UPSC Editorials Quiz : 5 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 Which of the following best describes the “When-Listed” platform introduced by SEBI? a) A platform allowing the trading of unlisted shares after official listing b) A secondary market for shares already listed on stock exchanges c) A regulated platform for trading IPO-allotted shares before official listing d) A grey market mechanism for pre-listing share trading Correct Solution: c) SEBI’s “When-Listed” platform aims to regulate trading in IPO shares between allotment and official listing. This helps reduce grey market trading, ensures transparency, and protects investors from speculative fluctuations. The platform operates within T+3 (allotment to listing), preventing informal transactions that were previously conducted outside SEBI’s oversight. Unlike the grey market, which is unregulated, this platform provides a formal mechanism for IPO investors. Incorrect Solution: c) SEBI’s “When-Listed” platform aims to regulate trading in IPO shares between allotment and official listing. This helps reduce grey market trading, ensures transparency, and protects investors from speculative fluctuations. The platform operates within T+3 (allotment to listing), preventing informal transactions that were previously conducted outside SEBI’s oversight. Unlike the grey market, which is unregulated, this platform provides a formal mechanism for IPO investors.

#### 1. Question

Which of the following best describes the “When-Listed” platform introduced by SEBI?

• a) A platform allowing the trading of unlisted shares after official listing

• b) A secondary market for shares already listed on stock exchanges

• c) A regulated platform for trading IPO-allotted shares before official listing

• d) A grey market mechanism for pre-listing share trading

Solution: c)

SEBI’s “When-Listed” platform aims to regulate trading in IPO shares between allotment and official listing. This helps reduce grey market trading, ensures transparency, and protects investors from speculative fluctuations. The platform operates within T+3 (allotment to listing), preventing informal transactions that were previously conducted outside SEBI’s oversight. Unlike the grey market, which is unregulated, this platform provides a formal mechanism for IPO investors.

Solution: c)

• Question 2 of 5 2. Question Consider the following statements regarding nuclear fusion: Nuclear fusion occurs when two heavy atomic nuclei combine to form a lighter nucleus, releasing energy. The process requires extremely high temperatures to overcome electrostatic repulsion between atomic nuclei. Fusion energy produces long-lived radioactive waste, making its disposal a major environmental challenge. 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: Nuclear fusion involves two light atomic nuclei (such as hydrogen isotopes deuterium and tritium) combining to form a heavier nucleus (helium), releasing immense energy. Fusion does not involve heavy nuclei, unlike nuclear fission. Statement 2 is correct: Fusion requires extremely high temperatures (above 100 million Kelvin) to overcome the Coulomb barrier (electrostatic repulsion between positively charged nuclei). Statement 3 is incorrect: Unlike nuclear fission, fusion does not produce long-lived radioactive waste. The primary byproduct of fusion, helium, is non-radioactive, and while fusion reactions involving tritium produce some radioactive materials, their half-life is much shorter than fission waste. What is Nuclear Fusion? Nuclear fusion is a process where two light atomic nuclei combine to form a heavier nucleus, releasing immense energy—the same process that powers the Sun and other stars. How it works? High Temperature & Plasma Formation: Fusion requires temperatures above 100 million degrees Celsius, creating a plasma state where atoms split into charged particles. Magnetic Confinement: Plasma is confined using strong magnetic fields to prevent contact with reactor walls. Fusion Reaction: Hydrogen isotopes (Deuterium & Tritium) fuse, producing helium and energy in the form of heat. Energy Capture & Conversion: Future reactors aim to use this heat to generate steam, driving turbines to produce electricity. Difference between Nuclear Fusion and Nuclear Fission: Aspect Nuclear Fusion Nuclear Fission Process Combines atomic nuclei Splits heavy atomic nuclei Fuel Used Hydrogen isotopes (Deuterium & Tritium) Uranium-235 or Plutonium-239 Energy Output Extremely high (1g of fuel = 8 tonnes of coal) High but lower than fusion Nuclear Waste Minimal, no long-term radioactive waste Produces hazardous radioactive waste Safety No risk of meltdown, self-regulating process Risk of reactor meltdowns (e.g., Chernobyl, Fukushima) Incorrect Solution: b) Statement 1 is incorrect: Nuclear fusion involves two light atomic nuclei (such as hydrogen isotopes deuterium and tritium) combining to form a heavier nucleus (helium), releasing immense energy. Fusion does not involve heavy nuclei, unlike nuclear fission. Statement 2 is correct: Fusion requires extremely high temperatures (above 100 million Kelvin) to overcome the Coulomb barrier (electrostatic repulsion between positively charged nuclei). Statement 3 is incorrect: Unlike nuclear fission, fusion does not produce long-lived radioactive waste. The primary byproduct of fusion, helium, is non-radioactive, and while fusion reactions involving tritium produce some radioactive materials, their half-life is much shorter than fission waste. What is Nuclear Fusion? Nuclear fusion is a process where two light atomic nuclei combine to form a heavier nucleus, releasing immense energy—the same process that powers the Sun and other stars. How it works? High Temperature & Plasma Formation: Fusion requires temperatures above 100 million degrees Celsius, creating a plasma state where atoms split into charged particles. Magnetic Confinement: Plasma is confined using strong magnetic fields to prevent contact with reactor walls. Fusion Reaction: Hydrogen isotopes (Deuterium & Tritium) fuse, producing helium and energy in the form of heat. Energy Capture & Conversion: Future reactors aim to use this heat to generate steam, driving turbines to produce electricity. Difference between Nuclear Fusion and Nuclear Fission: Aspect Nuclear Fusion Nuclear Fission Process Combines atomic nuclei Splits heavy atomic nuclei Fuel Used Hydrogen isotopes (Deuterium & Tritium) Uranium-235 or Plutonium-239 Energy Output Extremely high (1g of fuel = 8 tonnes of coal) High but lower than fusion Nuclear Waste Minimal, no long-term radioactive waste Produces hazardous radioactive waste Safety No risk of meltdown, self-regulating process Risk of reactor meltdowns (e.g., Chernobyl, Fukushima)

