1. Consider the following statements regarding Hingoli district in Maharashtra:
- Hingoli is known for the Lonar Lake, a famous meteorite crater.
- The Aundha Nagnath temple, one of the twelve Jyotirlinga shrines, is located here.
- Siddheshwar Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is situated in the district.
- The Krishna river originates in Hingoli district.
Which of the above statements is / are correct?
[A] Only 2
[B] 1 and 2
[C] 1 and 4
[D] 2 and 3
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Only 2]
Notes:
The correct answer is only statement 2. Hingoli is home to Aundha Nagnath temple, one of India's twelve Jyotirlinga shrines. Lonar Lake is actually in Buldhana district; Siddheshwar Temple is not a UNESCO site nor in Hingoli; the Krishna river originates in Mahabaleshwar, not Hingoli. So, only statement 2 is correct.
2. Consider the following statements:
- Sindhudurg Fort was constructed by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in 1664.
- Sindhudurg Fort is inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
[A] Only 1
[B] Only 2
[C] Both 1 and 2
[D] Neither 1 nor 2
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Only 1]
Notes:- Statement 1 is correct. Sindhudurg Fort was built by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in 1664 to strengthen Maratha naval power.
- Statement 2 is incorrect. Although the fort is a significant historical site, it is not recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site as of June 2024.
Hence, only statement 1 is correct.
3. In which century was Lohagad Fort, an UNESCO World Heritage Site known for the Vinchu Kata structure, constructed?
[A] 17th century
[B] 18th century
[C] 16th century
[D] 19th century
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [18th century]
Notes:
Lohagad Fort, located in Maharashtra, was built in the 18th century. It is noted for its Vinchu Kata, resembling a scorpion’s tail. Though UNESCO World Heritage status as Hill Forts applies to Rajasthan, Lohagad is not one; it is historically linked to the Marathas.
4. In which city are the Elephanta Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, located?
[A] Pune
[B] Mumbai
[C] Aurangabad
[D] Nashik
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Mumbai]
Notes:
Elephanta Caves are on Elephanta Island near Mumbai, Maharashtra. Dating to the 5th-8th centuries, the caves are famous for rock-cut sculptures mainly of Lord Shiva, including the three-headed Trimurti. They were designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987.
5. Where is the Kaas Plateau, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its rich biodiversity, located in Maharashtra?
[A] Nashik
[B] Satara
[C] Pune
[D] Kolhapur
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Satara]
Notes:
Kaas Plateau is located in Satara district, Maharashtra. It is renowned for its seasonal wildflower bloom, diverse flora, and is recognized as a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site. The area also holds cultural significance due to ancient Marathi inscriptions.
6. The Elephanta Caves on Elephanta Island near Mumbai, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for rock-cut Shiva sculptures, date back to which century?
[A] 2nd century CE
[B] 10th century CE
[C] 5th to 8th centuries CE
[D] 12th century CE
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [5th to 8th centuries CE]
Notes:
The Elephanta Caves, located near Mumbai, Maharashtra, were constructed between the 5th and 8th centuries CE. They are renowned for rock-cut art and the iconic Trimurti sculpture of Shiva, reflecting advanced ancient Indian architecture and craftsmanship.
7. Which plateau in Maharashtra, recognized as a UNESCO Western Ghats World Natural Heritage Site, is famous for the mass blooming of Eriocaulon species?
[A] Pachgani Plateau
[B] Matheran Plateau
[C] Mahabaleshwar Plateau
[D] Kaas Plateau
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Kaas Plateau]
Notes:
Kaas Plateau, near Satara, Maharashtra, is a UNESCO-listed Western Ghats World Natural Heritage Site since 2012, home to over 850 flowering plant species and renowned for the mass blooming of Eriocaulon, especially during August-September.
8. Which UNESCO World Heritage Site is in South Mumbai?
[A] Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus
[B] Elephanta Caves
[C] Kaas Plateau
[D] Ajanta Caves
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus]
Notes:
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus, built in 1887, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in South Mumbai. It is an outstanding example of Victorian Gothic Revival architecture blended with Indian influences and functions as a major railway terminus. UNESCO designated it a World Heritage Site in 2004.
9. Which Madhya Pradesh UNESCO site has India’s oldest rock art?
[A] Khajuraho Group of Monuments
[B] Sanchi Stupa
[C] Bhimbetka Rock Shelters
[D] Bagh Caves
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Bhimbetka Rock Shelters]
Notes:
Bhimbetka Rock Shelters in Madhya Pradesh feature prehistoric rock art dating back to around 10,000 years ago. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Bhimbetka has paintings from Paleolithic to historic periods and evidence of very early human habitation in India.
10. Which country announced its withdrawal from UNESCO in July 2025?
[A] Germany
[B] France
[C] United States
[D] Canada
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [United States]
Notes:
The United States has recently decided to withdraw from the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The US cited reasons like alleged anti-Israel bias, UNESCO’s values being “out-of-step” with the “America First” foreign policy, and need for internal reforms. The withdrawal affects UNESCO’s budget, as the US is one of its major funders, putting education, culture, and heritage programs at risk. UNESCO was founded in 1945 to promote peace through global cooperation in education, science, culture, and communication.
