Consider the following statements : Statement-I : 7th August is declared as the National Handloom Day. Statement-II : It was in 1905 that the Swadeshi Movement was launched on the same day. Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

(a) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is the correct explanation for Statement-I ✓ UPSC's answer
(b) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is not the correct explanation for Statement-I
(c) Statement-I is correct but Statement-II is incorrect
(d) Statement-I is incorrect but Statement-II is correct

Why the answer is (a)

• Statement-I is correct: 7 August is celebrated as National Handloom Day, first observed in 2015.

• Statement-II is correct: on 7 August 1905 a meeting at Calcutta Town Hall formally launched the Swadeshi Movement against the partition of Bengal, calling for the boycott of foreign goods and the revival of indigenous handloom and industry.

• The date was chosen for Handloom Day precisely to commemorate the Swadeshi Movement's championing of Indian handlooms, so Statement-II explains Statement-I.

• Hence option (a).

Why the other options are wrong

(b) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is not the correct…: The Swadeshi anniversary is the very reason 7 August was chosen, so II explains I.
(c) Statement-I is correct but Statement-II is incorrect: Statement-II is correct: the Swadeshi Movement was launched on 7 August 1905.
(d) Statement-I is incorrect but Statement-II is correct: Statement-I is correct: 7 August is National Handloom Day.

Asked in the GS Paper I of the UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination 2023, held on 28 May 2023. Question and answer key: Union Public Service Commission. Explanation: UPSC Answer Check.