UPSC Editorials Quiz : 9 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 The ‘Forest Fire’ phenomenon in the Amazon and other humid tropics in 2024-2025 was characterized as a ‘feedback loop’. What does this imply? (a) Fires release carbon, causing warming, which dries forests, leading to more fires. (b) Fires destroy pests, leading to rapid regeneration of the forest canopy. (c) Smoke from fires blocks sunlight, causing local cooling and reducing further fire risks. (d) Fires release ash that acts as a fertilizer, immediately restoring soil health. Correct Solution: A Describing forest fires in the Amazon and other humid tropical forests as a “feedback loop” refers to a self-reinforcing climate–ecosystem interaction. Normally, humid tropical forests are resistant to fire because of high moisture levels and dense canopy cover. However, once large-scale fires occur—often triggered by droughts, El Niño conditions, or land-use change—they release vast quantities of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. This added atmospheric carbon contributes to global and regional warming, which in turn intensifies heat stress and reduces rainfall or increases dry spells in these ecosystems. As forests become drier, tree mortality rises, leaf litter accumulates, and canopy gaps allow more sunlight and wind to reach the forest floor, all of which increase flammability. This makes subsequent fires more likely and more intense, locking the system into a vicious cycle of fire → emissions → warming → drying → more fire. Incorrect Solution: A Describing forest fires in the Amazon and other humid tropical forests as a “feedback loop” refers to a self-reinforcing climate–ecosystem interaction. Normally, humid tropical forests are resistant to fire because of high moisture levels and dense canopy cover. However, once large-scale fires occur—often triggered by droughts, El Niño conditions, or land-use change—they release vast quantities of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. This added atmospheric carbon contributes to global and regional warming, which in turn intensifies heat stress and reduces rainfall or increases dry spells in these ecosystems. As forests become drier, tree mortality rises, leaf litter accumulates, and canopy gaps allow more sunlight and wind to reach the forest floor, all of which increase flammability. This makes subsequent fires more likely and more intense, locking the system into a vicious cycle of fire → emissions → warming → drying → more fire.

#### 1. Question

The ‘Forest Fire’ phenomenon in the Amazon and other humid tropics in 2024-2025 was characterized as a ‘feedback loop’. What does this imply?

• (a) Fires release carbon, causing warming, which dries forests, leading to more fires.

• (b) Fires destroy pests, leading to rapid regeneration of the forest canopy.

• (c) Smoke from fires blocks sunlight, causing local cooling and reducing further fire risks.

• (d) Fires release ash that acts as a fertilizer, immediately restoring soil health.

Solution: A

• Describing forest fires in the Amazon and other humid tropical forests as a “feedback loop” refers to a self-reinforcing climate–ecosystem interaction. Normally, humid tropical forests are resistant to fire because of high moisture levels and dense canopy cover.

• However, once large-scale fires occur—often triggered by droughts, El Niño conditions, or land-use change—they release vast quantities of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. This added atmospheric carbon contributes to global and regional warming, which in turn intensifies heat stress and reduces rainfall or increases dry spells in these ecosystems.

• As forests become drier, tree mortality rises, leaf litter accumulates, and canopy gaps allow more sunlight and wind to reach the forest floor, all of which increase flammability.

• This makes subsequent fires more likely and more intense, locking the system into a vicious cycle of fire → emissions → warming → drying → more fire.

Solution: A

• As forests become drier, tree mortality rises, leaf litter accumulates, and canopy gaps allow more sunlight and wind to reach the forest floor, all of which increase flammability.

• This makes subsequent fires more likely and more intense, locking the system into a vicious cycle of fire → emissions → warming → drying → more fire.

