Art & Culture Current Affairs Quiz — All time
Daily news by your exam, state and topic — each with a short summary, key facts and MCQs.
The 56th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) was scheduled for 20–28 November 2025 in which city?
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Correct answer: D — Panaji
PIB: the 56th edition of IFFI is set to take place from 20th to 28th November 2025 in Panaji, Goa.
In which monastery in Elista were Lord Buddha's holy relics enshrined during their October 2025 exposition in Kalmykia?
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Correct answer: C — Geden Sheddup Choikorling Monastery
PIB: the relics are enshrined for public veneration at the Geden Sheddup Choikorling Monastery in Elista, known as the 'Golden Abode of Shakyamuni Buddha'.
The global philatelic display opened in Elista in October 2025 featured Buddhist stamps from how many countries?
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Correct answer: A — 90
PIB: the Global Philatelic Display, curated by Vinod Kumar of Dharwad, features Buddhist stamps from 90 countries.
According to the PIB explainer of October 2025, Arunachal Pradesh accounts for what share of India's kiwi output?
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Correct answer: B — Over 50%
PIB: Arunachal Pradesh is India's largest kiwi producer with over 50% of national output (4,492 MT in 2022–23).
Consider the following statements from the PIB explainer on GST cuts in Arunachal Pradesh (October 2025): 1. Yak Churpi, a GI-tagged cheese, is traditionally made by the Brokpa and Monpa communities. 2. GST on spices such as large cardamom was cut from 12% to 5%. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only 1 is correct. PIB: Yak Churpi is a GI-tagged Himalayan cheese made by the yak-herding Brokpa and Monpa communities; GST on spices continues to be 5% — the relief for cardamom growers comes from cheaper inputs such as tractors.
According to a PIB explainer on GST reforms (October 2025), Kerala accounts for nearly what share of India's coir production?
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Correct answer: D — 85%
PIB: Kerala accounts for nearly 85% of India's coir production and is a major contributor to the country's coir exports.
'Tirur Vettila' from Malappuram, Kerala, mentioned in the October 2025 PIB explainer on GST reforms, is a:
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Correct answer: B — Betel leaf
PIB: the Tirur Vettila (Betel Leaf) from Malappuram's Tirur is set to get a push as GST on value-added mouth fresheners and pastes falls from 18% to 5%.
International Abhidhamma Day commemorates the Buddha preaching the Abhidhamma to the gods of which heaven?
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Correct answer: B — Tavatimsa
PIB: Abhidhamma Day commemorates the occasion when the Buddha preached the Abhidhamma to the gods of Tavatimsa Heaven, led by his mother Mahamaya, and later shared it with Arahant Sariputta.
Consider the following statements: 1. International Abhidhamma Day 2025 was celebrated on Sharad Purnima at Gautam Buddha University, Greater Noida. 2. Pali, the canonical language of Theravada texts including the Abhidhamma Pitaka, has been declared a Classical Language by the Government of India. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct. PIB: IBC and partners celebrated International Abhidhamma Day on Sharad Purnima (6–7 October 2025) at GBU, Greater Noida; the Government declared Pali a Classical Language, recognising it as the canonical language of Theravada texts including the Abhidhamma Pitaka.
Phulkari, a GI-tagged craft of Punjab mentioned in the October 2025 PIB explainer on GST reforms, is a form of:
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Correct answer: B — Embroidery
PIB: Phulkari, a GI-tagged craft practised mainly in Amritsar and Patiala, involves traditional embroidered garments and employs around 20,000 artisans.
According to the October 2025 PIB explainer on GST reforms in Punjab, which city is integral to the state's bicycle manufacturing industry?
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Correct answer: D — Ludhiana
PIB: Ludhiana is integral to Punjab's bicycle manufacturing, with the industry employing over 40,000 people directly and indirectly.
Bastar Dussehra, attended by Amit Shah at Jagdalpur on 4 October 2025, is a festival lasting how many days?
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Correct answer: D — 75 days
PIB (MHA): Amit Shah described the 75-day-long Bastar Dussehra as significant not only for the tribal community and Chhattisgarh but for the whole country.
The Muria Darbar, a tradition of public dialogue linked to Bastar Dussehra, has been held since which year?
