Culture, Heritage, Awards & Sports Diplomacy: UNESCO Maratha Landscapes, Sarnath 45th WHS, Padma Awards 2026 & Asian Games

Which ensemble of historical fortifications was inscribed as India's 44th UNESCO World Heritage Site?

Which fort situated in Tamil Nadu is included among the 12 constituent forts of the UNESCO World Heritage site 'Maratha Military Landscapes'?

Which revered Buddhist site in Uttar Pradesh was inscribed as India's 45th UNESCO World Heritage Site?

Who was conferred with the prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke Award at the 72nd National Film Awards?

In which city were the 2026 Asian Games held where India secured 4th position with a haul of 85 medals?

Which state emerged as the Overall Champion of the Khelo India Youth Games (KIYG) 2025 hosted in Bihar?

How many total Padma Awards (Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan, Padma Shri) were conferred by the President of India in 2026?

Given below are two statements, one labeled as Assertion (A) and the other as Reason (R): Assertion (A): The Sarnath Archaeological Ensemble in Uttar Pradesh was inscribed as India's 45th UNESCO World Heritage Site. Reason (R): Sarnath preserves the Dhamek Stupa and Lion Capital marking the seminal event where Gautama Buddha delivered his first sermon (Dharmachakrapravartana). In the context of the above statements, which one of the following is correct?

Consider the following statements regarding the 'Maratha Military Landscapes of India' inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site: 1. It comprises 12 constituent components located across Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu. 2. Both hill forts and coastal/island sea forts are represented in the nomination. 3. Gingee Fort was captured by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in 1677 during his southern campaign. Which of the statements given above are correct?

With reference to the Sarnath Archaeological Ensemble inscribed as the 45th World Heritage Site, consider the following statements: 1. It is the site of the first sermon of Gautama Buddha, celebrated as the Dharmachakrapravartana. 2. The Dhamek Stupa marks the exact spot of the Buddha's Mahaparinirvana. 3. The Lion Capital of Ashoka unearthed at Sarnath was adopted as the National Emblem of India. Which of the statements given above are correct?

Consider the following statements regarding the Padma Awards: 1. The awards are announced annually on the eve of Independence Day (15th August). 2. Bharat Ratna and Padma Vibhushan do not amount to titles under Article 18(1) of the Constitution. 3. The total number of awards conferred in a year (excluding posthumous awards and awards to foreigners) cannot exceed 120. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

With reference to the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS), consider the following statements: 1. It is implemented by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports through the Sports Authority of India (SAI). 2. Elite athletes under TOPS receive customized international coaching, physical rehabilitation, and a monthly out-of-pocket allowance. 3. The scheme strictly excludes para-athletes from financial or logistical sponsorship. Which of the statements given above are correct?

Consider the following pairs of coastal/island sea forts of the Marathas and their locations: 1. Sindhudurg Fort — Malvan, Maharashtra 2. Vijaydurg Fort — Devgad, Maharashtra 3. Khanderi Fort — Off the coast of Alibaug, Maharashtra How many of the above pairs are correctly matched?

Consider the following statements regarding the Dadasaheb Phalke Award: 1. It is India's highest award in the field of cinema, presented annually at the National Film Awards ceremony. 2. The award was instituted in 1969 to commemorate the 'Father of Indian Cinema', Dhundiraj Govind Phalke. 3. The first recipient of the Dadasaheb Phalke Award was Prithviraj Kapoor. Which of the statements given above are correct?

Match List-I (Cultural / Sporting Landmark) with List-II (Core Feature / Location): List-I: (a) 44th World Heritage Site (b) 45th World Heritage Site (c) 72nd National Film Awards Phalke (d) KIYG 2025 Champion List-II: 1. Sarnath (Uttar Pradesh) 2. Maratha Military Landscapes 3. Maharashtra (158 medals) 4. Anant Nag Select the correct code: (a) (b) (c) (d)