UPSC Editorials Quiz : 25 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 the Southern Ocean Carbon Anomaly: Statement I: The Southern Ocean has demonstrated a strengthening of its capacity as a carbon sink despite global warming. Statement II: Increased Antarctic ice melt and rainfall have enhanced vertical stratification, preventing carbon-rich deep waters from reaching the surface. 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 The Southern Ocean carbon anomaly represents a significant deviation from climate model predictions. While models suggested that warming and stronger winds would cause the ocean to release CO₂, observations show it remains a robust carbon sink. Statement I is correct as it captures this unexpected strengthening. Statement II provides the causal mechanism: climate-induced freshening of surface waters from ice melt and precipitation reduces salinity, making the surface layer more buoyant. This creates a “lid” or stratification that traps upwelled, carbon-heavy Circumpolar Deep Water approximately 100–200 metres below the surface. Consequently, the air-sea gas exchange is blocked, and CO₂ cannot escape into the atmosphere. This biological and physical “trap” explains why the sink has not weakened as predicted. However, this is considered a temporary climate buffer, as thinning stratification could lead to a rapid outgassing of stored carbon in the future. Incorrect Solution: A The Southern Ocean carbon anomaly represents a significant deviation from climate model predictions. While models suggested that warming and stronger winds would cause the ocean to release CO₂, observations show it remains a robust carbon sink. Statement I is correct as it captures this unexpected strengthening. Statement II provides the causal mechanism: climate-induced freshening of surface waters from ice melt and precipitation reduces salinity, making the surface layer more buoyant. This creates a “lid” or stratification that traps upwelled, carbon-heavy Circumpolar Deep Water approximately 100–200 metres below the surface. Consequently, the air-sea gas exchange is blocked, and CO₂ cannot escape into the atmosphere. This biological and physical “trap” explains why the sink has not weakened as predicted. However, this is considered a temporary climate buffer, as thinning stratification could lead to a rapid outgassing of stored carbon in the future.

#### 1. Question

Consider the following statements regarding the Southern Ocean Carbon Anomaly:

Statement I: The Southern Ocean has demonstrated a strengthening of its capacity as a carbon sink despite global warming.

Statement II: Increased Antarctic ice melt and rainfall have enhanced vertical stratification, preventing carbon-rich deep waters from reaching the surface.

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

• The Southern Ocean carbon anomaly represents a significant deviation from climate model predictions. While models suggested that warming and stronger winds would cause the ocean to release CO₂, observations show it remains a robust carbon sink.

• Statement I is correct as it captures this unexpected strengthening.

Statement II provides the causal mechanism: climate-induced freshening of surface waters from ice melt and precipitation reduces salinity, making the surface layer more buoyant. This creates a “lid” or stratification that traps upwelled, carbon-heavy Circumpolar Deep Water approximately 100–200 metres below the surface. Consequently, the air-sea gas exchange is blocked, and CO₂ cannot escape into the atmosphere. This biological and physical “trap” explains why the sink has not weakened as predicted. However, this is considered a temporary climate buffer, as thinning stratification could lead to a rapid outgassing of stored carbon in the future.

Solution: A

• Statement I is correct as it captures this unexpected strengthening.

