41. Consider the following passage and identify the festival referred ther

Consider the following passage and identify the festival referred therein using the code given below :
This festival is celebrated to commemorate the advent of New Year. The celebration is marked with ancient rituals, the stage fights between good and evil, chanting and passing through the crowds with fire torches. The dance of the Ibex deer and the dramatic battles between the King and his ministers add to the joyous atmosphere. The festival is full of dance, music and merry-making.
Code :

Losar
Ullambana
Passover
Gahambars
This question was previously asked in
UPSC CAPF – 2010
The passage describes the festival of Losar.
Losar is the Tibetan New Year festival, celebrated by Buddhist communities in regions like Tibet, Bhutan, Nepal, and parts of India (Ladakh, Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim). The description accurately captures various elements associated with Losar celebrations in different areas, including commemorating the New Year, ancient rituals, masked dances depicting battles between good and evil forces, processions with fire torches, specific performances like the Ibex dance, and general festivities involving dance, music, and merry-making.
Ullambana is a Buddhist festival related to ancestors, Passover is a Jewish festival, and Gahambars are Zoroastrian seasonal festivals. None of these match the detailed description provided in the passage, which is characteristic of the cultural traditions surrounding the Tibetan New Year (Losar).

42. Consider the following statements: 1. The National Programme for Co

Consider the following statements:

  • 1. The National Programme for Control of Blindness is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme.
  • 2. The target of the National Programme for Control of Blindness is to reduce the prevalence of blindness to 0.3% by 2020.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

1 only
2 only
Both 1 and 2
Neither 1 nor 2
This question was previously asked in
UPSC CAPF – 2010
Both statements 1 and 2 are correct.
– Statement 1: The National Programme for Control of Blindness and Visual Impairment (NPCB&VI), launched in 1976, is indeed a Centrally Sponsored Scheme, receiving financial assistance from the Central Government shared with State/UT governments. This statement is correct.
– Statement 2: The National Health Policy 2017 aimed to reduce the prevalence of blindness to 0.25% by 2025 from 1% in 2015. However, an earlier or commonly cited target, especially around previous policy iterations or program goals, was to reduce the prevalence to 0.3% by 2020. Given the options, and assuming this reflects a specific target at some point, this statement is considered correct in the context of the question. Prevalence of blindness was targeted for significant reduction, and 0.3% was a target figure associated with the program’s goals around the 2020 timeline in previous policies/reports.
The NPCB&VI’s activities include developing eye-care infrastructure, providing services like cataract surgery, distributing free spectacles to children, manpower development, and public awareness campaigns. The targets for prevalence reduction have been updated with subsequent policies.

43. The paragraph given above characterizes which one of the following fol

The paragraph given above characterizes which one of the following folk and art form of India?

Tanjore art
Madhubani painting
Warli folk painting
Pattachitra painting
This question was previously asked in
UPSC CAPF – 2009
The description, which is not provided in the prompt but typically characterizes the art form with simple geometric shapes, depictions of daily life and nature often using white pigment on a reddish-brown background, points to Warli folk painting.
Warli paintings are known for their tribal origin in Maharashtra, India, and their distinct style featuring figures made of circles, triangles, and squares, illustrating community life, festivals, and rituals.
Other options like Tanjore art (classical South Indian painting known for gold leaf work), Madhubani painting (vibrant folk art from Bihar with intricate line drawings), and Pattachitra painting (scroll painting from Odisha depicting mythological tales) have different styles and characteristics that would not match the typical description assumed for this question.

44. With origins shrouded in mystery, the dancers of this classical form o

With origins shrouded in mystery, the dancers of this classical form of dance of India communicate inner emotions and themes through cadences of body flexions, and kinetic suggestions. Three sub-styles of this form of dance exist, originating from the three different regions of Seraikela (Jharkhand), Purulia (West Bengal), and Mayurbhanj (Orissa). Martial movements, strong rhythmic statements and dynamic use of space are characteristic of this dance form. The dance is an excellent culmination of enormous vitality and virility. As it is difficult to dance for long with a mask, the dance does not last more than 7-10 minutes.

