Daily Current Affairs MCQs: 14th July 2025 - Humanities/Arts MCQ

Indian secularism is characterized by its accommodation of religious pluralism, allowing multiple religions to coexist and thrive within a framework of state neutrality. This contrasts sharply with the French model, which emphasizes a strict separation of religion from state affairs, effectively sidelining religious influence in governance. India's approach enables its diverse population to maintain their religious identities while ensuring the state remains impartial.

In 1976, the term "secularism" was explicitly added to the Indian Constitution through the 42nd Amendment. This inclusion formalized the secular ideals that had been implicit since the Constitution's inception, reinforcing the commitment to a state that treats all religions equally and maintains a neutral stance toward religious affairs.

The exemption from installing FGD systems raises significant concerns about air quality, as it may lead to increased emissions of sulphur dioxide (SO₂), a harmful pollutant linked to various health issues. This decision undermines previous efforts aimed at controlling air pollution and protecting public health, especially in urban areas where such emissions are critically impactful.

The youth unemployment crisis in India is significantly worsened by a skills deficit, particularly in digital competencies necessary for the modern job market. Many educated youths lack essential skills like digital literacy, which makes them less employable despite their qualifications. This mismatch highlights the urgent need for reforms in education and industry to better align training with market demands.

Talisman Sabre 2025 aims to enhance combat readiness and interoperability among the armed forces of the participating nations, including the United States, Australia, and India. This multinational exercise focuses on improving joint operational capabilities across various domains, thereby strengthening military cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region.

Proponents emphasize that the Thirukkural embodies universal values and moral teachings that transcend time and culture. Its ethical guidance and secular ethics have been recognized as relevant and beneficial for society, making a strong case for its designation as a national book to promote its teachings widely.

The misclassification of open ecosystems as "wastelands" can lead to significant ecological degradation and loss of biodiversity. This perception results in policies that may overlook the ecological value of these areas, leading to harmful practices such as afforestation with non-native species, urban development, and neglect of traditional land management practices, which ultimately harm the environment.

The primary concern of the Jarawa Tribe regarding the census is the potential threat to their isolation and traditional way of life. As a Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group, any increased contact with outsiders due to the census could lead to disruptions in their lifestyle and expose them to external pressures and influences that may threaten their cultural integrity.

The 10-km default Eco-Sensitive Zone rule serves to standardize the protection of biodiversity around wildlife sanctuaries and national parks. This guideline aims to regulate harmful activities and preserve ecological integrity, although it has faced criticism for being overly rigid and not accounting for the unique ecological contexts of different regions.

The Lion-Tailed Macaque is crucial for seed dispersal in its tropical rainforest habitat, which helps in forest regeneration and maintaining biodiversity. However, it is classified as endangered with a declining population, highlighting the need for ongoing conservation efforts to protect this unique species from habitat loss and other threats.