• Question 2 of 5 2. Question With reference to the ISRO LVM3-M6 mission launched in December 2025, which one of the following statements best describes the technological significance of the “BlueBird Block-2” satellite? (a) It is the first indigenous satellite to utilize a nuclear-thermal propulsion system for deep-space exploration. (b) It is a part of a Low Earth Orbit (LEO) constellation designed to provide broadband services via specialized high-gain ground terminals. (c) It is the largest commercial communications satellite in LEO capable of facilitating direct-to-mobile 4G and 5G connectivity for standard smartphones. (d) It serves as a dedicated relay station for the Gaganyaan mission to ensure uninterrupted communication during the re-entry phase. Correct Solution: C The LVM3-M6 mission, conducted on December 24, 2025, successfully placed the BlueBird Block-2satellite into an orbit of approximately 520 km (Low Earth Orbit). This satellite is a technological milestone because it is part of a constellation designed by AST SpaceMobile to provide direct-to-mobile connectivity. Unlike conventional communications satellites that require specialized ground stations or satellite dishes to relay data to end-users, this technology allows the satellite to communicate directly with the standard 4G and 5G mobile phoneswe use every day. This capability is intended to ensure “connectivity for everyone, everywhere,” essentially eliminating cellular “dead zones” in remote or underserved regions. The LVM3 (formerly GSLV-Mk3) vehicle used for this launch is the same platform being human-rated for the Gaganyaan mission, demonstrating ISRO’s ability to leverage its most powerful rocket for heavy-lift commercial ventures while preparing for its inaugural manned mission. Source Incorrect Solution: C The LVM3-M6 mission, conducted on December 24, 2025, successfully placed the BlueBird Block-2satellite into an orbit of approximately 520 km (Low Earth Orbit). This satellite is a technological milestone because it is part of a constellation designed by AST SpaceMobile to provide direct-to-mobile connectivity. Unlike conventional communications satellites that require specialized ground stations or satellite dishes to relay data to end-users, this technology allows the satellite to communicate directly with the standard 4G and 5G mobile phoneswe use every day. This capability is intended to ensure “connectivity for everyone, everywhere,” essentially eliminating cellular “dead zones” in remote or underserved regions. The LVM3 (formerly GSLV-Mk3) vehicle used for this launch is the same platform being human-rated for the Gaganyaan mission, demonstrating ISRO’s ability to leverage its most powerful rocket for heavy-lift commercial ventures while preparing for its inaugural manned mission. Source

#### 2. Question

With reference to the ISRO LVM3-M6 mission launched in December 2025, which one of the following statements best describes the technological significance of the “BlueBird Block-2” satellite?

• (a) It is the first indigenous satellite to utilize a nuclear-thermal propulsion system for deep-space exploration.

• (b) It is a part of a Low Earth Orbit (LEO) constellation designed to provide broadband services via specialized high-gain ground terminals.

• (c) It is the largest commercial communications satellite in LEO capable of facilitating direct-to-mobile 4G and 5G connectivity for standard smartphones.

• (d) It serves as a dedicated relay station for the Gaganyaan mission to ensure uninterrupted communication during the re-entry phase.

Solution: C

• The LVM3-M6 mission, conducted on December 24, 2025, successfully placed the BlueBird Block-2satellite into an orbit of approximately 520 km (Low Earth Orbit). This satellite is a technological milestone because it is part of a constellation designed by AST SpaceMobile to provide direct-to-mobile connectivity.

• Unlike conventional communications satellites that require specialized ground stations or satellite dishes to relay data to end-users, this technology allows the satellite to communicate directly with the standard 4G and 5G mobile phoneswe use every day.

• This capability is intended to ensure “connectivity for everyone, everywhere,” essentially eliminating cellular “dead zones” in remote or underserved regions.

• The LVM3 (formerly GSLV-Mk3) vehicle used for this launch is the same platform being human-rated for the Gaganyaan mission, demonstrating ISRO’s ability to leverage its most powerful rocket for heavy-lift commercial ventures while preparing for its inaugural manned mission.

Solution: C

• This capability is intended to ensure “connectivity for everyone, everywhere,” essentially eliminating cellular “dead zones” in remote or underserved regions.