• Question 2 of 5 2. Question Which one of the following best describes the primary technological advantage of Vanadium Redox Flow Batteries (VRFBs) over conventional Lithium-ion batteries for grid-scale energy storage? (a) VRFBs utilize solid-state electrolytes, making them lighter and more suitable for portable electronics. (b) The power output and energy storage capacity in VRFBs can be scaled independently of each other. (c) VRFBs have a higher energy density, allowing for smaller footprint installations in urban areas. (d) VRFBs rely on the intercalation of ions, which allows for faster charging speeds than redox reactions. Correct Solution: B The defining technological advantage of Vanadium Redox Flow Batteries lies in their decoupled architecture of power and energy, which makes them particularly suitable for grid-scale applications. In VRFBs, energy is stored in liquid electrolytes containing different oxidation states of vanadium, held in external tanks. The energy capacity depends on the volume and concentration of these electrolyte tanks, while the power output is determined by the size and number of electrochemical cells (stack area). This allows utilities to independently scale storage duration (for example, from 4 hours to 12 hours) without redesigning the entire system—something not feasible with lithium-ion batteries, where energy and power are tightly coupled within fixed cells. Options (a) and (d) are incorrect because VRFBs do not use solid-state electrolytes or ion intercalation mechanisms; those are characteristic features of lithium-ion systems. Option (c) is also incorrect, as VRFBs generally have lower energy density and larger physical footprints compared to lithium-ion batteries. Incorrect Solution: B The defining technological advantage of Vanadium Redox Flow Batteries lies in their decoupled architecture of power and energy, which makes them particularly suitable for grid-scale applications. In VRFBs, energy is stored in liquid electrolytes containing different oxidation states of vanadium, held in external tanks. The energy capacity depends on the volume and concentration of these electrolyte tanks, while the power output is determined by the size and number of electrochemical cells (stack area). This allows utilities to independently scale storage duration (for example, from 4 hours to 12 hours) without redesigning the entire system—something not feasible with lithium-ion batteries, where energy and power are tightly coupled within fixed cells. Options (a) and (d) are incorrect because VRFBs do not use solid-state electrolytes or ion intercalation mechanisms; those are characteristic features of lithium-ion systems. Option (c) is also incorrect, as VRFBs generally have lower energy density and larger physical footprints compared to lithium-ion batteries.

#### 2. Question

Which one of the following best describes the primary technological advantage of Vanadium Redox Flow Batteries (VRFBs) over conventional Lithium-ion batteries for grid-scale energy storage?

• (a) VRFBs utilize solid-state electrolytes, making them lighter and more suitable for portable electronics.

• (b) The power output and energy storage capacity in VRFBs can be scaled independently of each other.

• (c) VRFBs have a higher energy density, allowing for smaller footprint installations in urban areas.

• (d) VRFBs rely on the intercalation of ions, which allows for faster charging speeds than redox reactions.

Solution: B

• The defining technological advantage of Vanadium Redox Flow Batteries lies in their decoupled architecture of power and energy, which makes them particularly suitable for grid-scale applications.

• In VRFBs, energy is stored in liquid electrolytes containing different oxidation states of vanadium, held in external tanks.

• The energy capacity depends on the volume and concentration of these electrolyte tanks, while the power output is determined by the size and number of electrochemical cells (stack area). This allows utilities to independently scale storage duration (for example, from 4 hours to 12 hours) without redesigning the entire system—something not feasible with lithium-ion batteries, where energy and power are tightly coupled within fixed cells.

• Options (a) and (d) are incorrect because VRFBs do not use solid-state electrolytes or ion intercalation mechanisms; those are characteristic features of lithium-ion systems. Option (c) is also incorrect, as VRFBs generally have lower energy density and larger physical footprints compared to lithium-ion batteries.

Solution: B

• In VRFBs, energy is stored in liquid electrolytes containing different oxidation states of vanadium, held in external tanks.

• Question 3 of 5 3. Question Consider the following statements regarding ‘Digital Arrests’ and Indian Cyber Laws: ‘Digital Arrest’ is a specialized procedure under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) allowing the Enforcement Directorate to detain suspects virtually. The Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) falls under the administrative control of the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY). Which of the above statements are correct? (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 Correct Solution: D Statement 1 is incorrect. “Digital arrest” has no legal basis in Indian law. It is not recognised under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC), or any other statute. The term has emerged in recent years mainly in the context of cyber frauds and impersonation scams, where criminals pose as police, ED, or CBI officials and falsely claim that a person is under “digital arrest” to extort money. Indian enforcement agencies do not have any provision to detain or arrest a person virtually; arrests must follow due process, physical custody norms, and judicial oversight. Statement 2 is also incorrect. The Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) functions under the administrative control of the Ministry of Home Affairs, not the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology. I4C was set up to provide a coordinated response to cybercrime, including cyber frauds, online financial crimes, and capacity building of law-enforcement agencies. MeitY, by contrast, deals with digital governance, IT policy, and electronics, but does not control I4C. Incorrect Solution: D Statement 1 is incorrect. “Digital arrest” has no legal basis in Indian law. It is not recognised under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC), or any other statute. The term has emerged in recent years mainly in the context of cyber frauds and impersonation scams, where criminals pose as police, ED, or CBI officials and falsely claim that a person is under “digital arrest” to extort money. Indian enforcement agencies do not have any provision to detain or arrest a person virtually; arrests must follow due process, physical custody norms, and judicial oversight. Statement 2 is also incorrect. The Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) functions under the administrative control of the Ministry of Home Affairs, not the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology. I4C was set up to provide a coordinated response to cybercrime, including cyber frauds, online financial crimes, and capacity building of law-enforcement agencies. MeitY, by contrast, deals with digital governance, IT policy, and electronics, but does not control I4C.

