UPSC Editorials Quiz : 26 July 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 Global Wetland Outlook 2025: Peatlands, despite covering a small fraction of the Earth’s land surface, store nearly one-third of the global soil carbon. Since 1970, the rate of wetland loss has been significantly lower than that of forests, highlighting successful conservation efforts. Agricultural expansion and water extraction are identified as primary drivers of wetland degradation. How many of the above statements are correct? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) All three (d) None Correct Solution: B Statement 1 is correct. Peatlands are remarkably efficient carbon sinks. They cover just 3% of the Earth’s surface but hold an estimated 30% of all terrestrial carbon stored in soils, playing a crucial role in regulating the global carbon cycle. Their preservation is vital for climate change mitigation. Statement 2 is incorrect. Wetlands are disappearing three times faster than forests, making them one of the most threatened ecosystems globally. Over 35% of the world’s wetlands have been lost since 1970, indicating a critical need for enhanced protection measures, not a conservation success. Statement 3 is correct. The report identifies anthropogenic pressures as the main cause of wetland loss. Agriculture, through land conversion and water diversion for irrigation, along with extensive water extraction for urban and industrial use, has degraded nearly 50% of wetlands, disrupting their ecological functions. Incorrect Solution: B Statement 1 is correct. Peatlands are remarkably efficient carbon sinks. They cover just 3% of the Earth’s surface but hold an estimated 30% of all terrestrial carbon stored in soils, playing a crucial role in regulating the global carbon cycle. Their preservation is vital for climate change mitigation. Statement 2 is incorrect. Wetlands are disappearing three times faster than forests, making them one of the most threatened ecosystems globally. Over 35% of the world’s wetlands have been lost since 1970, indicating a critical need for enhanced protection measures, not a conservation success. Statement 3 is correct. The report identifies anthropogenic pressures as the main cause of wetland loss. Agriculture, through land conversion and water diversion for irrigation, along with extensive water extraction for urban and industrial use, has degraded nearly 50% of wetlands, disrupting their ecological functions.

#### 1. Question

Consider the following statements regarding the Global Wetland Outlook 2025:

• Peatlands, despite covering a small fraction of the Earth’s land surface, store nearly one-third of the global soil carbon.

• Since 1970, the rate of wetland loss has been significantly lower than that of forests, highlighting successful conservation efforts.

• Agricultural expansion and water extraction are identified as primary drivers of wetland degradation.

How many of the above statements are correct?

• (a) Only one

• (b) Only two

• (c) All three

Solution: B

• Statement 1 is correct. Peatlands are remarkably efficient carbon sinks. They cover just 3% of the Earth’s surface but hold an estimated 30% of all terrestrial carbon stored in soils, playing a crucial role in regulating the global carbon cycle. Their preservation is vital for climate change mitigation.

• Statement 2 is incorrect. Wetlands are disappearing three times faster than forests, making them one of the most threatened ecosystems globally. Over 35% of the world’s wetlands have been lost since 1970, indicating a critical need for enhanced protection measures, not a conservation success.

Statement 3 is correct. The report identifies anthropogenic pressures as the main cause of wetland loss. Agriculture, through land conversion and water diversion for irrigation, along with extensive water extraction for urban and industrial use, has degraded nearly 50% of wetlands, disrupting their ecological functions.

