UPSC Editorials Quiz : 5 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 The formation of the Western Ghats is associated with which of the following geological events? Fracturing and subsidence of the western flank of the Deccan Plateau. Collision of the Indian Plate with the Eurasian Plate. Massive basaltic lava flows during the Deccan Trap volcanism. Glacial erosion during the Pleistocene epoch. Select the correct answer using the code given below: (a) 1 and 3 only (b) 2 and 4 only (c) 1, 2 and 3 only (d) 1, 3 and 4 only Correct Solution: A Event 1 is correct. A crucial event in the formation of the Ghats was the rifting and subsequent subsidence (sinking) of the landmass to the west of the present-day range as the Indian plate drifted northwards. This created the steep, fault-escarpment that characterizes the western face of the mountains. Event 2 is incorrect. The collision of the Indian Plate with the Eurasian Plate is the orogenic process responsible for the formation of the Himalayas, which are young fold mountains. The Western Ghats are much older and are structurally different, being fault-block mountains on the ancient Deccan Plateau. Event 3 is correct. The Deccan Trap volcanism laid down thick layers of basaltic lava across a vast area. The Western Ghats represent the eroded western edge of this lava plateau. This volcanism is responsible for the underlying rock composition and the “trap” or stair-step topography of the region. Event 4 is incorrect. Glacial erosion was a significant force in shaping landscapes at high altitudes and latitudes, but it was not a primary agent in the formation or shaping of the tropical, peninsular landscape of the Western Ghats. The primary erosional forces here have been fluvial (river-based) and monsoonal weathering over millions of years. Incorrect Solution: A Event 1 is correct. A crucial event in the formation of the Ghats was the rifting and subsequent subsidence (sinking) of the landmass to the west of the present-day range as the Indian plate drifted northwards. This created the steep, fault-escarpment that characterizes the western face of the mountains. Event 2 is incorrect. The collision of the Indian Plate with the Eurasian Plate is the orogenic process responsible for the formation of the Himalayas, which are young fold mountains. The Western Ghats are much older and are structurally different, being fault-block mountains on the ancient Deccan Plateau. Event 3 is correct. The Deccan Trap volcanism laid down thick layers of basaltic lava across a vast area. The Western Ghats represent the eroded western edge of this lava plateau. This volcanism is responsible for the underlying rock composition and the “trap” or stair-step topography of the region. Event 4 is incorrect. Glacial erosion was a significant force in shaping landscapes at high altitudes and latitudes, but it was not a primary agent in the formation or shaping of the tropical, peninsular landscape of the Western Ghats. The primary erosional forces here have been fluvial (river-based) and monsoonal weathering over millions of years.

#### 1. Question

The formation of the Western Ghats is associated with which of the following geological events?

• Fracturing and subsidence of the western flank of the Deccan Plateau.

• Collision of the Indian Plate with the Eurasian Plate.

• Massive basaltic lava flows during the Deccan Trap volcanism.

• Glacial erosion during the Pleistocene epoch.

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

• (a) 1 and 3 only

• (b) 2 and 4 only

• (c) 1, 2 and 3 only

• (d) 1, 3 and 4 only

Solution: A

• Event 1 is correct. A crucial event in the formation of the Ghats was the rifting and subsequent subsidence (sinking) of the landmass to the west of the present-day range as the Indian plate drifted northwards. This created the steep, fault-escarpment that characterizes the western face of the mountains.

• Event 2 is incorrect. The collision of the Indian Plate with the Eurasian Plate is the orogenic process responsible for the formation of the Himalayas, which are young fold mountains. The Western Ghats are much older and are structurally different, being fault-block mountains on the ancient Deccan Plateau.

• Event 3 is correct. The Deccan Trap volcanism laid down thick layers of basaltic lava across a vast area. The Western Ghats represent the eroded western edge of this lava plateau. This volcanism is responsible for the underlying rock composition and the “trap” or stair-step topography of the region.

• Event 4 is incorrect. Glacial erosion was a significant force in shaping landscapes at high altitudes and latitudes, but it was not a primary agent in the formation or shaping of the tropical, peninsular landscape of the Western Ghats. The primary erosional forces here have been fluvial (river-based) and monsoonal weathering over millions of years.

