UPSC Editorials Quiz : 21 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.

#### Quiz-summary

0 of 5 questions completed

Questions:

#### Information

Best of luck! 🙂

You have already completed the quiz before. Hence you can not start it again.

Quiz is loading...

You must sign in or sign up to start the quiz.

You have to finish following quiz, to start this quiz:

0 of 5 questions answered correctly

Your time:

Time has elapsed

You have reached 0 of 0 points, (0)

#### Categories

• Not categorized 0%

• Question 1 of 5 1. Question Consider the following statements about El Niño and its impacts on marine ecosystems: Warmer ocean temperatures during El Niño lead to coral bleaching. Disruption of upwelling reduces nutrient availability, affecting marine food chains. El Niño intensifies cold currents in the eastern Pacific, benefiting marine life. Fish stocks in the eastern Pacific decline significantly during El Niño years. 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 because El Niño-induced warmer ocean temperatures stress corals, leading to bleaching and affecting marine biodiversity. Corals lose their symbiotic algae, essential for their survival, resulting in widespread damage to coral reefs. Statement 2 is correct as El Niño disrupts the upwelling of nutrient-rich waters in the eastern Pacific. This reduction in nutrients directly impacts primary producers like phytoplankton, cascading through the food chain and affecting fish populations and other marine species. Statement 3 is incorrect because El Niño weakens, rather than intensifies, the cold currents in the eastern Pacific. This weakening results in warmer surface waters, which harm marine ecosystems by reducing the nutrient supply critical for sustaining marine life. Statement 4 is correct since the disruption in nutrient cycles and warmer ocean conditions during El Niño significantly reduce fish stocks in the eastern Pacific, particularly species like anchovies and sardines. Incorrect Solution: c) Statement 1 is correct because El Niño-induced warmer ocean temperatures stress corals, leading to bleaching and affecting marine biodiversity. Corals lose their symbiotic algae, essential for their survival, resulting in widespread damage to coral reefs. Statement 2 is correct as El Niño disrupts the upwelling of nutrient-rich waters in the eastern Pacific. This reduction in nutrients directly impacts primary producers like phytoplankton, cascading through the food chain and affecting fish populations and other marine species. Statement 3 is incorrect because El Niño weakens, rather than intensifies, the cold currents in the eastern Pacific. This weakening results in warmer surface waters, which harm marine ecosystems by reducing the nutrient supply critical for sustaining marine life. Statement 4 is correct since the disruption in nutrient cycles and warmer ocean conditions during El Niño significantly reduce fish stocks in the eastern Pacific, particularly species like anchovies and sardines.

#### 1. Question

Consider the following statements about El Niño and its impacts on marine ecosystems:

• Warmer ocean temperatures during El Niño lead to coral bleaching.

• Disruption of upwelling reduces nutrient availability, affecting marine food chains.

• El Niño intensifies cold currents in the eastern Pacific, benefiting marine life.

• Fish stocks in the eastern Pacific decline significantly during El Niño years.

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 because El Niño-induced warmer ocean temperatures stress corals, leading to bleaching and affecting marine biodiversity. Corals lose their symbiotic algae, essential for their survival, resulting in widespread damage to coral reefs.

Statement 2 is correct as El Niño disrupts the upwelling of nutrient-rich waters in the eastern Pacific. This reduction in nutrients directly impacts primary producers like phytoplankton, cascading through the food chain and affecting fish populations and other marine species.

Statement 3 is incorrect because El Niño weakens, rather than intensifies, the cold currents in the eastern Pacific. This weakening results in warmer surface waters, which harm marine ecosystems by reducing the nutrient supply critical for sustaining marine life.

Statement 4 is correct since the disruption in nutrient cycles and warmer ocean conditions during El Niño significantly reduce fish stocks in the eastern Pacific, particularly species like anchovies and sardines.

Solution: c)