• Question 3 of 5 3. Question With reference to the Viksit Bharat–Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Act, 2025 (VB-GRAM G Act), consider the following statements: The Act increases the statutory employment guarantee from 100 days to 125 days per rural household per financial year. It introduces “Viksit Gram Panchayat Plans” to shift rural employment planning from a reactive distress-response to a proactive, anticipatory model. To ensure fiscal discipline, the Act mandates a uniform 50:50 funding ratio between the Central Government and all States for the payment of wages. How many of the statements given above are correct? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) All three (d) None Correct Solution: B The VB-GRAM G Act, 2025, seeks to address historical structural gaps in rural livelihood frameworks. Statement 1 is correctas the Act substantively enhances the legal right to work by increasing the guaranteed days from 100 (under the old MGNREGA) to 125 days. Statement 2 is correct; the Act moves away from “episodic” employment toward “anticipatory village-level planning”. By institutionalizing Viksit Gram Panchayat Plans, it ensures that asset creation is linked to long-term productivity and that administrative preparedness (such as work identification) precedes the demand for jobs. Statement 3 is incorrect because the fiscal commitment follows a more nuanced model: a 60:40 funding ratio for most states, but a 90:10 ratio for Northeastern states, Himalayan States, and Jammu and Kashmir. This follows established norms for supporting ecologically sensitive or resource-constrained regions. The Act also emphasizes the removal of “dis-entitlement” clauses that historically prevented the payment of unemployment allowances, thereby strengthening the enforceability of the right to work. Incorrect Solution: B The VB-GRAM G Act, 2025, seeks to address historical structural gaps in rural livelihood frameworks. Statement 1 is correctas the Act substantively enhances the legal right to work by increasing the guaranteed days from 100 (under the old MGNREGA) to 125 days. Statement 2 is correct; the Act moves away from “episodic” employment toward “anticipatory village-level planning”. By institutionalizing Viksit Gram Panchayat Plans, it ensures that asset creation is linked to long-term productivity and that administrative preparedness (such as work identification) precedes the demand for jobs. Statement 3 is incorrect because the fiscal commitment follows a more nuanced model: a 60:40 funding ratio for most states, but a 90:10 ratio for Northeastern states, Himalayan States, and Jammu and Kashmir. This follows established norms for supporting ecologically sensitive or resource-constrained regions. The Act also emphasizes the removal of “dis-entitlement” clauses that historically prevented the payment of unemployment allowances, thereby strengthening the enforceability of the right to work.

#### 3. Question

With reference to the Viksit Bharat–Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Act, 2025 (VB-GRAM G Act), consider the following statements:

• The Act increases the statutory employment guarantee from 100 days to 125 days per rural household per financial year.

• It introduces “Viksit Gram Panchayat Plans” to shift rural employment planning from a reactive distress-response to a proactive, anticipatory model.

• To ensure fiscal discipline, the Act mandates a uniform 50:50 funding ratio between the Central Government and all States for the payment of wages.

How many of the statements given above are correct?

• (a) Only one

• (b) Only two

• (c) All three

Solution: B

• The VB-GRAM G Act, 2025, seeks to address historical structural gaps in rural livelihood frameworks.

• Statement 1 is correctas the Act substantively enhances the legal right to work by increasing the guaranteed days from 100 (under the old MGNREGA) to 125 days.

• Statement 2 is correct; the Act moves away from “episodic” employment toward “anticipatory village-level planning”. By institutionalizing Viksit Gram Panchayat Plans, it ensures that asset creation is linked to long-term productivity and that administrative preparedness (such as work identification) precedes the demand for jobs.

Statement 3 is incorrect because the fiscal commitment follows a more nuanced model: a 60:40 funding ratio for most states, but a 90:10 ratio for Northeastern states, Himalayan States, and Jammu and Kashmir. This follows established norms for supporting ecologically sensitive or resource-constrained regions. The Act also emphasizes the removal of “dis-entitlement” clauses that historically prevented the payment of unemployment allowances, thereby strengthening the enforceability of the right to work.

Solution: B

• The VB-GRAM G Act, 2025, seeks to address historical structural gaps in rural livelihood frameworks.

• Statement 1 is correctas the Act substantively enhances the legal right to work by increasing the guaranteed days from 100 (under the old MGNREGA) to 125 days.

• Question 4 of 5 4. Question Match the following political organizations with their respective leaders: Organization/Party Leader 1. Bharatiya Jana Sangh A. Jagjivan Ram 2. Swatantra Party B. Dr. Shyama Prasad Mukherjee 3. Congress for Democracy C. C. Rajagopalachari Select the correct code: (a) 1-B, 2-C, 3-A (b) 1-B, 2-A, 3-C (c) 1-A, 2-C, 3-B (d) 1-C, 2-B, 3-A Correct Solution: A Bhartiya Jana Sangh was founded in 1951 by Dr. Shyama Prasad Mukherjee (Pair 1-B). The Swatantra Party, which advocated for a market-based economy and the dismantling of the “license raj,” was led by C. Rajagopalachari (Pair 2-C). The Congress for Democracy (CFD) was a political party founded in 1977 by Jagjivan Ram after he left the Indian National Congress (Pair 3-A). Incorrect Solution: A Bhartiya Jana Sangh was founded in 1951 by Dr. Shyama Prasad Mukherjee (Pair 1-B). The Swatantra Party, which advocated for a market-based economy and the dismantling of the “license raj,” was led by C. Rajagopalachari (Pair 2-C). The Congress for Democracy (CFD) was a political party founded in 1977 by Jagjivan Ram after he left the Indian National Congress (Pair 3-A).

