UPSC Editorials Quiz : 2 December 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 cold waves in India: Cold waves in India are typically caused by strong western disturbances. Radiative cooling during nights contributes to a rapid fall in temperature. Cold waves are common in coastal regions of southern India. How many of the above statements are correct? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) All three (d) None Correct Solution: A Statement 1: Incorrect. Weak or absent western disturbances allow cold air from the north to penetrate deep into India, leading to cold waves, not strong western disturbances. Statement 2: Correct. Clear skies lead to radiative cooling during the night, which significantly contributes to the drop in temperature during cold waves. Statement 3: Incorrect. Cold waves are more common in northern and central India, particularly in plains and hill regions, and are rare in coastal regions due to the moderating influence of the sea. About Cold Wave: Definition:A cold wave is a condition of extreme cooling over a region, with temperatures dropping significantly below normal levels for that time of year. Criteria to Declare Cold Wave: When minimum temperatures fall below 10°C in plains and are 5°C to 6.4°C below normal. Severe cold wave:When temperatures are 5°C or more below normal. For hills:Temperatures below 0°C are a marker. Geographic Reasons Behind Cold Wave in India: Western Disturbances:Weak or no western disturbances allow cold air from the north to penetrate deeply into India. Snowfall in Himalayas:Leads to cold winds sweeping across northern plains. Clear Skies:Enable radiative cooling during nights. Incorrect Solution: A Statement 1: Incorrect. Weak or absent western disturbances allow cold air from the north to penetrate deep into India, leading to cold waves, not strong western disturbances. Statement 2: Correct. Clear skies lead to radiative cooling during the night, which significantly contributes to the drop in temperature during cold waves. Statement 3: Incorrect. Cold waves are more common in northern and central India, particularly in plains and hill regions, and are rare in coastal regions due to the moderating influence of the sea. About Cold Wave: Definition:A cold wave is a condition of extreme cooling over a region, with temperatures dropping significantly below normal levels for that time of year. Criteria to Declare Cold Wave: When minimum temperatures fall below 10°C in plains and are 5°C to 6.4°C below normal. Severe cold wave:When temperatures are 5°C or more below normal. For hills:Temperatures below 0°C are a marker. Geographic Reasons Behind Cold Wave in India: Western Disturbances:Weak or no western disturbances allow cold air from the north to penetrate deeply into India. Snowfall in Himalayas:Leads to cold winds sweeping across northern plains. Clear Skies:Enable radiative cooling during nights.

#### 1. Question

Consider the following statements regarding cold waves in India:

• Cold waves in India are typically caused by strong western disturbances.

• Radiative cooling during nights contributes to a rapid fall in temperature.

• Cold waves are common in coastal regions of southern India.

How many of the above statements are correct?

• (a) Only one

• (b) Only two

• (c) All three

Solution: A

Statement 1: Incorrect. Weak or absent western disturbances allow cold air from the north to penetrate deep into India, leading to cold waves, not strong western disturbances.

Statement 2: Correct. Clear skies lead to radiative cooling during the night, which significantly contributes to the drop in temperature during cold waves.

Statement 3: Incorrect. Cold waves are more common in northern and central India, particularly in plains and hill regions, and are rare in coastal regions due to the moderating influence of the sea.

About Cold Wave:

• Definition:A cold wave is a condition of extreme cooling over a region, with temperatures dropping significantly below normal levels for that time of year.

Criteria to Declare Cold Wave:

• When minimum temperatures fall below 10°C in plains and are 5°C to 6.4°C below normal.

• Severe cold wave:When temperatures are 5°C or more below normal.

• For hills:Temperatures below 0°C are a marker.

Geographic Reasons Behind Cold Wave in India:

• Western Disturbances:Weak or no western disturbances allow cold air from the north to penetrate deeply into India.

• Snowfall in Himalayas:Leads to cold winds sweeping across northern plains.

• Clear Skies:Enable radiative cooling during nights.

Solution: A

Statement 1: Incorrect. Weak or absent western disturbances allow cold air from the north to penetrate deep into India, leading to cold waves, not strong western disturbances.

Statement 2: Correct. Clear skies lead to radiative cooling during the night, which significantly contributes to the drop in temperature during cold waves.

About Cold Wave:

• Definition:A cold wave is a condition of extreme cooling over a region, with temperatures dropping significantly below normal levels for that time of year.

Criteria to Declare Cold Wave:

• When minimum temperatures fall below 10°C in plains and are 5°C to 6.4°C below normal.

• Severe cold wave:When temperatures are 5°C or more below normal.

• For hills:Temperatures below 0°C are a marker.

Geographic Reasons Behind Cold Wave in India:

• Western Disturbances:Weak or no western disturbances allow cold air from the north to penetrate deeply into India.

• Snowfall in Himalayas:Leads to cold winds sweeping across northern plains.

• Clear Skies:Enable radiative cooling during nights.

