UPSC Editorials Quiz : 30 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.

#### 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 With reference to the Chola administration, consider the following statements: The Kudavolai system was a method for electing officials for the central imperial court. The Uthiramerur inscriptions exclusively detail the Cholas’ maritime expeditions and trade guilds. Village assemblies like the ‘Ur’ and ‘Sabha’ were vested with significant autonomy in local governance, including land management and judicial functions. How many of the above statements are incorrect? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) All three (d) None Correct Solution: B Statement 1 is incorrect because the Kudavolai system, a unique electoral process using palm-leaf tickets, was used for selecting members of village committees and assemblies, not for officials of the central imperial court. It was a hallmark of local, not central, administration. Statement 2 is incorrect. While Chola inscriptions are a rich source of information, the Uthiramerur inscriptions are specifically famous for providing detailed rules and regulations for the functioning of the local Sabha, including the qualifications of members and the election process (Kudavolai), not for detailing maritime expeditions. Statement 3 is correct. The Chola administration is renowned for its system of local self-governance. Village assemblies, categorised as Ur (for regular villages) and Sabha or Mahasabha (for Brahmin-dominated villages or agrahara), were fundamental units of this decentralised structure. They held considerable power over local matters such as collecting revenue, maintaining irrigation systems, and resolving disputes, setting a historical precedent for grassroots democracy in India. Incorrect Solution: B Statement 1 is incorrect because the Kudavolai system, a unique electoral process using palm-leaf tickets, was used for selecting members of village committees and assemblies, not for officials of the central imperial court. It was a hallmark of local, not central, administration. Statement 2 is incorrect. While Chola inscriptions are a rich source of information, the Uthiramerur inscriptions are specifically famous for providing detailed rules and regulations for the functioning of the local Sabha, including the qualifications of members and the election process (Kudavolai), not for detailing maritime expeditions. Statement 3 is correct. The Chola administration is renowned for its system of local self-governance. Village assemblies, categorised as Ur (for regular villages) and Sabha or Mahasabha (for Brahmin-dominated villages or agrahara), were fundamental units of this decentralised structure. They held considerable power over local matters such as collecting revenue, maintaining irrigation systems, and resolving disputes, setting a historical precedent for grassroots democracy in India.

#### 1. Question

With reference to the Chola administration, consider the following statements:

• The Kudavolai system was a method for electing officials for the central imperial court.

• The Uthiramerur inscriptions exclusively detail the Cholas’ maritime expeditions and trade guilds.

• Village assemblies like the ‘Ur’ and ‘Sabha’ were vested with significant autonomy in local governance, including land management and judicial functions.

How many of the above statements are incorrect?

• (a) Only one

• (b) Only two

• (c) All three

Solution: B

• Statement 1 is incorrect because the Kudavolai system, a unique electoral process using palm-leaf tickets, was used for selecting members of village committees and assemblies, not for officials of the central imperial court. It was a hallmark of local, not central, administration.

• Statement 2 is incorrect. While Chola inscriptions are a rich source of information, the Uthiramerur inscriptions are specifically famous for providing detailed rules and regulations for the functioning of the local Sabha, including the qualifications of members and the election process (Kudavolai), not for detailing maritime expeditions.

• Statement 3 is correct. The Chola administration is renowned for its system of local self-governance. Village assemblies, categorised as Ur (for regular villages) and Sabha or Mahasabha (for Brahmin-dominated villages or agrahara), were fundamental units of this decentralised structure. They held considerable power over local matters such as collecting revenue, maintaining irrigation systems, and resolving disputes, setting a historical precedent for grassroots democracy in India.

