Correct Option (C):
The pair "Vernacular Press Act: Curzon" is not correctly matched. The Vernacular Press Act was enacted in 1878 by Lord Lytton, not Lord Curzon. Its primary objective was to suppress critical reporting in the Indian vernacular press, which was perceived as promoting nationalist sentiments against British rule.
Incorrect Options:
Pitt's India Act (1784) was introduced during the tenure of Warren Hastings. This Act established a system of dual control, placing the East India Company's political affairs under the direct supervision of the British Government.
The Doctrine of Lapse was formulated and implemented by Lord Dalhousie (Governor-General from 1848-1856). It was an annexation policy that allowed the British East India Company to annex any princely state whose ruler died without a natural male heir.
The Ilbert Bill was introduced in 1883 by Lord Ripon. This bill aimed to remove racial discrimination in the judicial system by allowing Indian judges and magistrates to try European subjects in criminal cases, a power previously reserved for European judges.