UPSC Editorials Quiz : 6 May 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 What makes Supersolid Light unique compared to conventional states of matter? a) It exhibits both crystalline rigidity and superfluid flow at the same time. b) It is composed entirely of high-energy photons moving in a vacuum. c) It requires extremely high temperatures to sustain its structure. d) It is a naturally occurring phenomenon observed in interstellar space. Correct Solution: a) Explanation: Option a is correct – Supersolid light combines solid-like lattice structure with frictionless superfluid behavior, a characteristic unique to this quantum state. Option b is incorrect – It is not purely photons, but a hybrid of light and matter (polaritons). Option c is incorrect – It forms at near absolute zero, not high temperatures. Option d is incorrect – This state is laboratory-created and not naturally found in space. What is Supersolid Light? Supersolid light is a rare quantum state where light exhibits both the rigid structure of a solid and the frictionless flow of a superfluid. Previously, supersolidity had only been observed in Bose-Einstein condensates(BECs) a state of matter that forms when a collection of bosons is cooled to nearly absolute zero, causing them to share the same quantum state. How is Supersolid Light Formed? Platform Used: Researchers used a semiconductor gallium arsenide structure embedded with microscopic ridges. Creation of Polaritons: By firing a laser, they generated polaritons — hybrid particles made from light and matter. Observation of Satellite Condensates: As the photon count increased, satellite condensates appeared, showing symmetric energy but opposite wavenumbers — a key indicator of supersolidity. Key Characteristics of Supersolid Light: Solid-like lattice arrangement in spatial patterns. Frictionless flow, mimicking superfluid behavior. Exhibits quantum coherence and long-range order at near absolute zero temperatures. Demonstrates simultaneous symmetry breaking and superfluid properties. Significance of the Discovery: Quantum Computing Advancement: Supersolid light can enhance qubit stability and lead to more reliable quantum computing systems. Optical Devices Innovation: Potential to revolutionize photonic circuits and next-generation optical technologies. Fundamental Quantum Research: Opens avenues for exploring quantum phase transitions and new quantum states of matter. Precision in Quantum Control: Allows scientists to control and manipulate quantum states of light with unprecedented stability. Incorrect Solution: a) Explanation: Option a is correct – Supersolid light combines solid-like lattice structure with frictionless superfluid behavior, a characteristic unique to this quantum state. Option b is incorrect – It is not purely photons, but a hybrid of light and matter (polaritons). Option c is incorrect – It forms at near absolute zero, not high temperatures. Option d is incorrect – This state is laboratory-created and not naturally found in space. What is Supersolid Light? Supersolid light is a rare quantum state where light exhibits both the rigid structure of a solid and the frictionless flow of a superfluid. Previously, supersolidity had only been observed in Bose-Einstein condensates(BECs) a state of matter that forms when a collection of bosons is cooled to nearly absolute zero, causing them to share the same quantum state. How is Supersolid Light Formed? Platform Used: Researchers used a semiconductor gallium arsenide structure embedded with microscopic ridges. Creation of Polaritons: By firing a laser, they generated polaritons — hybrid particles made from light and matter. Observation of Satellite Condensates: As the photon count increased, satellite condensates appeared, showing symmetric energy but opposite wavenumbers — a key indicator of supersolidity. Key Characteristics of Supersolid Light: Solid-like lattice arrangement in spatial patterns. Frictionless flow, mimicking superfluid behavior. Exhibits quantum coherence and long-range order at near absolute zero temperatures. Demonstrates simultaneous symmetry breaking and superfluid properties. Significance of the Discovery: Quantum Computing Advancement: Supersolid light can enhance qubit stability and lead to more reliable quantum computing systems. Optical Devices Innovation: Potential to revolutionize photonic circuits and next-generation optical technologies. Fundamental Quantum Research: Opens avenues for exploring quantum phase transitions and new quantum states of matter. Precision in Quantum Control: Allows scientists to control and manipulate quantum states of light with unprecedented stability.

#### 1. Question

What makes Supersolid Light unique compared to conventional states of matter?

• a) It exhibits both crystalline rigidity and superfluid flow at the same time.

• b) It is composed entirely of high-energy photons moving in a vacuum.

• c) It requires extremely high temperatures to sustain its structure.

• d) It is a naturally occurring phenomenon observed in interstellar space.

Solution: a)

Explanation:

• Option a is correct – Supersolid light combines solid-like lattice structure with frictionless superfluid behavior, a characteristic unique to this quantum state.

• Option b is incorrect – It is not purely photons, but a hybrid of light and matter (polaritons).

