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 Dhanu Yatra, described as the world's largest open-air theatre, is held in which district of Odisha?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — Bargarh
NIE/OrissaPOST/Ommcom: the Dhanu Yatra is held at Bargarh and is described as the largest open-air theatre in the world.
What honorarium will each of the about 170 artistes of the Dhanu Yatra receive for the first time, as announced on 29 December 2024?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — ₹10,000
NIE/OrissaPOST/Ommcom: about 170 artistes will receive ₹10,000 each.
Odisha government aid for the Dhanu Yatra was raised from ₹10 lakh to:
Show answer
Correct answer: B — ₹1 crore
NIE/Ommcom: the aid was raised from ₹10 lakh to ₹1 crore; ₹50 lakh is the additional sum sanctioned on 29 December for broadcast and other activities.
Consider the following statements about the Odisha government's measures for the Dhanu Yatra announced on 29 December 2024: 1. The National School of Drama will produce a documentary on the festival. 2. An expert committee will work towards UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage status for the festival. 3. The additional ₹50 lakh is for building a permanent stage at Bargarh. Which of the statements given above are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — 1 and 2 only
OrissaPOST/Ommcom: NSD will make a documentary and an expert committee will seek UNESCO ICH status; the additional ₹50 lakh is for live broadcast, a dedicated website and related activities, not a permanent stage, so statement 3 is wrong.
Filmmaker Shyam Benegal, who died on 23 December 2024, is best known as a pioneer of which movement in Indian cinema?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — Parallel cinema
The New Indian Express and The Hindu: Shyam Benegal heralded the 'parallel movement' in Hindi cinema in the 1970s and 1980s with films such as Ankur, Mandi and Manthan.
Shyam Benegal's film Manthan, restored and screened at Cannes in 2024, was based on the milk cooperative movement of which place?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — Anand, Gujarat
The New Indian Express and The Hindu: Manthan was based on the milk cooperative movement in Anand, Gujarat, and its restored version was shown at the Cannes Film Festival in 2024.
Shyam Benegal's last film, released in 2023, was a biopic of which leader?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — Sheikh Mujibur Rahman
The New Indian Express and The Hindu: Benegal's most recent work was Mujib: The Making of a Nation (2023), a biopic of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. A film on Noor Inayat Khan remained unmade.
What is the theme for tableaux at the Republic Day Celebrations 2025, as announced by the Ministry of Defence?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — Swarnim Bharat: Virasat aur Vikas
PIB (Ministry of Defence): the theme for tableaux at RDC-2025 has been decided as 'Swarnim Bharat: Virasat aur Vikas'.
How many States/UTs were selected to showcase their tableaux on Kartavya Path for the Republic Day Celebrations 2025?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — 15
PIB (Ministry of Defence): 15 States/UTs were selected for Kartavya Path for RDC-2025, along with 11 central ministries/departments.
Consider the following statements about the Republic Day Celebrations 2025 tableaux announced on 23 December 2024: 1. Karnataka, Tripura and West Bengal were among the States selected for Kartavya Path. 2. Only the States selected for Kartavya Path were invited to Bharat Parv at the Red Fort. 3. The tableaux theme was decided on the basis of suggestions from States/UTs. Which of the statements given above are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — 1 and 3 only
PIB (Ministry of Defence): statements 1 and 3 are correct. Statement 2 is wrong because all States/UTs, irrespective of their selection for Kartavya Path, were invited to Bharat Parv at the Red Fort (26–31 January 2025).
Where was the 22nd Divya Kala Mela, which concluded on 22 December 2024 with record sales, held?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — India Gate, New Delhi
PIB (Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment): the 22nd Divya Kala Mela was held at India Gate, New Delhi, from 12 to 22 December 2024.
Which organisation launched a new mobile app for loans to Divyang entrepreneurs at the close of the 22nd Divya Kala Mela?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — National Divyangjan Finance and Development Corporation
PIB (Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment): the National Divyangjan Finance and Development Corporation (NDFDC) launched its new mobile app for seamless access to loans for Divyang entrepreneurs.
Where was the cultural programme 'Divya Kala Shakti', marking the close of the 22nd Divya Kala Mela on 22 December 2024, held?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — Kartavya Path, New Delhi
PIB (Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment): DEPwD hosted the cultural programme 'Divya Kala Shakti' at Kartavya Path, New Delhi, which also marked the conclusion of the Divya Kala Mela.
The Yuga Yugeen Bharat National Museum is being developed in which buildings of New Delhi?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — North and South Blocks
PIB (Culture): the museum, part of the Central Vista Redevelopment Project, will span about 1,55,000 square metres across the North and South Blocks in New Delhi.
With which organisation did the Ministry of Culture partner in December 2024 to develop the Yuga Yugeen Bharat National Museum?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — France Museums Développement
PIB (Culture): the Ministry of Culture announced a partnership with France Museums Développement (FMD) on 19 December 2024 to develop the museum.
