C. a Prelims 2015 CULTURE_by_Simita Siri

7/25/2019 C. a Prelims 2015 CULTURE_by_Simita Siri

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[ Smita Sir i ] Page 1

Current Affairs--Prelims-2015

CULTURE

1.Project Mausam by Ministry of Culture

Project Mausamis a Ministry of Culture project to be implemented by Indira Gandhi

National Centre for the Arts(IGNCA), New Delhi as the nodal coordinating agency with

support of Archeological Survey of India and National Museumas associate bodies.

Project Launch

The unique idea of this project to showcase a Transnational Mixed Route(including Natural

and Cultural Heritage) on the World Heritage List has been well appreciated during the Project

Launch by India at the 38th World Heritage Session at Doha,Qatar on 20th June, 2014. The

Director General UNESCO appreciated Indias initiative in launching this unique project andambassadors of several countries including China, UAE, Qatar, Iran, Myanmar, and Vietnam

expressed great interest in this multifaceted cultural project.

About the Project

Focusing on monsoon patterns, cultural routes and maritime landscapes, Project Mausam is

examining key processes and phenomena that link different parts of the Indian Ocean littoral as

well as those that connect the coastal centres to their hinterlands. Broadly, Project Mausam

aims to understand how the knowledge and manipulation of the monsoon winds has shapedinteractions across the Indian Ocean and led to the spread of shared knowledge systems,

traditions, technologies and ideas along maritime routes. These exchanges were facilitated by

different coastal centres and their surrounding environs in their respective chronological andspatial contexts, and simultaneously had an effect on them.

The endeavour of Project Mausamis to position itself at two levels:

At the macro level, it aims to re-connect and re-establish communications betweencountries of the Indian Ocean world, which would lead to an enhanced understanding ofcultural values and concerns;

At the micro level, the focus is on understanding national cultures in their regional

maritime milieu.

The Project scope falls under several themes to be explored through various UNESCO Culture

Conventions to which the Government of India is a signatory with the Ministry of Culture and

ASI as nodal agency.


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2.PRASAD & HRIDAY Scheme

Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spirituality Augmentation Drive/PRASAD:

Features

12 cities have been included under the PRASAD scheme:

- Amaravati (Andhra Pradesh),

- Gaya(Bihar),- Dwaraka(Gujarat),

- Amritsar(Punjab),

- Ajmer(Rajasthan),

- Kanchipuram(Tamil Nadu),- Vellankani(Tamil Nadu),

- Puri(Odisha),

- Varanasi(Uttar Prasesh),- Mathura(Uttar Pradesh),- Kedarnath (Uttarakhand) and

- Kamakhya (Assam)

A Mission Directorate has been established to implement the PRASAD scheme in the Ministry

of Tourism

Budget provision of INR 15.60 crore has been made in Revised Estimates 2014-2015

PRASAD scheme aims to create spiritual centres for tourism development within the nation

The Heritage City Development and Augmentation Yojana (HRIDAY)

This scheme is focused on preserving and revitalising the unique character of heritage cities inIndia

12 cities have been identified by the Ministry of Urban Development in the firstphase:

- Amaravati(Andhra Pradesh);

- Gaya (Bihar);

- Dwarka (Gujarat),- Badami(Karnataka);

- Puri (Odisha),

- Amritsar (Punjab);- Ajmer(Rajasthan);


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- Kanchipuram (Tamil Nadu);

- Vellankani(Tamil Nadu);- Warangal (Telangana);

- Varanasi (Uttar Pradesh); and

- Mathura (Uttar Pradesh).

Rich heritage and cultural history are the basis on which these cities have been selected.

Around INR 453.90 crore has been allocated under the HRIDAY scheme for implementation as

well as development works

HRIDAY aims to bring together the following elements:

- Urban Planning

- Economic Growth

- Heritage Conservation

Focus of HRIDAY is on:

- Cleanliness

- Livelihood- Skills

- Safety

- Security

- Accessibility- Faster Service Delivery

Heritage cities will become growth engines under the scheme

It will improve the quality of life of locals as well

New technologies will be added such as Wi-FI and CCTV surveillance

There will also be a provision for heritage walks

Facts and Stats

Objectives of HRIDAY are heritage conservation, beautification, cleanliness, safety,

accessibility and service delivery

The duration of the scheme is 3 years starting from December 2014

Funding is around INR 500 crore

Under HRIDAY, each city will prepare the heritage management plan outlining heritage


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resources and develop policies for guiding conservation, restoration, future use and development

Facilities for women and senior citizens, accessibility and last mile connectivity, conservation

of areas and documentation of heritage sites are some of the focus areas of HRIDAY and

PRASAD

3.National Culture Fund (NCF)

Conservation and promotion of Cul ture through National Cultu re Fund

The Union Minister of State for Culture recently said that a large number of projects, both in the

form of tangible projects like restoration, conservation of old ASI monuments, provision of

Tourist Amenities at the historical sites; and intangible projects like capacity building of artisans,

training programmes, books publications , cultural events , etc. have been undertaken through theNational Culture Fund (NCF) of Ministry of Culture.