• Question 2 of 5 2. Question Consider the following statements regarding Fir Trees (Abies spectabilis): Fir trees are primarily found in low-altitude tropical regions. They shed their foliage annually to conserve water during dry seasons. They are commonly found in the mid to high altitudes of the Himalayas. 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 as fir trees grow in mid to high altitudes, typically between 2,500–3,700 meters in the Himalayas, not in low-altitude tropical regions. Statement 2 is incorrect because fir trees are evergreen, retaining their foliage year-round, rather than shedding leaves annually. Statement 3 is correct, as Abies spectabilis is commonly found in the Himalayan region at mid to high altitudes. About Fir Trees (Abies spectabilis): What it is:A slow-growing evergreen conifer commonly found in mountainous regions. Features: Needle-like leaves and conical shape. Adapted to colder climates with moderate moisture. Retains foliage year-round, contributing to high water-use efficiency. Found in: Mid to high altitudes of the Himalayas (2,500–3,700 meters). Prefers cooler and less moisture-stressed environments. Incorrect Solution: B Statement 1 is incorrect as fir trees grow in mid to high altitudes, typically between 2,500–3,700 meters in the Himalayas, not in low-altitude tropical regions. Statement 2 is incorrect because fir trees are evergreen, retaining their foliage year-round, rather than shedding leaves annually. Statement 3 is correct, as Abies spectabilis is commonly found in the Himalayan region at mid to high altitudes. About Fir Trees (Abies spectabilis): What it is:A slow-growing evergreen conifer commonly found in mountainous regions. Features: Needle-like leaves and conical shape. Adapted to colder climates with moderate moisture. Retains foliage year-round, contributing to high water-use efficiency. Found in: Mid to high altitudes of the Himalayas (2,500–3,700 meters). Prefers cooler and less moisture-stressed environments.

#### 2. Question

Consider the following statements regarding Fir Trees (Abies spectabilis):

• Fir trees are primarily found in low-altitude tropical regions.

• They shed their foliage annually to conserve water during dry seasons.

• They are commonly found in the mid to high altitudes of the Himalayas.

How many of the above statements is/are incorrect?

• a) Only one

• b) Only two

• c) All three

Solution: B

Statement 1 is incorrect as fir trees grow in mid to high altitudes, typically between 2,500–3,700 meters in the Himalayas, not in low-altitude tropical regions.

Statement 2 is incorrect because fir trees are evergreen, retaining their foliage year-round, rather than shedding leaves annually.

Statement 3 is correct, as Abies spectabilis is commonly found in the Himalayan region at mid to high altitudes.

About Fir Trees (Abies spectabilis):

• What it is:A slow-growing evergreen conifer commonly found in mountainous regions.

• Needle-like leaves and conical shape.

• Adapted to colder climates with moderate moisture.

• Retains foliage year-round, contributing to high water-use efficiency.

• Mid to high altitudes of the Himalayas (2,500–3,700 meters).

• Prefers cooler and less moisture-stressed environments.

Solution: B

Statement 1 is incorrect as fir trees grow in mid to high altitudes, typically between 2,500–3,700 meters in the Himalayas, not in low-altitude tropical regions.

Statement 2 is incorrect because fir trees are evergreen, retaining their foliage year-round, rather than shedding leaves annually.

Statement 3 is correct, as Abies spectabilis is commonly found in the Himalayan region at mid to high altitudes.

About Fir Trees (Abies spectabilis):

• What it is:A slow-growing evergreen conifer commonly found in mountainous regions.

• Needle-like leaves and conical shape.

• Adapted to colder climates with moderate moisture.

• Retains foliage year-round, contributing to high water-use efficiency.

• Mid to high altitudes of the Himalayas (2,500–3,700 meters).

• Prefers cooler and less moisture-stressed environments.

• Question 3 of 5 3. Question Which of the following is a defining feature of Neolithic sites in India? a) Extensive iron tools for agriculture b) Painted rock shelters c) Megalithic burial structures d) Ash mounds from ritualistic burning Correct Solution: D Neolithic sites are characterized by ash mounds formed from burning dung and other materials, indicative of early rituals and agricultural practices. These mounds provide insights into cultural and social structures during the Neolithic period. Incorrect Solution: D Neolithic sites are characterized by ash mounds formed from burning dung and other materials, indicative of early rituals and agricultural practices. These mounds provide insights into cultural and social structures during the Neolithic period.

#### 3. Question

Which of the following is a defining feature of Neolithic sites in India?

• a) Extensive iron tools for agriculture

• b) Painted rock shelters

• c) Megalithic burial structures

• d) Ash mounds from ritualistic burning

Solution: D

Neolithic sites are characterized by ash mounds formed from burning dung and other materials, indicative of early rituals and agricultural practices. These mounds provide insights into cultural and social structures during the Neolithic period.

