11. Which city in Uttar Pradesh has been officially nominated for inclusion in UNESCO’s Creative Cities Network (UCCN) as a City of Gastronomy?
[A] Lucknow
[B] Varanasi
[C] Ayodhya
[D] Meerut
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Lucknow]
Notes:
Lucknow, the cultural capital of Uttar Pradesh, is famous for its architecture, poetry, etiquette, and especially its culinary heritage. The city’s rich food culture is now gaining global attention with its nomination for UNESCO’s Creative Cities Network (UCCN) under the Gastronomy category. If selected, Lucknow will become only the second Indian city after Hyderabad to be honored in the gastronomy field.
12. Which ministry hosted the 5th Stakeholder Consultation on AI Readiness Assessment Methodology (AI RAM) with UNESCO?
[A] Ministry of Commerce and Industry
[B] Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology
[C] Ministry of External Affairs
[D] Ministry of Finance
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology ]
Notes:
Recently, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) hosted the 5th Stakeholder Consultation on Artificial Intelligence Readiness Assessment Methodology (AI RAM) in India. AI RAM stands for Artificial Intelligence Readiness Assessment Methodology. It is a framework to measure how prepared India is for adopting and using Artificial Intelligence (AI). RAM, or Readiness Assessment Methodology, uses both numbers and expert opinions to evaluate the strength of a country’s AI ecosystem. It works as a diagnostic tool to improve laws, policies, and institutions supporting AI development.
13. Which UNESCO World Heritage Site served as the capital and center of the Vijayanagara Empire?
[A] Mysore Palace
[B] Badami Caves
[C] Belur
[D] Hampi
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Hampi]
Notes:
Hampi, located in Karnataka, was the capital of the Vijayanagara Empire and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its medieval ruins and architecture.
14. Which temple in Andhra Pradesh was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2021?
[A] Ramappa Temple
[B] Lepakshi Temple
[C] Simhachalam Temple
[D] Kanaka Durga Temple
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Ramappa Temple]
Notes:
Ramappa Temple, noted for its intricate Kakatiya-era sculptures, was recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site in 2021.
15. Who was responsible for recording the Anthology of Indian Classical Music for UNESCO between 1950 and 1955?
[A] Ravi Shankar
[B] Alain Daniélou
[C] Zakir Hussain
[D] Ali Akbar Khan
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Alain Daniélou]
Notes:
Alain Daniélou recorded the anthology for UNESCO during 1950-55, featuring prominent Indian classical musicians.
16. Which organization is advocating for UNESCO World Heritage status for the Bavikonda Buddhist Complex and nearby sites in Andhra Pradesh?
[A] Archaeological Survey of India (ASI)
[B] Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH)
[C] Andhra Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation (APTDC)
[D] Ministry of Culture, Government of India
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH)]
Notes:
INTACH is urging UNESCO heritage status for Bavikonda and nearby Buddhist sites to ensure protection and promote local employment.
17. Consider the following statements regarding the yak and its role in the Hindu Kush Himalaya (HKH) region:
- Yaks are native to both the terai and mountain regions of Nepal and play a vital role in agriculture and transport.
- Yak herding traditions in the Nepal Himalayas are predominantly maintained by indigenous communities such as the Sherpa and Tamang.
- The system of transhumance associated with yak herding has been recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage.
Which of the above statements is / are correct?
[A] 1 and 2 only
[B] 2 and 3 only
[C] 1 and 3 only
[D] 1, 2 and 3
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [1, 2 and 3]
Notes:- Yaks indeed are vital to both the terai and mountain regions of Nepal for agriculture and transport. They provide meat, milk, fibre, manure, and draught power.
- The Sherpa, Tamang, Thakali, Rai, and Limbu communities predominantly maintain yak herding traditions in the Nepal Himalayas.
- The system of transhumance associated with yak herding has been acknowledged by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage.
Therefore, all three statements are correct.
18. With reference to UNESCO’s Memory of the World Register, consider the following statements:
- It aims to preserve documentary heritage of outstanding universal value.
- The Shrimad Bhagavad Gita and Natyashastra are the first Indian entries in this register.
- The Register includes both religious texts and secular manuscripts.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
[A] Only 1 and 2
[B] Only 1 and 3
[C] Only 2 and 3
[D] All are correct
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Only 1 and 3]
Notes:
Statement 2 is incorrect. While the Shrimad Bhagavad Gita and the Natyashastra are indeed part of the UNESCO World Register, they are not the first Indian entries. Prior Indian entries include the Rigveda manuscripts and the Archives of the Dutch East India Company.
19. Cradle of Humankind, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is located in which country?
[A] South Africa
[B] Chile
[C] France
[D] Indonesia
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [South Africa]
Notes:
The Cradle of Humankind in South Africa has reopened to the public after being closed for three years due to flooding. It is a United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) World Heritage Site known for its underground limestone caves. It is located near Johannesburg, South Africa. It includes several significant sites such as Sterkfontein, Swartkrans, Kromdraai, and Taung Skull Fossil Site. The site provides critical scientific insight into human evolution, dating back over 3.5 million years.
20. Which two classical Indian texts were recently inscribed in UNESCO’s Memory of the World Register in April 2025?
[A] Vedas and Ramayana
[B] Arthashastra and Manusmriti
[C] Mahabharata and Upanishads
[D] Shrimad Bhagavad Gita and Natyashastra
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Shrimad Bhagavad Gita and Natyashastra]
Notes:
The classical Indian texts Natyashastra by Bharat Muni and Shrimad Bhagavad Gita have been added to the Memory of the World Register by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO). This announcement was made by Union Minister for Culture Gajendra Singh Shekhawat on 18 April 2025. With this, India now has a total of 14 inscriptions in the UNESCO Memory of the World Register. UNESCO’s Executive Board met in Paris, France, on 17 April 2025 and approved 74 new entries. These 74 documentaries come from 72 countries and four international organisations. The new entries include topics like the scientific revolution, women’s historical contributions, and global cooperation.
