UPSC Essentials | Daily subject-wise quiz: Polity and Governance MCQs on Census 2027, Model Prison Manual and more (Week 118)

QUESTION 1

With reference to the Census 2027, consider the following statements:

1. Data will be collected using mobile apps available only in Hindi and is not available in English and regional languages.

2. It will be the first digital census in the country.

3. This census will also include the first nationwide caste enumeration since 1931.

4. The 16th Census of India will take place in a single phase.

How many of the statements given above are correct?

(a) Only one

(b) Only two

(c) Only three

(d) All four

Explanation

— During Census 2027, data would be collected using mobile apps available in English, Hindi, and different regional languages, with residents having the option of “self-enumeration” via a dedicated web page, according to the Centre. Hence, statement 1 is not correct.

— “Census 2027 will be the country’s first digital census, with data collected via Android and iOS mobile apps in English, Hindi, and regional languages. Enumerators/Supervisors will collect data on their own mobile devices,” the Registrar General and Census Commissioner of the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) announced on X. Hence, statement 2 is correct.

— The government announced last month that the 16th Census of India will take place in two phases, with reference dates set for March 1, 2027 for most of the country and October 1, 2026 for snow-bound and remote regions such as Ladakh, Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand. This census will also feature the first nationwide caste enumeration since 1931. Hence, statement 3 is correct and statement 4 is not correct.

— “The census will be undertaken in two phases: phase one, Houselisting and Housing Census (HLO), will begin in April 2026, and phase two, Population Enumeration (PE), will be conducted. Enumeration of Caste: “The caste of household members will be enumerated in the upcoming census,” the post stated. Both phases, HLO and PE, will allow for self-enumeration via a web interface.

Therefore, option (b) is the correct answer.

QUESTION 2

With reference to the Model Prison Manual, consider the following statements:

1. It is issued by the various state governments.

2. According to the manual, an average man requires 2,000 to 2,400 calories a day, while a person engaged in heavy labour requires a minimum of 2,800 calories.

3. The manual prohibits the management of the kitchen and the cooking of food based on caste or religion in prisons.

How many of the statements given above are correct?

(a) Only one

(b) Only two

(c) All three

(d) None

Explanation

— The Model Prison Manual issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs states that an average man requires 2,000 to 2,400 calories a day, while a person engaged in heavy labour requires a minimum of 2,800 calories. A woman, on the other hand, requires around 2,400 calories per day. The manual further specifies the nutrients required, including protein and vitamins. Since prisons are a state subject, the model manual states that the scale of the diet may be drawn based on the climatic conditions, as well as the needs and habits of prisoners in each state. Hence, statement 1 is not correct and statement 2 is correct.

— “Prisoners who observe religious fasts may receive extra articles of food, or may have the whole or a part of their meal at a place and time of the day, as may be allowed by orders of the government for proper observance of fasts from them,” the model manual says. The manual also prohibits the management of the kitchen and the cooking of food based on caste or religion in prisons. Hence, statement 3 is correct.

Therefore, option (b) is the correct answer.

QUESTION 3

The government’s powers to intercept communication are laid down in — and circumscribed by —
1. The Indian Post Office Act, 1898

2. The Indian Telegraph Act, 1885

3. The Information Technology Act, 2000

Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

(a) 2 and 3 only

(b) 1 and 2 only

(c) 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

Explanation

— The government’s powers to intercept communication is laid down in — and circumscribed by — three pieces of legislation.

— The Indian Post Office Act, 1898 allows for the interception of communication through post;

— The Indian Telegraph Act, 1885 is used for tapping voice calls; and

— The Information Technology Act, 2000 governs the interception of WhatsApp messages, emails, etc.

— The right to free expression and the right to privacy are fundamental rights, and any infringement on these rights by surveillance is only authorised under strict constitutional conditions.

— These grounds—the interest of India’s sovereignty and integrity; the security of the state; cordial relations with foreign governments; public order; or preventing inducement to commit an offence—are specified as “reasonable restrictions” under Article 19(2) of the Constitution.

Therefore, option (d) is the correct answer.

QUESTION 4

With reference to the term of office of Governor, consider the following statements:

1. The Governor shall hold office during the pleasure of the President.

2. A Governor shall hold office for a term of six years from the date on which he enters upon his office.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Explanation

— The Governor holds office at the pleasure of the President. Hence, statement 1 is correct.

— The Governor may resign his post in writing, sent to the President.

— Subject to the above provisions of this article, a Governor shall serve for a period of five years beginning on the date he takes office. Hence, statement 2 is not correct.

— Provided that, despite the expiration of his term, a Governor shall continue to maintain office until his successor takes office.

Therefore, option (a) is the correct answer.

(Source: Constitution of India)

QUESTION 5

Which of the following articles of the Constitution of India provides for the separation of judiciary from executive?

(a) Article 48

(b) Article 49

(c) Article 50

(d) Article 51

Explanation

— Article 50 of the Constitution of India provides for the separation of judiciary from executive.

— The State shall take steps to separate the judiciary from the executive in the public services of the State.

Therefore, option (c) is the correct answer.

(Source: Constitution of India)

Previous Daily Subject-Wise-Quiz

Daily Subject-wise quiz — History, Culture, and Social Issues (Week 116)

Daily subject-wise quiz — Polity and Governance (Week 117)

Daily subject-wise quiz —  Science and Technology (Week 117)

Daily subject-wise quiz — Economy (Week 117)

Daily subject-wise quiz — Environment and Geography (Week 117)

Daily subject-wise quiz – International Relations (Week 117)

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