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Correct answer: C — 1874
PIB (MHA): Amit Shah said the Muria Darbar, with its active participation, judicial system and tradition of public dialogue since 1874, is no less than a global heritage.
Consider the following statements about the Bastar Dussehra event of 4 October 2025: 1. The 10th instalment of Chhattisgarh's Mahtari Vandan Yojana was released at the event. 2. Amit Shah reiterated 31 March 2026 as the date by which Naxalism will be completely eradicated. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: B — 2 only
Only 2 is correct. PIB (MHA): it was the 20th (not 10th) instalment of the Mahtari Vandan Yojana — ₹607 crore to 70 lakh mothers. Shah firmly stated that 31 March 2026 is the set date by which Naxalism will be completely eradicated.
According to the government's October 2025 explainer, Jammu and Kashmir accounts for more than what share of India's almond production?
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Correct answer: D — 91%
PIB explainer: J&K accounts for more than 91% of India's almond production; the Kashmiri almond packaging industry benefits from a GST cut from 12% to 5%.
The GI-tagged Basohli painting, described as 'poems in colours', is produced mainly in which district of Jammu and Kashmir?
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Correct answer: A — Kathua
PIB explainer: GI-tagged Basohli Painting, produced mainly in Basohli of Kathua district, employs nearly 500 local artists and is often described as 'poems in colours'; its GST fell from 12% to 5%.
Pandit Chhannulal Mishra, who died in October 2025, was an exponent of which gharana of Hindustani classical music?
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Correct answer: D — Banaras gharana
Pandit Chhannulal Mishra was one of the foremost exponents of the Banaras gharana.
In which year was Pandit Chhannulal Mishra conferred the Padma Vibhushan?
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Correct answer: B — 2020
He received the Padma Bhushan in 2010 and the Padma Vibhushan in 2020.
Consider the following statements about Pandit Chhannulal Mishra: 1. He was born in Azamgarh, Uttar Pradesh, in 1936. 2. He was Narendra Modi's proposer from the Varanasi constituency in the 2014 Lok Sabha election. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both statements are correct as per the PIB condolence release and PTI reports.
Who founded the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), which completed 100 years in October 2025?
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Correct answer: A — Dr Keshav Baliram Hedgewar
The RSS was founded by Dr Keshav Baliram Hedgewar in 1925.
Which motto did the Vice-President cite while greeting the RSS on its centenary in October 2025?
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Correct answer: C — Seva Parmo Dharmah
C. P. Radhakrishnan said RSS volunteers are guided by the motto 'Seva Parmo Dharmah'.
What did Prime Minister Narendra Modi release at the RSS centenary celebrations on 1 October 2025?
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Correct answer: B — A commemorative postage stamp and coin
The PM released a specially designed commemorative postage stamp and coin.
The commemorative stamp released at the RSS centenary in October 2025 recalls RSS volunteers marching in the Republic Day parade of which year?
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Correct answer: D — 1963
The PM said the stamp recalls RSS volunteers proudly marching in the 1963 Republic Day parade.
The Union Cabinet on 1 October 2025 approved nationwide celebrations to mark how many years of the national song 'Vande Mataram'?
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Correct answer: A — 150 years
The Cabinet approved nationwide celebrations to commemorate 150 years of 'Vande Mataram'.
Which city hosted MONDIACULT 2025, the UNESCO World Conference on Cultural Policies and Sustainable Development?
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Correct answer: C — Barcelona
MONDIACULT 2025 was held in Barcelona, Spain, and closed on 1 October 2025.
The President's Bodyguard, the oldest regiment of the Indian Army, was originally raised in which year?
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Correct answer: A — 1773
The regiment was raised in 1773 as the Governor-General's Bodyguard and renamed the President's Bodyguard on 27 January 1950.
What did President Droupadi Murmu present to the President's Bodyguard on 30 September 2025?
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Correct answer: B — Diamond jubilee Silver Trumpet and Trumpet Banner
The President presented the diamond jubilee Silver Trumpet and Trumpet Banner, marking 75 years as the PBG.
Consider the following statements about the President's Bodyguard: 1. The regiment was renamed the President's Bodyguard on 15 August 1947. 2. The first Silver Trumpet and Trumpet Banner were presented to it by Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: D — Neither 1 nor 2
Both are wrong: it was renamed on 27 January 1950, and the first Silver Trumpet and Banner were presented by President Dr Rajendra Prasad on 14 May 1957.
