UPSC Editorials Quiz : 8 November 2025

Solution: C

• Statement 1 is correct: Vijayanagara rulers dammed rivers and streams to create reservoirs.
• Statement 2 is correct: The Tungabhadra tank system was an advanced irrigation project.
• Statement 3 is correct: The empire’s irrigation efforts were aimed at enhancing agricultural output and managing water during droughts.
• Statement 4 is incorrect: The karez system was introduced by the Bahamani Sultanate, not the Vijayanagara Empire.

Vijayanagara Empire (1336-1646 CE):

• Transformed valleys into tanks and vast reservoirs.
• Actively promoted agriculture through extensive irrigation projects.

E.g. The Tungabhadra tank system for water storage and agriculture.

Bahamani Sultanate (1347-1527 CE):

• Introduced the karez system for groundwater extraction.
• This system uses underground shafts and sloping tunnels to bring water from an upland aquifer to the surface. It is eco-friendly, relying on gravity instead of fuel-powered machines.

E.g. Karez networks in Bidar and Gulbarga regions.

Solution: A

Only Statement 2 is correct.

Statement 1 is incorrect because seating is allocated based on party strength, not individual seniority. Statement 3 is incorrect as opposition members are placed on the left side, not necessarily in the last rows.

About Seating Arrangement in Lok Sabha:

• What It Is:
  • The systematic allocation of seats for Members of Parliament (MPs) in the Lok Sabha chamber. It reflects the party’s strength and promotes organized conduct of proceedings.
• Law Governing:
  • Rule 4 of the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in Lok Sabha.
  • Direction 122(1)(a) under Directions by the Speaker provides the framework for seat allocation.
• Who Does It:
  • The Speaker of the Lok Sabha determines the seating arrangement.
• Procedure:
  • Seats are allocated based on the proportionate strength of parties.
  • Ruling party members sit on the right side of the Speaker; opposition parties sit on the left.
  • Smaller parties (fewer than 5 members) and independents are placed at the Speaker’s discretion.
  • The following formula is applied to decide allotment of seats for parties that have a strength of 5 or more members in the house.

Parties submit recommendations,and the Speaker finalizes the individual placements.

Solution: D

Due to their neutral buoyancy, nanobubbles remain suspended in water for months, allowing extended interaction and efficient gas transfer, which enhances water purification.

What is Nano Bubble Technology?

• Definition: It uses nanobubbles, which are ultra-tiny bubbles less than 200 nanometers in diameter, to purify water.
• Innovative Nature: Nanobubbles are neutrally buoyant and remain suspended in water for months, enabling efficient gas transfer and surface reactions.

Properties of Nanobubbles:

• Size: 70-120 nanometers, 2500 times smaller than a grain of salt.
• Surface Charge: Strong negative charge prevents coalescing and supports microbiological stimulation.
• Neutral Buoyancy: Ensures prolonged interaction with water for effective cleaning.
• Hydrophobic Nature: Repels water, helping to lift organic and inorganic impurities.

Solution: C

The DMZ is a heavily fortified buffer zone between North and South Korea, established after the Korean War. It is approximately 250 kilometers long and separates the two nations militarily and politically.

Solution: D

Extrachromosomal DNA (ecDNA) refers to circular fragments of genetic material that detach from chromosomes and remain within the nucleus. These are distinct from linear chromosomal DNA or viral DNA integrated into the host genome.

About Extrachromosomal DNA (ecDNA):

• What is ecDNA?

• • Definition: ecDNA is a circular fragment of genetic material that breaks away from chromosomes and floats freely in the cell nucleus.
  • Formation: Created by DNA damage, chromosomal rearrangements, or errors during cell replication.

• Where is ecDNA Found?

• • Commonly present in cancer cells.
  • Detected in 17% of tumor samples, with higher prevalence in liposarcomas, brain tumors, and breast cancers.

• Key Features of ecDNA

• • Carries Oncogenes: Contains multiple copies of cancer-causing genes.
  • Dynamic Interactions: Moves freely in the nucleus, forming concentrated hubs that amplify oncogene expression.
  • Violates Mendel’s Third Law: ecDNA clusters are inherited together, preserving advantageous genetic combinations.