Art & Culture Current Affairs MCQs

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Virgin Coconut Oil (VCO) from Andaman and Nicobar recently received the Geographical Indication (GI) tag, boosting its recognition. Women are receiving specialized training in marketing and branding to enhance the product’s reach. VCO is made traditionally, unrefined, unbleached, and free of chemicals or preservatives.

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A rare Umamaheshwara metal sculpture was found in Taggunje, Ajri village, Udupi district, Karnataka. Likely made in the 17th century using a 12th-century style, the idol is crafted from five metals. The sculpture uniquely combines Shaiva-Shaktha and Naga cult traditions. Lord Shiva is depicted seated with Parvati on his lap, Ganesha on the right, Shanmukha on the left, and Nandi below. Shiva’s features include Jatamukuta, a third eye, a parashu, a deer, and a five-headed serpent umbrella. The platform inscription in 17th-century Kannada mentions the use of 3 gadhyanas of gold (14% gold content).

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A scene featuring Lezim dance in the film, based on Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, has sparked controversy in Maharashtra. Lezim is a traditional folk dance of Maharashtra performed with a wooden stick fitted with jingling cymbals. It is both a dance and a rigorous physical drill, often performed in formations of twos, fours, or circles. The dance is accompanied by dhol or dholki, with no wind or string instruments. Lezim was traditionally used in all folk dances but is now mainly seen in Ganesha processions. Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, son of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, took power in 1681 after a battle with his half-brother Rajaram.

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Araku Utsav titled “Chali” is organized in the Araku Valley of Andhra Pradesh. The valley is part of the Eastern Ghats and sits between 600 m and 900 m above sea level. It houses the biodiverse Anantagiri and Sunkarimetta Reserved Forests, known for bauxite mining. Often called the “Ooty of Andhra,” it is home to various tribes, mainly the Araku Tribes. Araku Arabica Coffee, famous in the valley, earned a GI Tag in 2019. The valley is surrounded by mountains such as Galikonda, Raktakonda, Sunkarimetta, and Chitamogondi.

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The 38th Surajkund International Crafts Fair 2025 held from February 7 to 23 in Surajkund, Faridabad, Haryana. It is organized by the Union Ministries of Tourism, Culture, External Affairs, Textiles, and the Haryana government. The fair showcases India’s and other countries’ crafts, textiles, culture, and cuisine. The 37th edition in 2024 saw participation from 45+ countries, 592 foreign artists, and 1.3 million visitors. For 2025, BIMSTEC is proposed as the partner organization, enhancing international collaboration.

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Tribal families in Neelabandha celebrated their first electricity supply since Independence with the ‘Dhimsa’ dance. Dhimsa is a popular tribal dance in Andhra Pradesh performed by Bagata, Valmiki, Poraja, Khond, Gadaba, Kondadora, Mukadora, and Kotia tribes. It symbolizes unity and cultural heritage, with themes based on mythology, folktales, economic activities, kinship, and marital life.

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended greetings on Thaipusam. Thaipusam is named after the Tamil month “Thai” and the star “Poosam.” It honors Lord Murugan, the Hindu god of war, victory, and wisdom. The festival marks the day when Goddess Parvati gave Lord Murugan the divine vel (spear) to defeat the demon Surapadma. It is celebrated on the full moon day of the Tamil month Thai. It is widely observed by Tamils in Tamil Nadu, Sri Lanka, Singapore, Malaysia, and other countries.

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A study traces the Fulani people’s history back to the ‘Green Sahara’ period (12,000–5,000 years ago). The Fulani are among Africa’s largest pastoral populations, including nomadic herders and farmers. They mainly reside in Nigeria, Mali, Guinea, Senegal, and Niger but are spread across several other countries. Their language, Fula, belongs to the Atlantic branch of the Niger-Congo language family. The Fulani are divided into three groups: Makiyaya (herders), Fulanin Soro (town dwellers), and Bararo (forest dwellers with ancestral rituals).

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President Droupadi Murmu inaugurated Aadi Mahotsav 2025 at Major Dhyanchand Stadium, New Delhi. The event celebrates tribal entrepreneurship, crafts, culture, cuisine, and commerce. It provides a platform for tribal artisans and entrepreneurs from different states to showcase their creations. Cultural and traditional programs will be featured, promoting unity and diversity in the nation.

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The statue of Tamil poet Thiruvalluvar was unveiled in Cebu, Philippines on February 16, 2025. The statue was unveiled to celebrate the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between India and the Philippines. Thiruvalluvar was a poet and philosopher, revered as a cultural icon by Tamils. He is fondly called Valluvar by the Tamil people. His most famous work is Thirukkural, a collection of couplets on ethics, politics, economy, and love. Thirukkural contains 1,330 couplets (kurals) divided into 133 sections, each with 10 couplets. The text is structured into three parts focusing on dharma (virtue), artha (wealth), and kama (love).