UPSC Essentials | Daily subject-wise quiz: History, Culture and Social Issues MCQs on 1924 Belgaum Session, Kolkata’s Star Theatre and more (Week 91) | UPSC Current Affairs News

The above mentioned description refers to:

(a) Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple

(b) Lingaraj Temple

(c) Venkateshwara Temple

(d) Sun Temple Konark

Explanation:

—  Lingraj Temple is the biggest temple in Bhubaneswar, and is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It was built by King Jajati Keshari in the 10th Century and completed by King Lalatendu Keshari in the 11th Century.

—  The main spire is 54 meters high. Besides, there is a pillared hall, a dancing hall (Natya Mandap) and a hall for serving offerings (Bhoga Mandap). The walled campus has about 50 smaller shrines, including one dedicated to Goddess Parvati.

— The temple represents the quintessence of the Kalinga type of architecture, the culminating result of the architectural activities at Bhubaneswar.

Therefore, option (b) is the correct answer.

QUESTION 2

With reference to the 1924 Belgaum Session of the Indian National Congress, consider the following statements:

1. This session was Mahatma Gandhi’s only Congress presidency.

2. It is notable for formation of All India Youth Congress.

Which of the above statements is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Explanation:

— Exactly a century ago, on December 26-27, 1924, the Congress held its 39th session at Belgaum (now Belagavi), the only session presided by Mahatma Gandhi. However, it is notable for two additional reasons: not only is it seen as a watershed moment in India’s independence struggle from the British, but it also marks a turning point in the history of the Congress, which was founded in 1885. Hence, statement 1 is true.

— As freedom fighter B Pattabhi Sitaramayya says in his 1935 book, History of Indian National Congress, “In the history of non-cooperation, Belgaum is a landmark. The revolt against Gandhism was nearly complete. The Congress stood at the point of separation.”

— The Belgaum session occurred during a critical period in the freedom movement and Gandhi’s life, as he had returned to India from South Africa over a decade earlier in January 1915.

— Gandhi’s concepts of nonviolence, communal peace, and “swaraj (self-rule)” were established during this session in the former Bombay state.

— Calcutta session of 1928, presided by Motilal Nehru is notable for formation of All India Youth Congress. Hence, statement 2 is not true.

Therefore, option (a) is the correct answer.

QUESTION 3

Which of the following States has been granted GI Tag for its classical wind musical instrument, Nagaswaram?

(a) Kerala

(b) Manipur

(c) Tamil Nadu

(d) Tripura

Explanation:

— The Nagaswaram, the classical wind musical instrument made by the artisans of Narasinganpettai, has been granted the Geographical Indication (GI) tag.

— Narasinganpettai, a small village located 15km away from Kumbakonam, Tanjore district, has traditional nagaswaram makers. Even though nagaswarams are made in many other regions in the state, Barinagaswaram of Narasinganpettai alone makes the fluent Madhyamam Swara.

— This classical instrument has been a part of all auspicious events, royal courts, and temples. — The artists have preserved the art of Nagaswaram playing for more than 300 years.

Therefore, option (c) is the correct answer.

QUESTION 4

She was one of the first few women to join Kolkata’s Star Theatre in Bengal as professional actors. In 1913, her autobiography, Aamar Katha, was published, in which she wrote in detail about the challenges caste, class, and patriarchy threw her way. Recently it is announced that Kolkata’s Star Theatre, a cultural institution of the city, would be renamed after her. 

Identify the cultural icon:

(a) Tara Sundari

(b) Shobha Sen

(c) Lakkhimoni 

(d) Binodini

Explanation:

— West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Tuesday (December 31) announced that Kolkata’s Star Theatre, a cultural institution of the city, would be renamed Binodini Mancha or Binodini theatre. Many have hailed this as the “correction of a 141-year-old wrong” committed against Binodini Dasi, or Nati (performer) Binodini, as she was known.

Therefore, option (d) is the correct answer.

QUESTION 5

With reference to Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS), consider the following statements:

1. It was launched by the Government of India in 2016 with the objective to improve the nutritional and health status of children 0-14 years of age group.

2. One of its objective is to enhance the capability of the mother to look after the normal health and nutritional needs of the child through proper nutrition and health education.

Which of the above statements is/are not true?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Explanation:

According to wcd.gov.in, 

— ICDS was launched by the Government of India in 1975 with the objective to improve the nutritional and health status of preschool children 0-6 years of age group.

Objectives

To improve the nutritional and Health status of pre-school children in the age- group of 0-6 years.

To lay the foundation of proper psychological development of the child.

To reduce the incidence of mortality, morbidity, malnutrition and school drop-out.

To achieve effective coordination of policy and implementation amongst the various departments to promote child development. and

To enhance the capability of the mother to look after the normal health and nutritional needs of the child through proper nutrition and health education.

Therefore, option (a) is the correct answer.

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