National Culture Fund (NCF):

The National Culture Fund was established by the Government of India (Ministry of Culture) as

trust under the Charitable Endowments Act, 1890, in 1996.

The contributions to NCF are made by the corporate houses to undertake development ofTangible & Intangible heritage on a project mode basis.

NCF already has such partnerships with some Corporates like NTPC, ONGC,SAIL ,

HUDCO , REC , Apeejay Group etc. who have provided funds for such heritage projects.

NCFs primary mandate is to establish & nurture Public Private Partnerships in the field

of heritage and mobilize resources for the restoration, conservation, protection and

development of Indias rich, natural , tangible and intangible heritage

NCF accepts private institutions and individuals as equal partners of the government inthe management of the cultural heritage of India.

It enables the government to mobilize extra budgetary resources by allowing direct

contributions to the NCF account maintained outside the Consolidated Fund of India. All

contributions to NCF are given 100% tax exemption under Section 80 G (2) of theIncome Tax Act of 1961.

The NCF is accountable to each donor in respect of funds donated. The funds can be

donated either in Indian currency or any foreign convertible currency.

For further reference:http://ncf.nic.in/ncf_monuments/NCF_Introduction.pdf.
http://ncf.nic.in/ncf_monuments/NCF_Introduction.pdfhttp://ncf.nic.in/ncf_monuments/NCF_Introduction.pdfhttp://ncf.nic.in/ncf_monuments/NCF_Introduction.pdfhttp://ncf.nic.in/ncf_monuments/NCF_Introduction.pdf


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4.Adarsh Smarak Yojana

What is Adarsh Smarak Yojana?

1. The Ministry of Culture has chosen Hampi and 24 other monuments in the country to be grantedAdarsha Smaraks tag.

2. This tag is awarded to the monuments which have highest number of tourists visiting. ASI will

provide amenities of international standards.3. Virupaksha Temple @ Pattadkal in Karnataka is a temple of Lord Shiva which will be covered in

the scheme.

4. Krishnadevaraya, one of the famous kings of the Vijayanagara Empire was a major patron of thistemple.

Sun Templeat Konark, Odhisa has been the coveted with Adarsh Monument tagby the

Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).

Along with Sun Temple, three other monuments of eastern India were given Adarsh Monument tag.They are

Hazarduari Palace in Murshidabad district of West Bengal.

Vaishali-Kolhua in Bihar.

Rang Ghar in Sibsagar (Sivasagar) district of Assam.

At present, 25 out of 3,680 protected monuments in India have been selected under the Adarsh

Smarak Yojana.

It includes monuments like Taj Mahal, Khajuraho, Qutab Minarand Red Fortwhichhave highest number of tourists visiting them.

By awarding this monument Adarsh Monument tag, Central government gives them

special attention in order to boost international tourism.

Under Adarsh Smarak Yojana, ASI provides amenities of international standards likewashrooms, drinking water, signs, cafeteria, audiovisual centres, Wi-Fi connectivity,

interpretation centres and encroachment-free areas around these monuments.

Konark SunTemple: It is a 13th century temple of Odisha, built by Narasimhadeva I of the

Eastern Ganga Dynasty. It is also known as Black Pagoda. Its a World Heritage Site. It isconsidered as architectural marvel for which Odisha, best known worldwide.
http://www.civilsdaily.com/what-is-adarsh-smarak-yojana/#post-945http://www.civilsdaily.com/what-is-adarsh-smarak-yojana/#post-945http://www.civilsdaily.com/what-is-adarsh-smarak-yojana/#post-945http://www.civilsdaily.com/what-is-adarsh-smarak-yojana/#post-945


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5.Buddhist Circuit

3 Buddhist Circuits identified by the Ministry of Tourism

Three Buddhist Circuits have been identified by the Ministry of Tourism in the country to bedeveloped with the help of Central Government/State Government/Private Stake Holders. These

include the following:-

Circuit 1: The Dharmayatra or the Sacred Circuit

This will be a 5 to 7 days circuit and will include visits to Gaya (Bodhgaya),Varanasi (Sarnath), Kushinagar, Piparva (Kapilvastu) with a day trip to Lumbini

in Nepal.

