Art & Culture Current Affairs MCQs
61. Where was the Purple Fest 2025 held?
[A] Dehradun
[B] New Delhi
[C] Shimla
[D] Bhopal
[B] New Delhi
[C] Shimla
[D] Bhopal
Correct Answer: B [New Delhi]
Notes:
President Droupadi Murmu inaugurated the Purple Fest 2025 at Amrit Udyan, Rashtrapati Bhavan, New Delhi, on March 21, 2025. Purple Fest celebrates the talents, achievements, and aspirations of Persons with Disabilities (PwDs), also called Divyangjan in India. The first Purple Fest was held in Panjim, Goa, in January 2023. Organized by the Union Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment in association with Rashtrapati Bhavan. The event is becoming a flagship programme of the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment for Divyangjan in India.
President Droupadi Murmu inaugurated the Purple Fest 2025 at Amrit Udyan, Rashtrapati Bhavan, New Delhi, on March 21, 2025. Purple Fest celebrates the talents, achievements, and aspirations of Persons with Disabilities (PwDs), also called Divyangjan in India. The first Purple Fest was held in Panjim, Goa, in January 2023. Organized by the Union Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment in association with Rashtrapati Bhavan. The event is becoming a flagship programme of the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment for Divyangjan in India.
62. Yuge Yugeen Bharat National Museum is part of which initiative?
[A] Smart Cities Mission
[B] Central Vista Redevelopment Project
[C] Make in India Initiative
[D] Swachh Bharat Abhiyan
[B] Central Vista Redevelopment Project
[C] Make in India Initiative
[D] Swachh Bharat Abhiyan
Correct Answer: B [Central Vista Redevelopment Project]
Notes:
The North and South Blocks in New Delhi will house the Yuge Yugeen Bharat National Museum. This project is part of the Central Vista Redevelopment Project. The museum will showcase India’s thousands-year-old civilizational and cultural heritage. An agreement was signed on 19th December 2024 between the National Museum and France Museums Development for technical cooperation. The project timeline and budget depend on the feasibility study and further formalities. The museum aims to celebrate India’s heritage, connect the past with the present, and inspire the future. Union Minister for Culture and Tourism Gajendra Singh Shekhawat shared this information in Lok Sabha.
The North and South Blocks in New Delhi will house the Yuge Yugeen Bharat National Museum. This project is part of the Central Vista Redevelopment Project. The museum will showcase India’s thousands-year-old civilizational and cultural heritage. An agreement was signed on 19th December 2024 between the National Museum and France Museums Development for technical cooperation. The project timeline and budget depend on the feasibility study and further formalities. The museum aims to celebrate India’s heritage, connect the past with the present, and inspire the future. Union Minister for Culture and Tourism Gajendra Singh Shekhawat shared this information in Lok Sabha.
63. Shigmo Festival is mainly celebrated in which state?
[A] Goa
[B] Kerala
[C] Odisha
[D] Tamil Nadu
[B] Kerala
[C] Odisha
[D] Tamil Nadu
Correct Answer: A [Goa]
Notes:
Goa is celebrating the Shigmo Festival from March 15 to March 29. This two-week cultural event marks the arrival of spring in the Konkan region with colorful parades, folk dances, and cultural performances. Goa Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte highlighted its cultural importance as part of Goa’s heritage alongside Carnival. The festival, also called Shigmotsav, is a Hindu celebration coinciding with Phalgun, the month of spring. It is celebrated across 18 constituencies in Goa, honoring both cultural and spiritual traditions.
Goa is celebrating the Shigmo Festival from March 15 to March 29. This two-week cultural event marks the arrival of spring in the Konkan region with colorful parades, folk dances, and cultural performances. Goa Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte highlighted its cultural importance as part of Goa’s heritage alongside Carnival. The festival, also called Shigmotsav, is a Hindu celebration coinciding with Phalgun, the month of spring. It is celebrated across 18 constituencies in Goa, honoring both cultural and spiritual traditions.
64. Bithoor Mahotsav was organized in which city of Uttar Pradesh?
[A] Meerut
[B] Kanpur
[C] Ayodhya
[D] Agra
[B] Kanpur
[C] Ayodhya
[D] Agra
Correct Answer: B [Kanpur]
Notes:
Bithoor Mahotsav was held in Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, from 21st to 23rd March 2025. It is an annual festival celebrated at Bithoor, a place with historical and mythological significance. The festival highlights the Revolution of 1857 through imagery, theatre, music, drama, and cultural performances. The 2025 edition focused on the shared culture and historical heritage of Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra.
Bithoor Mahotsav was held in Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, from 21st to 23rd March 2025. It is an annual festival celebrated at Bithoor, a place with historical and mythological significance. The festival highlights the Revolution of 1857 through imagery, theatre, music, drama, and cultural performances. The 2025 edition focused on the shared culture and historical heritage of Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra.