• Question 2 of 5 2. Question Consider the following statements about the environmental and human impacts of Hydroxymethanesulphonate (HMS): HMS directly contributes to cloud formation by acting as a cloud condensation nucleus. HMS exposure aggravates respiratory illnesses and increases risks of premature mortality. HMS contributes to PM2.5 pollution. Which of the above statements is correct? a) Only one b) Only two c) All three d) None Correct Solution: b) Statement 1 is incorrect: HMS influences cloud formation indirectly by modifying aerosol properties but does not act as a direct cloud condensation nucleus. Statement 2 is correct: HMS aggravates respiratory illnesses and increases risks of cardiovascular diseases and premature mortality due to its contribution to PM2.5 pollution. Statement 3 is correct: HMS contributes to PM2.5 pollution, which directly impacts air quality and radiative forcing, influencing climate systems. About Hydroxymethanesulphonate: What it is:A secondary aerosol that forms from chemical reactions involving formaldehyde and sulphur dioxide in the presence of liquid water. How it is formed: Occurs when formaldehydereacts with sulphite ions in aerosol particles. Requires liquid water within aerosol particles, even in extremely cold conditions (supercooled state). Factors favoring its formation: Low temperatures:Inhibit ammonium volatilization, reducing aerosol acidity. High ammonium ion concentrations:Neutralize acidity, enabling reactions. Supercooled liquid water:Present in aerosols at sub-zero temperatures. Impact on environment: Contributes to 5 pollution, worsening air quality. Influences cloud formation and radiative properties, affecting climate. Impact on humans: Aggravates respiratory illnesses, lung diseases, and cardiovascular conditions. Long-term exposure increases risks of premature mortality in polluted regions. Incorrect Solution: b) Statement 1 is incorrect: HMS influences cloud formation indirectly by modifying aerosol properties but does not act as a direct cloud condensation nucleus. Statement 2 is correct: HMS aggravates respiratory illnesses and increases risks of cardiovascular diseases and premature mortality due to its contribution to PM2.5 pollution. Statement 3 is correct: HMS contributes to PM2.5 pollution, which directly impacts air quality and radiative forcing, influencing climate systems. About Hydroxymethanesulphonate: What it is:A secondary aerosol that forms from chemical reactions involving formaldehyde and sulphur dioxide in the presence of liquid water. How it is formed: Occurs when formaldehydereacts with sulphite ions in aerosol particles. Requires liquid water within aerosol particles, even in extremely cold conditions (supercooled state). Factors favoring its formation: Low temperatures:Inhibit ammonium volatilization, reducing aerosol acidity. High ammonium ion concentrations:Neutralize acidity, enabling reactions. Supercooled liquid water:Present in aerosols at sub-zero temperatures. Impact on environment: Contributes to 5 pollution, worsening air quality. Influences cloud formation and radiative properties, affecting climate. Impact on humans: Aggravates respiratory illnesses, lung diseases, and cardiovascular conditions. Long-term exposure increases risks of premature mortality in polluted regions.

#### 2. Question

Consider the following statements about the environmental and human impacts of Hydroxymethanesulphonate (HMS):

• HMS directly contributes to cloud formation by acting as a cloud condensation nucleus.

• HMS exposure aggravates respiratory illnesses and increases risks of premature mortality.

• HMS contributes to PM2.5 pollution.

Which of the above statements is correct?

• a) Only one

• b) Only two

• c) All three

Solution: b)

Statement 1 is incorrect: HMS influences cloud formation indirectly by modifying aerosol properties but does not act as a direct cloud condensation nucleus.

Statement 2 is correct: HMS aggravates respiratory illnesses and increases risks of cardiovascular diseases and premature mortality due to its contribution to PM2.5 pollution.

Statement 3 is correct: HMS contributes to PM2.5 pollution, which directly impacts air quality and radiative forcing, influencing climate systems.

About Hydroxymethanesulphonate:

• What it is:A secondary aerosol that forms from chemical reactions involving formaldehyde and sulphur dioxide in the presence of liquid water.

How it is formed:

• Occurs when formaldehydereacts with sulphite ions in aerosol particles.

• Requires liquid water within aerosol particles, even in extremely cold conditions (supercooled state).

Factors favoring its formation:

• Low temperatures:Inhibit ammonium volatilization, reducing aerosol acidity.

• High ammonium ion concentrations:Neutralize acidity, enabling reactions.

• Supercooled liquid water:Present in aerosols at sub-zero temperatures.

Impact on environment:

• Contributes to 5 pollution, worsening air quality.

• Influences cloud formation and radiative properties, affecting climate.

Impact on humans:

• Aggravates respiratory illnesses, lung diseases, and cardiovascular conditions.

• Long-term exposure increases risks of premature mortality in polluted regions.

Solution: b)

Statement 1 is incorrect: HMS influences cloud formation indirectly by modifying aerosol properties but does not act as a direct cloud condensation nucleus.

Statement 2 is correct: HMS aggravates respiratory illnesses and increases risks of cardiovascular diseases and premature mortality due to its contribution to PM2.5 pollution.

Statement 3 is correct: HMS contributes to PM2.5 pollution, which directly impacts air quality and radiative forcing, influencing climate systems.

