Q1. Lokayan 26 is primarily aimed at:
- Conducting joint naval combat exercises
- Showcasing India’s maritime heritage and promoting global goodwill
- Testing advanced naval weapon systems
- Anti-piracy patrol operations in the Indian Ocean
Correct Option: 2. Showcasing India’s maritime heritage and promoting global goodwill
Explanation:
Lokayan 26 is a ten-month trans-oceanic voyage undertaken by the Indian Navy’s sail training ship INS Sudarshini. The primary objective is to highlight India’s rich maritime traditions and spread the message of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam (The World is One Family). It focuses on naval diplomacy, cultural outreach, and strengthening bilateral maritime ties rather than combat operations or weapons testing.
Q2. Which sail training ship of the Indian Navy is undertaking Lokayan 26?
- INS Tarangini
- INS Vikrant
- INS Sudarshini
- INS Shardul
Correct Option: 3. INS Sudarshini
Explanation:
Lokayan 26 is being conducted by INS Sudarshini, a three-masted barque of the Indian Navy. The vessel is specifically designed as a sail training ship and plays a key role in promoting India’s maritime heritage during international deployments. While INS Tarangini is also a sail training ship, it is not the vessel assigned for Lokayan 26.
Q3. Kuno National Park (KNP), is located in:
- Rajasthan
- Gujarat
- Madhya Pradesh
- Maharashtra
Correct Option: 3. Madhya Pradesh
Explanation:
Kuno National Park is located in Madhya Pradesh.
It is the site of India’s cheetah reintroduction programme under Project Cheetah.
Q4. The Sammakka–Saralamma Maha Jatara is primarily significant because it:
- Celebrates the victory of the Kakatiya rulers in medieval Telangana
- Is Asia’s largest congregation dedicated to Vedic temple rituals
- Commemorates the valour and sacrifice of tribal deities associated with the Koya community
- Is an annual harvest festival observed across South India
Correct Option: 3. Commemorates the valour and sacrifice of tribal deities associated with the Koya community
Explanation:
• Option 3 is correct because the festival honours Sammakka and Saralamma, forest goddesses revered by the Koya tribe. The Jatara commemorates their sacrifice and resistance against the Kakatiya dynasty.
•
Option 1 is incorrect because the legend states that Sammakka and her family fought against the Kakatiya rulers.
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Option 2 is incorrect since this is a tribal congregation, not a Vedic temple-based ritual gathering.
•
Option 4 is incorrect because the festival is biennial, not annual, and is not a general harvest festival.
Q5. With reference to the Sammakka–Saralamma Maha Jatara, consider the following statements:
- It is held in Medaram village inside the Eturnagaram Wildlife Sanctuary in Telangana.
- The festival begins on Magha Suddha Pournami, considered an auspicious full-moon day.
- Sammakka is ceremonially brought first, followed by Saralamma.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
- 1 and 2 only
- 2 and 3 only
- 1 and 3 only
- 1, 2 and 3
Correct Option: 1. 1 and 2 only
Explanation:
• Statement 1 is correct: The festival takes place in Medaram village within the Eturnagaram Wildlife Sanctuary in Mulugu district, Telangana.
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Statement 2 is correct: The rituals commence on Magha Suddha Pournami, an auspicious full-moon day.
•
Statement 3 is incorrect: The festivities begin with the arrival of Saralamma first, and the spiritual climax occurs later with the arrival of Sammakka.