Solution: D

• Question 4 of 5 4. Question Consider the following statements about the Arctic tundra ecosystem: The growing season is extremely short, lasting only a few weeks annually. It supports species such as polar bears, Arctic foxes, and caribou. Permafrost in the tundra is a significant source of carbon emissions. The tundra vegetation is highly resistant to climate change impacts. How many of the above statements are correct? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) Only three (d) All four Correct Solution: C The fourth statement is incorrect because tundra vegetation is highly vulnerable to climate change. Rising temperatures lead to permafrost thawing, impacting ecosystems. The other statements are accurate as they reflect the tundra’s ecological and climatic characteristics. Incorrect Solution: C The fourth statement is incorrect because tundra vegetation is highly vulnerable to climate change. Rising temperatures lead to permafrost thawing, impacting ecosystems. The other statements are accurate as they reflect the tundra’s ecological and climatic characteristics.

#### 4. Question

Consider the following statements about the Arctic tundra ecosystem:

• The growing season is extremely short, lasting only a few weeks annually.

• It supports species such as polar bears, Arctic foxes, and caribou.

• Permafrost in the tundra is a significant source of carbon emissions.

• The tundra vegetation is highly resistant to climate change impacts.

How many of the above statements are correct?

• (a) Only one

• (b) Only two

• (c) Only three

• (d) All four

Solution: C

The fourth statement is incorrect because tundra vegetation is highly vulnerable to climate change. Rising temperatures lead to permafrost thawing, impacting ecosystems. The other statements are accurate as they reflect the tundra’s ecological and climatic characteristics.

Solution: C

• Question 5 of 5 5. Question Consider the following statements about National Commission for Minority Educational Institutions (NCMEI): It is a quasi-judicial body with civil court powers. It only addresses religious minorities and excludes linguistic minorities. It provides no-objection certificates to minority educational institutions. How many of the above statements is/are incorrect? a) Only one b) Only two c) All three d) None Correct Solution: A Statement 1 is correct because NCMEI is a quasi-judicial body with civil court powers. Statement 2 is incorrect as it addresses both religious and linguistic minorities. Statement 3 is correct as NCMEI has the authority to provide no-objection certificates for minority institutions. National Commission for Minority Educational Institutions (NCMEI): Founded In:Established in 2004 under the National Commission for Minority Educational Institutions Act, 2004. Ministry:Operates under the Ministry of Education. Aim:To safeguard and promote educational rights of religious and linguistic minorities as per Article 30(1) of the Constitution. Powers and Functions: Quasi-judicial body with civil court powers. Decides minority status and no objection certificate disputes for educational institutions. Enquires complaints on deprivation of minority educational rights. Advises and recommends to authorities regarding minority education issues. Has appellate and original jurisdiction as per SC rulings. Incorrect Solution: A Statement 1 is correct because NCMEI is a quasi-judicial body with civil court powers. Statement 2 is incorrect as it addresses both religious and linguistic minorities. Statement 3 is correct as NCMEI has the authority to provide no-objection certificates for minority institutions. National Commission for Minority Educational Institutions (NCMEI): Founded In:Established in 2004 under the National Commission for Minority Educational Institutions Act, 2004. Ministry:Operates under the Ministry of Education. Aim:To safeguard and promote educational rights of religious and linguistic minorities as per Article 30(1) of the Constitution. Powers and Functions: Quasi-judicial body with civil court powers. Decides minority status and no objection certificate disputes for educational institutions. Enquires complaints on deprivation of minority educational rights. Advises and recommends to authorities regarding minority education issues. Has appellate and original jurisdiction as per SC rulings.

#### 5. Question

Consider the following statements about National Commission for Minority Educational Institutions (NCMEI):

• It is a quasi-judicial body with civil court powers.

• It only addresses religious minorities and excludes linguistic minorities.

• It provides no-objection certificates to minority educational institutions.

How many of the above statements is/are incorrect?

• a) Only one

• b) Only two

• c) All three

Solution: A

Statement 1 is correct because NCMEI is a quasi-judicial body with civil court powers. Statement 2 is incorrect as it addresses both religious and linguistic minorities. Statement 3 is correct as NCMEI has the authority to provide no-objection certificates for minority institutions.

National Commission for Minority Educational Institutions (NCMEI):

• Founded In:Established in 2004 under the National Commission for Minority Educational Institutions Act, 2004.

• Ministry:Operates under the Ministry of Education.

• Aim:To safeguard and promote educational rights of religious and linguistic minorities as per Article 30(1) of the Constitution.

Powers and Functions:

• Quasi-judicial body with civil court powers.

• Decides minority status and no objection certificate disputes for educational institutions.

• Enquires complaints on deprivation of minority educational rights.

• Advises and recommends to authorities regarding minority education issues.

• Has appellate and original jurisdiction as per SC rulings.

Solution: A

National Commission for Minority Educational Institutions (NCMEI):

• Founded In:Established in 2004 under the National Commission for Minority Educational Institutions Act, 2004.

• Ministry:Operates under the Ministry of Education.

• Aim:To safeguard and promote educational rights of religious and linguistic minorities as per Article 30(1) of the Constitution.

Powers and Functions:

• Quasi-judicial body with civil court powers.

• Decides minority status and no objection certificate disputes for educational institutions.

• Enquires complaints on deprivation of minority educational rights.

• Advises and recommends to authorities regarding minority education issues.

• Has appellate and original jurisdiction as per SC rulings.

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