Daily Prelims MCQs — Polity — 17th July 2025
- TPP
- Jul 17
- 6 min read
Welcome to today’s handpicked set of Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs) from the Polity — crafted specially for the UPSC Prelims! These questions aren’t just a quiz — they’re a smart way to see how current affairs connect with core concepts, just like UPSC asks in the exam.
Each question is based on recent news and backed by clear explanations to help you build strong links between dynamic events and static knowledge.
Today’s topics include: Separation of the judiciary, tenure of a Governor, Model Prison Manual, Census 2027 and more...
Click Here to read the Monthly Current Affairs Pointers (CAP).
QUESTION 1
With reference to Census 2027 in India, consider the following statements:
The data will be collected using mobile applications available exclusively in Hindi, with no access to English or other regional languages.
It will be the first digital census conducted in India.
This census will include a nationwide caste enumeration, something that has not been done since 1931.
The 16th Indian Census will be carried out in a single phase across the country.
How many of the above statements are correct?
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) Only three
(d) All four
Answer (b)
Explanation:
Statement 1 is Incorrect: The mobile applications used for Census 2027 will not be limited to Hindi. As per official statements from the Centre, these apps will be accessible in English, Hindi, and a variety of regional languages. Moreover, residents will be able to participate in the census through a self-enumeration facility available via a dedicated web portal.
Statement 2 is Correct: According to the Registrar General and Census Commissioner, Census 2027 will be India’s first digital census. Data will be collected through Android and iOS-based mobile applications, and the process will be carried out digitally by enumerators and supervisors using their own mobile devices. This marks a significant modernization of the census methodology.
Statement 3 is Correct: This upcoming census will include caste enumeration across the entire nation — something that hasn’t occurred since the 1931 census. The government has confirmed that the caste of each household member will be recorded, making this a landmark exercise in terms of social data collection.
Statement 4 is Incorrect: The 16th Census of India will not be conducted in a single phase. It is scheduled to take place in two distinct phases:
Phase 1: Houselisting and Housing Census (HLO), beginning in April 2026
Phase 2: Population Enumeration (PE) to follow after that
Additionally, the government has announced two different reference dates:
March 1, 2027 for most of the country
October 1, 2026 for snow-bound and remote areas such as Ladakh, Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand
These regional and temporal adjustments further confirm that the census will be multi-phased and staggered, not uniform across all regions.
QUESTION 2
With reference to the Model Prison Manual in India, consider the following statements:
The manual is formulated and circulated by individual state governments.
As per the manual, an average adult male needs 2,000 to 2,400 calories daily, whereas individuals performing strenuous physical tasks require at least 2,800 calories.
The manual explicitly forbids any caste- or religion-based management of kitchens or food preparation inside prisons.
How many of the above statements are correct?
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) All three
(d) None
Answer (b)
Explanation:
Statement 1 is Incorrect: While prisons fall under the State List in the Constitution of India, the Model Prison Manual is issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), Government of India, not by individual states. The manual serves as a guiding document for state governments, which may adapt its provisions as per local conditions. Therefore, this statement is factually incorrect.
Statement 2 is Correct: The Model Prison Manual outlines specific dietary norms for prisoners. It specifies that:
An average man requires between 2,000 to 2,400 calories per day.
A person involved in heavy manual labour must be provided with at least 2,800 calories daily.
For women prisoners, the recommended daily calorie intake is around 2,400 calories.
The manual also details the nutritional components required, including proteins, vitamins, and other essential nutrients.
These dietary standards may vary slightly across states, taking into account regional food habits and climatic conditions.
Statement 3 is Correct: The manual contains clear provisions to ensure secular and non-discriminatory practices in prison kitchens. It prohibits organizing cooking or kitchen duties on the basis of caste or religion.
Furthermore, it makes allowances for prisoners who observe religious fasts, allowing them
QUESTION 3
The authority of the Government of India to intercept or monitor communications—whether by post, telephone, or digital platforms—is defined and limited under which of the following legislations?
The Indian Post Office Act, 1898
The Indian Telegraph Act, 1885
The Information Technology Act, 2000
Select the correct answer using the code below:
(a) 2 and 3 only
(b) 1 and 2 only
(c) 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer (d)
Explanation:
The Government's powers to intercept or monitor communications are drawn from three key legal frameworks, each covering a different mode of communication:
The Indian Post Office Act, 1898 – This law authorizes interception of postal correspondence, such as letters and parcels.
The Indian Telegraph Act, 1885 – Primarily invoked for telephone tapping and the interception of voice communications.
The Information Technology Act, 2000 – Governs surveillance and monitoring of digital communication, including emails, WhatsApp messages, and other internet-based messaging platforms.
While these laws empower the State to carry out surveillance, such authority is not absolute. It is constitutionally limited by fundamental rights, particularly:
Article 19(1)(a) – Protects the freedom of speech and expression.
Article 21 – Guarantees the right to privacy, which was upheld as a fundamental right by the Supreme Court in the Puttaswamy judgment (2017).
Any restriction on these rights must comply with the “reasonable restrictions” outlined under Article 19(2) of the Constitution. These include grounds such as:
Sovereignty and integrity of India
Security of the state
Friendly relations with foreign states
Public order
Prevention of incitement to commit an offence
QUESTION 4
With reference to the tenure of a Governor in India, consider the following statements:
The Governor remains in office as long as the President wishes, i.e., during the pleasure of the President.
A Governor is appointed for a term of six years from the date he assumes charge.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Answer (a)
Explanation:
Statement 1 is Correct: According to Article 156(1) of the Constitution of India, the Governor holds office during the pleasure of the President. This means that the President (in practice, the Union government) can remove the Governor at any time without assigning a reason.
Statement 2 is Incorrect: The Constitution actually stipulates a term of five years, not six. As per Article 156(3), the Governor is appointed for a five-year term from the date on which he or she enters office. However, this is subject to the President’s pleasure and does not guarantee a full five-year tenure.
Additionally, there is a proviso that even after the completion of this five-year term, the Governor shall continue to hold office until a successor assumes charge. This ensures continuity in administration and avoids a constitutional vacuum.
Also, the Governor may resign at any time by submitting a written resignation to the President of India.
QUESTION 5
Which provision of the Constitution of India explicitly mandates the separation of the judiciary from the executive in the functioning of public services at the state level?
(a) Article 48
(b) Article 49
(c) Article 50
(d) Article 51
Answer (c)
Explanation:
Article 50, which appears under Part IV of the Constitution (Directive Principles of State Policy), lays down a clear directive for the separation of the judiciary from the executive.
The text of Article 50 states:
“The State shall take steps to separate the judiciary from the executive in the public services of the State.”
This provision aims to uphold judicial independence by ensuring that judicial officers are not subject to executive control or interference, particularly in matters such as postings, promotions, and disciplinary action.
Though Directive Principles are non-justiciable in court (i.e., not legally enforceable), they are fundamental to the governance of the country, and Article 50 reflects the vision of a clear division of powers to maintain the rule of law and fair administration of justice.
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