• Option c is incorrect – It forms at near absolute zero, not high temperatures.

• Option d is incorrect – This state is laboratory-created and not naturally found in space.

• What is Supersolid Light?

• Supersolid light is a rare quantum state where light exhibits both the rigid structure of a solid and the frictionless flow of a superfluid.

• Previously, supersolidity had only been observed in Bose-Einstein condensates(BECs) a state of matter that forms when a collection of bosons is cooled to nearly absolute zero, causing them to share the same quantum state.

• How is Supersolid Light Formed?

• Platform Used: Researchers used a semiconductor gallium arsenide structure embedded with microscopic ridges. Creation of Polaritons: By firing a laser, they generated polaritons — hybrid particles made from light and matter. Observation of Satellite Condensates: As the photon count increased, satellite condensates appeared, showing symmetric energy but opposite wavenumbers — a key indicator of supersolidity.

• Platform Used: Researchers used a semiconductor gallium arsenide structure embedded with microscopic ridges.

• Creation of Polaritons: By firing a laser, they generated polaritons — hybrid particles made from light and matter.

• Observation of Satellite Condensates: As the photon count increased, satellite condensates appeared, showing symmetric energy but opposite wavenumbers — a key indicator of supersolidity.

• Key Characteristics of Supersolid Light:

• Solid-like lattice arrangement in spatial patterns. Frictionless flow, mimicking superfluid behavior. Exhibits quantum coherence and long-range order at near absolute zero temperatures. Demonstrates simultaneous symmetry breaking and superfluid properties.

• Solid-like lattice arrangement in spatial patterns.

• Frictionless flow, mimicking superfluid behavior.

• Exhibits quantum coherence and long-range order at near absolute zero temperatures.

• Demonstrates simultaneous symmetry breaking and superfluid properties.

• Significance of the Discovery:

• Quantum Computing Advancement: Supersolid light can enhance qubit stability and lead to more reliable quantum computing systems. Optical Devices Innovation: Potential to revolutionize photonic circuits and next-generation optical technologies. Fundamental Quantum Research: Opens avenues for exploring quantum phase transitions and new quantum states of matter. Precision in Quantum Control: Allows scientists to control and manipulate quantum states of light with unprecedented stability.

• Quantum Computing Advancement: Supersolid light can enhance qubit stability and lead to more reliable quantum computing systems.

• Optical Devices Innovation: Potential to revolutionize photonic circuits and next-generation optical technologies.

• Fundamental Quantum Research: Opens avenues for exploring quantum phase transitions and new quantum states of matter.

• Precision in Quantum Control: Allows scientists to control and manipulate quantum states of light with unprecedented stability.

Solution: a)

Explanation:

• Option a is correct – Supersolid light combines solid-like lattice structure with frictionless superfluid behavior, a characteristic unique to this quantum state.

• Option b is incorrect – It is not purely photons, but a hybrid of light and matter (polaritons).

• Option c is incorrect – It forms at near absolute zero, not high temperatures.

• Option d is incorrect – This state is laboratory-created and not naturally found in space.

• What is Supersolid Light?

• Supersolid light is a rare quantum state where light exhibits both the rigid structure of a solid and the frictionless flow of a superfluid.

• How is Supersolid Light Formed?

• Platform Used: Researchers used a semiconductor gallium arsenide structure embedded with microscopic ridges.

• Creation of Polaritons: By firing a laser, they generated polaritons — hybrid particles made from light and matter.

• Key Characteristics of Supersolid Light:

• Solid-like lattice arrangement in spatial patterns.

• Frictionless flow, mimicking superfluid behavior.

• Exhibits quantum coherence and long-range order at near absolute zero temperatures.

• Demonstrates simultaneous symmetry breaking and superfluid properties.

• Significance of the Discovery:

• Quantum Computing Advancement: Supersolid light can enhance qubit stability and lead to more reliable quantum computing systems.

• Optical Devices Innovation: Potential to revolutionize photonic circuits and next-generation optical technologies.

• Fundamental Quantum Research: Opens avenues for exploring quantum phase transitions and new quantum states of matter.

• Precision in Quantum Control: Allows scientists to control and manipulate quantum states of light with unprecedented stability.

