Daily Current Affairs MCQ: 27th August 2025 - UPSC MCQ

Statement-I correctly highlights that India's economic vulnerabilities are worsened due to the underrepresentation of women in the workforce, impacting the country's growth potential and economic stability. Statement-II complements this by pointing out that the gig economy can provide women with opportunities for sustainable income, skill enhancement, and increased mobility. The gig economy, characterized by short-term contracts or freelance work as opposed to traditional full-time jobs, indeed has the potential to empower women economically, thereby addressing some of the gender imbalances in the labor market and contributing to India's economic growth. Thus, both statements are accurate, with Statement-II providing an explanation for Statement-I, making option (a) the correct answer.

The primary responsibility of the National Designated Authority (NDA) is to evaluate projects for emission reduction trading. This involves assessing and authorizing projects aimed at reducing emissions, which is a crucial step towards implementing a structured carbon trading market in alignment with the provisions of the 2015 Paris Agreement.

The Super Garuda Shield 2025 military exercise is primarily designed to enhance interoperability and mutual trust among the armed forces of participating nations. By engaging in joint training activities, military personnel from different countries can learn to work together effectively, understand each other's strategies, and build stronger relationships that can be crucial in times of need or crisis. This exercise plays a key role in bolstering collective security and readiness in the Indo-Pacific region.

The Tawi River holds sacred importance in the Jammu region and is referred to as "Surya Putri" in ancient texts. It effectively divides the city of Jammu into two segments. This river is not only a geographical feature but also a vital resource for the region, providing water to the entire city.

- Statement 1 is correct. The Kani tribe is indeed led by a Mootukani, who plays a multifaceted role including that of a lawgiver, protector, and healer. This highlights the traditional governance structure within the Kani community.

- Statement 2 is correct. The Kani tribe has extensive knowledge of medicinal plants, and specific rights to this knowledge are indeed reserved for the Plathies, who are the designated practitioners within the community.

- Statement 3 is incorrect. The primary languages spoken by the Kani tribe are Tamil and Malayalam, not Hindi. These languages reflect their cultural heritage and adaptability, given their location in the Agasthyamalai hills of Kerala.

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

1. Mootukani - Chief of the Kani Tribe: Correct. The Mootukani is the chief of the Kani Tribe, serving roles including lawgiver, protector, and healer.

2. Surya Putri - Another name for the Tawi River: Correct. The Tawi River is indeed referred to as "Surya Putri" in ancient texts, highlighting its sacred significance in the Jammu region.

3. Pilathi - Traditional healer in the Kani Tribe: Correct. Pilathi is the term used for the traditional healer and priest within the Kani community, who possesses extensive knowledge of medicinal plants.

4. Jajjhar - A tributary of the Chenab River: Incorrect. Jajjhar is a tributary of the Tawi River, not the Chenab River.

Thus, pairs 1, 2, and 3 are correctly matched, while pair 4 is not.

1. Lokmanya Tilak - Promoted Ganesh Chaturthi as a national festival: Correct. Lokmanya Tilak played a crucial role in promoting Ganesh Chaturthi as a means to unite people and foster a sense of nationalism and cultural identity during the British colonial period.

2. Governor George Robert Canning Harris - Issued a circular regulating religious processions in Poona in 1894: Correct. Governor George Robert Canning Harris did issue a circular regulating religious processions, which highlighted communal biases during that period.

3. Kesari - English publication used by Tilak to promote the festival: Incorrect. Kesari was a Marathi newspaper published by Lokmanya Tilak. The English counterpart was called "The Mahratta."

4. Palkhi Procession - Associated with Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations: Incorrect. The Palkhi procession is traditionally associated with the Warkari sect and their religious pilgrimage, not directly with Ganesh Chaturthi.

The correctly matched pairs are 1 and 2. Hence, the number of correctly matched pairs is two.

Both statements I and II are accurate. Statement I highlights the historical context of Ganesh Chaturthi's public celebration originating from communal tensions, while Statement II correctly attributes the transformation of the festival into a socio-political event to Lokmanya Tilak. Tilak's efforts through his publications and advocacy played a pivotal role in shaping Ganesh Chaturthi as a unifying social and cultural festival, fostering a collective identity among diverse communities. Therefore, Statement II provides an explanation for Statement I, making option A the correct answer.

1. Statement 1 is correct. The Female Labor Force Participation Rate (FLFPR) in India is indeed significantly lower than the global average, as well as lower than some countries like China where the FLFPR is around 60%. India's FLFPR is stuck at around 37-41.7%, highlighting a critical area for improvement in terms of gender parity in the labor market.

2. Statement 2 is correct. The gig economy in India does provide opportunities for women to gain skills and earn a sustainable income. However, the lack of formalization and supportive policies is a significant barrier to making these opportunities sustainable and empowering women fully in the workforce.

3. Statement 3 is incorrect. The demographic dividend refers to the economic growth potential that results from shifts in a population’s age structure, particularly when the working-age population is larger than the non-working-age. The demographic dividend is expected to reverse by 2045 if women are not integrated into the workforce. Therefore, the integration of women is crucial to extend and fully benefit from the demographic dividend.

Thus, the correct answer is that only statements 1 and 2 are correct, making Option B the right choice.

Lokmanya Tilak played a crucial role in transforming Ganesh Chaturthi into a unifying social and cultural festival by advocating for collective identity and promoting the festival as a platform for community participation and mobilization. His efforts helped bridge political movements with ordinary citizens, emphasizing the festival's broader significance beyond religious observance.