#### 2. Question

Consider the following statements regarding nuclear fusion:

• Nuclear fusion occurs when two heavy atomic nuclei combine to form a lighter nucleus, releasing energy.

• The process requires extremely high temperatures to overcome electrostatic repulsion between atomic nuclei.

• Fusion energy produces long-lived radioactive waste, making its disposal a major environmental challenge.

How many of the above statements are incorrect?

• a) Only one

• b) Only two

• c) All three

Solution: b)

Statement 1 is incorrect: Nuclear fusion involves two light atomic nuclei (such as hydrogen isotopes deuterium and tritium) combining to form a heavier nucleus (helium), releasing immense energy. Fusion does not involve heavy nuclei, unlike nuclear fission.

Statement 2 is correct: Fusion requires extremely high temperatures (above 100 million Kelvin) to overcome the Coulomb barrier (electrostatic repulsion between positively charged nuclei).

Statement 3 is incorrect: Unlike nuclear fission, fusion does not produce long-lived radioactive waste. The primary byproduct of fusion, helium, is non-radioactive, and while fusion reactions involving tritium produce some radioactive materials, their half-life is much shorter than fission waste.

• What is Nuclear Fusion? Nuclear fusion is a process where two light atomic nuclei combine to form a heavier nucleus, releasing immense energy—the same process that powers the Sun and other stars.

• Nuclear fusion is a process where two light atomic nuclei combine to form a heavier nucleus, releasing immense energy—the same process that powers the Sun and other stars.

• How it works?

• High Temperature & Plasma Formation: Fusion requires temperatures above 100 million degrees Celsius, creating a plasma state where atoms split into charged particles. Magnetic Confinement: Plasma is confined using strong magnetic fields to prevent contact with reactor walls. Fusion Reaction: Hydrogen isotopes (Deuterium & Tritium) fuse, producing helium and energy in the form of heat. Energy Capture & Conversion: Future reactors aim to use this heat to generate steam, driving turbines to produce electricity.

• High Temperature & Plasma Formation: Fusion requires temperatures above 100 million degrees Celsius, creating a plasma state where atoms split into charged particles.

• Magnetic Confinement: Plasma is confined using strong magnetic fields to prevent contact with reactor walls.

• Fusion Reaction: Hydrogen isotopes (Deuterium & Tritium) fuse, producing helium and energy in the form of heat.

• Energy Capture & Conversion: Future reactors aim to use this heat to generate steam, driving turbines to produce electricity.

Difference between Nuclear Fusion and Nuclear Fission:

Aspect | Nuclear Fusion | Nuclear Fission

Process | Combines atomic nuclei | Splits heavy atomic nuclei

Fuel Used | Hydrogen isotopes (Deuterium & Tritium) | Uranium-235 or Plutonium-239

Energy Output | Extremely high (1g of fuel = 8 tonnes of coal) | High but lower than fusion

Nuclear Waste | Minimal, no long-term radioactive waste | Produces hazardous radioactive waste

Safety | No risk of meltdown, self-regulating process | Risk of reactor meltdowns (e.g., Chernobyl, Fukushima)

Solution: b)

Statement 2 is correct: Fusion requires extremely high temperatures (above 100 million Kelvin) to overcome the Coulomb barrier (electrostatic repulsion between positively charged nuclei).