• Question 2 of 5 2. Question Consider the following statements. Statement-I: Deworming is an important strategy under the Anemia Mukt Bharat initiative. Statement-II: Helminth infections interfere with iron absorption, thereby contributing to anemia. 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) Both statements are correct, and Statement II provides the scientific rationale behind Statement I. Worm infestations—particularly soil-transmitted helminths like hookworm—cause chronic blood loss and impair iron absorption. Deworming, therefore, is a proven method to reduce anemia, especially among school-age children and adolescents. AMB rightly integrates this as a biannual intervention. Incorrect Solution: a) Both statements are correct, and Statement II provides the scientific rationale behind Statement I. Worm infestations—particularly soil-transmitted helminths like hookworm—cause chronic blood loss and impair iron absorption. Deworming, therefore, is a proven method to reduce anemia, especially among school-age children and adolescents. AMB rightly integrates this as a biannual intervention.

#### 2. Question

Consider the following statements.

Statement-I: Deworming is an important strategy under the Anemia Mukt Bharat initiative. Statement-II: Helminth infections interfere with iron absorption, thereby contributing to anemia.

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)

Both statements are correct, and Statement II provides the scientific rationale behind Statement I.

Worm infestations—particularly soil-transmitted helminths like hookworm—cause chronic blood loss and impair iron absorption.

Deworming, therefore, is a proven method to reduce anemia, especially among school-age children and adolescents. AMB rightly integrates this as a biannual intervention.

Solution: a)

Both statements are correct, and Statement II provides the scientific rationale behind Statement I.

Worm infestations—particularly soil-transmitted helminths like hookworm—cause chronic blood loss and impair iron absorption.

Deworming, therefore, is a proven method to reduce anemia, especially among school-age children and adolescents. AMB rightly integrates this as a biannual intervention.

• Question 3 of 5 3. Question Match the scheme with its nodal ministry and core feature: Scheme Nodal Ministry Feature A. PAT Scheme 1. Ministry of Heavy Industries a. Solar capacity expansion B. FAME Scheme 2. Ministry of New & Renewable Energy b. Energy efficiency trading mechanism C. National Solar Mission 3. Ministry of Power c. Electric vehicle adoption Select the correct answer code: a) A-1-a, B-2-b, C-3-c b) A-3-b, B-1-c, C-2-a c) A-1-b, B-3-a, C-2-c d) A-3-c, B-2-a, C-1-b Correct Solution: b) Incorrect Solution: b)

#### 3. Question

Match the scheme with its nodal ministry and core feature:

Scheme | Nodal Ministry | Feature

A. PAT Scheme | 1. Ministry of Heavy Industries | a. Solar capacity expansion

B. FAME Scheme | 2. Ministry of New & Renewable Energy | b. Energy efficiency trading mechanism

C. National Solar Mission | 3. Ministry of Power | c. Electric vehicle adoption

Select the correct answer code:

• a) A-1-a, B-2-b, C-3-c

• b) A-3-b, B-1-c, C-2-a

• c) A-1-b, B-3-a, C-2-c

• d) A-3-c, B-2-a, C-1-b

Solution: b)

• Question 4 of 5 4. Question The technology demonstrator mission ‘SPADEX’, launched by ISRO in December 2024, involved which key capability test? a) Hypersonic flight testing for reusable launch vehicles. b) Deployment of a constellation for regional navigation. c) In-space docking between two small spacecraft. d) Testing of a semi-cryogenic engine in orbit. Correct Solution: c) SPADEX stands for Space Docking Experiment. The mission’s primary objective was to develop and demonstrate the technology for rendezvous, docking, and undocking between two small spacecraft (SDX01 and SDX02) in Low Earth Orbit. This technology is crucial for future Indian space endeavors like the Bharatiya Antariksh Station (BAS) and lunar missions. Hypersonic flight (a) relates to RLV tests, regional navigation (b) relates to NVS satellites, and semi-cryogenic engine tests (d) are separate ground/flight tests. Incorrect Solution: c) SPADEX stands for Space Docking Experiment. The mission’s primary objective was to develop and demonstrate the technology for rendezvous, docking, and undocking between two small spacecraft (SDX01 and SDX02) in Low Earth Orbit. This technology is crucial for future Indian space endeavors like the Bharatiya Antariksh Station (BAS) and lunar missions. Hypersonic flight (a) relates to RLV tests, regional navigation (b) relates to NVS satellites, and semi-cryogenic engine tests (d) are separate ground/flight tests.

#### 4. Question

The technology demonstrator mission ‘SPADEX’, launched by ISRO in December 2024, involved which key capability test?

• a) Hypersonic flight testing for reusable launch vehicles.

• b) Deployment of a constellation for regional navigation.

• c) In-space docking between two small spacecraft.

• d) Testing of a semi-cryogenic engine in orbit.