Solution: B

• Question 2 of 5 2. Question With reference to Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs), consider the following statements: They are exclusively caused by natural phenomena like avalanches and seismic activity. The formation of supraglacial lakes on top of glaciers is a direct consequence of accelerating glacial retreat due to rising temperatures. Moraine-dammed lakes are generally more stable than other types of glacial lakes due to the compact nature of the moraine debris. A GLOF event is characterized by a low-velocity, gradual release of water, minimizing downstream damage. How many of the above statements are correct? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) Only three (d) All four Correct Solution: A Statement 1 is incorrect. While GLOFs can be triggered by natural causes like avalanches or earthquakes, anthropogenic factors play a significant role. Unregulated construction of infrastructure like hydropower projects and roads in fragile glacial zones can destabilize the landscape, and human-induced climate change is a primary driver of the underlying glacial melt that creates these hazardous lakes. Statement 2 is correct. Supraglacial lakes are pools of meltwater that form on the surface of a glacier. The rate of their formation and their size are directly linked to the melting of glacial ice. Accelerated glacial retreat, driven by global warming and rising temperatures in high-altitude regions like the Himalayas, increases the volume of meltwater, thereby contributing to the formation and growth of these unstable lakes. Statement 3 is incorrect. Moraine-dammed lakes are formed behind dams made of loose, unconsolidated glacial debris (moraine). This material has very low cohesion and is often structurally weak, making these lakes highly unstable and prone to breaching. Statement 4 is incorrect. A defining characteristic of a GLOF is the sudden, high-velocity, and high-volume release of water, which is precisely why they are so destructive. Incorrect Solution: A Statement 1 is incorrect. While GLOFs can be triggered by natural causes like avalanches or earthquakes, anthropogenic factors play a significant role. Unregulated construction of infrastructure like hydropower projects and roads in fragile glacial zones can destabilize the landscape, and human-induced climate change is a primary driver of the underlying glacial melt that creates these hazardous lakes. Statement 2 is correct. Supraglacial lakes are pools of meltwater that form on the surface of a glacier. The rate of their formation and their size are directly linked to the melting of glacial ice. Accelerated glacial retreat, driven by global warming and rising temperatures in high-altitude regions like the Himalayas, increases the volume of meltwater, thereby contributing to the formation and growth of these unstable lakes. Statement 3 is incorrect. Moraine-dammed lakes are formed behind dams made of loose, unconsolidated glacial debris (moraine). This material has very low cohesion and is often structurally weak, making these lakes highly unstable and prone to breaching. Statement 4 is incorrect. A defining characteristic of a GLOF is the sudden, high-velocity, and high-volume release of water, which is precisely why they are so destructive.

#### 2. Question

With reference to Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs), consider the following statements:

• They are exclusively caused by natural phenomena like avalanches and seismic activity.

• The formation of supraglacial lakes on top of glaciers is a direct consequence of accelerating glacial retreat due to rising temperatures.

• Moraine-dammed lakes are generally more stable than other types of glacial lakes due to the compact nature of the moraine debris.

• A GLOF event is characterized by a low-velocity, gradual release of water, minimizing downstream damage.

How many of the above statements are correct?

• (a) Only one

• (b) Only two

• (c) Only three

• (d) All four

Solution: A

• Statement 1 is incorrect. While GLOFs can be triggered by natural causes like avalanches or earthquakes, anthropogenic factors play a significant role. Unregulated construction of infrastructure like hydropower projects and roads in fragile glacial zones can destabilize the landscape, and human-induced climate change is a primary driver of the underlying glacial melt that creates these hazardous lakes.

• Statement 2 is correct. Supraglacial lakes are pools of meltwater that form on the surface of a glacier. The rate of their formation and their size are directly linked to the melting of glacial ice. Accelerated glacial retreat, driven by global warming and rising temperatures in high-altitude regions like the Himalayas, increases the volume of meltwater, thereby contributing to the formation and growth of these unstable lakes.

• Statement 3 is incorrect. Moraine-dammed lakes are formed behind dams made of loose, unconsolidated glacial debris (moraine). This material has very low cohesion and is often structurally weak, making these lakes highly unstable and prone to breaching.

Statement 4 is incorrect. A defining characteristic of a GLOF is the sudden, high-velocity, and high-volume release of water, which is precisely why they are so destructive.