Solution: A

• Question 2 of 5 2. Question Consider the following statements: Secondary pollutants are formed in the atmosphere through chemical reactions involving primary pollutants. Sulphur dioxide (SO₂) is a primary pollutant, whereas ammonium sulphate is a secondary pollutant. The presence of sunlight is a mandatory condition for the formation of all types of secondary pollutants. 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. This is the definition of a secondary pollutant. They are not emitted directly from sources like vehicle exhausts or industrial smokestacks. Instead, they are synthesized in the atmosphere when primary pollutants (e.g., NOx, SO₂) react with each other or with other atmospheric components like water vapor and volatile organic compounds. Statement 2 is correct. Sulphur dioxide (SO₂) is a classic example of a primary pollutant, as it is directly emitted, primarily from the combustion of fossil fuels like coal. Ammonium sulphate ((NH₄)₂SO₄) is a secondary pollutant because it is formed from the atmospheric reaction between two primary pollutants: sulphur dioxide and ammonia (NH₃). Statement 3 is incorrect. While sunlight is a crucial catalyst for the formation of certain secondary pollutants, such as photochemical smog and ozone, it is not required for all. The formation of ammonium sulphate, for example, can occur through aqueous-phase reactions within cloud droplets or aerosol water, which are not necessarily dependent on sunlight. Therefore, sunlight is a key factor for some, but not all, secondary pollutant formation pathways. Incorrect Solution: B Statement 1 is correct. This is the definition of a secondary pollutant. They are not emitted directly from sources like vehicle exhausts or industrial smokestacks. Instead, they are synthesized in the atmosphere when primary pollutants (e.g., NOx, SO₂) react with each other or with other atmospheric components like water vapor and volatile organic compounds. Statement 2 is correct. Sulphur dioxide (SO₂) is a classic example of a primary pollutant, as it is directly emitted, primarily from the combustion of fossil fuels like coal. Ammonium sulphate ((NH₄)₂SO₄) is a secondary pollutant because it is formed from the atmospheric reaction between two primary pollutants: sulphur dioxide and ammonia (NH₃). Statement 3 is incorrect. While sunlight is a crucial catalyst for the formation of certain secondary pollutants, such as photochemical smog and ozone, it is not required for all. The formation of ammonium sulphate, for example, can occur through aqueous-phase reactions within cloud droplets or aerosol water, which are not necessarily dependent on sunlight. Therefore, sunlight is a key factor for some, but not all, secondary pollutant formation pathways.

#### 2. Question

Consider the following statements:

• Secondary pollutants are formed in the atmosphere through chemical reactions involving primary pollutants.

• Sulphur dioxide (SO₂) is a primary pollutant, whereas ammonium sulphate is a secondary pollutant.

• The presence of sunlight is a mandatory condition for the formation of all types of secondary pollutants.

How many of the above statements is/are correct?

• (a) Only one

• (b) Only two

• (c) All three

Solution: B

• Statement 1 is correct. This is the definition of a secondary pollutant. They are not emitted directly from sources like vehicle exhausts or industrial smokestacks. Instead, they are synthesized in the atmosphere when primary pollutants (e.g., NOx, SO₂) react with each other or with other atmospheric components like water vapor and volatile organic compounds.

• Statement 2 is correct. Sulphur dioxide (SO₂) is a classic example of a primary pollutant, as it is directly emitted, primarily from the combustion of fossil fuels like coal. Ammonium sulphate ((NH₄)₂SO₄) is a secondary pollutant because it is formed from the atmospheric reaction between two primary pollutants: sulphur dioxide and ammonia (NH₃).

• Statement 3 is incorrect. While sunlight is a crucial catalyst for the formation of certain secondary pollutants, such as photochemical smog and ozone, it is not required for all. The formation of ammonium sulphate, for example, can occur through aqueous-phase reactions within cloud droplets or aerosol water, which are not necessarily dependent on sunlight. Therefore, sunlight is a key factor for some, but not all, secondary pollutant formation pathways.

