UPSC Editorials Quiz : 3 January 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 Recent studies in 2025 regarding the ‘Cascadia Subduction Zone’ have revealed that: (a) The subduction zone has become dormant, significantly reducing the risk of megathrust earthquakes in the region. (b) The oceanic plate is ‘tearing’ or breaking apart into segments, a phenomenon that alters our understanding of how subduction zones die. (c) The North American plate has started subducting under the Juan de Fuca plate, reversing the geological process. (d) A new volcanic island chain is forming rapidly off the coast of Vancouver due to a mantle plume. Correct Solution: B A pivotal study published in Science Advances in 2025 used advanced seismic imaging to map this fault line. Option (b) is correct: The study found that the Juan de Fuca oceanic plate is not subducting as a smooth, continuous sheet. Instead, it is actively “tearing” or segmenting deep beneath the North American plate. Implication: This “tearing” is described by geologists as the process of a subduction zone “dying” or shutting down. It creates “microplates” and explains the segmented nature of earthquake risks in the Pacific Northwest. It challenges the simpler models of subduction dynamics. Incorrect Solution: B A pivotal study published in Science Advances in 2025 used advanced seismic imaging to map this fault line. Option (b) is correct: The study found that the Juan de Fuca oceanic plate is not subducting as a smooth, continuous sheet. Instead, it is actively “tearing” or segmenting deep beneath the North American plate. Implication: This “tearing” is described by geologists as the process of a subduction zone “dying” or shutting down. It creates “microplates” and explains the segmented nature of earthquake risks in the Pacific Northwest. It challenges the simpler models of subduction dynamics.

#### 1. Question

Recent studies in 2025 regarding the ‘Cascadia Subduction Zone’ have revealed that:

• (a) The subduction zone has become dormant, significantly reducing the risk of megathrust earthquakes in the region.

• (b) The oceanic plate is ‘tearing’ or breaking apart into segments, a phenomenon that alters our understanding of how subduction zones die.

• (c) The North American plate has started subducting under the Juan de Fuca plate, reversing the geological process.

• (d) A new volcanic island chain is forming rapidly off the coast of Vancouver due to a mantle plume.

Solution: B

• A pivotal study published in Science Advances in 2025 used advanced seismic imaging to map this fault line.

• Option (b) is correct: The study found that the Juan de Fuca oceanic plate is not subducting as a smooth, continuous sheet. Instead, it is actively “tearing” or segmenting deep beneath the North American plate.

• Implication: This “tearing” is described by geologists as the process of a subduction zone “dying” or shutting down. It creates “microplates” and explains the segmented nature of earthquake risks in the Pacific Northwest. It challenges the simpler models of subduction dynamics.

Solution: B

• A pivotal study published in Science Advances in 2025 used advanced seismic imaging to map this fault line.

• Question 2 of 5 2. Question Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar (InSAR) technology was recently used to map ground displacement following the Kamchatka Earthquake (2025). In this context, what is the primary advantage of InSAR over traditional ground-based seismic networks? (a) It can predict the exact time of an earthquake 24 hours in advance. (b) It measures the magnitude of the earthquake deeper in the mantle than seismometers. (c) It provides high-resolution, spatial maps of surface deformation over large, inaccessible areas using satellite radar comparison. (d) It relies on acoustic waves to map the ocean floor changes only. Correct Solution: C Following the M 8.8 earthquake in Kamchatka (July/Oct 2025 context), InSAR was critical for assessment. Option (c) is correct: InSAR is a satellite-based remote sensing technique. It works by comparing two radar images (Phase difference) taken of the same location at different times (Pre-event and Post-event). Advantage: It allows scientists to measure ground deformation (uplift, subsidence, or lateral shift) with millimeter-level precision over vast, inaccessible areas (like the remote Kamchatka peninsula). Ground-based seismometers only measure motion at a specific point and are often sparse in remote regions. InSAR fills the spatial gaps. Incorrect Solution: C Following the M 8.8 earthquake in Kamchatka (July/Oct 2025 context), InSAR was critical for assessment. Option (c) is correct: InSAR is a satellite-based remote sensing technique. It works by comparing two radar images (Phase difference) taken of the same location at different times (Pre-event and Post-event). Advantage: It allows scientists to measure ground deformation (uplift, subsidence, or lateral shift) with millimeter-level precision over vast, inaccessible areas (like the remote Kamchatka peninsula). Ground-based seismometers only measure motion at a specific point and are often sparse in remote regions. InSAR fills the spatial gaps.

