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Hindi Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge

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Study Guide: The Hindi Language: History, Structure, and Status

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The Hindi Language: History, Structure, and Status Study Guide

Origins and Historical Development of Hindi

The term 'Hindi' originates from the Sanskrit word 'Hinduka', meaning 'land of the Indus'.

Answer: False

Explanation: The term 'Hindi' originates from the Classical Persian word *Hindī*, meaning 'of or belonging to *Hind* (India)'. The Sanskrit word 'Hinduka' is not the direct origin of the term 'Hindi'.

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Hindi evolved directly from Vedic Sanskrit without any intermediate stages like Prakrit or Apabhramsha.

Answer: False

Explanation: Hindi's linguistic lineage traces from Vedic Sanskrit through intermediate stages, specifically Shauraseni Prakrit and subsequently Śauraseni Apabhraṃśa, before developing into Old Hindi and then the modern Hindustani language.

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Modern Hindi emerged as a distinct literary language in the 18th century.

Answer: False

Explanation: The emergence of Modern Hindi as a distinct literary language is generally placed in the 19th century, not the 18th century.

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John Gilchrist was a prominent figure in the study of Hindustani, authoring key linguistic works.

Answer: True

Explanation: John Gilchrist is recognized for his significant contributions to the study of the Hindustani language, including the authorship of important linguistic works.

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Hindi belongs to the Dravidian language family, native to southern India.

Answer: False

Explanation: Hindi belongs to the Indo-Aryan branch of the Indo-European language family, not the Dravidian language family. It is primarily associated with northern India.

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The term 'Hindi' originates from a Classical Persian word meaning 'of or belonging to India'. What is this word?

Answer: Hindī

Explanation: The term 'Hindi' derives from the Classical Persian word *Hindī*, which signifies 'of or belonging to India'.

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Which historical Prakrit is considered a direct ancestor of Hindi, evolving from Vedic Sanskrit?

Answer: Shauraseni Prakrit

Explanation: Shauraseni Prakrit is considered a direct ancestor of Hindi, having evolved from Vedic Sanskrit and subsequently developing into Śauraseni Apabhraṃśa.

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In which century did Modern Hindi begin to emerge as a distinct literary language?

Answer: 19th century

Explanation: Modern Hindi began to emerge as a distinct literary language during the 19th century.

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Which historical figure is noted for his studies of Hindustani and authored 'An English-Hindustani Dictionary'?

Answer: John Gilchrist

Explanation: John Gilchrist was a notable scholar of the Hindustani language and authored significant works, including 'An English-Hindustani Dictionary'.

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Within the Indo-European language family, Hindi belongs to which specific group?

Answer: Indo-Aryan

Explanation: Hindi belongs to the Indo-Aryan group, which is a branch of the Indo-Iranian branch of the Indo-European language family.

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Standardization and Modern Hindi

Modern Standard Hindi and Urdu are entirely separate languages with distinct grammatical structures.

Answer: False

Explanation: Linguistically, Hindi and Urdu are considered standardized registers of the same language, Hindustani, and are largely mutually intelligible. While they differ in script (Devanagari for Hindi, Perso-Arabic for Urdu) and the extent of loanwords from Sanskrit/Persian respectively, their core grammatical structures and vocabulary are shared.

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Standard Hindi is based on the Khariboli dialect, historically spoken in the Ganges-Yamuna Doab region.

Answer: True

Explanation: Standard Hindi is indeed based on the Khariboli dialect, which is indigenous to the Ganges-Yamuna Doab region, encompassing areas around Delhi.

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Hindi and Urdu are considered standardized registers of which common language?

Answer: Hindustani

Explanation: Hindi and Urdu are recognized as standardized registers of the Hindustani language, sharing a common grammatical and lexical base.

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What dialect forms the basis of Standard Hindi, spoken in the Ganges-Yamuna Doab region?

Answer: Khariboli

Explanation: Standard Hindi is based on the Khariboli dialect, which is historically spoken in the Ganges-Yamuna Doab region.

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Script, Vocabulary, and Linguistic Features

Hindi is primarily written using the Perso-Arabic script, similar to Urdu.

Answer: False

Explanation: This statement is factually inaccurate. Hindi is primarily written using the Devanagari script, whereas Urdu is written using the Perso-Arabic script. While both are standardized registers of Hindustani, their scripts differ significantly.

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'Tatsam' words in Hindi are native words that have undergone significant sound changes from their Sanskrit origins.

Answer: False

Explanation: 'Tatsam' words in Hindi are those borrowed directly from Sanskrit with minimal or no sound changes, retaining their original form apart from case endings. Words undergoing significant sound changes are typically classified as 'Tadbhava'.

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'Tadbhava' words are loanwords borrowed directly into Hindi from modern Persian or Arabic.