Circuit 2: Extended Dharmayatra or Extended Sacred Circuit or Retracing BuddhasFootsteps

This will be a 10 to 15 day circuit and will include visits to Bodhgaya (Nalanda,

Rajgir, Barabar caves, Pragbodhi Hill, Gaya), Patna (Vaishali, Lauriya

Nandangarh, Lauriya Areraj, Kesariya, Patna Museum), Varanasi (Sarnath),

Kushinagar, Piparva (Kapilvastu, Shravasti, Sankisa) with a day trip to Lumbiniin Nepal

Circuit 3: Buddhist Heritage Trails (State Circuits)

i. Jammu and Kashmir - Ladakh, Srinagar (Harwan, Parihaspora) and Jammu(Ambaran).

ii. Himachal Pradesh - Dharamshala, Spiti, Kinnaur and Lahaul.iii. Punjab - Sanghon.

iv. HaryanaJind (Assan), Yamunanagar(Sugh).

v. Maharashtra -Aurangabad (Ajanta, Ellora, Pithalkora Caves), Pune (Karla Caves),Mumbai (Kanheri Caves), Pune (Bhaja Caves) and Nashik (Pandavleni Caves).

vi. Andhra Pradesh - Amravati, Nagarjunakonda, Vizag (Borra Caves, Salihundum

Caves).vii. Madhya Pradesh - Sanchi, Satdhara, Andher, Sonari, Murulkurd.

viii. Odisha (Dhauli, Ratnagiri, Lalitgiri, Udaygiri, Langudi, Khandagiri).

ix. ChhattisgarhSirpur.x. West Bengal - Kolkata (Indian Museum)xi. Sikkim - Rumtek, Enchay and other Monasteries.

xii. Arunachal PradeshTawang and Bomdila.

This information was given by the Union Minister of State for Culture (Independent Charge),

Tourism (Independent Charge), & Civil Aviation, Dr. Mahesh Sharma


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6.Swadesh Darshan and Prasad Scheme

The Ministry of Tourism has launched two new schemes in the last financial year:

Swadesh Darshanfor Integrated Development of Tourist Circuits aroundSpecific Themes.

National Mission on Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual AugmentationDrive (PRASAD)to beautify and improve the amenities and infrastructure at

pilgrimage centres of all faiths.

Under Swadesh Darshan, the following five circuits have been identified for

development:-

North East CircuitBuddhist Circuit

Himalayan CircuitCoastal Circuit

Krishna Circuit

Under PRASAD,initially twelve citieshave been identified namely

1. Ajmer,2. Amritsar,

3. Amravati,

4. Dwarka,

5. Gaya,6. Kedarnath,

7.

Kamakhaya,8.

Kanchipuram,9. Mathura,

10.Puri,

11.Varanasi and

12.Velankanni.

A budget provision of Rs.600.00 crore and Rs.100.00 crore is available for Swadesh

Darshan & PRASAD respectively for the year 2015-16.

The details of projects sanctioned under these new schemes are given below:


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((Rs. in Crore)

Projects sanctioned under Swadesh Darshan

Sl.

No.Name of the

CircuitName of the Project Amt.

SanctionAmount

Released

1. North-East

Circuit

Bhalukpong Bomdila-Tawang

in Arunachal Pradesh

50.00 10.00

2. Buddhist Circuit Cultural Centre, Bodhgaya 33.17 6.63

3. Coastal Circuit Kakinada Hope Island-

Konaseema as World Coastal

& Eco Tourism Circuit (PhaseI ) in Andhra Pradesh

69.83 3.37

(Rs. in Crore)

Projects sanctioned under PRASAD

Sl.

No.Name of the

CityName of the Project Amt.

SanctionAmount

Released

1. Gaya Development of Basic Facilities atVishnupad Temple, Gaya, Bihar.

4.29 0.86

2. Puri Infrastructure Development at Puri. 50.00 10.00

3. Mathura Development of Mathura

Vrindavan.

14.93 2.99

4. Mathura Mathura Tourist Facilitation Center 9.35 1.75

This information was given by the Minister of State for Tourism (Independent Charge),

Culture (Independent Charge) and Civil Aviation, Dr Mahesh Sharma


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Clay toys found in rakhigarhi

The excavated grave had terracotta pots as funerary

objects arranged placed around the head of the deceased, which suggest a believe in life

after death.

Mud pots found in Rakhigarhi

One of the skeletons found from Rakhigarhi is displayed in the

National Museum, New Delhi.


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8.International Yoga Day


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9.Gandhi Peace Prize for 2014

ISRO won Gandhi Peace Prize 2014

India's space agency -- Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has been selected for the

Gandhi Peace Prize for the year 2014.

The award was selected by the jury under the chairmanship of the Prime MinisterNarendra Modi.

The Indian space agency successfully launched Mars Orbiter Mission (MOM) and at a

very cost effective price of 450 crore rupees.

The launch makes India the first Asian country to enter the Martian sphere of influence.

The Gandhi Peace Prize was instituted in 1995. It is given to individual or organisation

for making social, economic and political transformation through non-violence means.
http://www.currentaffairsonline.in/news.php?id=4239&news=ISRO%20won%20Gandhi%20Peace%20Prize%202014http://www.currentaffairsonline.in/news.php?id=4239&news=ISRO%20won%20Gandhi%20Peace%20Prize%202014


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10.The First National Tribal FestivalVANAJ-2015


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C. a Prelims 2015 CULTURE_by_Simita Siri