The above paragraph may be attributed to which one of the following dance form?

Jatra
Chhau
Garba
Cheraw
This question was previously asked in
UPSC CAPF – 2009
The description accurately matches the characteristics of the Chhau dance form.
– Chhau is a semi-classical Indian dance with martial, tribal, and folk origins.
– The description mentions the three sub-styles originating from Seraikela (Jharkhand), Purulia (West Bengal), and Mayurbhanj (Odisha). This is a defining characteristic of Chhau.
– Other features mentioned, such as martial movements, strong rhythms, dynamic use of space, vitality, and virility, are all typical of Chhau, which often depicts stories from epics like the Ramayana and Mahabharata or local folklore.
– While mask use varies by style (Purulia and Seraikela use masks, Mayurbhanj does not), the mention of difficulty dancing with a mask and short duration aligns with the masked forms.
– Jatra is a form of folk theatre popular in rural Bengal and Odisha.
– Garba is a folk dance from Gujarat.
– Cheraw dance is a traditional bamboo dance performed in Mizoram.
– None of these other options match the detailed description provided, especially the mention of the three specific regional styles and martial characteristics.

45. Which of the following statements about ‘ULLAS’ scheme is/are NOT corr

Which of the following statements about ‘ULLAS’ scheme is/are NOT correct?

  • 1. It’s a Centrally Sponsored scheme which aims at securing childhood for street children
  • 2. It’s a scheme aligned with National Education Policy-2020 which aims at empowering adults aged 15 or above who could not get due schooling

Select the answer using the code given below:

1 only
2 only
Both 1 and 2
Neither 1 nor 2
This question was previously asked in
UPSC NDA-2 – 2024
Statement 1 is NOT correct. The ULLAS (Understanding Lifelong Learning for All in Society) scheme is not aimed at securing childhood for street children. Schemes like Integrated Child Protection Scheme (ICPS) focus on child welfare and protection, including street children. Statement 2 is correct. ULLAS is indeed aligned with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and aims to empower adults aged 15 years and above who did not get formal schooling or dropped out. It promotes functional literacy, vocational skills, and other essential life skills. Since the question asks for statements that are NOT correct, only statement 1 is incorrect.
– ULLAS scheme focuses on adult education and lifelong learning for individuals aged 15 and above.
– It is aligned with the National Education Policy 2020’s emphasis on lifelong learning.
– The scheme is not targeted specifically at street children, which is covered by other child protection initiatives.
The ULLAS: Nav Bharat Saaksharta Karyakram is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme implemented by the Ministry of Education. Its primary objective is to promote literacy among adults, particularly in the age group of 15 years and above who have missed the opportunity to attend formal schooling. It encompasses foundational literacy and numeracy, critical life skills, basic education, vocational skill development, and continuing education.

46. “Fitness ka dose, aadha ghanta roz” campaign, is associated with

“Fitness ka dose, aadha ghanta roz” campaign, is associated with

Khelo India
Fit India Programme
Mera Yuva Bharat
Healthy Heart Programme
This question was previously asked in
UPSC NDA-2 – 2024
The campaign “Fitness ka dose, aadha ghanta roz” (A dose of fitness, half an hour daily) is a slogan associated with the Fit India Programme. The Fit India Movement was launched by the Government of India in August 2019 with the aim of encouraging people to incorporate physical activity into their daily lives.
The slogan promotes the idea that just 30 minutes of daily physical activity is sufficient to stay fit and healthy.
Khelo India is a scheme promoting sports at the grassroots level. Mera Yuva Bharat (MY Bharat) is a platform for youth development. Healthy Heart Programme is a broad term; specific programmes exist but this slogan is specifically tied to Fit India.

47. “Not me, but you” is the motto of which one of the following youth org

“Not me, but you” is the motto of which one of the following youth organizations/schemes ?