Answer: False

Explanation: 'Tadbhava' words are native Hindi words that have evolved from Sanskrit through intermediate Prakrit stages, undergoing phonological changes. Loanwords from Persian or Arabic are classified as 'Videshi'.

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'Deshaj' words in Hindi are primarily loanwords from European languages like Portuguese.

Answer: False

Explanation: 'Deshaj' words in Hindi are considered to be of local origin, often onomatopoeic or derived from non-Indo-Aryan languages indigenous to India. Loanwords from European languages are classified as 'Videshi'.

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Persian influence on Hindi vocabulary began in the 20th century, after the decline of the Mughal Empire.

Answer: False

Explanation: Persian influence on Hindi vocabulary began much earlier, notably during the Delhi Sultanate and Mughal Empire periods, well before the 20th century.

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The process of Sanskritization in Hindi involves increasing the use of Persian and Arabic loanwords.

Answer: False

Explanation: Sanskritization in Hindi refers to the process of replacing foreign loanwords, particularly Persian and Arabic ones, with terms derived from Sanskrit, aiming for a more Sanskrit-based vocabulary.

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The Devanagari script, used for Hindi, is written from right to left.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Devanagari script, used for writing Hindi, is written from left to right, not right to left.

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The Hunterian transliteration system is the official method for writing Hindi in the Perso-Arabic script.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Hunterian transliteration system is used for writing Hindi in the Latin script, not the Perso-Arabic script. Hindi is written in Devanagari, and Urdu in Perso-Arabic.

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Modern Standard Hindi is commonly referred to simply as Hindi and is written using which script?

Answer: Devanagari script

Explanation: Modern Standard Hindi, commonly referred to as Hindi, is written using the Devanagari script. This script is a key distinguishing feature from Urdu, which uses the Perso-Arabic script.

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Which script is used for writing Urdu?

Answer: Perso-Arabic

Explanation: Urdu is primarily written using the Perso-Arabic script.

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Which category of Hindi words consists of those borrowed directly from Sanskrit with identical spelling, barring case endings?

Answer: Tatsam

Explanation: Tatsam words in Hindi are those borrowed directly from Sanskrit, retaining their original form with minimal alteration, primarily excluding case endings.

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Words like 'kām' (work), evolved from the Sanskrit word 'karma' via Prakrit, belong to which category?

Answer: Tadbhava

Explanation: Words like 'kām', which evolved from the Sanskrit word 'karma' through Prakrit, are classified as Tadbhava words in Hindi.

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The word 'qila' (fort), borrowed from Persian, falls under which category of Hindi vocabulary?

Answer: Videshi

Explanation: The word 'qila' (fort), being borrowed from Persian, is categorized as a Videshi (foreign) word in Hindi.

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What is the term for the process of replacing foreign loanwords in Hindi with Sanskrit-derived terms?

Answer: Sanskritization

Explanation: The process of replacing foreign loanwords in Hindi with Sanskrit-derived terms is known as Sanskritization.

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The Devanagari script, used for Hindi, is classified as a type of:

Answer: Abugida

Explanation: The Devanagari script, used for Hindi, is classified as an abugida, where consonant characters possess an inherent vowel that can be modified by diacritics.

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Constitutional Status and Official Usage

In 1881, Bihar became the first Indian state to adopt Urdu as its sole official language, replacing Hindi.

Answer: False

Explanation: Historical records indicate that in 1881, Bihar adopted Hindi as its sole official language, replacing Urdu, not the other way around.

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Hindi, written in Devanagari script, was officially adopted as the sole official language of the Republic of India on September 14, 1949.

Answer: False

Explanation: While Hindi written in Devanagari script was adopted as the official language of the Republic of India on September 14, 1949, it was not designated as the *sole* official language; English continued to be used.

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Article 343 of the Indian Constitution designates English as the sole official language of the Union.

Answer: False

Explanation: Article 343 of the Indian Constitution designates Hindi in the Devanagari script as the official language of the Union, not English as the sole official language.

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The plan for Hindi to become the sole working language of the Union Government by 1965 was successfully implemented without significant opposition.

Answer: False

Explanation: The plan for Hindi to become the sole working language by 1965 was not successfully implemented without significant opposition, particularly from non-Hindi speaking regions.

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Hindi is constitutionally recognized as an official language in all 28 states of India.

Answer: False

Explanation: Hindi is not constitutionally recognized as an official language in all 28 states of India; its official status varies by state.

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The Indian constitution explicitly declares Hindi as the national language of India.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Indian constitution does not explicitly declare Hindi as the national language of India. This has been a subject of legal clarification, with courts noting its absence in the constitutional text.

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The official languages of the Union Government of India are Hindi and English.