Solution: A

Statement 4 is incorrect. A defining characteristic of a GLOF is the sudden, high-velocity, and high-volume release of water, which is precisely why they are so destructive.

• Question 3 of 5 3. Question Consider the following statements regarding South China Sea. Statement-I: The South China Sea’s economic importance is derived not only from its role as a major global trade route but also from its significant undersea hydrocarbon reserves. Statement-II: The presence of deep basins like the China Sea Basin and extensive continental shelves like the Sunda Shelf creates geological conditions favourable for the formation and accumulation of oil and natural gas. 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. It identifies two primary reasons for the sea’s economic importance: its function as a critical artery for global shipping and its wealth in natural resources, specifically mentioning “rich marine biodiversity, oil reserves.” Statement-II is correct. It provides a geological explanation for the presence of these resources. The existence of deep basins and extensive, shallow continental shelves are classic indicators of potential hydrocarbon deposits. Sedimentary layers in such regions are ideal for the formation and trapping of oil and gas over geological time. Statement-II directly explains a key part of Statement-I. Incorrect Solution: A Statement-I is correct. It identifies two primary reasons for the sea’s economic importance: its function as a critical artery for global shipping and its wealth in natural resources, specifically mentioning “rich marine biodiversity, oil reserves.” Statement-II is correct. It provides a geological explanation for the presence of these resources. The existence of deep basins and extensive, shallow continental shelves are classic indicators of potential hydrocarbon deposits. Sedimentary layers in such regions are ideal for the formation and trapping of oil and gas over geological time. Statement-II directly explains a key part of Statement-I.

#### 3. Question

Consider the following statements regarding South China Sea.

Statement-I: The South China Sea’s economic importance is derived not only from its role as a major global trade route but also from its significant undersea hydrocarbon reserves.

Statement-II: The presence of deep basins like the China Sea Basin and extensive continental shelves like the Sunda Shelf creates geological conditions favourable for the formation and accumulation of oil and natural gas.

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. It identifies two primary reasons for the sea’s economic importance: its function as a critical artery for global shipping and its wealth in natural resources, specifically mentioning “rich marine biodiversity, oil reserves.”

• Statement-II is correct. It provides a geological explanation for the presence of these resources. The existence of deep basins and extensive, shallow continental shelves are classic indicators of potential hydrocarbon deposits. Sedimentary layers in such regions are ideal for the formation and trapping of oil and gas over geological time.

Statement-II directly explains a key part of Statement-I.

Solution: A

Statement-II directly explains a key part of Statement-I.

• Question 4 of 5 4. Question The selection of the 100 districts under the Prime Minister Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana is based on which of the following sets of criteria? (a) High agricultural productivity, high cropping intensity, and high credit flow, to build on existing strengths. (b) Low productivity, high population density, and proximity to major urban markets. (c) Low productivity, moderate cropping intensity, and low credit flow, to address developmental gaps. (d) High potential for organic farming, low chemical fertilizer usage, and high rainfall. Correct Solution: C Option (c) is correct. The district selection is based on a combination of “Low productivity, Moderate cropping intensity, Low credit flow.” This clearly defines the scheme’s focus on areas that are agriculturally underdeveloped and face challenges in accessing institutional finance, thereby having significant potential for improvement through targeted intervention. Incorrect Solution: C Option (c) is correct. The district selection is based on a combination of “Low productivity, Moderate cropping intensity, Low credit flow.” This clearly defines the scheme’s focus on areas that are agriculturally underdeveloped and face challenges in accessing institutional finance, thereby having significant potential for improvement through targeted intervention.

#### 4. Question

The selection of the 100 districts under the Prime Minister Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana is based on which of the following sets of criteria?

• (a) High agricultural productivity, high cropping intensity, and high credit flow, to build on existing strengths.

• (b) Low productivity, high population density, and proximity to major urban markets.

