Daily Current Affairs Quiz: October 23, 2025

Answer: D [All four]
Explanation:

Statement 1 is correct: Managing the logistics of electronic voting machines (EVMs) across India is a major challenge due to the country’s vast and diverse geography. The Election Commission must transport, secure, and test EVMs in remote villages, urban centers, and difficult terrains, ensuring they reach over a million polling stations on time. This requires meticulous planning, coordination with local authorities, and contingency measures for natural disruptions like floods or landslides.

Statement 2 is correct: Ensuring the neutrality of polling officers is vital to uphold the integrity of elections. The Election Commission deploys officers from outside their home constituencies and monitors their conduct to prevent bias or influence. Despite these safeguards, concerns about favoritism or political pressure persist, making this an ongoing challenge that requires vigilance, training, and disciplinary mechanisms to maintain public trust in the electoral process.

Statement 3 is correct: Paid news undermines the fairness of elections by allowing candidates or parties to covertly influence public opinion through disguised advertisements. The Election Commission has identified this as a serious issue, especially during campaign periods, and works with media monitoring committees to detect and penalize violations. However, the subtle nature of paid news and lack of clear legal definitions make enforcement difficult, impacting transparency.

Statement 4 is correct: The misuse of social media to manipulate voter behavior is a growing concern for the Election Commission. Platforms can spread misinformation, fake news, and targeted propaganda rapidly, especially during election periods. The Commission collaborates with tech companies to monitor content, enforce advertising rules, and promote voter awareness, but the scale and speed of digital influence pose significant regulatory and ethical challenges.

Answer: A [The President of India is elected by the members of an Electoral College composed of the elected members of both Houses of Parliament and the elected members of the Legislative Assemblies of States and Union territories.]
Explanation:

Option (a) is correct: The President is elected by an Electoral College that includes:

1. Elected members of both the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha
2. Elected members of the Legislative Assemblies of the States and Union territories (specifically, Delhi and Puducherry)

This system ensures a federal balance by giving weight to both the Union and the States.

Option (b) is incorrect: The Vice-President is elected indirectly by an Electoral College consisting of members of both Houses of Parliament (Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha), using a system of proportional representation by means of a single transferable vote.

Option (c) is incorrect: Rajya Sabha members are indirectly elected by the elected members of the State Legislative Assemblies through a proportional representation system using a single transferable vote.

Option (d) is incorrect: The Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) is appointed by the President of India, not by Parliament. However, the process is expected to be impartial and is guided by constitutional provisions.

Answer: C [All three]
Explanation:

Statement 1 is correct: Under Article 324 of the Constitution and the Representation of the People Act, 1950, the Election Commission is responsible for the preparation and periodic revision of electoral rolls for all elections to Parliament and State Legislatures.

Statement 2 is correct: The Election Commission has inherent powers under Article 324 to postpone or cancel elections in a constituency if the electoral process is vitiated by factors like booth capturing, use of muscle power, or large-scale fraudulent voting, thereby making a free and fair poll impossible.

Statement 3 is correct: The ECI regulates political advertisements on television and radio through the Model Code of Conduct and specific orders. It has also established a “Voluntary Code of Ethics” in collaboration with social media platforms to regulate online content during the election period.

Answer: A [Publishing election pamphlets without the names and addresses of the printer and publisher.]
Explanation:

Option (a) is correct: Section 127A of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, mandates that all election pamphlets, posters, etc., must clearly display the names and addresses of the printer and publisher. Failure to comply with this provision is a violation of election law.

Option (b) is incorrect: While there are restrictions on campaigning during certain hours, holding rallies outside these hours isn’t a blanket prohibition. Restrictions relate more to noise levels and disturbing the peace during specific times.

Option (c) is incorrect: While the Election Commission has recommended against candidates contesting from multiple constituencies, it isn’t strictly prohibited by law yet, though it has been a subject of debate and proposed reforms.

Option (d) is incorrect: Recognized political parties are allocated free airtime on government-owned media platforms like All India Radio and Doordarshan to ensure a level playing field during elections. This is a facilitated process, not a prohibited one.

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

Statement 1 is correct: Digital technology has significantly enhanced the efficiency of public service delivery in India through platforms like Digital India. Services such as online applications, digital payments, and e-documentation have reduced delays, minimized corruption, and improved accessibility for citizens across urban and rural areas.

Statement 2 is correct: The integration of Aadhaar for identity verification has revolutionized subsidy distribution by enabling Direct Benefit Transfers (DBT). This system ensures that funds reach genuine beneficiaries directly into their bank accounts, reducing middlemen, duplication, and fraudulent claims, thereby improving transparency and accountability.

Statement 3 is incorrect: While digital governance can pose challenges for digitally illiterate populations, it has generally increased citizen participation by making services more accessible and reducing bureaucratic hurdles. Initiatives like online grievance portals and mobile apps have empowered more people to engage with governance, especially in remote areas.

Statement 4 is correct: E-governance initiatives have strengthened transparency and accountability in government operations. Tools like public dashboards, online RTI platforms, and digital audit trails allow citizens to monitor government actions, track service delivery, and access public records, thereby reducing opacity and enhancing trust in institutions.