Solution: B

• Question 2 of 5 2. Question Consider the following statements regarding Admiralty (Jurisdiction and Settlement of Maritime Claims) Act, 2017: Statement-I: The Admiralty (Jurisdiction and Settlement of Maritime Claims) Act, 2017, strengthens the framework for environmental accountability in Indian territorial waters. Statement-II: The Act explicitly recognizes claims for compensation arising from damage to the marine environment and harmonizes Indian law with international conventions. 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 Statement-I is correct. The Act provides a robust legal mechanism for holding vessels and their owners accountable for environmental damage. By allowing state governments and other parties to file suits and seek substantial compensation for pollution incidents, it creates a strong deterrent and a means for remediation, thereby enhancing environmental accountability. Statement-II is also correct. The strength of the Act, as asserted in Statement-I, is derived directly from its specific provisions. Section 4 of the Act lists various maritime claims, which explicitly include compensation for environmental damage. Furthermore, the Act was drafted to align India’s domestic legal framework with international standards, such as those set by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and outlined in the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), which prioritize marine environment protection. Incorrect Solution: A Statement-I is correct. The Act provides a robust legal mechanism for holding vessels and their owners accountable for environmental damage. By allowing state governments and other parties to file suits and seek substantial compensation for pollution incidents, it creates a strong deterrent and a means for remediation, thereby enhancing environmental accountability. Statement-II is also correct. The strength of the Act, as asserted in Statement-I, is derived directly from its specific provisions. Section 4 of the Act lists various maritime claims, which explicitly include compensation for environmental damage. Furthermore, the Act was drafted to align India’s domestic legal framework with international standards, such as those set by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and outlined in the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), which prioritize marine environment protection.

#### 2. Question

Consider the following statements regarding Admiralty (Jurisdiction and Settlement of Maritime Claims) Act, 2017:

Statement-I: The Admiralty (Jurisdiction and Settlement of Maritime Claims) Act, 2017, strengthens the framework for environmental accountability in Indian territorial waters.

Statement-II: The Act explicitly recognizes claims for compensation arising from damage to the marine environment and harmonizes Indian law with international conventions.

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

• Statement-I is correct. The Act provides a robust legal mechanism for holding vessels and their owners accountable for environmental damage. By allowing state governments and other parties to file suits and seek substantial compensation for pollution incidents, it creates a strong deterrent and a means for remediation, thereby enhancing environmental accountability.

Statement-II is also correct. The strength of the Act, as asserted in Statement-I, is derived directly from its specific provisions. Section 4 of the Act lists various maritime claims, which explicitly include compensation for environmental damage. Furthermore, the Act was drafted to align India’s domestic legal framework with international standards, such as those set by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and outlined in the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), which prioritize marine environment protection.

Solution: A

• Question 3 of 5 3. Question With reference to the Kharai Camels, consider the following statements: They are classified as a critically endangered breed by the National Bureau of Animal Genetic Resources. Their unique swimming ability allows them to migrate to mangrove islands primarily during the dry summer months to find fodder. The Maldhari community managing them practices a nomadic lifestyle, moving between coastal and inland areas. How many of the above statements are correct? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) All three (d) None Correct Solution: A Statement 1 is incorrect. While the Kharai camel is a rare breed with a small population (around 4,000), it has not been officially classified as critically endangered. It is recognized as India’s ninth camel breed, but its conservation status requires careful monitoring rather than having a formal critical endangerment tag. Statement 2 is incorrect. The migration to mangrove islands occurs during the monsoon (rainy) season, not the dry summer. During the monsoon, other grazing lands become inundated or unsuitable, making the elevated mangrove islands an essential source of forage. Statement 3 is correct. The Maldharis, the pastoralists associated with Kharai camels, practice a traditional form of pastoralism that involves seasonal movement. They guide the camels to the coastal mangrove areas during the monsoon and move to other inland areas during different seasons, reflecting a resilient and adaptive nomadic or semi-nomadic lifestyle. Incorrect Solution: A Statement 1 is incorrect. While the Kharai camel is a rare breed with a small population (around 4,000), it has not been officially classified as critically endangered. It is recognized as India’s ninth camel breed, but its conservation status requires careful monitoring rather than having a formal critical endangerment tag. Statement 2 is incorrect. The migration to mangrove islands occurs during the monsoon (rainy) season, not the dry summer. During the monsoon, other grazing lands become inundated or unsuitable, making the elevated mangrove islands an essential source of forage. Statement 3 is correct. The Maldharis, the pastoralists associated with Kharai camels, practice a traditional form of pastoralism that involves seasonal movement. They guide the camels to the coastal mangrove areas during the monsoon and move to other inland areas during different seasons, reflecting a resilient and adaptive nomadic or semi-nomadic lifestyle.