#### 4. Question

Match the following political organizations with their respective leaders:

Organization/Party | Leader

1.Bharatiya Jana Sangh | A. Jagjivan Ram
2.Swatantra Party | B. Dr. Shyama Prasad Mukherjee
3.Congress for Democracy | C. C. Rajagopalachari

Select the correct code:

• (a) 1-B, 2-C, 3-A

• (b) 1-B, 2-A, 3-C

• (c) 1-A, 2-C, 3-B

• (d) 1-C, 2-B, 3-A

Solution: A

• Bhartiya Jana Sangh was founded in 1951 by Dr. Shyama Prasad Mukherjee (Pair 1-B).

• The Swatantra Party, which advocated for a market-based economy and the dismantling of the “license raj,” was led by C. Rajagopalachari (Pair 2-C).

• The Congress for Democracy (CFD) was a political party founded in 1977 by Jagjivan Ram after he left the Indian National Congress (Pair 3-A).

Solution: A

• Bhartiya Jana Sangh was founded in 1951 by Dr. Shyama Prasad Mukherjee (Pair 1-B).

• The Swatantra Party, which advocated for a market-based economy and the dismantling of the “license raj,” was led by C. Rajagopalachari (Pair 2-C).

• The Congress for Democracy (CFD) was a political party founded in 1977 by Jagjivan Ram after he left the Indian National Congress (Pair 3-A).

• Question 5 of 5 5. Question The ‘Triple Planetary Crisis’, a term frequently cited in the OECD Environmental Outlook 2025, refers to which of the following three interlinked challenges? (a) Climate Change, Ocean Acidification, and Space Debris. (b) Climate Change, Biodiversity Loss, and Pollution. (c) Deforestation, Desertification, and Groundwater Depletion. (d) Ozone Depletion, Acid Rain, and Urban Heat Islands. Correct Solution: B The OECD launched its Environmental Outlook in late 2025 with this specific framework. Option (b) is correct: The “Triple Planetary Crisis” is the UN and OECD’s adopted framework to describe the three existential, interlinked environmental threats: Climate Change: The warming of the planet. Biodiversity Loss: The extinction of species and degradation of ecosystems. Pollution: The contamination of air, water, and land (including waste/plastics). Incorrect Solution: B The OECD launched its Environmental Outlook in late 2025 with this specific framework. Option (b) is correct: The “Triple Planetary Crisis” is the UN and OECD’s adopted framework to describe the three existential, interlinked environmental threats: Climate Change: The warming of the planet. Biodiversity Loss: The extinction of species and degradation of ecosystems. Pollution: The contamination of air, water, and land (including waste/plastics).

#### 5. Question

The ‘Triple Planetary Crisis’, a term frequently cited in the OECD Environmental Outlook 2025, refers to which of the following three interlinked challenges?

• (a) Climate Change, Ocean Acidification, and Space Debris.

• (b) Climate Change, Biodiversity Loss, and Pollution.

• (c) Deforestation, Desertification, and Groundwater Depletion.

• (d) Ozone Depletion, Acid Rain, and Urban Heat Islands.

Solution: B

• The OECD launched its Environmental Outlook in late 2025 with this specific framework.

• Option (b) is correct: The “Triple Planetary Crisis” is the UN and OECD’s adopted framework to describe the three existential, interlinked environmental threats: Climate Change: The warming of the planet. Biodiversity Loss: The extinction of species and degradation of ecosystems. Pollution: The contamination of air, water, and land (including waste/plastics).

• Climate Change: The warming of the planet.

• Biodiversity Loss: The extinction of species and degradation of ecosystems.

• Pollution: The contamination of air, water, and land (including waste/plastics).

Solution: B

• The OECD launched its Environmental Outlook in late 2025 with this specific framework.

• Climate Change: The warming of the planet.

• Biodiversity Loss: The extinction of species and degradation of ecosystems.

• Pollution: The contamination of air, water, and land (including waste/plastics).

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