UPSC Editorials Quiz : 21 January 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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1. Question

Consider the following statements:

• Reduced Arctic ice accelerates global warming by decreasing albedo. • El Niño events typically lead to global cooling. • High aerosol levels over India contribute to local cooling. How many of the above statements is/are correct?

• a) Only one • b) Only two • c) All three Solution: b)

Statement 1 is correct: The Arctic region plays a crucial role in regulating Earth’s climate. **Reduced Arctic ice decreases albedo (Earth’s ability to reflect sunlight), **as the reflective ice is replaced by darker ocean waters that absorb more heat. This positive feedback loop accelerates global warming.

Statement 2 is incorrect: El Niño events are characterized by the warming of the central and eastern Pacific Ocean, which increases global temperatures rather than causing cooling. These events disrupt weather patterns and often exacerbate global warming temporarily.

Statement 3 is correct: High aerosol levels over regions like India scatter and absorb sunlight. This effect, called aerosol-induced cooling, reduces surface temperatures locally, even though aerosols contribute to global warming on larger scales by altering atmospheric dynamics.

Solution: b)

• Question 2 of 5 2. Question Consider the following initiatives by the Atomic Energy Commission (AEC): Developing fast breeder reactors for better utilization of thorium. Collaborating with ISRO for nuclear-powered propulsion systems. Promoting nuclear medicine and radiopharmaceuticals in healthcare. How many of the above statements is/are incorrect? a) Only one b) Only two c) All three d) None Correct Solution: a) Statement 1 is correct: The Atomic Energy Commission (AEC) is actively working on fast breeder reactors as part of India’s three-stage nuclear energy program. These reactors enable better utilization of thorium reserves, which are abundant in India, and play a crucial role in achieving energy sustainability. Statement 2 is incorrect: While the AEC is involved in various nuclear energy advancements, collaboration with ISRO on nuclear-powered propulsion systems is not currently within its scope. ISRO primarily focuses on conventional and cryogenic propulsion technologies for its space missions. Statement 3 is correct: The AEC promotes nuclear medicine and radiopharmaceuticals for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes in healthcare. This includes applications in cancer treatment, cardiology, and neurology. Incorrect Solution: a) Statement 1 is correct: The Atomic Energy Commission (AEC) is actively working on fast breeder reactors as part of India’s three-stage nuclear energy program. These reactors enable better utilization of thorium reserves, which are abundant in India, and play a crucial role in achieving energy sustainability. Statement 2 is incorrect: While the AEC is involved in various nuclear energy advancements, collaboration with ISRO on nuclear-powered propulsion systems is not currently within its scope. ISRO primarily focuses on conventional and cryogenic propulsion technologies for its space missions. Statement 3 is correct: The AEC promotes nuclear medicine and radiopharmaceuticals for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes in healthcare. This includes applications in cancer treatment, cardiology, and neurology.

2. Question

Consider the following initiatives by the Atomic Energy Commission (AEC):

• Developing fast breeder reactors for better utilization of thorium. • Collaborating with ISRO for nuclear-powered propulsion systems. • Promoting nuclear medicine and radiopharmaceuticals in healthcare. How many of the above statements is/are incorrect?

• a) Only one • b) Only two • c) All three Solution: a)

Statement 1 is correct: The Atomic Energy Commission (AEC) is actively working on fast breeder reactors as part of India’s three-stage nuclear energy program. These reactors enable better utilization of thorium reserves, which are abundant in India, and play a crucial role in achieving energy sustainability.

Statement 2 is incorrect: While the AEC is involved in various nuclear energy advancements, collaboration with ISRO on nuclear-powered propulsion systems is not currently within its scope. ISRO primarily focuses on conventional and cryogenic propulsion technologies for its space missions.

Statement 3 is correct: The AEC promotes nuclear medicine and radiopharmaceuticals for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes in healthcare. This includes applications in cancer treatment, cardiology, and neurology.

Solution: a)

• Question 3 of 5 3. Question Which of the following is the most significant factor behind the focus on thorium utilization in India’s atomic energy policy? a) International restrictions on uranium imports. b) Thorium’s high efficiency in nuclear fission. c) India’s limited uranium reserves. d) Thorium’s role in nuclear weapons development. Correct Solution: c) India has limited domestic uranium resources, which are insufficient to support its long-term nuclear energy needs. In contrast, the country possesses one of the largest thorium reserves in the world, primarily found in monazite sands along its coasts. This abundance of thorium has made it a focal point in India’s three-stage nuclear energy program. Thorium, however, is not fissile by itself and requires conversion into uranium-233 through a process called breeding in reactors. India’s focus on fast breeder reactors and advanced nuclear technologies aims to harness thorium efficiently. Incorrect Solution: c) India has limited domestic uranium resources, which are insufficient to support its long-term nuclear energy needs. In contrast, the country possesses one of the largest thorium reserves in the world, primarily found in monazite sands along its coasts. This abundance of thorium has made it a focal point in India’s three-stage nuclear energy program. Thorium, however, is not fissile by itself and requires conversion into uranium-233 through a process called breeding in reactors. India’s focus on fast breeder reactors and advanced nuclear technologies aims to harness thorium efficiently.

3. Question

Which of the following is the most significant factor behind the focus on thorium utilization in India’s atomic energy policy?