In which city was the third edition of Unmesha – International Literature Festival held in September 2025?
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Correct answer: A — Patna
The third Unmesha was held at the Samrat Ashok Convention Centre, Patna, from 25 to 28 September 2025.
Which institution organised the Unmesha International Literature Festival 2025 along with the Ministry of Culture and the Government of Bihar?
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Correct answer: B — Sahitya Akademi
The festival was organised by the Sahitya Akademi with the Ministry of Culture and the Government of Bihar.
Writers, scholars and poets from how many countries took part in the third Unmesha International Literature Festival in Patna (25–28 September 2025)?
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Correct answer: D — 15
The festival brought together participants from 15 countries representing more than 100 languages.
Which festival did PM Modi say in the 126th Mann Ki Baat (28 September 2025) the government is trying to get included in UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage list?
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Correct answer: B — Chhath Mahaparva
The PM said the government is striving to include Chhath Mahaparva in UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage list.
How many days did Lieutenant Commanders Dilna and Roopa take to complete the Navika Sagar Parikrama, as discussed in Mann Ki Baat on 28 September 2025?
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Correct answer: D — 238
They sailed about 47,500 km in 238 days, from Goa on 2 October 2024 to 29 May 2025.
The 126th Mann Ki Baat on 28 September 2025 coincided with the birth anniversary of which two personalities?
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Correct answer: A — Bhagat Singh and Lata Mangeshkar
PM Modi noted that 28 September is the birth anniversary of Shaheed Bhagat Singh and Lata Mangeshkar.
Who received the Dadasaheb Phalke Award at the 71st National Film Awards on 23 September 2025?
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Correct answer: A — Mohanlal
President Droupadi Murmu conferred the Dadasaheb Phalke Award on Mohanlal for over four decades of contribution to cinema.
Which film won Best Feature Film at the 71st National Film Awards?
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Correct answer: C — 12th Fail
'12th Fail' was declared Best Feature Film; 'Flowering Man' was Best Non-Feature Film.
For which film did Rani Mukerji win Best Actress at the 71st National Film Awards?
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Correct answer: B — Mrs. Chatterjee v/s Norway
Rani Mukerji won Best Actress for 'Mrs. Chatterjee v/s Norway'.
Consider the following statements about the 71st National Film Awards: 1. Shah Rukh Khan won Best Actor alone, for 'Jawan'. 2. 'God Vulture and Human' was named Best Feature Film. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: D — Neither 1 nor 2
Both are wrong: Shah Rukh Khan shared Best Actor with Vikrant Massey ('12th Fail'), and 'God Vulture and Human' was Best Documentary; '12th Fail' was Best Feature Film.
To which Russian republic did the holy relics of Lord Buddha travel for a first exposition in September 2025?
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Correct answer: A — Kalmykia
The relics travelled to the Republic of Kalmykia for a first exposition, during the 3rd International Buddhist Forum in Elista.
What is the theme of the 3rd International Buddhist Forum in Elista, where Buddha's relics from India were exhibited?
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Correct answer: C — Buddhism in the New Millennium
The forum's theme is "Buddhism in the New Millennium".
In which city was the WAVES Bazaar – Bharat Pavilion inaugurated at the Asian Contents & Film Market on 20 September 2025?
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Correct answer: A — Busan
The pavilion was inaugurated at ACFM 2025, held alongside the Busan International Film Festival in Busan, South Korea.
Singer Zubeen Garg, who died on 19 September 2025, was a cultural icon of which state?
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Correct answer: C — Assam
Zubeen Garg was regarded as Assam's cultural icon.
Zubeen Garg was in Singapore in September 2025 to perform at which event?
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Correct answer: A — North East India Festival
He had travelled to Singapore to perform at the North East India Festival 2025.
After seven natural sites were added in September 2025, how many Indian properties are on UNESCO's Tentative List of World Heritage Sites?
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Correct answer: A — 69
The inclusion of seven natural sites raised India's count on the Tentative List from 62 to 69 properties.
Which cave serves as the global reference point for the Meghalayan Age of the Holocene Epoch, as cited in the UNESCO Tentative List addition of September 2025?
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Correct answer: C — Mawmluh Cave
The Meghalayan Age Caves, particularly Mawmluh Cave, serve as the global reference point for the Meghalayan Age in the Holocene Epoch.