65. Gounsa Temple, which was seen in news, is located in which country?
[A] China
[B] Japan
[C] Vietnam
[D] South Korea
[B] Japan
[C] Vietnam
[D] South Korea
Correct Answer: D [South Korea]
Notes:
Unprecedented wildfires in South Korea’s southern regions recently destroyed large parts of the 1,300-year-old Gounsa Temple complex, including two national treasure buildings. Gounsa Temple, meaning “Solitary Cloud Temple,” is a Buddhist temple located at the foot of Deungun Mountain in Uiseong, South Korea. It was built in the 7th century during the Shilla dynasty. Though it lacks ancient buildings, it houses significant cultural heritages. It survived Japanese invasions but was reconstructed after the Imjin War in 1695. It serves as the Headquarters Temple of the 16th District of the Jogye-jong Order.
Unprecedented wildfires in South Korea’s southern regions recently destroyed large parts of the 1,300-year-old Gounsa Temple complex, including two national treasure buildings. Gounsa Temple, meaning “Solitary Cloud Temple,” is a Buddhist temple located at the foot of Deungun Mountain in Uiseong, South Korea. It was built in the 7th century during the Shilla dynasty. Though it lacks ancient buildings, it houses significant cultural heritages. It survived Japanese invasions but was reconstructed after the Imjin War in 1695. It serves as the Headquarters Temple of the 16th District of the Jogye-jong Order.
66. The Ghode Jatra Festival 2025 has been organized by which country?
[A] Sri Lanka
[B] Nepal
[C] Bhutan
[D] Myanmar
[B] Nepal
[C] Bhutan
[D] Myanmar
Correct Answer: B [Nepal]
Notes:
Nepal celebrated “Ghode Jatra”, the Horse Racing Day, with a special ceremony at the Army Pavilion in Kathmandu. The Nepal Army Cavalry organizes the festival annually, attended by the President, Vice President, Prime Minister, and other officials. The festival falls on Chaitra Krishna Aunsi, the last month of the Nepali Bikram Sambat calendar. It commemorates the death of the demon Tundi, who terrorized Tundikhel, and was believed to be trampled by horses. King Pratap Malla (787 BCE) started the horse procession in Kathmandu, later spreading to Patan and Bhaktapur. Farmers sow beans and cucumbers to mark the festival and welcome the Nepali New Year.
Nepal celebrated “Ghode Jatra”, the Horse Racing Day, with a special ceremony at the Army Pavilion in Kathmandu. The Nepal Army Cavalry organizes the festival annually, attended by the President, Vice President, Prime Minister, and other officials. The festival falls on Chaitra Krishna Aunsi, the last month of the Nepali Bikram Sambat calendar. It commemorates the death of the demon Tundi, who terrorized Tundikhel, and was believed to be trampled by horses. King Pratap Malla (787 BCE) started the horse procession in Kathmandu, later spreading to Patan and Bhaktapur. Farmers sow beans and cucumbers to mark the festival and welcome the Nepali New Year.
67. The Saudagari block print from which city has recently received a Geographical Indication (GI) tag?
[A] Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh
[B] Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
[C] Kolkata, West Bengal
[D] Ahmedabad, Gujarat
[B] Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
[C] Kolkata, West Bengal
[D] Ahmedabad, Gujarat
Correct Answer: D [Ahmedabad, Gujarat]
Notes:
The Saudagari block print from Jamalpur, Ahmedabad, has received the Geographical Indication (GI) tag for its unique craftsmanship. This traditional art is done by hand on fabric, showcasing intricate designs. Saudagari block prints are widely used in kurtis, chunris, kurtas, dhotis, turbans, and shawls. The Chhipa community, known for its expertise in printing, plays a key role in this craft. The GI tag recognizes Saudagari block printing as an important part of Gujarat’s cultural heritage, preserving its legacy and promoting artisans.
The Saudagari block print from Jamalpur, Ahmedabad, has received the Geographical Indication (GI) tag for its unique craftsmanship. This traditional art is done by hand on fabric, showcasing intricate designs. Saudagari block prints are widely used in kurtis, chunris, kurtas, dhotis, turbans, and shawls. The Chhipa community, known for its expertise in printing, plays a key role in this craft. The GI tag recognizes Saudagari block printing as an important part of Gujarat’s cultural heritage, preserving its legacy and promoting artisans.