• Nuclear fusion is a process where two light atomic nuclei combine to form a heavier nucleus, releasing immense energy—the same process that powers the Sun and other stars.

• How it works?

• High Temperature & Plasma Formation: Fusion requires temperatures above 100 million degrees Celsius, creating a plasma state where atoms split into charged particles.

• Magnetic Confinement: Plasma is confined using strong magnetic fields to prevent contact with reactor walls.

• Fusion Reaction: Hydrogen isotopes (Deuterium & Tritium) fuse, producing helium and energy in the form of heat.

• Energy Capture & Conversion: Future reactors aim to use this heat to generate steam, driving turbines to produce electricity.

Difference between Nuclear Fusion and Nuclear Fission:

Aspect | Nuclear Fusion | Nuclear Fission

Process | Combines atomic nuclei | Splits heavy atomic nuclei

Fuel Used | Hydrogen isotopes (Deuterium & Tritium) | Uranium-235 or Plutonium-239

Energy Output | Extremely high (1g of fuel = 8 tonnes of coal) | High but lower than fusion

Nuclear Waste | Minimal, no long-term radioactive waste | Produces hazardous radioactive waste

Safety | No risk of meltdown, self-regulating process | Risk of reactor meltdowns (e.g., Chernobyl, Fukushima)

• Question 3 of 5 3. Question Consider the following statements regarding the role of the retina in human vision: The retina converts light into neural signals, which are transmitted to the brain via the optic nerve. Rod cells in the retina are responsible for color vision and function well in bright light. Retinal diseases primarily affect the cornea, leading to progressive vision loss. 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 correct: The retina functions as a light-sensitive layer at the back of the eye, converting light into electrical signals that the optic nerve transmits to the brain for visual interpretation. Statement 2 is incorrect: Rod cells are responsible for night vision (low-light conditions), while cone cells are responsible for colour vision and function well in bright light. Statement 3 is incorrect: Retinal diseases primarily affect the retina, not the cornea. The cornea is the outermost transparent layer of the eye, while retinal diseases impact photoreceptors, blood vessels, or neural pathways. Incorrect Solution: a) Statement 1 is correct: The retina functions as a light-sensitive layer at the back of the eye, converting light into electrical signals that the optic nerve transmits to the brain for visual interpretation. Statement 2 is incorrect: Rod cells are responsible for night vision (low-light conditions), while cone cells are responsible for colour vision and function well in bright light. Statement 3 is incorrect: Retinal diseases primarily affect the retina, not the cornea. The cornea is the outermost transparent layer of the eye, while retinal diseases impact photoreceptors, blood vessels, or neural pathways.

#### 3. Question

Consider the following statements regarding the role of the retina in human vision:

• The retina converts light into neural signals, which are transmitted to the brain via the optic nerve.

• Rod cells in the retina are responsible for color vision and function well in bright light.

• Retinal diseases primarily affect the cornea, leading to progressive vision loss.

How many of the above statements are correct?

• (a) Only one

• (b) Only two

• (c) All three

Solution: a)

Statement 1 is correct: The retina functions as a light-sensitive layer at the back of the eye, converting light into electrical signals that the optic nerve transmits to the brain for visual interpretation.

Statement 2 is incorrect: Rod cells are responsible for night vision (low-light conditions), while cone cells are responsible for colour vision and function well in bright light.

Statement 3 is incorrect: Retinal diseases primarily affect the retina, not the cornea. The cornea is the outermost transparent layer of the eye, while retinal diseases impact photoreceptors, blood vessels, or neural pathways.

Solution: a)

Statement 2 is incorrect: Rod cells are responsible for night vision (low-light conditions), while cone cells are responsible for colour vision and function well in bright light.

