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The 'National Centre for Cultural Studies', established in 2025, coordinates interdisciplinary research on India's intangible heritage across universities.
- True
- False
Answer: True
National Centre for Cultural Studies (2025) is a virtual network of universities researching oral traditions, craft techniques, and performance arts. Funded by Ministry of Culture, it promotes evidence-based policy and documentation.
Which financial instrument, introduced in 2024, allows public investment in conservation projects for protected monuments?
- Heritage Bonds
- Culture ETF
- Monument Shares
- Conservation Notes
Answer: Heritage Bonds
Heritage Bonds (2024) are government-backed securities funding ASI conservation projects. Returns linked to tourism revenue from restored sites. Enables citizen participation in heritage preservation with financial returns.
In 2025, India hosted the 'International Festival of Traditional Arts' in _____, featuring performers from 50 countries.
- New Delhi
- Varanasi
- Khajuraho
- Hampi
Answer: New Delhi
International Festival of Traditional Arts (New Delhi, 2025) showcased folk music, dance, and crafts from 50 nations. Organized by Ministry of Culture and ICCR, it promoted cultural diplomacy and artistic exchange.
Which traditional practice involves rotating crops and fallow periods to maintain soil fertility, practiced by tribal communities in Central India?
- Shifting cultivation
- Mixed cropping
- Terrace farming
- Hydroponics
Answer: Shifting cultivation
Shifting cultivation (jhum) in Central/Eastern India involves clearing forest patches, cultivating for 2-3 years, then allowing regeneration. Though ecologically debated, it sustains tribal livelihoods and biodiversity when practiced traditionally.
The 'Digital Craftsman' program, launched in 2024, trains traditional artisans in e-commerce, digital marketing, and online storytelling to expand market access.
- True
- False
Answer: True
Digital Craftsman (Ministry of Textiles, 2024) provides artisans with smartphones, digital literacy, and platform access (Amazon Karigar, GeM). Aims to bridge rural-urban market gaps and enhance craft livelihoods.
The 'Hornbill Festival' showcases the cultural heritage of _____ tribes in Nagaland.
- Naga
- Mizo
- Garo
- Khasi
Answer: Naga
Hornbill Festival (December 1-10) brings together Naga tribes (Angami, Ao, Sema, etc.) to celebrate music, dance, crafts, and indigenous games. Promotes inter-tribal harmony and cultural tourism in Nagaland.
Which coastal UNESCO site is prioritized in 2025 for climate resilience measures due to sea-level rise threats?
- Elephanta Caves
- Khajuraho Temples
- Hampi Monuments
- Konark Sun Temple
Answer: Elephanta Caves
Elephanta Caves (Mumbai Harbor) face erosion and salinity damage from rising sea levels. 2025 conservation plan includes seawalls, drainage systems, and digital documentation to safeguard rock-cut sculptures.
Both Diwali and Durga Puja celebrate the victory of good over evil, but Diwali commemorates Rama's return to Ayodhya while Durga Puja honors Durga's victory over Mahishasura.
- True
- False
Answer: True
Diwali (North India) marks Rama's return after defeating Ravana; Durga Puja (East India) celebrates Durga slaying Mahishasura. Both use lights, community feasts, and cultural performances to symbolize light over darkness.
In 2025, the Ministry of Culture announced the '_____ Award' to recognize outstanding contributions to preserving endangered languages of India.
- Bhasha Suraksha
- Vani Samman
- Lok Bhasha
- Shabda Ratna
Answer: Bhasha Suraksha
Bhasha Suraksha Award (2025) honors individuals/organizations documenting and revitalizing endangered Indian languages. Includes grants for dictionaries, oral history archives, and community language programs.
The 'Accessible Heritage' guidelines, issued in 2024, mandate ramps, tactile paths, and sign language interpreters at all ASI-protected monuments.
- True
- False
Answer: True
Accessible Heritage Guidelines (2024) ensure inclusive access to monuments for persons with disabilities. Includes physical infrastructure, sensory aids, and trained staff. Aligns with Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016.
Which initiative, launched in 2025, encourages school students to document local folk traditions through digital storytelling projects?