• (c) Low productivity, moderate cropping intensity, and low credit flow, to address developmental gaps.

• (d) High potential for organic farming, low chemical fertilizer usage, and high rainfall.

Solution: C

Option (c) is correct. The district selection is based on a combination of “Low productivity, Moderate cropping intensity, Low credit flow.” This clearly defines the scheme’s focus on areas that are agriculturally underdeveloped and face challenges in accessing institutional finance, thereby having significant potential for improvement through targeted intervention.

Solution: C

• Question 5 of 5 5. Question Consider the following statements: The measles virus is highly contagious, with an airborne transmission mechanism. Potential long-term complications of measles include pneumonia, encephalitis, and loss of immune memory. The MMR vaccine is a single-dose vaccine that confers lifelong immunity against measles, mumps, and rubella. How many of the above statements is/are correct? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) All three (d) None Correct Solution: B Statement 1 is correct. Measles is caused by a highly contagious virus, the Measles morbillivirus. Its primary mode of transmission is airborne, through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes. The virus can remain suspended in the air for up to two hours. Statement 2 is correct. While often considered a childhood illness, measles can lead to severe and sometimes life-threatening complications. These include acute conditions like pneumonia (the most common cause of death in young children with measles) and encephalitis (brain swelling), as well as long-term issues like deafness, blindness, and “immune amnesia” (loss of immune memory), which leaves the child vulnerable to other infections. Statement 3 is incorrect. The MMR (Measles, Mumps, and Rubella) vaccine is highly effective, but the standard, recommended schedule for full immunity consists of two doses. The first dose is typically given at 12–15 months of age, and the second dose is given at 4–6 years of age. A single dose does not provide sufficient or lifelong protection. Incorrect Solution: B Statement 1 is correct. Measles is caused by a highly contagious virus, the Measles morbillivirus. Its primary mode of transmission is airborne, through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes. The virus can remain suspended in the air for up to two hours. Statement 2 is correct. While often considered a childhood illness, measles can lead to severe and sometimes life-threatening complications. These include acute conditions like pneumonia (the most common cause of death in young children with measles) and encephalitis (brain swelling), as well as long-term issues like deafness, blindness, and “immune amnesia” (loss of immune memory), which leaves the child vulnerable to other infections. Statement 3 is incorrect. The MMR (Measles, Mumps, and Rubella) vaccine is highly effective, but the standard, recommended schedule for full immunity consists of two doses. The first dose is typically given at 12–15 months of age, and the second dose is given at 4–6 years of age. A single dose does not provide sufficient or lifelong protection.

#### 5. Question

Consider the following statements:

• The measles virus is highly contagious, with an airborne transmission mechanism.

• Potential long-term complications of measles include pneumonia, encephalitis, and loss of immune memory.

• The MMR vaccine is a single-dose vaccine that confers lifelong immunity against measles, mumps, and rubella.

How many of the above statements is/are correct?

• (a) Only one

• (b) Only two

• (c) All three

Solution: B

• Statement 1 is correct. Measles is caused by a highly contagious virus, the Measles morbillivirus. Its primary mode of transmission is airborne, through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes. The virus can remain suspended in the air for up to two hours.

• Statement 2 is correct. While often considered a childhood illness, measles can lead to severe and sometimes life-threatening complications. These include acute conditions like pneumonia (the most common cause of death in young children with measles) and encephalitis (brain swelling), as well as long-term issues like deafness, blindness, and “immune amnesia” (loss of immune memory), which leaves the child vulnerable to other infections.

• Statement 3 is incorrect. The MMR (Measles, Mumps, and Rubella) vaccine is highly effective, but the standard, recommended schedule for full immunity consists of two doses. The first dose is typically given at 12–15 months of age, and the second dose is given at 4–6 years of age. A single dose does not provide sufficient or lifelong protection.

Solution: B

Join our Official Telegram Channel HERE for Motivation and Fast Updates

Join our Twitter Channel HERE

Follow our Instagram Channel HERE