UPSC Editorials Quiz : 20 February 2026

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 Gallium and germanium? Both minerals are crucial for the production of semiconductors and solar cells. Gallium is known for its application in defense sectors, particularly in missile guidance systems. Germanium plays a vital role in fiber-optic systems and infrared technology. Which of the above statements is/are correct? (a) 1 only (b) 1 and 3 only (c) 2 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 Correct Solution: D Statement 1: Gallium and germanium are critical minerals used extensively in high-technology applications. Gallium is essential in compound semiconductors such as gallium arsenide (GaAs) and gallium nitride (GaN), which are used in LEDs, high-frequency chips, and advanced solar cells. Germanium is used in semiconductor devices and high-efficiency photovoltaic cells, especially in space applications. Statement 2: Gallium, particularly in the form of gallium nitride (GaN), is widely used in defense technologies. It is crucial for radar systems, satellite communications, electronic warfare systems, and missile guidance systems because of its ability to operate at high power, high frequency, and high temperature. Statement 3: Germanium plays a major role in fiber-optic communication systems due to its use in optical fibers and amplifiers. It is also essential in infrared optics, thermal imaging systems, and night-vision equipment, making it strategically important for both civilian and military applications. Incorrect Solution: D Statement 1: Gallium and germanium are critical minerals used extensively in high-technology applications. Gallium is essential in compound semiconductors such as gallium arsenide (GaAs) and gallium nitride (GaN), which are used in LEDs, high-frequency chips, and advanced solar cells. Germanium is used in semiconductor devices and high-efficiency photovoltaic cells, especially in space applications. Statement 2: Gallium, particularly in the form of gallium nitride (GaN), is widely used in defense technologies. It is crucial for radar systems, satellite communications, electronic warfare systems, and missile guidance systems because of its ability to operate at high power, high frequency, and high temperature. Statement 3: Germanium plays a major role in fiber-optic communication systems due to its use in optical fibers and amplifiers. It is also essential in infrared optics, thermal imaging systems, and night-vision equipment, making it strategically important for both civilian and military applications.

#### 1. Question

Consider the following statements regarding Gallium and germanium?

• Both minerals are crucial for the production of semiconductors and solar cells.

• Gallium is known for its application in defense sectors, particularly in missile guidance systems.

• Germanium plays a vital role in fiber-optic systems and infrared technology.

Which of the above statements is/are correct?

• (a) 1 only

• (b) 1 and 3 only

• (c) 2 and 3 only

• (d) 1, 2 and 3

Solution: D

• Statement 1: Gallium and germanium are critical minerals used extensively in high-technology applications. Gallium is essential in compound semiconductors such as gallium arsenide (GaAs) and gallium nitride (GaN), which are used in LEDs, high-frequency chips, and advanced solar cells. Germanium is used in semiconductor devices and high-efficiency photovoltaic cells, especially in space applications.

• Statement 2: Gallium, particularly in the form of gallium nitride (GaN), is widely used in defense technologies. It is crucial for radar systems, satellite communications, electronic warfare systems, and missile guidance systems because of its ability to operate at high power, high frequency, and high temperature.

Statement 3: Germanium plays a major role in fiber-optic communication systems due to its use in optical fibers and amplifiers. It is also essential in infrared optics, thermal imaging systems, and night-vision equipment, making it strategically important for both civilian and military applications.

Solution: D

• Question 2 of 5 2. Question Consider the following statements regarding volcanic gases: Carbon dioxide emissions from volcanic eruptions are the primary cause of global warming. Volcanic gases such as sulfur dioxide can cause acid rain and atmospheric cooling. Water vapor is the least abundant gas emitted during volcanic eruptions. 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. Although volcanoes emit carbon dioxide (CO₂), their contribution is extremely small compared to anthropogenic emissions from burning fossil fuels, deforestation, and industrial processes. Modern global warming is primarily driven by human activities, not volcanic eruptions. In fact, volcanic eruptions often have a short-term cooling effect rather than warming. Statement 2 is correct. Volcanic eruptions release sulfur dioxide (SO₂), which reacts in the atmosphere to form sulfate aerosols. These aerosols can reflect incoming solar radiation, leading to temporary global cooling. Additionally, sulfur dioxide can combine with water vapor to form sulfuric acid, resulting in acid rain that affects ecosystems, water bodies, and infrastructure. Statement 3 is incorrect. Water vapor is actually the most abundant gas emitted during volcanic eruptions, typically constituting the largest proportion of volcanic gases. It is followed by carbon dioxide and sulfur dioxide. Incorrect Solution: B Statement 1 is incorrect. Although volcanoes emit carbon dioxide (CO₂), their contribution is extremely small compared to anthropogenic emissions from burning fossil fuels, deforestation, and industrial processes. Modern global warming is primarily driven by human activities, not volcanic eruptions. In fact, volcanic eruptions often have a short-term cooling effect rather than warming. Statement 2 is correct. Volcanic eruptions release sulfur dioxide (SO₂), which reacts in the atmosphere to form sulfate aerosols. These aerosols can reflect incoming solar radiation, leading to temporary global cooling. Additionally, sulfur dioxide can combine with water vapor to form sulfuric acid, resulting in acid rain that affects ecosystems, water bodies, and infrastructure. Statement 3 is incorrect. Water vapor is actually the most abundant gas emitted during volcanic eruptions, typically constituting the largest proportion of volcanic gases. It is followed by carbon dioxide and sulfur dioxide.

#### 2. Question

Consider the following statements regarding volcanic gases:

• Carbon dioxide emissions from volcanic eruptions are the primary cause of global warming.

• Volcanic gases such as sulfur dioxide can cause acid rain and atmospheric cooling.

• Water vapor is the least abundant gas emitted during volcanic eruptions.