Solution: B

• Question 3 of 5 3. Question Consider the following statements regarding Predatory Pricing: It is a short-term strategy where a firm prices its products above the cost of production to maximize immediate profits. The primary objective is to eliminate or discipline competitors in the market. From a consumer’s perspective, this practice offers sustained long-term benefits through consistently low prices. How many of the above statements is/are correct? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) All three (d) None Correct Solution: A Statement 1 is incorrect. Predatory pricing involves setting prices below the actual cost of production, not above it. The aim is not immediate profit maximization but to incur short-term losses to achieve a long-term anti-competitive goal. Pricing above cost is a normal business practice for profitability. Statement 2 is correct. The core strategic purpose of predatory pricing is anti-competitive. A dominant firm leverages its financial strength to absorb losses from selling below cost, with the specific intention of driving less capitalized competitors out of the business, thereby reducing market competition. Statement 3 is incorrect. The benefits of predatory pricing for consumers are deceptive and purely short-term. While consumers enjoy artificially low prices during the predatory phase, they face significant harm in the long run. Once competitors are eliminated, the predatory firm, now a monopolist, is free to raise prices significantly, reduce product quality, and limit choices, leading to overall consumer welfare loss. Incorrect Solution: A Statement 1 is incorrect. Predatory pricing involves setting prices below the actual cost of production, not above it. The aim is not immediate profit maximization but to incur short-term losses to achieve a long-term anti-competitive goal. Pricing above cost is a normal business practice for profitability. Statement 2 is correct. The core strategic purpose of predatory pricing is anti-competitive. A dominant firm leverages its financial strength to absorb losses from selling below cost, with the specific intention of driving less capitalized competitors out of the business, thereby reducing market competition. Statement 3 is incorrect. The benefits of predatory pricing for consumers are deceptive and purely short-term. While consumers enjoy artificially low prices during the predatory phase, they face significant harm in the long run. Once competitors are eliminated, the predatory firm, now a monopolist, is free to raise prices significantly, reduce product quality, and limit choices, leading to overall consumer welfare loss.

#### 3. Question

Consider the following statements regarding Predatory Pricing:

• It is a short-term strategy where a firm prices its products above the cost of production to maximize immediate profits.

• The primary objective is to eliminate or discipline competitors in the market.

• From a consumer’s perspective, this practice offers sustained long-term benefits through consistently low prices.

How many of the above statements is/are correct?

• (a) Only one

• (b) Only two

• (c) All three

Solution: A

• Statement 1 is incorrect. Predatory pricing involves setting prices below the actual cost of production, not above it. The aim is not immediate profit maximization but to incur short-term losses to achieve a long-term anti-competitive goal. Pricing above cost is a normal business practice for profitability.

• Statement 2 is correct. The core strategic purpose of predatory pricing is anti-competitive. A dominant firm leverages its financial strength to absorb losses from selling below cost, with the specific intention of driving less capitalized competitors out of the business, thereby reducing market competition.

Statement 3 is incorrect. The benefits of predatory pricing for consumers are deceptive and purely short-term. While consumers enjoy artificially low prices during the predatory phase, they face significant harm in the long run. Once competitors are eliminated, the predatory firm, now a monopolist, is free to raise prices significantly, reduce product quality, and limit choices, leading to overall consumer welfare loss.

Solution: A

• Question 4 of 5 4. Question Consider the following statements about the ‘Adi Karmyogi’ program: It is a flagship program of the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, launched as a sub-mission under Mission Karmayogi. The program aims to build a cadre of motivated field-level officials dedicated to grassroots transformation in tribal areas. Which of the above statements is/are correct? (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 Correct Solution: B Statement 1 is incorrect. While the name ‘Karmyogi’ suggests a link to the broader Mission Karmayogi, the ‘Adi Karmyogi’ program is a flagship initiative of the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, not the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions. It was launched to specifically address the needs of governance in tribal areas and was unveiled at a conference organized by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs. Statement 2 is correct. The core objective of the ‘Adi Karmyogi’ program is to bring about a fundamental shift in the attitude and motivation of field-level officials working in tribal areas. It emphasizes citizen-centric ideation and delivery, aiming to create a dedicated cadre of change-makers for grassroots transformation within these communities. Incorrect Solution: B Statement 1 is incorrect. While the name ‘Karmyogi’ suggests a link to the broader Mission Karmayogi, the ‘Adi Karmyogi’ program is a flagship initiative of the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, not the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions. It was launched to specifically address the needs of governance in tribal areas and was unveiled at a conference organized by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs. Statement 2 is correct. The core objective of the ‘Adi Karmyogi’ program is to bring about a fundamental shift in the attitude and motivation of field-level officials working in tribal areas. It emphasizes citizen-centric ideation and delivery, aiming to create a dedicated cadre of change-makers for grassroots transformation within these communities.

#### 4. Question

Consider the following statements about the ‘Adi Karmyogi’ program:

• It is a flagship program of the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, launched as a sub-mission under Mission Karmayogi.

• The program aims to build a cadre of motivated field-level officials dedicated to grassroots transformation in tribal areas.

Which of the above statements is/are correct?

