Daily Current Affairs Quiz: August 14, 2025

Answer: C [Institutionalize communal divisions in politics]
Explanation:

The separate electorate system introduced in 1909 (Morley-Minto Reforms) was a deliberate British tactic to divide Indian society along communal lines and weaken nationalist unity.

Answer: B [Only two]
Explanation:

Statement 1 is correct: The Doctrine of Lapse was an annexation policy devised by Lord Dalhousie, which was directly responsible for the annexation of several Indian states by the British, leading to discontent and contributing to the outbreak of the revolt.

Statement 2 is correct: The introduction of the Enfield rifle and the greased cartridges, rumored to be made of cow and pig fat, was a major cause of military discontent, especially among the Hindu and Muslim soldiers.

Statement 3 is incorrect: Not all Indian princely states participated in the revolt; many stayed neutral or actively supported the British, hoping to gain favor or protect their own interests.

Answer: C [1, 2 and 4 only]
Explanation:

Statement 1 is correct: The Anglo-Mysore Wars were primarily caused by the struggle for control of the Coromandel Coast, a strategically important region in South India.

Statement 2 is correct: Haider Ali was the ruler of Mysore during the First Anglo-Mysore War.  He led the Mysore forces against the British.

Statement 3 is incorrect: While the Second Anglo-Mysore War did involve Hyder Ali, the Marathas and the Nizam of Hyderabad initially allied with him against the British. However, they later switched sides.

Statement 4 is correct: The Treaty of Seringapatam, which ended the Third Anglo-Mysore War, forced Tipu Sultan to cede half of his territories to the victorious alliance of the British, the Marathas, and the Nizam of Hyderabad.

Answer: D [1 and 3 only]
Explanation:

Statement 1 is Correct: The Indigo Rebellion (or Nil Bidroho) of 1859-60 was a peasant uprising against the European indigo planters in Bengal. The farmers rebelled against the exploitative system of indigo cultivation under the British Raj.

Statement 2 is Incorrect: While the rebellion did bring attention to the plight of the indigo farmers, it didn’t lead to significant immediate changes in the agrarian structure or land lease terms. The system remained largely exploitative.

Statement 3 is Correct: The rebellion forced the British government to intervene and investigate the situation. This led to the formation of the Indigo Commission in 1860, which ultimately led to the abolishment of the exploitative indigo system.

Statement 4 is Incorrect: The rebellion had a significant impact on the social fabric of rural Bengal. It demonstrated the power of peasant unity and resistance against colonial oppression. It also inspired future agrarian movements in India, showing that collective action could challenge the colonial power structure.

Answer: C [It advocated for the establishment of a Public Service Commission and a phased increase in direct ICS recruitment of Indians, targeting parity with Europeans within 15 years.]
Explanation:

a is Incorrect: The Lee Commission did not recommend the immediate abolition of the ICS. It aimed to reform and Indianize the service, not abolish it.

b is Incorrect: The Commission recommended that recruitment for transferred subjects be handled by provincial governments, not the Secretary of State.

c is Correct: The Lee Commission recommended the establishment of a Public Service Commission (as mentioned in the Government of India Act, 1919, but not yet implemented). It also advocated for a gradual increase in direct recruitment of Indians to the ICS, aiming for a 50:50 ratio with Europeans within 15 years.

d is Incorrect: The Commission recommended changes to the recruitment process, including a shift towards increased recruitment in India itself, not maintaining the status quo of sole recruitment through London examinations.