Daily UPSC Prelims Current Affairs – January 21, 2023 [Mock Test]
January 31, 2023 January 31, 2023
1. Which of the following statements is/are correct about ‘Yakshagana’ performing art?
- It is performed in open-air theatres
- Only chande (drums) musical instrument is used
- A headdress ‘pagade’ is used to perform it
Choose the correct answer using the codes given below:
[A] Only 2
[B] Only 1 & 3
[C] Only 2 & 3
[D] 1, 2 & 3
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Only 1 & 3]
Notes:- Yakshagana is a traditional folk-dance form popular in coastal Karnataka districts and some parts of Kerala. It is considered that Yakshagana has originated as a product of the Vaishnava bhakti movement.
- Yakshagana literally means, “song” of the yaksha (demi-gods/spirits).
- There are several popular troupes (known as Melas) performing Yakshagana throughout the year. Some leading melas include: Saligrama mela, Dharmasthala Mela, Mandarthi Mela, Perduru Mela. The mela or troupe consists of two main parts: Mummela (foreground actors) and Himmela (singers and instrumentalists in the background).
- Yakshagana is performed in open-air theatres.
- It is usually performed in the village paddy fields after the winter crop has been harvested.
- Each performance typically focuses on a small sub-story (known as ‘Prasanga’) from ancient Hindu epics of Ramayana or Mahabharata.
- Musical instruments used in Yakshagana include Chande (drums), Harmonium, Maddale, Taala (mini metal clappers) and Flute among others.
- Costumes used in Yakshagana are unique and elaborate. Large size headgear, coloured faces, elaborate costumes all over the body and musical beads on the legs (Gejje).
- ‘Pagade’ of Yakshagana is a headdress or kirita.
2. Consider the following statements:
- The G20 was founded as a forum for the External Affairs Ministers to discuss global terrorism.
- The Startup20 Engagement Group will be established under India’s G20 Presidency for the first time.
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: B [Only 2]
Notes:- The G20 was founded in 1999 after the Asian financial crisis as a forum for the Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors to discuss global economic and financial issues. It was upgraded to the level of Heads of State/Government in the wake of the global economic and financial crisis of 2007, and, in 2009, was designated the “premier forum for international economic cooperation”.
- The G20 consists of two parallel tracks: the Finance Track and the Sherpa Track.
- In addition, there are Engagement Groups which bring together civil societies, parliamentarians, think tanks, women, youth, labour, businesses and researchers of the G20 countries.
- The Startup20 Engagement Group will be established under India’s G20 Presidency for the first time, recognising the role of startups in driving innovation that responds to a rapidly changing global scenario.
3. With respect to India’s G20 Presidency, consider the following statements:
- India has invited Bangladesh, France, Spain, Netherlands as guest countries.
- The theme for India’s G20 Presidency is “One Earth · One Family · One Future”.
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: B [Only 2]
Notes:- The theme of India’s G20 Presidency – “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” or “One Earth · One Family · One Future” – is drawn from the ancient Sanskrit text of the Maha Upanishad.
- India’s special invitee guest countries areBangladesh, Egypt, Mauritius, Netherlands, Nigeria, Oman, Singapore, Spain and UAE.
- G-20’s invited international organisations are UN, IMF, World Bank, WHO, WTO, ILO, FSB, OECD, AU Chair, NEPAD Chair, ASEAN Chair, ADB, ISA and CDRI.