• (a) 1 only

• (b) 2 only

• (c) Both 1 and 2

• (d) Neither 1 nor 2

Solution: B

• Statement 1 is incorrect. While the name ‘Karmyogi’ suggests a link to the broader Mission Karmayogi, the ‘Adi Karmyogi’ program is a flagship initiative of the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, not the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions. It was launched to specifically address the needs of governance in tribal areas and was unveiled at a conference organized by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs.

Statement 2 is correct. The core objective of the ‘Adi Karmyogi’ program is to bring about a fundamental shift in the attitude and motivation of field-level officials working in tribal areas. It emphasizes citizen-centric ideation and delivery, aiming to create a dedicated cadre of change-makers for grassroots transformation within these communities.

Solution: B

• Question 5 of 5 5. Question Consider the following initiatives under the ambit of the Digital India programme: IndiaAI Mission National Urban Digital Mission (NUDM) Cyber Surakshit Bharat Initiative National Programme on Advanced Chemistry Cell (ACC) Battery Storage How many of the above are initiatives where the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) is a primary implementing or collaborating ministry? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) Only three (d) All four Correct Solution: C IndiaAI Mission is correct. The IndiaAI Mission is a flagship program being implemented by the ‘IndiaAI’ Independent Business Division under the Digital India Corporation, which comes under MeitY. It aims to build a comprehensive AI ecosystem in the country. National Urban Digital Mission (NUDM) is correct. NUDM is a joint initiative launched by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) in collaboration with MeitY. MeitY’s role is crucial for providing the technological backbone and aligning the mission with the broader Digital India framework. Cyber Surakshit Bharat Initiative is correct. This initiative was conceptualized by MeitY in association with the National e-Governance Division (NeGD) and industry partners. It aims to spread awareness about cybercrime and build the capacity of Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs) and frontline IT officials across all government departments. National Programme on Advanced Chemistry Cell (ACC) Battery Storage is incorrect. This is a Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme aimed at boosting domestic manufacturing of advanced batteries. The nodal ministry for this scheme is the Ministry of Heavy Industries, not MeitY. Incorrect Solution: C IndiaAI Mission is correct. The IndiaAI Mission is a flagship program being implemented by the ‘IndiaAI’ Independent Business Division under the Digital India Corporation, which comes under MeitY. It aims to build a comprehensive AI ecosystem in the country. National Urban Digital Mission (NUDM) is correct. NUDM is a joint initiative launched by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) in collaboration with MeitY. MeitY’s role is crucial for providing the technological backbone and aligning the mission with the broader Digital India framework. Cyber Surakshit Bharat Initiative is correct. This initiative was conceptualized by MeitY in association with the National e-Governance Division (NeGD) and industry partners. It aims to spread awareness about cybercrime and build the capacity of Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs) and frontline IT officials across all government departments. National Programme on Advanced Chemistry Cell (ACC) Battery Storage is incorrect. This is a Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme aimed at boosting domestic manufacturing of advanced batteries. The nodal ministry for this scheme is the Ministry of Heavy Industries, not MeitY.

#### 5. Question

Consider the following initiatives under the ambit of the Digital India programme:

• IndiaAI Mission

• National Urban Digital Mission (NUDM)

• Cyber Surakshit Bharat Initiative

• National Programme on Advanced Chemistry Cell (ACC) Battery Storage

How many of the above are initiatives where the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) is a primary implementing or collaborating ministry?

• (a) Only one

• (b) Only two

• (c) Only three

• (d) All four

Solution: C

• IndiaAI Mission is correct. The IndiaAI Mission is a flagship program being implemented by the ‘IndiaAI’ Independent Business Division under the Digital India Corporation, which comes under MeitY. It aims to build a comprehensive AI ecosystem in the country.

• National Urban Digital Mission (NUDM) is correct. NUDM is a joint initiative launched by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) in collaboration with MeitY. MeitY’s role is crucial for providing the technological backbone and aligning the mission with the broader Digital India framework.

• Cyber Surakshit Bharat Initiative is correct. This initiative was conceptualized by MeitY in association with the National e-Governance Division (NeGD) and industry partners. It aims to spread awareness about cybercrime and build the capacity of Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs) and frontline IT officials across all government departments.

• National Programme on Advanced Chemistry Cell (ACC) Battery Storage is incorrect. This is a Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme aimed at boosting domestic manufacturing of advanced batteries. The nodal ministry for this scheme is the Ministry of Heavy Industries, not MeitY.

Solution: C

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