Daily Current Affairs MCQ: 4th April 2025 - UPSC MCQ

Statement 1 is correct. The Namdhari sect, also known as the Kuka movement, was founded by Satguru Ram Singh on April 12, 1857, in Ludhiana, Punjab. This movement was significant for its emphasis on social reforms and its early advocacy of Swadeshi principles, which encouraged the boycott of foreign goods and services. These aspects made it a precursor to later movements like the Non-Cooperation Movement.

Statement 2 is correct. The Kuka Rebellion, associated with the Namdhari sect, was indeed a reaction against British colonial policies, particularly those related to cow slaughter. This issue was central to their resistance and led to significant confrontations with the British authorities.

Statement 3 is correct. The British executed several Namdhari leaders in a brutal and public manner, by placing them in front of cannons. This was intended as a deterrent to others and reflects the harsh measures employed by the colonial authorities to suppress dissent.

Thus, all three statements are accurate in describing the Namdhari movement and the historical events associated with it, making Option D the correct answer.

Statement-I correctly states that the Namdhari sect was indeed founded by Satguru Ram Singh on April 12, 1857, in Ludhiana, Punjab. Statement-II also accurately explains that the term "Namdhari" is derived from their unique high-pitched recitation of Gurbani, where "kook" in Punjabi signifies "cry" or "scream." Therefore, both statements are correct, and Statement-II provides additional context to Statement-I, explaining the origin of the term "Namdhari."

1. Lokpal : Investigates corruption cases involving state public servants. - Incorrect. The Lokpal investigates corruption cases involving public servants at the central level, not state public servants. State public servants are handled by the Lokayukta.

2. Jan Lokpal Andolan : Movement that led to the enactment of the Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act, 2013. - Correct. The Jan Lokpal Andolan, led by Anna Hazare, was a significant movement that mobilized public demand for a strong anti-corruption ombudsman, resulting in the Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act, 2013.

3. Selection Committee for Lokpal : Includes the President of India. - Incorrect. The Selection Committee for Lokpal includes the Prime Minister, Leader of Opposition, Chief Justice of India, and an eminent jurist. The President appoints the Lokpal based on the Committee's recommendations but is not part of the Committee.

4. State Lokayukta : Handles corruption cases involving central public servants. - Incorrect. The State Lokayukta deals with corruption cases involving state public servants, such as Chief Ministers and MLAs, not central public servants.

Only the second pair is correctly matched, aligning with Option A: Only one pair.

The decline in fertility rates in southern states like Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh can be attributed to the early adoption of family planning policies in the 1950s. These policies have played a significant role in reducing fertility rates and achieving replacement-level fertility in these states. By promoting family planning practices and raising awareness about contraception, these states have witnessed a notable decline in the average number of children per woman. This proactive approach to family planning has been instrumental in shaping the demographic landscape of these regions and highlighting the importance of effective population control measures.

Statement-I correctly highlights the limited effectiveness of the Lokpal and Lokayukta Act, 2013, with specific numbers regarding investigations and prosecution sanctions. Statement-II correctly mentions the purpose of the Act, which is to combat corruption in India. However, Statement-II does not directly explain the limited effectiveness mentioned in Statement-I; hence, the correct answer is (b).

The Lokpal and Lokayukta Act in India was primarily enacted to combat corruption among public servants at the central level. It aimed to create an anti-corruption framework that would address cases involving high-ranking officials like the Prime Minister, with specific exceptions. Despite facing operational challenges, the establishment of Lokpal and Lokayukta was a significant step towards fighting corruption in the country, reflecting the continuous public demand for transparency and accountability in governance.

1. Mathikettan Shola National Park (MSNP) - Known for the Nilgiri Tahr.
This is incorrectly matched. The Nilgiri Tahr is primarily associated with the Eravikulam National Park, not Mathikettan Shola National Park.

2. Kurinjimala Wildlife Sanctuary (KWLS) - Protects the habitat of the Neelakurinji flower.
This is correctly matched. Kurinjimala Wildlife Sanctuary is indeed known for protecting the habitat of the Neelakurinji, a flower that blooms once every 12 years.

3. Pambadum Shola National Park (PSNP) - Smallest national park in Kerala.
This is correctly matched. Pambadum Shola National Park is the smallest national park in Kerala.

4. Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary (CWLS) - Located in the rain-shadow region of the Western Ghats.
This is correctly matched. Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the rain-shadow region of the Western Ghats, close to the Kerala-Tamil Nadu border.

Thus, three pairs are correctly matched.

The Namdhari sect was founded by Satguru Ram Singh in Ludhiana, Punjab, following the Kuka Rebellion, which was a localized uprising against British rule that occurred after the Rebellion of 1857. This rebellion stemmed from the Namdharis' opposition to British policies, particularly those related to cow slaughter, which became a key issue in their resistance against colonial authorities.

- Statement 1 is correct. The Lokpal does have the authority to investigate corruption cases involving the Prime Minister, although there are specific exceptions outlined in the Act, such as issues pertaining to international relations, external and internal security, public order, atomic energy, and space.

- Statement 2 is correct. The Lokpal is indeed appointed by the President of India upon the recommendations of a Selection Committee. This committee includes the Prime Minister, the Leader of Opposition, the Chief Justice of India or a judge nominated by him/her, and an eminent jurist nominated by the President based on the recommendations of the other members of the Selection Committee.

- Statement 3 is incorrect. The powers and structures of state-level Lokayuktas are not uniform across all states. Each state has the liberty to establish its Lokayukta with varying powers and structures, often reflecting the model but not necessarily identical to the central Lokpal system.

Therefore, the correct answer is Option B: 1 and 2 Only.

• Statement 1 is correct. The data indicates that India's Total Fertility Rate (TFR) has declined significantly from 6.18 children per woman in the 1950s to 1.9 children per woman in 2021, reflecting a substantial demographic transition over the decades.
• Statement 2 is correct. Southern states like Kerala and Tamil Nadu have achieved replacement-level fertility due to factors such as higher female literacy rates and the early adoption of family planning policies. Kerala, for example, reached replacement-level fertility by 1988, attributed to educational and social advancements.
• Statement 3 is incorrect. The decline in fertility rates is projected to fall further to 1.04 by 2100, indicating a possible average of less than one child per woman, which is below the replacement level necessary for population stability. This suggests potential demographic challenges rather than stabilization at the replacement level.

Therefore, the correct answer is Option B: 1 and 2 Only.