Answer: True

Explanation: As per constitutional provisions, Hindi in the Devanagari script and English are recognized as the official languages of the Union Government of India.

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The Gujarat High Court confirmed Hindi as the national language of India in 2010.

Answer: False

Explanation: In 2010, the Gujarat High Court clarified that Hindi is not the national language of India, as it is not explicitly designated as such in the constitution.

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The Central Hindi Directorate is responsible for promoting the spread and development of the Hindi language.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Central Hindi Directorate is indeed the governmental body tasked with the promotion, spread, and development of the Hindi language.

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Which Indian state was the first to adopt Hindi as its sole official language in 1881?

Answer: Bihar

Explanation: In 1881, Bihar became the first Indian state to adopt Hindi as its sole official language.

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On what date did the Constituent Assembly of India adopt Hindi, written in Devanagari, as the official language of the Republic?

Answer: September 14, 1949

Explanation: The Constituent Assembly of India adopted Hindi, written in the Devanagari script, as the official language of the Republic on September 14, 1949.

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Which article of the Indian Constitution designates Hindi in the Devanagari script as the official language of the Union?

Answer: Article 343

Explanation: Article 343 of the Indian Constitution designates Hindi in the Devanagari script as the official language of the Union.

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According to Article 351, what is the duty of the Union Government regarding the Hindi language?

Answer: To promote its spread and enrich its vocabulary, drawing from Hindustani and Sanskrit.

Explanation: Article 351 of the Indian Constitution mandates the Union Government to promote the spread of Hindi and enrich its vocabulary, drawing from Hindustani and Sanskrit sources.

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What major factor prevented Hindi from becoming the sole working language of the Union Government by the planned deadline of 1965?

Answer: Strong resistance from non-native Hindi speakers, particularly in South India.

Explanation: Significant resistance from non-native Hindi speakers, especially in South India, prevented Hindi from becoming the sole working language of the Union Government by 1965, leading to the Official Languages Act of 1963.

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Which of the following is NOT listed as a state where Hindi is an official language?

Answer: Tamil Nadu

Explanation: While Hindi is an official language in states like Haryana, Madhya Pradesh, and Gujarat, it is not listed as an official language in Tamil Nadu.

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Which Union Territory is mentioned as having Hindi as an official language?

Answer: Chandigarh

Explanation: Chandigarh is mentioned as a Union Territory where Hindi holds official language status.

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What clarification did the Gujarat High Court provide regarding Hindi's status in 2010?

Answer: Hindi is not the national language as it's not explicitly mentioned in the constitution.

Explanation: In 2010, the Gujarat High Court clarified that Hindi is not the national language of India, as this status is not explicitly conferred upon it by the constitution.

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What are the two official languages of the Union Government of India, as stated in the source?

Answer: Hindi and English

Explanation: The official languages of the Union Government of India are Hindi, written in the Devanagari script, and English.

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Which organization is responsible for regulating Hindi and promoting its development, according to the source?

Answer: The Central Hindi Directorate

Explanation: The Central Hindi Directorate is identified as the organization responsible for regulating and promoting the development of the Hindi language.

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Hindi Literature: Periods and Authors

'Chandrakanta', written by Devaki Nandan Khatri, is recognized as the first authentic prose novel in modern Hindi literature.

Answer: True

Explanation: 'Chandrakanta', authored by Devaki Nandan Khatri, is widely acknowledged as the first authentic prose novel in modern Hindi literature.

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Munshi Premchand is primarily celebrated for his contributions to Hindi devotional poetry.

Answer: False

Explanation: Munshi Premchand is primarily celebrated for his significant contributions to Hindi fiction, particularly for introducing realism, rather than for devotional poetry.

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The 'Dvivedi Yug' (Age of Dwivedi) in Hindi literature saw the establishment of Standard Hindi in poetry and the expansion of acceptable poetic subjects.

Answer: True

Explanation: The 'Dvivedi Yug' (1900-1918) in Hindi literature was characterized by the establishment of Standard Hindi in poetry and the broadening of thematic scope beyond traditional religious and romantic subjects.

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The 'Chāyāvād' movement in Hindi literature is characterized by its focus on realism and social reform.

Answer: False

Explanation: The 'Chāyāvād' movement in Hindi literature is primarily characterized by romanticism, idealism, and aestheticism, rather than realism and social reform.

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'Uttar Ādhunik' refers to the post-modernist period in Hindi literature, marked by a critique of earlier styles.

Answer: True

Explanation: 'Uttar Ādhunik' indeed signifies the post-modernist period in Hindi literature, characterized by critical engagement with and often a critique of previous literary trends and styles.

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Who authored 'Prem Sagar', considered one of the early works of modern Hindi literature?

Answer: Lallu Lal

Explanation: 'Prem Sagar', considered an early work of modern Hindi literature, was authored by Lallu Lal.