• a) International restrictions on uranium imports. • b) Thorium’s high efficiency in nuclear fission. • c) India’s limited uranium reserves. • d) Thorium’s role in nuclear weapons development. Solution: c)

India has limited domestic uranium resources, which are insufficient to support its long-term nuclear energy needs. In contrast, the country possesses one of the largest thorium reserves in the world, primarily found in monazite sands along its coasts. This abundance of thorium has made it a focal point in India’s three-stage nuclear energy program.

Thorium, however, is not fissile by itself and requires conversion into uranium-233 through a process called breeding in reactors. India’s focus on fast breeder reactors and advanced nuclear technologies aims to harness thorium efficiently.

Solution: c)

• Question 4 of 5 4. Question Consider the following statements regarding germination of lobia seeds in space. Statement I: The successful germination of lobia seeds in space proves that crops can grow independently of Earth-like conditions. **Statement II: **Space-grown crops can serve as both food and oxygen sources for astronauts on long-term missions. 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 germination of lobia (cowpea) seeds in space is a promising development, it does not prove that crops can grow independently of Earth-like conditions. The experiment involved controlled environments, such as artificial light, temperature regulation, and nutrient supply, to simulate conditions conducive to growth. This means the results cannot directly confirm that crops would grow in entirely alien or unregulated environments. Statement II is correct: Space-grown crops are critical for long-term space missions, as they can serve as a sustainable food source and contribute to life support systems by producing oxygen through photosynthesis. This dual benefit makes them an essential component of future space exploration and habitation. Incorrect Solution: d) Statement I is incorrect: While the germination of lobia (cowpea) seeds in space is a promising development, it does not prove that crops can grow independently of Earth-like conditions. The experiment involved controlled environments, such as artificial light, temperature regulation, and nutrient supply, to simulate conditions conducive to growth. This means the results cannot directly confirm that crops would grow in entirely alien or unregulated environments. Statement II is correct: Space-grown crops are critical for long-term space missions, as they can serve as a sustainable food source and contribute to life support systems by producing oxygen through photosynthesis. This dual benefit makes them an essential component of future space exploration and habitation.

4. Question

Consider the following statements regarding germination of lobia seeds in space.

Statement I: The successful germination of lobia seeds in space proves that crops can grow independently of Earth-like conditions. **Statement II: **Space-grown crops can serve as both food and oxygen sources for astronauts on long-term missions.

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 germination of lobia (cowpea) seeds in space is a promising development, it does not prove that crops can grow independently of Earth-like conditions. The experiment involved controlled environments, such as artificial light, temperature regulation, and nutrient supply, to simulate conditions conducive to growth. This means the results cannot directly confirm that crops would grow in entirely alien or unregulated environments.

Statement II is correct: Space-grown crops are critical for long-term space missions, as they can serve as a sustainable food source and contribute to life support systems by producing oxygen through photosynthesis. This dual benefit makes them an essential component of future space exploration and habitation.

Solution: d)

• Question 5 of 5 5. Question Consider the following statements about the 1975 Indo-Bangladesh Joint Agreement: It encourages bilateral discussions to resolve disputes amicably. It mandates the removal of illegal structures along the border. It provides for a joint judicial mechanism to settle disputes. How many of the above statements are correct? a) Only one b) Only two c) All three d) None Correct Solution: b) Statement 1 is correct: The 1975 Indo-Bangladesh Joint Agreement highlights the importance of resolving disputes amicably through bilateral discussions and diplomatic dialogue. This approach reflects the shared commitment of both nations to maintain peaceful and cooperative relations. Statement 2 is correct: The agreement includes provisions for the removal of illegal structures along the border to ensure the sanctity of the boundary and reduce tension in disputed areas. This measure is vital for addressing issues like encroachments and cross-border smuggling. Statement 3 is incorrect: The agreement does not establish any joint judicial mechanism for resolving disputes. Instead, it relies on diplomatic channels and negotiations for conflict resolution. Incorrect Solution: b) Statement 1 is correct: The 1975 Indo-Bangladesh Joint Agreement highlights the importance of resolving disputes amicably through bilateral discussions and diplomatic dialogue. This approach reflects the shared commitment of both nations to maintain peaceful and cooperative relations. Statement 2 is correct: The agreement includes provisions for the removal of illegal structures along the border to ensure the sanctity of the boundary and reduce tension in disputed areas. This measure is vital for addressing issues like encroachments and cross-border smuggling. Statement 3 is incorrect: The agreement does not establish any joint judicial mechanism for resolving disputes. Instead, it relies on diplomatic channels and negotiations for conflict resolution.

5. Question

Consider the following statements about the 1975 Indo-Bangladesh Joint Agreement:

• It encourages bilateral discussions to resolve disputes amicably. • It mandates the removal of illegal structures along the border. • It provides for a joint judicial mechanism to settle disputes. How many of the above statements are correct?

• a) Only one • b) Only two • c) All three Solution: b)

Statement 1 is correct: The 1975 Indo-Bangladesh Joint Agreement highlights the importance of resolving disputes amicably through bilateral discussions and diplomatic dialogue. This approach reflects the shared commitment of both nations to maintain peaceful and cooperative relations.

Statement 2 is correct: The agreement includes provisions for the removal of illegal structures along the border to ensure the sanctity of the boundary and reduce tension in disputed areas. This measure is vital for addressing issues like encroachments and cross-border smuggling.

Statement 3 is incorrect: The agreement does not establish any joint judicial mechanism for resolving disputes. Instead, it relies on diplomatic channels and negotiations for conflict resolution.

Solution: b)

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