricultural runoff and industrial waste.

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