#### 2. Question

Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar (InSAR) technology was recently used to map ground displacement following the Kamchatka Earthquake (2025). In this context, what is the primary advantage of InSAR over traditional ground-based seismic networks?

• (a) It can predict the exact time of an earthquake 24 hours in advance.

• (b) It measures the magnitude of the earthquake deeper in the mantle than seismometers.

• (c) It provides high-resolution, spatial maps of surface deformation over large, inaccessible areas using satellite radar comparison.

• (d) It relies on acoustic waves to map the ocean floor changes only.

Solution: C

• Following the M 8.8 earthquake in Kamchatka (July/Oct 2025 context), InSAR was critical for assessment.

• Option (c) is correct: InSAR is a satellite-based remote sensing technique. It works by comparing two radar images (Phase difference) taken of the same location at different times (Pre-event and Post-event).

• Advantage: It allows scientists to measure ground deformation (uplift, subsidence, or lateral shift) with millimeter-level precision over vast, inaccessible areas (like the remote Kamchatka peninsula). Ground-based seismometers only measure motion at a specific point and are often sparse in remote regions. InSAR fills the spatial gaps.

Solution: C

• Following the M 8.8 earthquake in Kamchatka (July/Oct 2025 context), InSAR was critical for assessment.

• Question 3 of 5 3. Question The term ‘Josephson Junction’, which was central to the 2025 Nobel Prize in Physics, is best described as: (a) A semiconductor device used in 5G transmission towers. (b) A biological interface allowing T-cells to detect cancer antigens. (c) Two superconductors separated by a thin insulator, used to demonstrate quantum tunneling. (d) A component of the new 'Saksham' counter-drone system deployed by the Indian Army. Correct Solution: C Option (c) is correct: The 2025 Nobel Prize in Physics was awarded to John Clarke, Michel Devoret, and John Martinis for their work on Macroscopic Quantum Tunneling. They utilized a Josephson Junction—a device where two superconducting materials are separated by a non-superconducting barrier (insulator). This junction allows the observation of quantum phenomena (like tunneling) at a macroscopic scale, which is foundational for superconducting quantum computers. Incorrect Solution: C Option (c) is correct: The 2025 Nobel Prize in Physics was awarded to John Clarke, Michel Devoret, and John Martinis for their work on Macroscopic Quantum Tunneling. They utilized a Josephson Junction—a device where two superconducting materials are separated by a non-superconducting barrier (insulator). This junction allows the observation of quantum phenomena (like tunneling) at a macroscopic scale, which is foundational for superconducting quantum computers.

#### 3. Question

The term ‘Josephson Junction’, which was central to the 2025 Nobel Prize in Physics, is best described as:

• (a) A semiconductor device used in 5G transmission towers.

• (b) A biological interface allowing T-cells to detect cancer antigens.

• (c) Two superconductors separated by a thin insulator, used to demonstrate quantum tunneling.

• (d) A component of the new 'Saksham' counter-drone system deployed by the Indian Army.

Solution: C

• Option (c) is correct: The 2025 Nobel Prize in Physics was awarded to John Clarke, Michel Devoret, and John Martinis for their work on Macroscopic Quantum Tunneling. They utilized a Josephson Junction—a device where two superconducting materials are separated by a non-superconducting barrier (insulator). This junction allows the observation of quantum phenomena (like tunneling) at a macroscopic scale, which is foundational for superconducting quantum computers.

Solution: C

• Question 4 of 5 4. Question Which one of the following best describes the “Rio Declaration” adopted at the 17th BRICS Summit? (a) A commitment to phase out coal power plants by 2040. (b) A joint framework for the governance of Artificial Intelligence and reform of multilateral institutions. (c) A trade agreement to eliminate tariffs between BRICS nations. (c) A trade agreement to eliminate tariffs between BRICS nations. Correct Solution: B Option (b) is correct: The Rio Declaration, adopted at the 17th BRICS Summit in Brazil (October 2025), emphasized “Strengthening Global South Cooperation.” Key outcomes included a call for the reform of the UN Security Council and IMF quotas, and a significant focus on Artificial Intelligence governance to bridge the digital divide. Option (a) is incorrect; BRICS nations (like India/China) generally oppose rigid phase-out deadlines for coal. Option (c) is incorrect; no zero-tariff trade block was announced. Option (d) is incorrect; BRICS frames itself as a developmental, not military, bloc. Incorrect Solution: B Option (b) is correct: The Rio Declaration, adopted at the 17th BRICS Summit in Brazil (October 2025), emphasized “Strengthening Global South Cooperation.” Key outcomes included a call for the reform of the UN Security Council and IMF quotas, and a significant focus on Artificial Intelligence governance to bridge the digital divide. Option (a) is incorrect; BRICS nations (like India/China) generally oppose rigid phase-out deadlines for coal. Option (c) is incorrect; no zero-tariff trade block was announced. Option (d) is incorrect; BRICS frames itself as a developmental, not military, bloc.

