Daily UPSC Prelims Current – January 29-30, 2023 [Mock Test]
February 11, 2023 February 11, 2023
1. Consider the following statements about Bhoota Kola:
- It is an animistic ritual dance performance.
- Local folklore called ‘paddanas’ are recited during it.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
[A] Only 1
[B] Only 2
[C] Both 1 & 2
[D] Neither 1 nor 2
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Both 1 & 2]
Notes:- Bhoota Kola is an animistic ritual dance performance where local spirits or deities are worshipped.
- It is believed that a person performing the ritual has temporarily become a god himself.
- This performer is both feared and respected in the community and is believed to give answers to people’s problems, on behalf of the god.
- There are several ‘Bhootas’ who are worshipped in the Tulu-speaking belt of Dakshina Kannada, Uttara Kannada and Udupi districts.
- It is usually performed in small local communities and rural areas.
- The divine medium starts their traditional performances as the local folklore called ‘paddanas’ are recited.
2. With respect to the Foreign Contribution Regulation Fund (FCRA), consider the following statements:
- FCRA registration is not granted to individuals.
- Registration can be cancelled if it is necessary in the public interest to cancel the certificate.
- Orders of the government cannot be challenged.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
[A] Only 1
[B] Only 2
[C] Only 3
[D] 1, 2 & 3
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Only 2]
Notes:- Broadly, the Foreign Contribution Regulation Fund (FCRA) requires every person or NGO wishing to receive foreign donations to be registered under the Act. They are also required to file annual returns, and they must not transfer the funds to another NGO.
- The Act prohibits receipt of foreign funds by candidates for elections, journalists or newspaper and media broadcast companies, judges and government servants, members of legislature and political parties or their office-bearers, and organisations of a political nature.
- FCRA registrations are granted to individuals or associations that have definite cultural, economic, educational, religious, and social programmes.
- The MHA is required to approve or reject the application within 90 days — failing which it is expected to inform the NGO of the reasons for the same.
- Once granted, FCRA registration is valid for five years. NGOs are expected to apply for renewal within six months of the date of expiry of registration. In case of failure to apply for renewal, the registration is deemed to have expired.
- The government reserves the right to cancel the FCRA registration of any NGO if it finds it to be in violation of the Act. Registration can be cancelled for a range of reasons including, if “in the opinion of the Central Government, it is necessary in the public interest to cancel the certificate”.
- Once the registration of an NGO is cancelled, it is not eligible for re-registration for three years. All orders of the government can be challenged in the High Court.
3. Which of the following is/are correct about Homo neanderthalensis?
- They lived from 400,000 to 40,000 years ago across Europe and southwest and central Asia.
- They have large nose, strong double-arched brow ridge, they were relatively short and have stocky bodies.
- The type specimen, Neanderthal 1, was found in 1856 in the Neander Valley in present-day France.
Choose the correct answer using the codes given below:
[A] Only 1
[B] Only 3
[C] Only 1 & 2
[D] 1, 2 & 3
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Only 1 & 2]
Notes:- Homo neanderthalensis lived from 400,000 to 40,000 years ago across Europe and southwest and central Asia.
- They have large nose, strong double-arched brow ridge, they were relatively short and have stocky bodies
- Their brain size is at least 1200 cm3 to 1750 cm
- The type specimen, Neanderthal 1, was found in 1856 in the Neander Valley in present-day Germany.