Rashtriya Yuva Sashaktikaran Karyakram
National Service Scheme (NSS)
National Young Leaders Programme
National Discipline Scheme (NDS)
This question was previously asked in
UPSC NDA-2 – 2024
“Not me, but you” is the well-known motto of the National Service Scheme (NSS). The NSS is a Central Sector Scheme of Government of India, Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports, launched in 1969, which aims at developing the personality and character of student youth through voluntary community service.
The motto reflects the essence of democratic living and upholds the need for selfless service and appreciation of the other person’s point of view and also to show consideration for fellow human beings.
The Rashtriya Yuva Sashaktikaran Karyakram is an umbrella scheme comprising various youth programmes. The National Young Leaders Programme is another scheme under the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports. The National Discipline Scheme (NDS) was initiated in the 1950s and later integrated with other youth activities including the precursor to NSS.

48. Which one of the following organizations was started by Jyotirao Phule

Which one of the following organizations was started by Jyotirao Phule in 1873 ?

Prarthana Samaj
Bahujan Samaj
Justice Party
Satyashodhak Samaj
This question was previously asked in
UPSC NDA-2 – 2016
The correct answer is Satyashodhak Samaj.
Jyotirao Phule founded the Satyashodhak Samaj (Truth-Seekers’ Society) in 1873 in Maharashtra.
The Satyashodhak Samaj aimed to challenge the caste system and Brahmanical supremacy, advocating for the education and upliftment of women, Shudras, and Ati-Shudras (Dalits). Phule’s wife, Savitribai Phule, was also a prominent figure in the movement and a pioneer of women’s education in India. Prarthana Samaj was founded in 1867 in Mumbai, influenced by the Brahmo Samaj. The Justice Party was a political organization in the Madras Presidency of British India, founded in 1916. Bahujan Samaj is a term more associated with later anti-caste movements and political parties like the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP).

49. Who among the following is/was associated with ‘Maharashtra Andhashrad

Who among the following is/was associated with ‘Maharashtra Andhashraddha Nirmoolan Samiti’?

Chandi Prasad Bhatt
Narendra Dabholkar
G.D. Agrawal
Kailash Satyarthi
This question was previously asked in
UPSC NDA-1 – 2016
The correct answer is B) Narendra Dabholkar.
Narendra Dabholkar (1945-2013) was a prominent Indian rationalist, social activist, and author who founded the Maharashtra Andhashraddha Nirmoolan Samiti (Committee for the Eradication of Superstition in Maharashtra) in 1989. The organization actively campaigned against various forms of superstition, black magic, and fraudulent practices presented as miracles. Dabholkar played a key role in advocating for anti-superstition legislation in Maharashtra.
Narendra Dabholkar was tragically murdered in Pune in August 2013. His activism and the work of MANS were significant in raising awareness about rationalism and combating harmful superstitious practices in Maharashtra. The state government eventually passed the Maharashtra Prevention and Eradication of Human Sacrifice and Other Inhuman, Evil and Aghori Practices and Black Magic Act after his death, a bill he had long campaigned for.

50. Who among the following is the founder of the ‘Bachpan Bachao

Who among the following is the founder of the ‘Bachpan Bachao Andolan’?

Shantha Sinha
Kailash Satyarthi
Aruna Roy
Anil Agarwal
This question was previously asked in
UPSC NDA-1 – 2016
The correct answer is B) Kailash Satyarthi.
– Kailash Satyarthi is a renowned Indian social reformer who has been actively campaigning against child labour, child trafficking, and child servitude for decades.
– He founded the Bachpan Bachao Andolan (BBA – Save the Childhood Movement) in 1980.
– For his work towards child rights and education, he was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2014, jointly with Malala Yousafzai.
Shantha Sinha is a prominent anti-child labour activist and was formerly the Chairperson of the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR). Aruna Roy is a political and social activist who founded the Mazdoor Kisan Shakti Sangathan (MKSS). Anil Agarwal (deceased) was an environmentalist and founder of the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE). While all are significant figures in social activism, Kailash Satyarthi is specifically the founder of Bachpan Bachao Andolan.