#### 3. Question

With reference to the Kharai Camels, consider the following statements:

• They are classified as a critically endangered breed by the National Bureau of Animal Genetic Resources.

• Their unique swimming ability allows them to migrate to mangrove islands primarily during the dry summer months to find fodder.

• The Maldhari community managing them practices a nomadic lifestyle, moving between coastal and inland areas.

How many of the above statements are correct?

• (a) Only one

• (b) Only two

• (c) All three

Solution: A

• Statement 1 is incorrect. While the Kharai camel is a rare breed with a small population (around 4,000), it has not been officially classified as critically endangered. It is recognized as India’s ninth camel breed, but its conservation status requires careful monitoring rather than having a formal critical endangerment tag.

• Statement 2 is incorrect. The migration to mangrove islands occurs during the monsoon (rainy) season, not the dry summer. During the monsoon, other grazing lands become inundated or unsuitable, making the elevated mangrove islands an essential source of forage.

Statement 3 is correct. The Maldharis, the pastoralists associated with Kharai camels, practice a traditional form of pastoralism that involves seasonal movement. They guide the camels to the coastal mangrove areas during the monsoon and move to other inland areas during different seasons, reflecting a resilient and adaptive nomadic or semi-nomadic lifestyle.

Solution: A

• Question 4 of 5 4. Question Which of the following is the fundamental principle that distinguishes Accelerator Mass Spectrometry (AMS) dating from conventional radiometric dating methods? (a) It measures the decay rate of Carbon-14 isotopes. (b) It requires a much larger sample size for higher accuracy. (c) It directly counts the number of Carbon-14 atoms in a sample. (d) It exclusively uses ionizing radiation to determine the age of organic materials. Correct Solution: C Option (a) is incorrect. This describes the principle of conventional radiometric dating (like liquid scintillation counting), which measures the beta particles emitted as Carbon-14 atoms decay. AMS does not rely on detecting decay events. Option (b) is incorrect. One of the primary advantages of AMS is that it requires a significantly smaller sample size—as little as 20 milligrams, which is about 1,000 times less than conventional methods. This makes it ideal for dating precious or rare artifacts. Option (c) is correct. The revolutionary aspect of AMS is its ability to act as a particle accelerator and mass spectrometer. It ionizes the sample’s atoms, accelerates them to high energies, and uses powerful magnetic fields to separate the isotopes (Carbon-12, Carbon-13, and Carbon-14) by mass. It then directly counts the individual Carbon-14 atoms relative to the stable carbon isotopes. This direct counting is far more sensitive and precise than waiting for decay events. Option (d) is incorrect. While AMS uses ionization (a cesium beam to create ions), its core function is mass separation and atom counting, not just the general use of ionizing radiation for age determination. Conventional methods also involve detecting ionizing radiation (beta particles). Incorrect Solution: C Option (a) is incorrect. This describes the principle of conventional radiometric dating (like liquid scintillation counting), which measures the beta particles emitted as Carbon-14 atoms decay. AMS does not rely on detecting decay events. Option (b) is incorrect. One of the primary advantages of AMS is that it requires a significantly smaller sample size—as little as 20 milligrams, which is about 1,000 times less than conventional methods. This makes it ideal for dating precious or rare artifacts. Option (c) is correct. The revolutionary aspect of AMS is its ability to act as a particle accelerator and mass spectrometer. It ionizes the sample’s atoms, accelerates them to high energies, and uses powerful magnetic fields to separate the isotopes (Carbon-12, Carbon-13, and Carbon-14) by mass. It then directly counts the individual Carbon-14 atoms relative to the stable carbon isotopes. This direct counting is far more sensitive and precise than waiting for decay events. Option (d) is incorrect. While AMS uses ionization (a cesium beam to create ions), its core function is mass separation and atom counting, not just the general use of ionizing radiation for age determination. Conventional methods also involve detecting ionizing radiation (beta particles).