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Which novel is widely considered the first authentic work of prose in modern Hindi?

Answer: Chandrakanta

Explanation: 'Chandrakanta', authored by Devaki Nandan Khatri, is widely recognized as the first authentic prose novel in modern Hindi literature.

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Who is highly revered in Hindi fiction for introducing the element of realism?

Answer: Munshi Premchand

Explanation: Munshi Premchand is highly revered in Hindi fiction for his pioneering introduction of realism into prose literature.

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The literary period known as 'Dvivedi Yug' (Age of Dwivedi) in Hindi literature is named after which prominent figure?

Answer: Mahavir Prasad Dwivedi

Explanation: The literary period known as 'Dvivedi Yug' (1900-1918) in Hindi literature is named after the prominent figure Mahavir Prasad Dwivedi.

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The 'Chāyāvād' movement, associated with writers like Prasad and Nirala, is best characterized by which style?

Answer: Romanticism

Explanation: The 'Chāyāvād' movement in Hindi literature, associated with writers like Jaishankar Prasad and Suryakant Tripathi 'Nirala', is best characterized by Romanticism.

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What does 'Uttar Ādhunik' signify in the context of Hindi literature?

Answer: The post-modernist period.

Explanation: 'Uttar Ādhunik' signifies the post-modernist period in Hindi literature, marked by critical engagement with earlier styles and influences.

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Global Presence and Digital Influence of Hindi

In Fiji, the constitution recognizes Fiji Hindi as the official variant for all official purposes.

Answer: False

Explanation: The constitution of Fiji recognizes Standard Hindi as the official variant for all official purposes, not Fiji Hindi, due to the latter's lack of standardization.

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Hindi is not widely spoken or understood in Nepal.

Answer: False

Explanation: Hindi is spoken and understood by a significant population in Nepal, serving as both a first and second language for many.

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In the United Arab Emirates, Hindi holds the status of the primary official court language in all emirates.

Answer: False

Explanation: While Hindi is spoken by a large population in the UAE, it does not hold the status of the primary official court language in all emirates; its official recognition is limited in specific contexts.

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Haflong Hindi, a pidgin language, serves as a lingua franca in parts of Assam, India.

Answer: True

Explanation: Haflong Hindi, a pidgin language, functions as a lingua franca in specific regions of Assam, India, facilitating communication among diverse linguistic groups.

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Due to significant linguistic divergence, most Pakistanis cannot understand Hindi.

Answer: False

Explanation: Many Pakistanis can understand Hindi because Urdu, Pakistan's national language, is a register of Hindustani, sharing a common base with Hindi. Additionally, the popularity of Indian media contributes to this mutual intelligibility.

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Hinglish refers to a formal literary style of Hindi used in academic publications.

Answer: False

Explanation: Hinglish refers to the informal use of Romanized Hindi, often mixed with English, particularly prevalent in online communication and popular culture, not a formal academic style.

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The internet has led to a decrease in the consumption and dissemination of Hindi content.

Answer: False

Explanation: Contrary to this statement, the internet has facilitated the dissemination and increased the consumption of Hindi content, as evidenced by significant growth in its online presence.

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Article 1 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, in its Hindi translation, emphasizes that all human beings should act towards each other in a spirit of brotherhood.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Hindi translation of Article 1 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights indeed conveys the principle that all human beings should conduct themselves towards one another in a spirit of brotherhood.

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In Fiji, which form of Hindi is constitutionally recognized for official purposes?

Answer: Standard Hindi

Explanation: The constitution of Fiji recognizes Standard Hindi as the official variant for all official purposes, rather than Fiji Hindi, due to standardization issues.

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Why are many Pakistanis able to understand Hindi?

Answer: Because Urdu is a register of Hindustani, sharing a base with Hindi, and Indian media is popular.

Explanation: Many Pakistanis understand Hindi because Urdu, their national language, is a register of Hindustani, which shares a common base with Hindi. The widespread popularity of Indian media further enhances this mutual intelligibility.

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What is 'Hinglish'?

Answer: The use of Romanized Hindi, often mixed with English, especially online.

Explanation: Hinglish refers to the informal phenomenon of using Romanized Hindi, frequently interspersed with English words and phrases, particularly prevalent in digital communication.

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According to a 2015 Google report mentioned in the source, how has internet usage affected Hindi content consumption?

Answer: Consumption saw a significant year-on-year increase.

Explanation: A 2015 Google report indicated that internet usage led to a significant year-on-year increase in Hindi content consumption.

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The Hindi text of Article 1 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights emphasizes that all human beings are born:

Answer: Free and equal in dignity and rights.

Explanation: The Hindi text of Article 1 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights states that all human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights.

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