#### 3. Question

Consider the following statements regarding ‘Digital Arrests’ and Indian Cyber Laws:

• ‘Digital Arrest’ is a specialized procedure under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) allowing the Enforcement Directorate to detain suspects virtually.

• The Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) falls under the administrative control of the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY).

Which of the above statements are correct?

• (a) 1 only

• (b) 2 only

• (c) Both 1 and 2

• (d) Neither 1 nor 2

Solution: D

• Statement 1 is incorrect. “Digital arrest” has no legal basis in Indian law. It is not recognised under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC), or any other statute. The term has emerged in recent years mainly in the context of cyber frauds and impersonation scams, where criminals pose as police, ED, or CBI officials and falsely claim that a person is under “digital arrest” to extort money. Indian enforcement agencies do not have any provision to detain or arrest a person virtually; arrests must follow due process, physical custody norms, and judicial oversight.

• Statement 2 is also incorrect. The Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) functions under the administrative control of the Ministry of Home Affairs, not the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology. I4C was set up to provide a coordinated response to cybercrime, including cyber frauds, online financial crimes, and capacity building of law-enforcement agencies. MeitY, by contrast, deals with digital governance, IT policy, and electronics, but does not control I4C.

Solution: D

• Question 4 of 5 4. Question According to the ‘Animal Birth Control (ABC) Rules, 2023’, which one of the following is the mandated procedure for managing stray dog populations by local authorities? (a) Relocation of stray dogs to wildlife sanctuaries to prevent human-animal conflict in urban areas. (b) Culling of stray dogs in specific zones where the density exceeds the carrying capacity of the habitat. (c) Sterilization, vaccination, and subsequent release of the dogs into the same area from where they were captured. (d) Permanent confinement of all stray dogs in shelters managed by the Animal Welfare Board of India. Correct Solution: C The Supreme Court, while noting the danger of stray dogs in public institutions, emphasized adherence to the statutory ABC Rules, 2023. Option (c) is Correct:The fundamental philosophy of the ABC Rules is “Catch, Neuter, Vaccinate, and Release” (CNVR). The rules explicitly mandate that after sterilization and immunization against rabies, the dog must be released back into the same locality or territory. This is based on the ethological fact that dogs are territorial animals; removing them creates a vacuum that is quickly filled by other (potentially unvaccinated and unsterilized) dogs, rendering the control measure ineffective. Incorrect Solution: C The Supreme Court, while noting the danger of stray dogs in public institutions, emphasized adherence to the statutory ABC Rules, 2023. Option (c) is Correct:The fundamental philosophy of the ABC Rules is “Catch, Neuter, Vaccinate, and Release” (CNVR). The rules explicitly mandate that after sterilization and immunization against rabies, the dog must be released back into the same locality or territory. This is based on the ethological fact that dogs are territorial animals; removing them creates a vacuum that is quickly filled by other (potentially unvaccinated and unsterilized) dogs, rendering the control measure ineffective.

#### 4. Question

According to the ‘Animal Birth Control (ABC) Rules, 2023’, which one of the following is the mandated procedure for managing stray dog populations by local authorities?

• (a) Relocation of stray dogs to wildlife sanctuaries to prevent human-animal conflict in urban areas.

• (b) Culling of stray dogs in specific zones where the density exceeds the carrying capacity of the habitat.

• (c) Sterilization, vaccination, and subsequent release of the dogs into the same area from where they were captured.