#### 4. Question

Which one of the following best describes the “Rio Declaration” adopted at the 17th BRICS Summit?

• (a) A commitment to phase out coal power plants by 2040.

• (b) A joint framework for the governance of Artificial Intelligence and reform of multilateral institutions.

• (c) A trade agreement to eliminate tariffs between BRICS nations.

Solution: B

• Option (b) is correct: The Rio Declaration, adopted at the 17th BRICS Summit in Brazil (October 2025), emphasized “Strengthening Global South Cooperation.” Key outcomes included a call for the reform of the UN Security Council and IMF quotas, and a significant focus on Artificial Intelligence governance to bridge the digital divide.

• Option (a) is incorrect; BRICS nations (like India/China) generally oppose rigid phase-out deadlines for coal.

• Option (c) is incorrect; no zero-tariff trade block was announced.

• Option (d) is incorrect; BRICS frames itself as a developmental, not military, bloc.

Solution: B

• Option (a) is incorrect; BRICS nations (like India/China) generally oppose rigid phase-out deadlines for coal.

• Option (c) is incorrect; no zero-tariff trade block was announced.

• Option (d) is incorrect; BRICS frames itself as a developmental, not military, bloc.

• Question 5 of 5 5. Question Which of the following statements regarding the eligibility for the Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar is correct? (a) It is restricted strictly to scientists working in government-funded research organizations like CSIR and ISRO. (b) It is open to scientists in private organizations as well as Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs) abroad whose work benefits India. (c) The Vigyan Yuva award has no age limit, provided the researcher has less than 10 years of experience. (d) The Vigyan Team award can only be conferred if all team members belong to the same institution. Correct Solution: B The Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar framework was consciously designed to be broad-based and inclusive, moving away from the earlier, narrower perception that national science awards are meant only for scientists working in government laboratories or publicly funded institutions. Eligibility extends to scientists, technologists, and innovators working in private sector organizations, start-ups, academia, and non-governmental research ecosystems, provided their work demonstrates clear scientific merit and contributes to national development, public welfare, or India’s global scientific standing. Importantly, Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs) and Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) are also eligible if their scientific contributions have demonstrable benefits for India, reflecting the government’s intent to leverage the global Indian scientific diaspora. Incorrect Solution: B The Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar framework was consciously designed to be broad-based and inclusive, moving away from the earlier, narrower perception that national science awards are meant only for scientists working in government laboratories or publicly funded institutions. Eligibility extends to scientists, technologists, and innovators working in private sector organizations, start-ups, academia, and non-governmental research ecosystems, provided their work demonstrates clear scientific merit and contributes to national development, public welfare, or India’s global scientific standing. Importantly, Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs) and Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) are also eligible if their scientific contributions have demonstrable benefits for India, reflecting the government’s intent to leverage the global Indian scientific diaspora.

#### 5. Question

Which of the following statements regarding the eligibility for the Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar is correct?

• (a) It is restricted strictly to scientists working in government-funded research organizations like CSIR and ISRO.

• (b) It is open to scientists in private organizations as well as Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs) abroad whose work benefits India.

• (c) The Vigyan Yuva award has no age limit, provided the researcher has less than 10 years of experience.

• (d) The Vigyan Team award can only be conferred if all team members belong to the same institution.

Solution: B

• The Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar framework was consciously designed to be broad-based and inclusive, moving away from the earlier, narrower perception that national science awards are meant only for scientists working in government laboratories or publicly funded institutions.

• Eligibility extends to scientists, technologists, and innovators working in private sector organizations, start-ups, academia, and non-governmental research ecosystems, provided their work demonstrates clear scientific merit and contributes to national development, public welfare, or India’s global scientific standing.

• Importantly, Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs) and Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) are also eligible if their scientific contributions have demonstrable benefits for India, reflecting the government’s intent to leverage the global Indian scientific diaspora.

Solution: B

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