Art & Culture Current Affairs MCQs

Notes:
The Eklingji Temple in Udaipur has introduced new rules, including a dress code and a mobile phone ban, to maintain sanctity. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, worshipped as Ekling Nath, the ruling deity of the Mewar kingdom. The temple is located in Kailashpuri, 22 km from Udaipur, Rajasthan. It was built in the 8th century by Bappa Rawal, founder of the Mewar dynasty. The temple showcases intricately carved stone architecture and houses a four-faced Shiva Lingam made of black marble. Historically managed by the Mewar royal family, who consider Lord Ekling Nath the real ruler, with the Diwan of Mewar as the earthly representative.

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The “halwa ceremony” is a traditional event that signifies the commencement of the printing process for Union Budget. This ritual involves serving ‘halwa’ to finance ministry officials and signifies the initiation of budget document printing. Following this ceremony, officials are confined to ministry premises to prevent any leaks before the Budget is officially presented in Parliament, typically on February 1 each year.

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The Kerala High Court issued safety directives for elephants and artists at the Thrissur Pooram festival. Thrissur Pooram is a grand annual temple festival celebrated in the Malayalam month of Medam (April-May) at Thekkinkadu Maidanam, Thrissur, Kerala. Known as the “mother of all Poorams,” it is one of Kerala’s largest and most significant cultural and spiritual events. The festival was initiated by Raja Rama Varma, also called Sakthan Thampuran, the Maharaja of Cochin from 1790 to 1805.

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The Tanot Mata Temple, situated in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan, is not only a religious site but also a cultural symbol. Rajasthan’s Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma announced plans to modernize the temple, aiming to enhance its appeal as a world-class tourist destination. The initiative includes improving facilities for pilgrims and creating economic opportunities for the local community. The temple is expected to attract tourists while instilling a sense of pride and patriotism among visitors.

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A three-foot statue of 13th-century saint Narahari Tirtha was discovered at Simhachalam Temple in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh. Narahari Tirtha was a Dvaita Vedanta philosopher and disciple of Madhvacharya, spreading the doctrine in eastern India, especially Kalinga (modern Odisha and Andhra Pradesh). He hailed from Chikakolu (now Srikakulam) and assisted Eastern Ganga dynasty kings for three decades, ensuring adherence to Sanatana Dharma and proper temple administration. His contributions are documented in inscriptions at Simhachalam and Srikurmam temples. He introduced Devaranamas in Kannada, Yakshagana Bayalata in Karnataka, and influenced Kuchipudi in Andhra Pradesh.

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The Toda tribe in Tamil Nadu’s Nilgiri Hills celebrated their traditional Modhweth or Buffalo Festival to mark the New Year. The Toda tribe is among the oldest ethnic groups in the Upper Nilgiris plateau. They are divided into five clans: Paiki, Pekkan, Kuttan, Kenna, and Todi. The Toda people have their own language without a script. They live in closed communities called munds. The Modhweth Festival is an annual celebration held in late December or early January, highlighting their cultural significance.

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Residents of Srirangam have requested the installation of lights beneath the outer gopurams of Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple. The measure aims to ensure safety amid a heavy turnout of devotees visiting the temple. Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple, located in Srirangam near Trichy, Tamil Nadu, is India’s largest functioning Hindu temple. Spanning 156 acres, it is dedicated to Lord Vishnu in his reclining form, Ranganatha. Its history dates back to 2nd century BC, with inscriptions from the 10th century CE. The temple showcases Dravidian architecture with 21 gopurams, 7 enclosures, and a 236-feet Rajagopura, India’s tallest temple tower. It features a golden Vimana over the sanctum and a 1000-pillar hall with intricate sculptures from the Vijayanagara period.

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The Gangasagar Mela organizers introduced initiatives like certificates for pilgrims, e-Anushandhan for facilities access, and e-Parichay QR code identity bands. The Gangasagar Mela is an annual Hindu festival held on Sagar Island, West Bengal, at the confluence of the Ganges and the Bay of Bengal. It includes rituals like the sacred bath and Deepdan and is celebrated during Makar Sankranti, marking the Sun’s transition into Capricorn. It is the second-largest religious gathering in India after the Kumbh Mela. The mela has ancient roots, with mentions in the Mahabharata’s Vana Parva (1500–2000 BC).

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Sri Sri Radha Madanmohanji Temple of ISKCON in Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra, on January 15, 2025. The temple is now the second-largest ISKCON temple in Asia. The design of the temple blends spirituality and knowledge, with various facilities reflecting ISKCON’s mission to serve society.

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The Musi River Historic Buildings in Hyderabad and Bhuj Historic Water Systems in Gujarat are listed in the 2025 World Monuments Watch by the New York-based World Monuments Fund (WMF). These sites face risks from climate change and water crises, highlighting the need for advocacy and preservation. WMF emphasizes heritage as a pathway for rejuvenation, sustainability, and resilience amid Hyderabad’s environmental challenges and rapid change.