The Eparchaean Unconformity and the Silathoranam natural arch are features of which site added to UNESCO's Tentative List in September 2025?
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Correct answer: D — Tirumala Hills
Tirumala Hills in Andhra Pradesh feature the Eparchaean Unconformity and the Silathoranam (natural arch), representing over 1.5 billion years of Earth's history.
Consider the following pairs of sites added to UNESCO's Tentative List in September 2025 and their states: 1. Naga Hill Ophiolite — Nagaland 2. Erra Matti Dibbalu — Kerala Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: B — 1 only
Only pair 1 is correct. Naga Hill Ophiolite is in Nagaland, but Erra Matti Dibbalu (Red Sand Hills) is near Visakhapatnam in Andhra Pradesh; the Kerala site is Varkala Cliffs.
Consider the following statements about UNESCO's Tentative List as described in the Ministry of Culture release of 18 September 2025: 1. Inclusion in the Tentative List is a prerequisite for a site to be nominated to the World Heritage List. 2. After the September 2025 additions, cultural properties make up the largest share of India's Tentative List. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct. Under UNESCO's protocol, Tentative List inclusion is a prerequisite for nomination, and India's 69 properties comprise 49 cultural, 17 natural and 3 mixed sites.
To which UNESCO list is India seeking a multinational nomination of Chhath Mahaparva, as discussed by the Ministry of Culture in September 2025?
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Correct answer: A — Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity
The nomination is for inscription on UNESCO's Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity under the 2003 Convention.
Under which UNESCO convention would Chhath Mahaparva be inscribed on the intangible heritage list?
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Correct answer: B — 2003 Convention
The multinational nomination of Chhath Mahaparva is for the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity under the 2003 Convention.
Which of the following countries were represented by senior diplomats at the Ministry of Culture's IGNCA meeting of 16 September 2025 on the Chhath Mahaparva nomination?
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Correct answer: D — UAE, Suriname and the Netherlands
Senior diplomatic representatives of the UAE, Suriname and the Netherlands attended the IGNCA meeting; envoys to Mauritius and Fiji joined a separate virtual interaction later.
Where was the fifth Akhil Bhartiya Rajbhasha Sammelan held on Hindi Diwas 2025?
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Correct answer: C — Gandhinagar
Union Home Minister Amit Shah attended the fifth Akhil Bhartiya Rajbhasha Sammelan in Gandhinagar, Gujarat as chief guest on Hindi Diwas, 14 September 2025.
What is 'Saarthi', launched at the Akhil Bhartiya Rajbhasha Sammelan on Hindi Diwas 2025?
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Correct answer: A — A translation system for translating from Hindi into major Indian languages
Amit Shah said the newly launched Saarthi translation system makes it possible to translate easily from Hindi into all major Indian languages and to reply to letters in the sender's language.
According to the Union Home Minister on Hindi Diwas 2025, the Hindi Shabdsindhu dictionary, which began with 51,000 words, now contains over how many words, and by when is it expected to become the world's largest dictionary?
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Correct answer: D — 7 lakh words; by 2029
Amit Shah said Hindi Shabdsindhu, which began with 51,000 words, now contains over 7 lakh words and by 2029 will become the world's largest dictionary.
The Prime Minister addressed the 100th birth anniversary celebrations of which Bharat Ratna awardee in Guwahati on 13 September 2025?
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Correct answer: B — Bhupen Hazarika
The PM addressed the centenary birth anniversary celebrations of Bharat Ratna Dr. Bhupen Hazarika in Guwahati, where a biography of Hazarika was released.
The Bhupen Hazarika Bridge, mentioned by the PM at the centenary celebrations, connects Assam with which state?
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Correct answer: D — Arunachal Pradesh
The PM said one of the longest bridges in the country, connecting Assam and Arunachal Pradesh, has been named the Bhupen Hazarika Bridge.
On which date is Bhupen Hazarika's birth anniversary observed, as recalled by the PM at the Guwahati celebrations?
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Correct answer: A — 8 September
The PM said that just a few days earlier, on 8 September, Bhupen Hazarika's birth anniversary had been observed; the Guwahati event on 13 September marked the centenary celebrations.
