Daily UPSC Prelims Current Affairs – May 17, 2022 [Mock Test]
May 18, 2022 May 18, 2022
1. With reference to India, terms, Virakallu, Natukal, Viragallu pertain to which of the following?
[A] Painting discovered from mesolithic period
[B] Memorial stones
[C] Musical Instruments
[D] Festivals of South India
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Memorial stones]
Notes:- A hero stone (Virakallu in Kannada, Viragallu in Telugu, Naṭukal in Tamil) is a memorial commemorating the honorable death of a hero in battle. Erected between the second half of the first millennium BC and the 18th century AD, hero stones are found all over India.
- They often carry inscriptions and a variety of ornaments, including bas relief panels, frieze, and figures in carved stone.Usually, they are in the form of a stone monument and may have an inscription at the bottom with a narrative of the battle.
- The earliest and oldest of such memorial Hero stones is found in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu is more than 2400 years old that is 4th Century BC. The largest concentration of such memorial stones is found in the Indian state of Karnataka.
- A Sati stone, which is believed to be at least 300 years old was unearthed from Tirupur city, Tamil Nadu in 2021.
2. Arrange the following dynasties chronologically:
- Chalukyas
- Satavahanas
- Kanvas
- Sungas
Choose the correct answer using the codes given below:
[A] 2, 4, 3, 1
[B] 4, 2, 3, 1
[C] 4, 3, 2, 1
[D] 2, 3, 4, 1
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [4, 3, 2, 1]
Notes:- The Chalukyas ruled parts of Southern and Central India between the 6th century and the 12th The Chalukyas began their dynastic rule with Pulakesin I, who reigned from 543 CE to 566 CE. Pulakesin was the founder of the Badami Chalukya Dynasty.
- The Satavahanas, also referred to as the Andhras in the Puranas. Their rule began in the late second century BCE and lasted until the early third century CE. The Satavahana kingdom mainly comprised the present-day Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Maharashtra. At different times, their rule extended to parts of modern Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, and Karnataka. The dynasty had different capital cities at different times, including Pratishthana and Amaravati. Their first king, Simuka Satavahana overthrew the Kanva dynasty. The dynasty reached its zenith under the rule of Gautamiputra Satakarni and his successor Vasisthiputra Pulamavi.
- Kanva dynasty had a Brahmanic origin. The dynasty was named after the gotra of the ruler Kanva. The Kanva dynasty was founded by Vasudeva Kanva. It is believed that Vasudeva Kanva killed the Shunga ruler Devabhuti and established his own empire in 72 BCE.
- The Sunga Empire is a Magadha dynasty that controlled North-central and Eastern India as well as parts of the northwest (now Pakistan) from around 185 to 73 B.C.E. It was established after the fall of the Indian Mauryan empire. The capital of the Sungas was Pataliputra. It was established when the king Brhadrata, the last of the Mauryan rulers, was assassinated by the then commander-in-chief of the Mauryan armed forces, Pusyamitra Sunga.
3. With reference to the ‘New India Literacy Programme’, consider the following statements:
- It aims to impart foundational literacy and numeracy only.
- It is implemented for the period FYs 2022-2027.
- It will be implemented through volunteerism and online mode.
- It will cover non-literates of the age of 15 years and above in all state/UTs.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
[A] Only 1, 2 & 3
[B] Only 2, 3 & 4
[C] Only 2 & 3
[D] Only 1, 2 & 4
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Only 2, 3 & 4]
Notes:- Government approved a new scheme “New India Literacy Programme for the period FYs 2022-2027 tocover all the aspects of Adult Education to align with National Education Policy 2020 and Budget Announcements 2021-22. The National Education Policy 2020 has recommendations for Adult Education and Lifelong Learning.
- The objectives of the scheme are to impart not only foundational literacy and numeracy but also to cover other components which are necessary for a citizen of 21stcentury such as critical life skills; vocational skills development; basic education; and continuing education.
- The scheme will be implemented through volunteerism through online mode.
- The scheme will cover non-literates of the age of 15 years and above in all state/UTs in the country.
- Adult Education (प्रौढ़ शिक्षा) is now ‘Education for All’ in the country.
