Art & Culture Current Affairs MCQs

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The annual Ooty Flower Festival has begun at the Government Botanical Garden in Ooty, Tamil Nadu. The 128th Flower Show is one of Tamil Nadu’s major summer attractions and will continue until May 28. The festival features floral displays, heritage-themed installations, and more than one million flower saplings. The Rose Show at the Government Rose Garden is also part of the summer celebrations. The festival aims to boost tourism in the Nilgiris region.

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Kumbhalgarh Fort in Rajasthan was recently recognised by UNESCO surveys as having the world’s second-longest surviving wall after the Great Wall of China. It was built in the 15th century by Rana Kumbha, the fort is located in the Aravalli Hills and was an important military stronghold of Mewar. Its massive wall stretches over 36 kilometres, giving it the title “Great Wall of India.” The fort is a UNESCO World Heritage Site under the Hill Forts of Rajasthan.

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Rupa Tarakasi, the famous silver filigree craft of Cuttack, is facing challenges due to rising silver prices and new import restrictions on silver. Rupa Tarakasi is a centuries-old art form known for delicate silver wire craftsmanship and intricate designs. In Odia, “tara” means wire and “kasi” means to design or work with wire. The craft is believed to have existed since the 12th century and received strong patronage during the Mughal period. The craft received a Geographical Indication Tag in 2024, recognising its cultural and traditional importance.

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A recent fire damaged part of the Daishoin Temple complex, including the Reikado Hall that housed Japan’s “eternal flame” for nearly 1,200 years. Daishoin Temple is a Buddhist temple of the Shingon School located on Miyajima Island in Japan’s Chugoku region. The temple lies at the base of Mount Misen, the tallest mountain on the island.
It was founded in 806 by Kobo Daishi after returning from China. The temple complex is known for its numerous halls, statues, and religious structures.

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi gifted a Rogan painting featuring the “Tree of Life” motif to UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. Rogan Painting is a rare and traditional textile art form from the Kutch region of Gujarat. Rogan art is created using a special paint made from castor oil and natural pigments. The “Tree of Life” motif symbolises growth, harmony, and interconnectedness in traditional art.

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The 2nd edition of the Mango Magic Festival was held in Seattle, United States, to promote Indian mangoes in the US market. More than 100 importers and representatives of major retailers, including Costco Wholesale, participated in the tasting event. Seven premium Indian mango varieties were showcased, including Alphonso, Kesar, Banganpalli, Himayat, Langra, Dussehri, and Rajapuri. The initiative was organized by the Consulate General of India in Seattle. India is the world’s largest producer of mangoes, producing over 26 million metric tons annually with more than 1,000 varieties.

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Archaeologists recently discovered remains of a 12th-century hydraulic system and architectural structures within the ancient royal palace complex of Angkor Thom in Cambodia. Angkor Thom is located in Cambodia within the Angkor Archaeological Park in Siem Reap province. It was the last and longest-lasting capital of the ancient Khmer Empire. Angkor Thom was established in the late 12th century by Jayavarman VII.

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The traditional Tripura Sarinda, an indigenous stringed musical instrument from Tripura, has recently received a Geographical Indication (GI) tag. With this recognition, Tripura now has four GI-tagged products. Other GI-tagged products from Tripura include Queen Pineapple, Risha/Pachra (Rignai) traditional attire, and Matabari Peda. Matabari Peda is a dairy-based sweet traditionally offered at the Tripura Sundari Temple, one of the 51 Shakti Peethas.

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Recently, the Prime Minister gifted a Kalamkari Mahabharata painting to the French President, highlighting India’s rich textile heritage. Kalamkari painting is a traditional hand-painted and block-printed cotton textile art form mainly practised in Andhra Pradesh. It developed during the Qutb Shahi rule of Golconda in the 16th–17th century. The term Kalamkari is derived from Kalam meaning pen and Kari meaning craftsmanship. It uses natural dyes extracted from plants, minerals, and metals.

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The Prime Minister presented GI-tagged Nagori Ashwagandha as a traditional Indian gift during the G7 Summit in France. Nagori Ashwagandha is a premium variety of Ashwagandha grown in the Nagaur region of Rajasthan. Nagaur’s dry climate and sandy soil are ideal for its cultivation. It is known for its long, thick, brittle, and starchy roots, which are rich in alkaloids (medicinal compounds). Its berries are dark, bright red, indicating superior quality. It received the Geographical Indication (GI) tag in 2026.