About Hydroxymethanesulphonate:

• What it is:A secondary aerosol that forms from chemical reactions involving formaldehyde and sulphur dioxide in the presence of liquid water.

How it is formed:

• Occurs when formaldehydereacts with sulphite ions in aerosol particles.

• Requires liquid water within aerosol particles, even in extremely cold conditions (supercooled state).

Factors favoring its formation:

• Low temperatures:Inhibit ammonium volatilization, reducing aerosol acidity.

• High ammonium ion concentrations:Neutralize acidity, enabling reactions.

• Supercooled liquid water:Present in aerosols at sub-zero temperatures.

Impact on environment:

• Contributes to 5 pollution, worsening air quality.

• Influences cloud formation and radiative properties, affecting climate.

Impact on humans:

• Aggravates respiratory illnesses, lung diseases, and cardiovascular conditions.

• Long-term exposure increases risks of premature mortality in polluted regions.

• Question 3 of 5 3. Question Which of the following Neolithic sites is known for pit dwellings and burial sites? a) Sangankallu b) Payyampalli c) Mehrgarh d) Burzahom Correct Solution: d) Burzahom, located in Kashmir, is notable for its unique pit dwellings and burial sites, providing insights into early human settlement and burial practices in the Neolithic period. Incorrect Solution: d) Burzahom, located in Kashmir, is notable for its unique pit dwellings and burial sites, providing insights into early human settlement and burial practices in the Neolithic period.

#### 3. Question

Which of the following Neolithic sites is known for pit dwellings and burial sites?

• a) Sangankallu

• b) Payyampalli

• c) Mehrgarh

• d) Burzahom

Solution: d)

Burzahom, located in Kashmir, is notable for its unique pit dwellings and burial sites, providing insights into early human settlement and burial practices in the Neolithic period.

Solution: d)

Burzahom, located in Kashmir, is notable for its unique pit dwellings and burial sites, providing insights into early human settlement and burial practices in the Neolithic period.

• Question 4 of 5 4. Question Consider the following statements: Statement-I: The Arctic tundra is a net emitter of carbon rather than a carbon sink. Statement-II: Rising Arctic temperatures activate microbes in thawing permafrost, leading to the release of CO2 and CH4. 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: a) Rising Arctic temperatures, which are increasing at four times the global rate, activate microbial decomposition of organic matter in thawing permafrost, releasing significant amounts of carbon in the form of greenhouse gases. This phenomenon has turned the Arctic tundra into a net emitter of carbon. Incorrect Solution: a) Rising Arctic temperatures, which are increasing at four times the global rate, activate microbial decomposition of organic matter in thawing permafrost, releasing significant amounts of carbon in the form of greenhouse gases. This phenomenon has turned the Arctic tundra into a net emitter of carbon.

#### 4. Question

Consider the following statements:

Statement-I: The Arctic tundra is a net emitter of carbon rather than a carbon sink. Statement-II: Rising Arctic temperatures activate microbes in thawing permafrost, leading to the release of CO2 and CH4.

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: a)

Rising Arctic temperatures, which are increasing at four times the global rate, activate microbial decomposition of organic matter in thawing permafrost, releasing significant amounts of carbon in the form of greenhouse gases. This phenomenon has turned the Arctic tundra into a net emitter of carbon.

Solution: a)

• Question 5 of 5 5. Question Which of the following Neolithic sites is known for polished stone tools and evidence of early agriculture? a) Brahmagiri b) Koldihwa c) Bhimbetka d) Hunsgi Correct Solution: b) Koldihwa, located in Uttar Pradesh, is a Neolithic site known for its evidence of early agriculture, including rice cultivation, and polished stone tools. Incorrect Solution: b) Koldihwa, located in Uttar Pradesh, is a Neolithic site known for its evidence of early agriculture, including rice cultivation, and polished stone tools.

#### 5. Question

Which of the following Neolithic sites is known for polished stone tools and evidence of early agriculture?

• a) Brahmagiri

• b) Koldihwa

• c) Bhimbetka

Solution: b)

Koldihwa, located in Uttar Pradesh, is a Neolithic site known for its evidence of early agriculture, including rice cultivation, and polished stone tools.

Solution: b)

Koldihwa, located in Uttar Pradesh, is a Neolithic site known for its evidence of early agriculture, including rice cultivation, and polished stone tools.

Join our Official Telegram Channel HERE for Motivation and Fast Updates

Join our Twitter Channel HERE

Follow our Instagram Channel HERE