• Question 4 of 5 4. Question Consider the following statements regarding ammonia and its sources: Ammonia in the environment is produced both naturally and anthropogenically. Volcanic eruptions release significant amounts of ammonia into the atmosphere. Agricultural activities contribute to ammonia pollution through livestock waste and fertilizer application. Which of the statements given above are correct? a) 1 and 2 only b) 1, 2, and 3 c) 2 and 3 only d) 1 and 3 only Correct Solution: d) Ammonia is released both naturally (from decaying organic matter, biological nitrogen fixation, and soil processes) and anthropogenically (industrial emissions, fertilizers, and livestock waste), making statement 1 correct. However, volcanic eruptions primarily release sulfur dioxide (SO₂), carbon dioxide (CO₂), and other gases, but not significant ammonia levels, making statement 2 incorrect. Agriculture is the largest anthropogenic source of ammonia, particularly from fertilizers and livestock waste, making statement 3 correct. Incorrect Solution: d) Ammonia is released both naturally (from decaying organic matter, biological nitrogen fixation, and soil processes) and anthropogenically (industrial emissions, fertilizers, and livestock waste), making statement 1 correct. However, volcanic eruptions primarily release sulfur dioxide (SO₂), carbon dioxide (CO₂), and other gases, but not significant ammonia levels, making statement 2 incorrect. Agriculture is the largest anthropogenic source of ammonia, particularly from fertilizers and livestock waste, making statement 3 correct.

#### 4. Question

Consider the following statements regarding ammonia and its sources:

• Ammonia in the environment is produced both naturally and anthropogenically.

• Volcanic eruptions release significant amounts of ammonia into the atmosphere.

• Agricultural activities contribute to ammonia pollution through livestock waste and fertilizer application.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

• a) 1 and 2 only

• b) 1, 2, and 3

• c) 2 and 3 only

• d) 1 and 3 only

Solution: d)

Ammonia is released both naturally (from decaying organic matter, biological nitrogen fixation, and soil processes) and anthropogenically (industrial emissions, fertilizers, and livestock waste), making statement 1 correct.

However, volcanic eruptions primarily release sulfur dioxide (SO₂), carbon dioxide (CO₂), and other gases, but not significant ammonia levels, making statement 2 incorrect.

Agriculture is the largest anthropogenic source of ammonia, particularly from fertilizers and livestock waste, making statement 3 correct.

Solution: d)

However, volcanic eruptions primarily release sulfur dioxide (SO₂), carbon dioxide (CO₂), and other gases, but not significant ammonia levels, making statement 2 incorrect.

Agriculture is the largest anthropogenic source of ammonia, particularly from fertilizers and livestock waste, making statement 3 correct.

• Question 5 of 5 5. Question Consider the following statements regarding the geological history of the Yamuna River: The Yamuna was originally a tributary of the Saraswati River before shifting its course eastward. The river’s current alignment is primarily due to tectonic movements during the Quaternary period. The Yamuna follows a rift valley formation similar to the Narmada and Tapti rivers. Which of the statements given above are correct? a) 1 and 2 only b) 2 and 3 only c) 1 and 3 only d) 1, 2, and 3 Correct Solution: a) The Yamuna was once a tributary of the ancient Saraswati River before shifting eastward due to tectonic activity (statement 1 is correct). The river’s current course was shaped by tectonic movements during the Quaternary period, particularly the Himalayan uplift (statement 2 is correct). However, unlike the Narmada and Tapti, which flow through rift valleys, the Yamuna does not follow a rift valley formation (statement 3 is incorrect). Incorrect Solution: a) The Yamuna was once a tributary of the ancient Saraswati River before shifting eastward due to tectonic activity (statement 1 is correct). The river’s current course was shaped by tectonic movements during the Quaternary period, particularly the Himalayan uplift (statement 2 is correct). However, unlike the Narmada and Tapti, which flow through rift valleys, the Yamuna does not follow a rift valley formation (statement 3 is incorrect).

#### 5. Question

Consider the following statements regarding the geological history of the Yamuna River:

• The Yamuna was originally a tributary of the Saraswati River before shifting its course eastward.

• The river’s current alignment is primarily due to tectonic movements during the Quaternary period.

• The Yamuna follows a rift valley formation similar to the Narmada and Tapti rivers.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

• a) 1 and 2 only

• b) 2 and 3 only

• c) 1 and 3 only

• d) 1, 2, and 3

Solution: a)

The Yamuna was once a tributary of the ancient Saraswati River before shifting eastward due to tectonic activity (statement 1 is correct).

The river’s current course was shaped by tectonic movements during the Quaternary period, particularly the Himalayan uplift (statement 2 is correct).

However, unlike the Narmada and Tapti, which flow through rift valleys, the Yamuna does not follow a rift valley formation (statement 3 is incorrect).

Solution: a)

The Yamuna was once a tributary of the ancient Saraswati River before shifting eastward due to tectonic activity (statement 1 is correct).

The river’s current course was shaped by tectonic movements during the Quaternary period, particularly the Himalayan uplift (statement 2 is correct).

However, unlike the Narmada and Tapti, which flow through rift valleys, the Yamuna does not follow a rift valley formation (statement 3 is incorrect).

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