Art & Culture Current Affairs MCQs

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The annual Aghar Jitto Mela has begun in Aghar Jitto village, Reasi district (Jammu & Kashmir). The mela saw participation from devotees, locals, and visitors. An agriculture awareness camp was organized to inform farmers about Central and UT government schemes. It includes religious rituals, cultural programmes, and government exhibitions showcasing welfare schemes.

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In the 135th episode of Mann Ki Baat, Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised Nalanda University for reviving the ancient tradition of Shastrarth. Shastrarth is an ancient Indian tradition of structured scholarly debate, where ideas are tested through logic and evidence. The term is derived from Shastra (scriptures/knowledge) and Artha (meaning/interpretation). Its roots lie in the Vedic and Upanishadic period and it was widely practiced in ancient universities such as Nalanda University, Vikramashila, and Takshashila.

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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.

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A unique Shivling, hidden for centuries, was recently discovered in the Amrit Kund inside the Trimbakeshwar Temple complex in Nashik, Maharashtra. The Trimbakeshwar Temple is an ancient Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva.
It is located at Trimbak village in Nashik district, Maharashtra, near Brahmagiri Hill, the origin of the Godavari River. It is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas of India.
The temple is mentioned in the Shiva Purana, Skanda Purana, and Padma Purana.

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The Ashadi Palkhis of Sant Dnyaneshwar Maharaj and Sant Tukaram Maharaj were welcomed by thousands of devotees in Pune, Maharashtra. The annual Palkhi procession begins from Dehu and Alandi and is a centuries-old spiritual and cultural tradition of Maharashtra. Lakhs of Warkaris and hundreds of Dindis participate in the pilgrimage, carrying saffron flags and singing devotional hymns. The pilgrims march on foot towards Pandharpur to seek the Ashadhi Ekadashi darshan of Lord Vitthal and Goddess Rukmini.

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The Maharashtra Government has sanctioned ₹1 crore for the first phase of a memorial dedicated to ‘Veer’ Jivaji Mahale at the foothills of Pratapgad Fort. Pratapgad Fort is a hill fort located in the Satara district of Maharashtra. The fort is situated at an altitude of about 1,080 metres and is built on a spur overlooking the road between Par and Kinesvar villages.

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Jodhpur’s nearly 200-year-old Mojari craft has received a Geographical Indication (GI) tag, boosting its identity and global branding. The GI certificate was awarded to the Jodhpur Handicraft Exporters Association and Gram Vikas Seva Sansthan after the application submitted in 2021.
Jodhpuri Mojari is traditionally crafted by the Jinagar (Jingar) community, who were historically saddle (jeen) makers. Around 400 manufacturers and 35,000 artisans are associated with the craft, which is practiced in over 5,000 households in Jodhpur.

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The 12th-century Abathsahayeswarar Temple at Thukkachi, Thanjavur district, Tamil Nadu, has received the UNESCO Asia-Pacific Award of Distinction (2024) for outstanding heritage conservation. The temple is a later Chola-period Hindu shrine, showcasing the architectural excellence of the Chola dynasty. It is recognised as a living historic temple, as it continues to function as an active place of worship while being protected as a heritage monument.

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Bonalu festival began at the Sri Jagadamba Mahankali Temple, located inside Golconda Fort, Hyderabad. It is the annual Hindu state festival of Telangana celebrated as a thanksgiving to Goddess Mahakali for protection and fulfilment of devotees’ vows. The festival has historical links with the Kakatiya dynasty and Qutb Shahi period. It took its present form in 1813 when a severe plague outbreak affected Hyderabad and Secunderabad. Devotees offer “Bonam” (a traditional meal prepared in a brass or earthen pot) to Goddess Mahakali as an expression of gratitude.

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Recently, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in the 136th episode of Mann Ki Baat, highlighted Tripura’s traditional string instrument ‘Chongpreng’. Chongpreng is a traditional bamboo string instrument popular among the tribal communities of Tripura. It has three strings and produces a melody similar to the Sarod. The instrument’s popularity among the youth had declined over time.