UPSC Current Affair: Culture - Italian MCQ

The Sentinelese are a pre-neolithic, negrito tribe who live in North Sentinel Island of the Andamans.

They are completely isolated with no contact to the outside world. The first time they were contacted by a team of Indian anthropologists in 1991.

• Due to no contact, the census of Sentinelese is taken through photographing the island individuals from distance.

• It has a population of about 50 to 100 on the North Sentinel Island

Sentinelese are also listed under Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) by the government of India.

They are protected under the Andaman and Nicobar Islands (Protection of Aboriginal Tribes) Regulation, 1956.

• It declares traditional areas occupied by the tribes as reserves and prohibits the entry of all except those with authorization.

• Photographing or filming tribe members is also an offence.

Hence, option A is correct.

Recently, the Monpa Handmade Paper (1000-year old heritage art) of Arunachal Pradesh has been revived by Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC).

Monpa Handmade Paper Industry: The art of making Monpa handmade paper originated over 1000 years ago. Gradually the art became an integral part of local custom and culture in Tawang in Arunachal Pradesh. Hence, option D is correct.

The Kerala Government has recently announced a digital media literacy programme called ‘Satyameva Jayate’ (Truth alone triumphs) to counter the menace of Fake News.

Satyameva Jayate (Truth alone triumphs") is a part of a mantra from the Hindu scripture Mundaka Upanishad. Hence, statement 2 is correct.

Following the independence of India, it was adopted as the national motto of India on 26th January 1950. Hence, statement 1 is correct.

It is inscribed in the Devanagari script at the base of the Lion Capital of Ashoka and forms an integral part of the Indian national emblem. Hence, statement 1 is correct.

The emblem and the words "Satyameva Jayate" are inscribed on one side of all Indian currency and national documents.

Chengalikodan Nendran Banana, also known as Cheng Azhikode Banana, is among the most popular traditional fruits cultivated in Thrissur district, Kerala. Hence, statement 1 is correct.

• This variety of Nendran Banana is famed for its characteristic taste, bunch shape and fruit colour.

• The crop is mainly cultivated in organic mode and the crop duration is 13-14 months.

The Chengalikodan Nendran banana grown in Kerala got Geographical indication (GI) Tag in 2014. Hence, statement 2 is correct.

Recently, scientists at the Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR)-National Institute for Interdisciplinary Science and Technology (NIIST) at Pappanamcode in Kerala have come up with a new product, Banana Grit or Granules, developed from raw Nendran bananas. Hence, statement 3 is not correct.

CSIR is the largest research and development (R&D) organisation in India.

Basaveshwara (1134-1168) was an Indian philosopher, social reformer and statesman who attempted to create a casteless society and fought against caste and religious discrimination.

• He was born in Bagevadi (of undivided Bijapur district in Karnataka).

• Basava Jayanthi is an annual event celebrated in the honour of the birth of Vishwaguru Basaveshwara.

• The tradition of Lingayatism is known to have been founded by him. Hence, statement 1 is correct.

He gave two more very important socio-economic principles. They are:

• Kayak (Divine work): According to this, every individual of the society should take up the job of his choice and perform it with all sincerity.

• Dasoha (Equal distribution): hence, statement 3 is correct.

There must be an equal income for equal work.

The worker (Kayakajeevi) may lead his day-today life by his hard earned income. But he should not preserve the money or property for tomorrow. He must utilise the

surplus money for society and the poors.

Recently, the Chief Minister of Karnataka has laid the foundation stone for the ‘New Anubhava Mantapa’ in Basavakalyan, the place where 12th century poet-philosopher Basaveshwara lived for most of his life.

• It will showcase the 12th Century Anubhava Mantapa (often referred to as the “first Parliament of the world”) established by Basaveshwara in Basavakalyan where philosophers and social reformers held debates. Hence, statement 2 is not correct.

Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) is celebrated on 9th January every year to mark the contribution of Overseas Indian community in the development of India.

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  9th January was chosen as the day to celebrate PBD since it was on this day in 1915 that Mahatma Gandhi, the greatest Pravasi, returned to India from South Africa, led India’s freedom struggle and changed the lives of Indians forever. Hence, statement 1 is correct.

On the occasion, several events such as PBD Convention, Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award and Bharat ko Janiye Quiz are organised.

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  PBD Conventions are held once every two years.

Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award:

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  It is the highest honour conferred on a Non-Resident Indian, Person of Indian Origin; or an organisation or institution established and run by Non-Resident Indians or Persons of Indian Origin, who have made significant contribution in better understanding of India abroad, support India's causes and concerns in a tangible way, community work abroad, welfare of local Indian community, philanthropic and charitable work, etc. Hence, statement 2 is correct.

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  During the PBD convention, select eminent Indian diaspora members are awarded the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Awards in the presence of the President of India.

Jagannath Puri temple is believed to be constructed in the 12th century by King Anatavarman Chodaganga Deva of the Eastern Ganga Dynasty.

It is called ‘Yamanika Tirtha’ where, according to the Hindu beliefs, the power of ‘Yama’, the god of death has been nullified in Puri due to the presence of Lord Jagannath.

This temple was called the “White Pagoda” and is a part of Char Dham pilgrimages (Badrinath, Dwaraka, Puri, Rameswaram).

There are four gates to the temple- Eastern ‘Singhdwara’ which is the main gate with two crouching lions, Southern ‘Ashwadwara’, Western 'Vyaghra Dwara and Northern ‘Hastidwara’. There is a carving of each form at each gate.

Hence, option A is correct.

National Youth Day is held every year on 12th January to observe the birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda. Hence, statement 1 is correct.

• The day is also referred to as Swami Vivekanand Jayanti and was designated as the National Youth Day in 1984.

Celebrated to commemorate the birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda, the National Youth Festival is an annual gathering of youth with various activities including competitive ones.

• Theme of 2021 Festival: ‘YUVAAH – Utsah Naye Bharat Ka”.

• It will be celebrated from 12th to 16th January.

• It is organized by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Government of India in collaboration with one of the State Governments. Hence, statement 2 is correct.

Maghi Mela is held in Muktsar, Punjab every year in January or in the month of Magh according to the Nanakshahi calendar. Hence, statement 2 is not correct.

• Nanakshahi calendar was designed by Sikh scholar Pal Singh Purewal to replace the Bikrami calendar, to work out the dates of gurpurab and other festivals.

• The Bikrami calendar has been historically used by Hindus and Sikhs. The Bikrami or Vikrami calendar is named after king Vikramaditya and starts in 57 B.C.

It is based on twelve syndicalist lunar months and 365 solar days. The lunar new year starts on the new moon in the month of Chet.

Maghi is the occasion when Sikhs commemorate the sacrifice of forty Sikhs, who fought for Guru Gobind Singh Ji.

• The eve of Maghi is the common Indian festival of Lohri when bonfires are lit in Hindu homes to greet the birth of sons in the families and alms are distributed.

The day of Maghi is observed to honour the heroic fight of the Chali Mukte, or the Forty Liberated Ones, who sacrificed their own lives defending an attack by the Mughal imperial army marching in pursuit of Guru Gobind Singh. Hence, statement 1 is correct.