How many of the above statements is/are incorrect?

• (a) Only one

• (b) Only two

• (c) All three

Solution: B

• Statement 1 is incorrect. Although volcanoes emit carbon dioxide (CO₂), their contribution is extremely small compared to anthropogenic emissions from burning fossil fuels, deforestation, and industrial processes. Modern global warming is primarily driven by human activities, not volcanic eruptions. In fact, volcanic eruptions often have a short-term cooling effect rather than warming.

• Statement 2 is correct. Volcanic eruptions release sulfur dioxide (SO₂), which reacts in the atmosphere to form sulfate aerosols. These aerosols can reflect incoming solar radiation, leading to temporary global cooling. Additionally, sulfur dioxide can combine with water vapor to form sulfuric acid, resulting in acid rain that affects ecosystems, water bodies, and infrastructure.

• Statement 3 is incorrect. Water vapor is actually the most abundant gas emitted during volcanic eruptions, typically constituting the largest proportion of volcanic gases. It is followed by carbon dioxide and sulfur dioxide.

Solution: B

• Question 3 of 5 3. Question Consider the following statements regarding the geographical significance of the Pir Panjal Range: It is home to important passes such as the Banihal Pass and Pir Panjal Pass. It acts as a climatic barrier, influencing the precipitation pattern in the region. Which of the above statements is/are correct? (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 Correct Solution: C Statements 1 and 2 are correct because the Pir Panjal Range includes Banihal and Pir Panjal Pass and acts as a climatic barrier affecting monsoon precipitation in Kashmir. About Pir Panjal Range: Location: Part of the Lesser Himalayas, spanning India and Pakistan-administered Kashmir. States covered: Extends across Himachal Pradesh and Jammu & Kashmir in India. Key Geographic Features: Mountain Peaks: Deo Tibba (6,001 m) and Indrasan (6,221 m) at its eastern end. Major Rivers: Separates the Beas and Ravi rivers from the Chenab River. Origin of tributaries feeding the Jhelum and Indus rivers. Strategic Connectivity: The Mughal Road links Rajouri and Poonch with Kashmir Valley via the Pir Panjal Pass (3,490 m). Jawahar Tunnel (2.5 km) under the Banihal Pass connects Banihal to Qazigund. Tourist and Historical Importance: Home to Gulmarg, a famous hill resort in Kashmir. Historically, Pir Panjal was Kashmir’s ancient trade route with India. Incorrect Solution: C Statements 1 and 2 are correct because the Pir Panjal Range includes Banihal and Pir Panjal Pass and acts as a climatic barrier affecting monsoon precipitation in Kashmir. About Pir Panjal Range: Location: Part of the Lesser Himalayas, spanning India and Pakistan-administered Kashmir. States covered: Extends across Himachal Pradesh and Jammu & Kashmir in India. Key Geographic Features: Mountain Peaks: Deo Tibba (6,001 m) and Indrasan (6,221 m) at its eastern end. Major Rivers: Separates the Beas and Ravi rivers from the Chenab River. Origin of tributaries feeding the Jhelum and Indus rivers. Strategic Connectivity: The Mughal Road links Rajouri and Poonch with Kashmir Valley via the Pir Panjal Pass (3,490 m). Jawahar Tunnel (2.5 km) under the Banihal Pass connects Banihal to Qazigund. Tourist and Historical Importance: Home to Gulmarg, a famous hill resort in Kashmir. Historically, Pir Panjal was Kashmir’s ancient trade route with India.

#### 3. Question

Consider the following statements regarding the geographical significance of the Pir Panjal Range:

• It is home to important passes such as the Banihal Pass and Pir Panjal Pass.

• It acts as a climatic barrier, influencing the precipitation pattern in the region.

Which of the above statements is/are correct?

• (a) 1 only

• (b) 2 only

• (c) Both 1 and 2

• (d) Neither 1 nor 2

Solution: C

Statements 1 and 2 are correct because the Pir Panjal Range includes Banihal and Pir Panjal Pass and acts as a climatic barrier affecting monsoon precipitation in Kashmir.

About Pir Panjal Range:

• Location: Part of the Lesser Himalayas, spanning India and Pakistan-administered Kashmir.

• States covered: Extends across Himachal Pradesh and Jammu & Kashmir in India.

• Key Geographic Features:

• Mountain Peaks: Deo Tibba (6,001 m) and Indrasan (6,221 m) at its eastern end. Major Rivers: Separates the Beas and Ravi rivers from the Chenab River. Origin of tributaries feeding the Jhelum and Indus rivers.

• Mountain Peaks: Deo Tibba (6,001 m) and Indrasan (6,221 m) at its eastern end.

• Deo Tibba (6,001 m) and Indrasan (6,221 m) at its eastern end.

• Major Rivers: Separates the Beas and Ravi rivers from the Chenab River. Origin of tributaries feeding the Jhelum and Indus rivers.

• Separates the Beas and Ravi rivers from the Chenab River.

• Origin of tributaries feeding the Jhelum and Indus rivers.

• Strategic Connectivity: The Mughal Road links Rajouri and Poonch with Kashmir Valley via the Pir Panjal Pass (3,490 m). Jawahar Tunnel (2.5 km) under the Banihal Pass connects Banihal to Qazigund.

• The Mughal Road links Rajouri and Poonch with Kashmir Valley via the Pir Panjal Pass (3,490 m).

• Jawahar Tunnel (2.5 km) under the Banihal Pass connects Banihal to Qazigund.

• Tourist and Historical Importance: Home to Gulmarg, a famous hill resort in Kashmir. Historically, Pir Panjal was Kashmir’s ancient trade route with India.

• Home to Gulmarg, a famous hill resort in Kashmir.

• Historically, Pir Panjal was Kashmir’s ancient trade route with India.