Art & Culture Current Affairs MCQs

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The Centre has granted a Geographical Indication (GI) tag to Nagauri Ashwagandha, recognising its unique regional identity. It is mainly grown in the Nagaur district of Rajasthan. The dry climate and sandy soil of Nagaur are ideal for Ashwagandha cultivation. This variety has longer and thicker roots rich in medicinal compounds, especially alkaloids. Its berries have a dark, bright red colour, which indicates superior quality. The roots are brittle and starchy in nature. Nagauri Ashwagandha is considered the best Ashwagandha variety in arid regions.

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Makaravilakku, also called Makara Jyothi or Makara Vilakku, is the most sacred festival of Sabarimala Temple in Kerala. It is celebrated on Makara Sankranti, usually on 14–15 January, marking Lord Ayyappa’s divine presence. Devotees believe a holy light appears on Ponnambalamedu hills, symbolising Lord Ayyappa’s blessings. Lord Ayyappa is believed to have settled in Sabarimala after defeating demoness Mahishi. Makaravilakku represents victory of light over darkness and spiritual self-realisation.

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An exhibition showcasing over 40 rare pre-Partition textiles highlights how phulkari was deeply woven into women’s daily lives and social traditions. Phulkari, meaning “flower work,” is a traditional embroidery of undivided Punjab, covering present-day Punjab, Haryana, and Pakistan. The term appeared in 18th-century Punjabi literature and is linked to the Iranian art of gulkari.

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World’s oldest known rock art discovered in Liang Metanduno cave, Muna Island, Indonesia. The artwork is a hand stencil with fingers deliberately narrowed to resemble a claw or animal feature. Uranium-series dating shows the calcium carbonate layer covering the artwork is at least 67,800 years old. This surpasses the previous record of 51,200 years for a wild pig painting in Leang Karampuang cave, South Sulawesi.

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The Supreme Court refused to hear a petition against ‘VIP darshan’ at Shri Mahakaleshwar Temple, saying courts should not act as gatekeepers for temple entry. Shri Mahakaleshwar Temple is a Hindu temple located on the banks of the Shipra River in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas (sacred Shiva shrines) in India. The temple is mentioned in ancient Hindu scriptures, Puranas, and works of poet Kalidas.

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Kheechna (Bhagoria) Festival is a tribal festival celebrated by the Bhil and Garasia communities. It is observed mainly in western Madhya Pradesh and southern Rajasthan, annually for about seven days in March (Phalguna), before Holi. The festival traditionally allows young men and women to choose partners freely for informal unions. These unions are without formal marriage rituals, priests, dowry, or written documentation. Recent reports highlight adverse impacts on underage girls in rural areas due to the practice.

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A world record was created at the Koya Krushi Kumbh festival in Gadchiroli, Maharashtra, by preparing 1,111 kilograms of finger millet (ragi) pudding. The record-setting event was led by noted chef Vishnu Manohar. Koya Krushi Kumbh is a five-day agricultural exposition aimed at empowering tribal farmers and promoting farm and forest products. The festival is held at the Agriculture College campus in Sonepur, Gadchiroli district. The achievement was registered with the India Book of Records, Asia Book of Records, and World Record Book of India.

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The Leh Dosmochey festival and Stromochey festival at Likir Monastery are celebrated simultaneously in Ladakh from 15 February. Leh Dosmochey is celebrated in Leh town with great religious devotion and traditional grandeur. The festivals symbolise the victory of good over evil in Buddhist tradition. Monks perform sacred tantric mask dances as the main ritual highlight. The celebrations mark the end of the harsh winter season in Ladakh. They signal the beginning of preparations for the new agricultural season.

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Delhi Development Authority organised annual Palaash Flower Festival 2026 in New Delhi. The three day festival is being held simultaneously at Bansera Park, Ashok Vihar, Jasola and Narela for the first time. It features vibrant floral displays and themed gardens focused on biodiversity and environmental conservation. Organised since 2023, Palash Mahotsav promotes Delhi green heritage and community involvement. The festival strengthens public connection with nature and environmental awareness.

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The lost city of Charax Spasinou has been discovered in the deserts of Iraq. It was an ancient port city located at the meeting point of the Tigris and Choaspes rivers near the Iraq–Iran border. It was founded in 324 Before Common Era during the Hellenistic period, initially by Alexander the Great. Later, Hyspaosines rebuilt it and founded the Kingdom of Characene with Charax as its capital. Its strategic location made it a major trade hub between Mesopotamia and India through the Persian Gulf. Its importance declined around 224–228 After Death with the rise of the Sassanian Empire.