Daily Current Affairs MCQ: 20th March 2025 - UPSC MCQ

Statement-I correctly highlights the potential consequences of disparity in population growth on the representation of States during the delimitation process. If the delimitation is solely based on population, States with slower population growth may face reduced representation.
Statement-II complements Statement-I by suggesting a solution to this issue through the redistribution of Rajya Sabha seats. By ensuring fair representation across geographic zones, the loss of influence for certain States due to population-based delimitation can be mitigated. Therefore, Statement-II logically explains the scenario presented in Statement-I, making option (a) the correct choice.

The primary goal of the Muzhara movement in Punjab was to secure land ownership rights for landless farmers, known as muzharas, who worked the land without ownership rights. This movement aimed to address the economic exploitation faced by these farmers due to the absence of ownership, challenging both feudal landlords and colonial rulers. By advocating for land rights, the movement sought to empower the vulnerable agricultural laborers and improve their living conditions.

1. Origin: Vindhya Range, near Barkhera village, Madhya Pradesh - Correct. The Betwa River originates in the Vindhya Range, near Barkhera village in the Raisen district of Madhya Pradesh.

2. Confluence: Joins Ganges River in Hamirpur, Uttar Pradesh - Incorrect. The Betwa River does not join the Ganges; it merges with the Yamuna River in Hamirpur, Uttar Pradesh.

3. Historical Reference: Mentioned in the Mahabharata and Puranas - Correct. The Betwa River is referenced in ancient texts such as the Mahabharata and various Puranic traditions.

4. Economic Importance: Supports irrigation and agriculture in Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh - Correct. The river plays a significant role in irrigation and agriculture, supporting crops like wheat, pulses, and oilseeds in these states.

Out of the four pairs, three are correctly matched.

1. Delimitation Exercise in Jammu and Kashmir: Incorrectly matched. The delimitation in Jammu and Kashmir added more seats to Jammu than to Kashmir, not the other way around. This raised concerns about communal bias in redistricting.

2. Rajya Sabha Representation Proposal: Correctly matched. The proposal suggests redistributing Rajya Sabha seats to ensure fair representation across geographic zones, which could enhance cooperative federalism.

3. Communal Polarization Risk: Correctly matched. The redistricting process could indeed increase tensions and shift voting patterns, as highlighted by the risks of communal polarization in the delimitation exercises.

4. Freebies Debate: Correctly matched. The Vice-President supports the concept of direct benefit transfers (DBT) for welfare schemes to enhance efficiency and reduce corruption.

Thus, three pairs are correctly matched.

- Statement 1 is correct. The Betwa River originates in the Vindhya Range near Barkhera village in the Raisen district of Madhya Pradesh. This is a well-documented geographical fact about the river's source.

- Statement 2 is incorrect. The Betwa River does not merge with the Ganges River. Instead, it merges with the Yamuna River in Hamirpur, Uttar Pradesh. This distinction is crucial as it defines the river's course and confluence.

- Statement 3 is correct. The Betwa River is indeed a significant source of irrigation in Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh. It supports agriculture in these regions by providing essential water resources for crops such as wheat, pulses, and oilseeds.

Thus, only statements 1 and 3 are correct. Therefore, the correct answer is Option C: 1 and 3 Only.

Statement-I correctly identifies the author of the Kamba Ramayana, Kambar, and its alternate name, Ramavataram. Statement-II accurately describes Kamban's writing style, emphasizing intricate descriptions and emotional resonance that contribute to the narrative's cultural depth. Kamban's style indeed adds cultural nuances to the text, enhancing its richness and impact. Therefore, both statements are correct, and Statement-II explains the significance of Statement-I in portraying the unique attributes of Kamban's writing style in the Kamba Ramayana.

1. Kamba Ramayana - Written by Valmiki: Incorrect. The Kamba Ramayana, also known as Ramavataram, was penned by the Tamil poet Kambar (Kamban) in the 12th century, not by Valmiki. Valmiki is the author of the original Sanskrit Ramayana.

2. Sagreshwar Wildlife Sanctuary - Located in Maharashtra: Correct. The Sagreshwar Wildlife Sanctuary is indeed located in the Sangli district of Maharashtra, India.

3. Biden's 2024 Policy - Classified Houthis as Foreign Terrorist Organization: Incorrect. The Biden administration classified the Houthis as Specially Designated Global Terrorists but did not designate them as a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO).

4. Operation Prosperity Guardian - U.S. Navy-led mission: Correct. Operation Prosperity Guardian is a U.S. Navy-led mission aimed at safeguarding shipping lanes in response to Houthi threats.

Thus, pairs 2 and 4 are correctly matched.

1. Muzhara Movement - Demand for industrial labor rights: Incorrect. The Muzhara Movement was about landless peasants in Punjab advocating for land ownership rights, not industrial labor rights.

2. Champaran Satyagraha - Addressing indigo plantation issues: Correct. The Champaran Satyagraha was led by Mahatma Gandhi to address the exploitation of farmers growing indigo under oppressive conditions imposed by British planters in Bihar.

3. Sansad Bhashini Initiative - AI integration in parliamentary processes: Correct. The Sansad Bhashini initiative focuses on integrating AI technologies to improve the accessibility and efficiency of parliamentary documentation, including features like multilingual support and real-time speech-to-text transcription.

4. Nitaqat Policy - Localization policy in the UAE: Incorrect. The Nitaqat policy is a localization initiative in Saudi Arabia, not the UAE, aimed at increasing employment opportunities for Saudi nationals by imposing quotas on businesses for hiring local workers.

Thus, three pairs are correctly matched: pairs 2 and 3 are correct, while pairs 1 and 4 are incorrect.

- Statement 1 is correct. The Muzhara movement was indeed led by landless peasants in Punjab, known as muzharas, who were fighting for land ownership rights. They were opposing the oppressive systems imposed by both feudal landlords and British colonial authorities.

- Statement 2 is correct. The movement did witness a significant incident in March 1949, when a violent confrontation occurred in Kishangarh village. This clash involved attempts by authorities to reclaim land from the muzharas, resulting in a standoff with the Patiala police and leading to casualties, highlighting the intensity of the struggle.

- Statement 3 is correct. The Muzhara movement is part of a broader spectrum of agrarian struggles in India, which includes movements like the Champaran Satyagraha. These movements collectively aimed at improving the rights and conditions of peasants, focusing on similar issues of land rights and justice against oppressive systems.

Therefore, all three statements are correct, making Option D the correct answer.

1. Statement 1: This statement is incorrect. The Kamba Ramayana, while based on Valmiki's Ramayana, introduces regional variations and unique character interpretations. It does not follow the exact structure of Valmiki's Ramayana without any modifications. Instead, it incorporates regional and cultural elements specific to Tamil Nadu, making it a distinct adaptation.

2. Statement 2: This statement is correct. The Kamba Ramayana reflects the socio-cultural and religious atmosphere of Tamil Nadu during the Chola period. It integrates Tamil traditions and values, showcasing how these elements are woven into the narrative and characterizations.

3. Statement 3: This statement is correct. Kambar's writing style is indeed noted for its intricate descriptions and emotional resonance, which adds cultural nuances and depth to the narrative. His portrayal of characters and events is designed to evoke emotional responses and connect deeply with Tamil cultural contexts.

Therefore, the correct statements are 2 and 3, making Option D: 2 and 3 Only the correct answer.