68. Which state government has declared Mitathal and Tighrana Harappan sites as protected archaeological sites?
[A] Rajasthan
[B] Gujarat
[C] Haryana
[D] Madhya Pradesh
[B] Gujarat
[C] Haryana
[D] Madhya Pradesh
Correct Answer: C [Haryana]
Notes:
The Haryana Government has declared Mitathal and Tighrana, two Harappan sites in Bhiwani district, as protected archaeological sites. These sites are now protected under a 10-acre demarcated area at Mitathal, as per a government notification issued on March 13, 2025. Mitathal site dates back to the 3rd–2nd millennium BCE and shows Harappan town planning with red pottery featuring black painted motifs. Tighrana site contains post-Harappan and pre-Harappan layers and is linked to the Sothian culture of Chalcolithic farmers. Mud-brick houses, early fortifications, and bichrome wheel-made pottery were found, along with green carnelian bangles, indicating a bead and jewelry industry. The sites show uninterrupted human settlement from Pre-Siswal to Post-Harappan periods, offering insights into early agriculture, craftsmanship, and community structure.
The Haryana Government has declared Mitathal and Tighrana, two Harappan sites in Bhiwani district, as protected archaeological sites. These sites are now protected under a 10-acre demarcated area at Mitathal, as per a government notification issued on March 13, 2025. Mitathal site dates back to the 3rd–2nd millennium BCE and shows Harappan town planning with red pottery featuring black painted motifs. Tighrana site contains post-Harappan and pre-Harappan layers and is linked to the Sothian culture of Chalcolithic farmers. Mud-brick houses, early fortifications, and bichrome wheel-made pottery were found, along with green carnelian bangles, indicating a bead and jewelry industry. The sites show uninterrupted human settlement from Pre-Siswal to Post-Harappan periods, offering insights into early agriculture, craftsmanship, and community structure.
69. Daulatabad Fort, which was seen in news, is located in which state?
[A] Odisha
[B] Madhya Pradesh
[C] Maharashtra
[D] Karnataka
[B] Madhya Pradesh
[C] Maharashtra
[D] Karnataka
Correct Answer: C [Maharashtra]
Notes:
A fire broke out at Daulatabad Fort in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar district, Maharashtra, prompting the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) to assess the damage and plan disaster management. It is located in Maharashtra. Specifically, it is situated near the city of Aurangabad, also known as Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar. Daulatabad Fort was originally called Devgiri, meaning “Hill of Gods”, and was renamed by Muhammad bin Tughlaq in the 14th century when he shifted his capital there. It served as the capital for many dynasties like the Yadavas, Tughlaqs, Bahmanis, Nizam Shahis, Mughals, Marathas, and the Nizams of Hyderabad. It is a UNESCO-nominated heritage site known for its rich history, architecture, and ecology. The fort has three-layered defense walls called Ambarkot, Mahakot, and Kalakot, with moats, bastions, and iron-spiked gates.
A fire broke out at Daulatabad Fort in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar district, Maharashtra, prompting the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) to assess the damage and plan disaster management. It is located in Maharashtra. Specifically, it is situated near the city of Aurangabad, also known as Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar. Daulatabad Fort was originally called Devgiri, meaning “Hill of Gods”, and was renamed by Muhammad bin Tughlaq in the 14th century when he shifted his capital there. It served as the capital for many dynasties like the Yadavas, Tughlaqs, Bahmanis, Nizam Shahis, Mughals, Marathas, and the Nizams of Hyderabad. It is a UNESCO-nominated heritage site known for its rich history, architecture, and ecology. The fort has three-layered defense walls called Ambarkot, Mahakot, and Kalakot, with moats, bastions, and iron-spiked gates.
70. Which two classical Indian texts were recently inscribed in UNESCO’s Memory of the World Register in April 2025?
[A] Vedas and Ramayana
[B] Arthashastra and Manusmriti
[C] Mahabharata and Upanishads
[D] Shrimad Bhagavad Gita and Natyashastra
[B] Arthashastra and Manusmriti
[C] Mahabharata and Upanishads
[D] Shrimad Bhagavad Gita and Natyashastra
Correct Answer: D [Shrimad Bhagavad Gita and Natyashastra]
Notes:
The classical Indian texts Natyashastra by Bharat Muni and Shrimad Bhagavad Gita have been added to the Memory of the World Register by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO). This announcement was made by Union Minister for Culture Gajendra Singh Shekhawat on 18 April 2025. With this, India now has a total of 14 inscriptions in the UNESCO Memory of the World Register. UNESCO’s Executive Board met in Paris, France, on 17 April 2025 and approved 74 new entries. These 74 documentaries come from 72 countries and four international organisations. The new entries include topics like the scientific revolution, women’s historical contributions, and global cooperation.
The classical Indian texts Natyashastra by Bharat Muni and Shrimad Bhagavad Gita have been added to the Memory of the World Register by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO). This announcement was made by Union Minister for Culture Gajendra Singh Shekhawat on 18 April 2025. With this, India now has a total of 14 inscriptions in the UNESCO Memory of the World Register. UNESCO’s Executive Board met in Paris, France, on 17 April 2025 and approved 74 new entries. These 74 documentaries come from 72 countries and four international organisations. The new entries include topics like the scientific revolution, women’s historical contributions, and global cooperation.