Consider the following statements made by the PM about Bhupen Hazarika at the centenary celebrations on 13 September 2025: 1. Hazarika went to Kashi for his graduation. 2. The PM said Hazarika's life reflected the spirit of 'Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat'. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct: the PM said Hazarika's musical journey began with the Brahmaputra and matured by the Ganga after he went to Kashi for graduation, and that his life reflected 'Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat'.
What did the Prime Minister launch at the International Conference on Gyan Bharatam on 12 September 2025?
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Correct answer: A — Gyan Bharatam Portal for manuscript digitisation
The PM launched the Gyan Bharatam Portal, a dedicated digital platform to accelerate manuscript digitisation, preservation and public access.
According to the PM at the Gyan Bharatam conference, India has the world's largest collection of about how many manuscripts?
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Correct answer: C — 1 crore
The PM said India today has the world's largest collection of about one crore manuscripts.
Which of the following correctly lists the four pillars of India's knowledge tradition as described by the PM at the Gyan Bharatam conference?
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Correct answer: D — Preservation, Innovation, Addition, Adaptation
The PM said India's knowledge tradition is built on four pillars: Preservation, Innovation, Addition and Adaptation.
Consider the following statements about the Gyan Bharatam initiative: 1. The first Gyan Bharatam International Conference was organised by the Ministry of Education at IIT Delhi. 2. According to the Union Home Minister, the mission will survey, document and analyse more than one crore manuscripts at a cost of ₹483 crore. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: B — 2 only
Statement 1 is incorrect: the conference was organised by the Ministry of Culture at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi, from 11 to 13 September 2025. Statement 2 is correct as stated by Amit Shah.
What was the theme of the first Gyan Bharatam International Conference held from 11 to 13 September 2025?
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Correct answer: A — Reclaiming India's Knowledge Legacy through Manuscript Heritage
The Ministry of Culture organised the conference on 'Reclaiming India's Knowledge Legacy through Manuscript Heritage' at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi, with over 1,100 participants.
In which city did APEDA open its first office in Bihar on 11 September 2025?
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Correct answer: A — Patna
Piyush Goyal inaugurated APEDA's regional office in Patna at the Bihar Idea Festival on 11 September 2025.
Which GI-tagged product from Bihar was flagged off in a 7-tonne export consignment at the APEDA Patna office inauguration?
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Correct answer: D — Mithila Makhana
A 7 metric ton consignment of GI-tagged Mithila Makhana was flagged off for New Zealand, Canada and the USA, exported by Neha Arya of Darbhanga.
The 'Bistirna Parore' musical voyage launched in September 2025 commemorates the birth centenary of which personality?
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Correct answer: B — Bhupen Hazarika
IWAI launched 'Bistirna Parore' to commemorate the birth centenary of Bharat Ratna Dr. Bhupen Hazarika.
Between which two places does the 'Bistirna Parore' musical voyage on the Brahmaputra run?
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Correct answer: C — Sadiya to Dhubri
The voyage is titled 'Bistirna Parore: A Musical Voyage from Sadiya to Dhubri'.
Which organisation launched the 'Bistirna Parore' voyage, flagged off from Guijan ghat in Tinsukia on 8 September 2025?
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Correct answer: A — Inland Waterways Authority of India
The Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI), under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, launched the voyage.
On 7 September 2025, PM Modi recalled the teachings of equality, compassion and universal brotherhood of which social reformer on his birth anniversary?
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Correct answer: C — Sree Narayana Guru
The PM recalled the vision of Sree Narayana Guru on his birth anniversary, citing his teachings of equality, compassion and universal brotherhood.
Where is the Shilp Samagam Mela 2025, organised by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, being held from 5 to 14 September 2025?
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Correct answer: B — Freedom Park, Bengaluru
The mela is being held at Freedom Park, Bengaluru, from 5 to 14 September 2025.
The Shilp Samagam Mela 2025 primarily showcases the skills of artisans from which communities?
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Correct answer: D — Scheduled Castes, OBCs and Safai Mitras
The mela highlights artisans from Scheduled Castes, Other Backward Classes and Safai Mitras.
On 5 September 2025, PM Modi greeted the nation on which festival, describing it as a symbol of unity, hope and cultural pride?
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Correct answer: D — Onam
The PM conveyed greetings on Onam, calling it a symbol of unity, hope and cultural pride.