Solution: c)

• SPADEX stands for Space Docking Experiment. The mission’s primary objective was to develop and demonstrate the technology for rendezvous, docking, and undocking between two small spacecraft (SDX01 and SDX02) in Low Earth Orbit. This technology is crucial for future Indian space endeavors like the Bharatiya Antariksh Station (BAS) and lunar missions.

• Hypersonic flight (a) relates to RLV tests, regional navigation (b) relates to NVS satellites, and semi-cryogenic engine tests (d) are separate ground/flight tests.

Solution: c)

• Hypersonic flight (a) relates to RLV tests, regional navigation (b) relates to NVS satellites, and semi-cryogenic engine tests (d) are separate ground/flight tests.

• Question 5 of 5 5. Question Consider the following statements regarding the World Trade Organisation (WTO): Statement-I: The paralysis of the WTO’s Appellate Body since 2017, primarily due to the blocking of appointments, has rendered the organization’s dispute settlement mechanism entirely non-functional. Statement-II: The WTO operates on the principle of consensus-based decision-making, where unanimity among all member states is required for substantive decisions, including reforms to the dispute settlement system. 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: d) Statement-I is incorrect. While the paralysis of the Appellate Body (AB) is a major crisis severely undermining the WTO’s dispute settlement function, it has not rendered the entire mechanism *entirely* non-functional. The first stage of dispute settlement, involving panels that issue reports, still operates. Furthermore, some members have resorted to alternative mechanisms like the Multi-Party Interim Appeal Arbitration Arrangement (MPIA) to overcome the AB blockage for appeals among participating members. Additionally, members can still bring disputes to the WTO, engage in consultations, and utilize the panel process. Statement-II is correct. The WTO indeed operates on the principle of consensus, typically meaning that decisions are taken if no member formally objects. This applies to major substantive decisions, including amendments to WTO agreements or significant reforms like those needed to resolve the Appellate Body crisis or conclude multilateral negotiation rounds like Doha. This requirement for unanimity among 164 diverse members is a primary reason for negotiation paralysis and the difficulty in adapting the WTO’s rules and structures to the evolving global trade landscape. Incorrect Solution: d) Statement-I is incorrect. While the paralysis of the Appellate Body (AB) is a major crisis severely undermining the WTO’s dispute settlement function, it has not rendered the entire mechanism *entirely* non-functional. The first stage of dispute settlement, involving panels that issue reports, still operates. Furthermore, some members have resorted to alternative mechanisms like the Multi-Party Interim Appeal Arbitration Arrangement (MPIA) to overcome the AB blockage for appeals among participating members. Additionally, members can still bring disputes to the WTO, engage in consultations, and utilize the panel process. Statement-II is correct. The WTO indeed operates on the principle of consensus, typically meaning that decisions are taken if no member formally objects. This applies to major substantive decisions, including amendments to WTO agreements or significant reforms like those needed to resolve the Appellate Body crisis or conclude multilateral negotiation rounds like Doha. This requirement for unanimity among 164 diverse members is a primary reason for negotiation paralysis and the difficulty in adapting the WTO’s rules and structures to the evolving global trade landscape.

#### 5. Question

Consider the following statements regarding the World Trade Organisation (WTO):

Statement-I: The paralysis of the WTO’s Appellate Body since 2017, primarily due to the blocking of appointments, has rendered the organization’s dispute settlement mechanism entirely non-functional.

Statement-II: The WTO operates on the principle of consensus-based decision-making, where unanimity among all member states is required for substantive decisions, including reforms to the dispute settlement system.

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: d)

Statement-I is incorrect. While the paralysis of the Appellate Body (AB) is a major crisis severely undermining the WTO’s dispute settlement function, it has not rendered the entire mechanism *entirely* non-functional.

The first stage of dispute settlement, involving panels that issue reports, still operates. Furthermore, some members have resorted to alternative mechanisms like the Multi-Party Interim Appeal Arbitration Arrangement (MPIA) to overcome the AB blockage for appeals among participating members.

Additionally, members can still bring disputes to the WTO, engage in consultations, and utilize the panel process.

Statement-II is correct. The WTO indeed operates on the principle of consensus, typically meaning that decisions are taken if no member formally objects. This applies to major substantive decisions, including amendments to WTO agreements or significant reforms like those needed to resolve the Appellate Body crisis or conclude multilateral negotiation rounds like Doha. This requirement for unanimity among 164 diverse members is a primary reason for negotiation paralysis and the difficulty in adapting the WTO’s rules and structures to the evolving global trade landscape.

Solution: d)

Additionally, members can still bring disputes to the WTO, engage in consultations, and utilize the panel process.

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