UPSC Editorials Quiz : 6 April 2026

Solution: A

Both statements are correct, and Statement-II is the correct explanation for Statement-I.

JWST’s placement at the L2 point ensures it remains on the dark, cold side of Earth, facing away from the Sun, Earth, and Moon.

This position minimizes thermal and optical interference, allowing its infrared sensors to detect extremely faint signals from the early universe and exoplanet atmospheres. The stability and distance from Earth’s radiation make L2 ideal for deep space observations.

About the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST)

• What it is?
  • The James Webb Space Telescope is the largest and most advanced infrared space observatory ever built, designed to study the early universe, stars, galaxies, and exoplanet atmospheres.
• Launched: December 25, 2021.
• Developed by: NASA, in collaboration with ESA (European Space Agency) and CSA (Canadian Space Agency).
• Key Features:
  • Size: Comparable to a tennis court with a 3-story height; built to fold origami-style to fit inside a rocket.
  • Sunshield: A giant silver sunshade protects instruments from solar heat, maintaining a 600°F temperature difference between its sides.
  • Infrared Vision: Captures heat signals invisible to the human eye, allowing observation through cosmic dust and the early universe.
  • Gold-Coated Mirrors: 18 hexagonal mirrors coated with gold enhance infrared reflection for clearer, deeper space imaging.

Solution: C

• Statement-I is correct because the Finance Commission is a constitutional body under Article 280 that recommends the distribution of tax revenues between the Union and the States (vertical devolution) and among States (horizontal devolution). This process is fundamental to fiscal federalism and decentralization in India, ensuring that States have adequate financial resources to perform their functions.

Statement-II is incorrect because the borrowing powers of States are governed by Article 293 of the Constitution, which deals with State borrowing and requires consent from the Union under certain conditions. The Finance Commission does not directly increase or regulate the borrowing capacity of States. Its role is limited to recommending grants-in-aid and tax devolution, not borrowing limits.

Solution: C

• Statement-I is correct. Eco-Sensitive Zones (ESZs) are notified around protected areas such as national parks and wildlife sanctuaries under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986. Their primary objective is to act as a “shock absorber” by regulating and managing human activities in surrounding areas. This reduces anthropogenic pressure, prevents habitat fragmentation, and ensures gradual transition from high protection areas to regions of human use, thereby strengthening conservation efforts.
• Statement-II is incorrect. ESZs are not meant to promote industrial corridors or activities like mining and thermal power generation. In fact, such activities are typically classified as prohibited or highly regulated within ESZs because they can cause significant ecological damage. The focus of ESZs is conservation-oriented sustainable development, not industrial expansion.

Solution: A

Statements 2 and 3 are correct.
X-band radar excels in meteorological applications, including cloud tracking, rain rate estimation, and short-range storm monitoring, owing to its short wavelength. It also relies on Rayleigh scattering, where the object size is much smaller than the wavelength, making it effective in analyzing droplet-scale movements.
Statement 1 is incorrect — X-band radars have limited range due to signal attenuation and are not used for maritime or long-distance surveillance; lower frequency bands like S- or L-band are preferred there.

X-band Radar

Solution: C

All statements are incorrect.

• Statement 1 is incorrect because the ICC was established by the Rome Statute, which is a multilateral treaty adopted in 1998 and came into force in 2002. It is independent of the United Nations, though it may receive referrals from the UN Security Council.
• Statement 2 is incorrect as the ICC does not possess universal jurisdiction. It can exercise jurisdiction only if the accused is a national of a State Party, the crime occurred on the territory of a State Party, or if the UN Security Council refers the case. Thus, its jurisdiction is conditional, not universal.
• Statement 3 is incorrect because the ICC tries individuals regardless of their official capacity. It can prosecute sitting heads of state as well as former leaders and other individuals. Its jurisdiction is not restricted only to serving heads of state.