#### 4. Question

Which of the following is the fundamental principle that distinguishes Accelerator Mass Spectrometry (AMS) dating from conventional radiometric dating methods?

• (a) It measures the decay rate of Carbon-14 isotopes.

• (b) It requires a much larger sample size for higher accuracy.

• (c) It directly counts the number of Carbon-14 atoms in a sample.

• (d) It exclusively uses ionizing radiation to determine the age of organic materials.

Solution: C

• Option (a) is incorrect. This describes the principle of conventional radiometric dating (like liquid scintillation counting), which measures the beta particles emitted as Carbon-14 atoms decay. AMS does not rely on detecting decay events.

• Option (b) is incorrect. One of the primary advantages of AMS is that it requires a significantly smaller sample size—as little as 20 milligrams, which is about 1,000 times less than conventional methods. This makes it ideal for dating precious or rare artifacts.

• Option (c) is correct. The revolutionary aspect of AMS is its ability to act as a particle accelerator and mass spectrometer. It ionizes the sample’s atoms, accelerates them to high energies, and uses powerful magnetic fields to separate the isotopes (Carbon-12, Carbon-13, and Carbon-14) by mass. It then directly counts the individual Carbon-14 atoms relative to the stable carbon isotopes. This direct counting is far more sensitive and precise than waiting for decay events.

Option (d) is incorrect. While AMS uses ionization (a cesium beam to create ions), its core function is mass separation and atom counting, not just the general use of ionizing radiation for age determination. Conventional methods also involve detecting ionizing radiation (beta particles).

Solution: C

• Question 5 of 5 5. Question Consider the following statements regarding wetlands: Wetlands are defined as transitional zones between terrestrial and aquatic systems where the water table is usually at or near the surface. All Ramsar sites in India are ecologically stable and do not face significant anthropogenic stress. Which of the above statements are correct? (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 Correct Solution: A Statement 1 is correct. This is the standard ecological definition of a wetland. They are characterized by land that is saturated with water, either permanently or seasonally, creating unique hydric soils and supporting hydrophytic vegetation. This transitional nature makes them unique and highly productive ecosystems. Statement 2 is incorrect. 19 Ramsar sites in India are facing ecological stress, with Keoladeo National Park and Chilika Lake cited as notable examples. Many Ramsar sites globally and in India face threats from pollution, encroachment, and unsustainable tourism. Incorrect Solution: A Statement 1 is correct. This is the standard ecological definition of a wetland. They are characterized by land that is saturated with water, either permanently or seasonally, creating unique hydric soils and supporting hydrophytic vegetation. This transitional nature makes them unique and highly productive ecosystems. Statement 2 is incorrect. 19 Ramsar sites in India are facing ecological stress, with Keoladeo National Park and Chilika Lake cited as notable examples. Many Ramsar sites globally and in India face threats from pollution, encroachment, and unsustainable tourism.

#### 5. Question

Consider the following statements regarding wetlands:

• Wetlands are defined as transitional zones between terrestrial and aquatic systems where the water table is usually at or near the surface.

• All Ramsar sites in India are ecologically stable and do not face significant anthropogenic stress.

Which of the above statements are correct?

• (a) 1 only

• (b) 2 only

• (c) Both 1 and 2

• (d) Neither 1 nor 2

Solution: A

• Statement 1 is correct. This is the standard ecological definition of a wetland. They are characterized by land that is saturated with water, either permanently or seasonally, creating unique hydric soils and supporting hydrophytic vegetation. This transitional nature makes them unique and highly productive ecosystems.

• Statement 2 is incorrect. 19 Ramsar sites in India are facing ecological stress, with Keoladeo National Park and Chilika Lake cited as notable examples. Many Ramsar sites globally and in India face threats from pollution, encroachment, and unsustainable tourism.

Solution: A

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