- Yuva Sanskriti
- Heritage Hunters
- Lok Katha
- Culture Connect
Answer: Heritage Hunters
Heritage Hunters (2025) trains students to record oral histories, photograph crafts, and create short films on local traditions. Fosters cultural awareness, digital skills, and community engagement among youth.
The 'Meenakshi Temple' in Madurai, dedicated to Goddess Meenakshi and Lord Sundareshwarar, exemplifies _____ temple architecture.
- Dravida
- Nagara
- Vesara
- Kalinga
Answer: Dravida
Meenakshi Temple (Madurai, Tamil Nadu) is a masterpiece of Dravida architecture: pyramidical vimanas, ornate gopurams, and thousand-pillared hall. Continuously expanded since 12th century, it remains a living temple.
Which ancient Indian text describes planetary motions, eclipses, and timekeeping methods, influencing later astronomical traditions?
- Surya Siddhanta
- Arthashastra
- Charaka Samhita
- Brihat Samhita
Answer: Surya Siddhanta
Surya Siddhanta (c. 4th-5th century CE) is a foundational Sanskrit astronomical text detailing planetary orbits, eclipses, trigonometry, and cosmology. Translated into Arabic and Persian, it influenced global astronomy.
The 'National Cultural Data Repository', launched in 2024, aggregates metadata on monuments, artifacts, performances, and artists from multiple ministries.
- True
- False
Answer: True
National Cultural Data Repository (2024) integrates databases from ASI, Sangeet Natak Akademi, Lalit Kala Akademi, etc. Enables cross-ministerial planning, research access, and evidence-based cultural policy formulation.
In 2025, India and UNESCO jointly launched the '_____ Project' to document and safeguard 50 endangered intangible cultural heritage elements across Asia.
- Safeguarding Asia
- Heritage Voices
- Living Traditions
- Cultural Roots
Answer: Living Traditions
Living Traditions Project (2025) documents endangered practices: oral epics, ritual arts, craft techniques. Uses community-led digital archiving and intergenerational transmission programs to ensure cultural continuity.
Which eco-friendly technique is being piloted in 2025 to conserve stone monuments using bio-consolidants derived from bacteria?
- Microbial Induced Calcite Precipitation
- Nanoparticle coating
- Laser cleaning
- Polymer sealing
Answer: Microbial Induced Calcite Precipitation
MICP (2025 pilot) uses bacteria to precipitate calcium carbonate, strengthening weathered stone without chemicals. Tested at Qutub Minar and Khajuraho, it offers sustainable alternative to synthetic consolidants.
The 'Sanchi Stupa', commissioned by Emperor Ashoka, is one of the oldest _____ structures in India.
- stone
- brick
- wood
- terracotta
Answer: stone
Great Stupa at Sanchi (Madhya Pradesh, 3rd century BCE) is among India's oldest stone structures. Originally brick, Ashoka encased it in stone. Features toranas (gateways) with exquisite Buddhist narrative reliefs.
The 'Culture Startup India' initiative, launched in 2024, provides seed funding and mentorship to entrepreneurs innovating in heritage tech, craft e-commerce, and cultural tourism.
- True
- False
Answer: True
Culture Startup India (2024) supports startups developing AR/VR heritage experiences, artisan marketplaces, and sustainable cultural tourism. Part of Startup India's sector-specific verticals to boost creative economy.
Which festive dish, prepared during Onam in Kerala, is a grand vegetarian feast served on banana leaves with 24+ items?
- Sadya
- Bisi Bele Bath
- Pongal
- Thali
Answer: Sadya
Sadya is Onam's traditional feast: rice served with avial, olan, thoran, pickles, and multiple payasams on plantain leaves. Reflects Kerala's culinary heritage, hospitality, and Ayurvedic principles of balanced nutrition.
Which technology is used in the 'Virtual Hampi' project to create immersive 3D reconstructions of Vijayanagara ruins?
- Photogrammetry
- Blockchain
- Quantum computing
- Neural networks
Answer: Photogrammetry
Virtual Hampi (2025) uses photogrammetry (3D modeling from photographs) and LiDAR scanning to digitally reconstruct monuments. Enables virtual tours, conservation planning, and educational access to UNESCO-listed Hampi.