• (d) Permanent confinement of all stray dogs in shelters managed by the Animal Welfare Board of India.

Solution: C

• The Supreme Court, while noting the danger of stray dogs in public institutions, emphasized adherence to the statutory ABC Rules, 2023.

• Option (c) is Correct:The fundamental philosophy of the ABC Rules is “Catch, Neuter, Vaccinate, and Release” (CNVR). The rules explicitly mandate that after sterilization and immunization against rabies, the dog must be released back into the same locality or territory. This is based on the ethological fact that dogs are territorial animals; removing them creates a vacuum that is quickly filled by other (potentially unvaccinated and unsterilized) dogs, rendering the control measure ineffective.

Solution: C

• The Supreme Court, while noting the danger of stray dogs in public institutions, emphasized adherence to the statutory ABC Rules, 2023.

• Question 5 of 5 5. Question Consider the following statements regarding ‘Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR)’ and related global initiatives: The ‘One Health’ approach is a WHO initiative that focuses exclusively on regulating antibiotic use in human tertiary care hospitals. The GLASS (Global Antimicrobial Resistance and Use Surveillance System) is designed to monitor the illicit cross-border trade of counterfeit antibiotics. AMR is a natural evolutionary phenomenon where microorganisms adapt to survive exposure to antimicrobial drugs, rendering standard treatments ineffective. 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 Incorrect:The ‘One Health’ approach is the exact opposite of “exclusive.” It is a collaborative, multisectoral, and transdisciplinary approach that recognizes the interconnection between people, animals, plants, and their shared environment. It explicitly targets antibiotic use in livestock, agriculture, and the environment, not just human hospitals. Statement 2 is Incorrect:GLASS is the WHO’s system to collect official data on AMR rates (how resistant bacteria are) and antimicrobial consumption (how much is being used). It is a surveillance system for health data, not a policing system for “illicit trade” or counterfeit drugs. Statement 3 is Correct: AMR is an evolutionary response. When microbes are exposed to drugs, the susceptible ones die, and the resistant ones survive and multiply. It is a natural process accelerated by the misuse of medicines. Incorrect Solution: A Statement 1 is Incorrect:The ‘One Health’ approach is the exact opposite of “exclusive.” It is a collaborative, multisectoral, and transdisciplinary approach that recognizes the interconnection between people, animals, plants, and their shared environment. It explicitly targets antibiotic use in livestock, agriculture, and the environment, not just human hospitals. Statement 2 is Incorrect:GLASS is the WHO’s system to collect official data on AMR rates (how resistant bacteria are) and antimicrobial consumption (how much is being used). It is a surveillance system for health data, not a policing system for “illicit trade” or counterfeit drugs. Statement 3 is Correct: AMR is an evolutionary response. When microbes are exposed to drugs, the susceptible ones die, and the resistant ones survive and multiply. It is a natural process accelerated by the misuse of medicines.

#### 5. Question

Consider the following statements regarding ‘Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR)’ and related global initiatives:

• The ‘One Health’ approach is a WHO initiative that focuses exclusively on regulating antibiotic use in human tertiary care hospitals.

• The GLASS (Global Antimicrobial Resistance and Use Surveillance System) is designed to monitor the illicit cross-border trade of counterfeit antibiotics.

• AMR is a natural evolutionary phenomenon where microorganisms adapt to survive exposure to antimicrobial drugs, rendering standard treatments ineffective.

How many of the above statements are correct?

• (a) Only one

• (b) Only two

• (c) All three

Solution: A

• Statement 1 is Incorrect:The ‘One Health’ approach is the exact opposite of “exclusive.” It is a collaborative, multisectoral, and transdisciplinary approach that recognizes the interconnection between people, animals, plants, and their shared environment. It explicitly targets antibiotic use in livestock, agriculture, and the environment, not just human hospitals.

• Statement 2 is Incorrect:GLASS is the WHO’s system to collect official data on AMR rates (how resistant bacteria are) and antimicrobial consumption (how much is being used). It is a surveillance system for health data, not a policing system for “illicit trade” or counterfeit drugs.

• Statement 3 is Correct: AMR is an evolutionary response. When microbes are exposed to drugs, the susceptible ones die, and the resistant ones survive and multiply. It is a natural process accelerated by the misuse of medicines.

Solution: A

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