UPSC Editorials Quiz : 30 April 2026

Solution: A

The term “alternative powertrain” refers to propulsion systems that depart from the conventional internal combustion engine (ICE) using fossil fuels. It focuses on the technology of propulsion, not merely the fuel used.

• Statement 1 (BEVs): Correct. These vehicles run entirely on electric motors powered by batteries and represent a primary alternative to ICE systems.
• Statement 2 (FCEVs): Correct. These use hydrogen in a fuel cell to generate electricity onboard, powering electric motors—clearly a non-ICE propulsion system.
• Statement 3 (ICE with biofuels): Incorrect. Even though the fuel is low-carbon, the engine remains a conventional internal combustion engine. Hence, it is not considered an alternative powertrain, but rather an alternative fuel within the same powertrain architecture.
• Statement 4 (Fuel cell-electric hybrids): Correct. These combine fuel cell systems with electric propulsion (and sometimes batteries), representing an advanced alternative powertrain configuration.

Solution: B

The Writ of Prohibition is a judicial remedy issued by higher courts (the Supreme Court or High Courts) to prevent subordinate courts, tribunals, or quasi-judicial authorities from continuing proceedings that are beyond their jurisdiction or in violation of natural justice. It is essentially preventive in nature, meaning it is issued before the completion of proceedings, unlike the writ of certiorari which is corrective and issued after an order is passed.

• Option (a) describes Mandamus, which directs a public authority to perform a legal duty.
• Option (b) correctly defines Prohibition, which restrains excess of jurisdiction.
• Option (c) refers to Quo Warranto, used to challenge the legality of holding a public office.
• Option (d) refers to Habeas Corpus, used to secure release from unlawful detention.

Solution: D

• Pair 1: Part IXA deals with Municipalities. It was inserted by the 74th Constitutional Amendment Act, 1992, which gave constitutional status to urban local bodies and strengthened urban governance.
• Pair 2: Part XVIII covers Emergency Provisions (Articles 352 to 360), including National Emergency, State Emergency (President’s Rule), and Financial Emergency.
• Pair 3: Part XX deals with the Amendment of the Constitution (Article 368), which lays down the procedure for constitutional amendments.

Solution: D

All three listed gases are greenhouse gases, meaning they absorb and re-emit infrared (longwave) radiation emitted by the Earth’s surface, thereby warming the lower atmosphere.

• Carbon dioxide (CO₂) is a long-lived greenhouse gas released through fossil fuel combustion, deforestation, and industrial processes. It plays a central role in anthropogenic climate change due to its persistence and cumulative effect.
• Methane (CH₄) is a more potent greenhouse gas than CO₂ in the short term, with higher heat-trapping ability per molecule. It is emitted from wetlands, agriculture (especially rice cultivation and livestock), and fossil fuel extraction.
• Water vapor (H₂O) is the most abundant greenhouse gas. While it is not directly emitted in large amounts by human activities compared to CO₂ or CH₄, it acts as a feedback mechanism—warmer temperatures increase evaporation, which increases atmospheric water vapor, amplifying warming.

Solution: B

• A “Digital Chokepoint” refers to a geographical area where subsea fiber-optic cables—the “invisible infrastructure” of the global internet—are densely concentrated, much like maritime shipping lanes. The Strait of Hormuz is a prime example, hosting several major cable systems such as the FALCON network and AAE-1. These cables carry approximately 99% of global internet traffic, underpinning everything from cloud infrastructure and banking to AI development.

The vulnerability arises because active military operations in such narrow waterways increase the risk of unintentional damage to these cables (e.g., from anchor-dragging), which could lead to severe internet outages and economic fallout across continents. Experts emphasize that there is currently no scalable alternative to subsea cables, as satellite systems cannot handle the same volume of data and are significantly more expensive. Thus, the physical security of these seabed links has become a cornerstone of modern digital sovereignty and resilience.