Consider the following statements about the Yuga Yugeen Bharat National Museum: 1. It is part of the Central Vista Redevelopment Project. 2. It was first announced by the Prime Minister at the International Museum Expo in May 2023. 3. It will span about 1,55,000 square metres. Which of the statements given above are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — 1, 2 and 3
PIB (Culture): the museum is an integral part of the Central Vista Redevelopment Project, was first announced by the PM at the International Museum Expo in May 2023, and will span about 1,55,000 square metres. All three statements are correct.
What was the title of the special exhibition opened on the National Museum's 64th Foundation Day in December 2024?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — Heritage Unlocked
PIB (Culture): the special exhibition, organised with ITIHAAS, was titled 'Heritage Unlocked: An Interactive and Educational Experience'.
The origins of the National Museum, New Delhi trace back to 1946, when which committee was formed?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — Maurice Gwyer Committee
PIB (Culture): the museum's origins trace back to 1946, when the Maurice Gwyer Committee was formed and the first exhibition of Indian art was showcased in London.
In which year was the National Museum, New Delhi officially inaugurated?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — 1960
PIB (Culture): the National Museum was officially inaugurated in 1960; it marked its 64th Foundation Day on 18 December 2024.
Ustad Zakir Hussain, whose death the Prime Minister condoled on 16 December 2024, was a maestro of which instrument?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — Tabla
PIB (PMO): the Prime Minister condoled the passing of legendary tabla maestro Ustad Zakir Hussain, saying he brought the tabla to the global stage.
According to his family, Ustad Zakir Hussain died in San Francisco from complications of which condition?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis
The Hindu and Hindustan Times: his family said Zakir Hussain died at a hospital in San Francisco from complications of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, at the age of 73.
Who inaugurated the Geological Survey of India's Geoscience Museum in Gwalior on 15 December 2024?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar
PIB (Mines): Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar inaugurated the state-of-the-art GSI Geoscience Museum in Gwalior on 15 December 2024.
The GSI Geoscience Museum in Gwalior is housed in which building?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — Victoria Market Building
PIB (Mines): the GSI Geoscience Museum was inaugurated at the Victoria Market Building in Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh.
Raj Kapoor, whose 100th birth anniversary was marked on 14 December 2024, made his directorial debut with which film?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — Aag
Raj Kapoor's directorial debut Aag (1948) marked the beginning of RK Films.
In which year did Raj Kapoor, whose birth centenary was celebrated in December 2024, receive the Dadasaheb Phalke Award?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — 1988
Raj Kapoor received the Padma Bhushan in 1971 and the Dadasaheb Phalke Award in 1988.
Raj Kapoor, whose 100th birth anniversary fell on 14 December 2024, was born in 1924 in which city?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — Peshawar
Raj Kapoor was born on 14 December 1924 in Peshawar, now in Pakistan, the son of Prithviraj Kapoor.
What is the name of the AI chatbot launched by the Prime Minister in Prayagraj on 13 December 2024 for Mahakumbh 2025?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — Kumbh Sah'AI'yak
PIB (PMO): the Prime Minister launched the Kumbh Sah'AI'yak chatbot to give guidance and updates on events to devotees at Mahakumbh Mela 2025.
The Kumbh Sah'AI'yak chatbot launched for Mahakumbh 2025 can communicate in how many Indian languages?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — 11
PIB (PMO): the Kumbh Sahayak chatbot marks the first use of AI and chatbot technology for Kumbh and is capable of communicating in eleven Indian languages.
Which of the following corridors was NOT among those inaugurated by the Prime Minister in Prayagraj on 13 December 2024?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — Vishwanath Dham corridor
PIB (PMO): the PM inaugurated the Bharadwaj Ashram, Shringverpur Dham, Akshayvat and Hanuman Mandir corridors in Prayagraj. Vishwanath Dham, which he cited as an earlier project, is in Varanasi.
Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport, Kolkata, whose celebrations logo was unveiled on 13 December 2024, is marking how many years of service?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — 100
PIB (Civil Aviation): the Minister unveiled the Centenary Celebrations Logo as Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport, Kolkata, celebrates its 100 years of service.
As part of Kolkata airport's centenary, a cafe offering affordable food to passengers travelling under the UDAN scheme is to be introduced. What is it called?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — UDAN Yatri Cafe
PIB (Civil Aviation): a unique UDAN Yatri Cafe is set to be introduced at Kolkata Airport to cater specifically to passengers traveling under the UDAN scheme.
What is the theme of the 10th World Ayurveda Congress inaugurated in December 2024?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — Digital Health: An Ayurveda Perspective
PIB (Ayush): the central theme for WAC 2024 is 'Digital Health: An Ayurveda Perspective'.
Where was the 10th World Ayurveda Congress and Arogya Expo inaugurated on 12 December 2024?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — Dehradun
PIB (Ayush): the 10th World Ayurveda Congress and Arogya Expo were inaugurated in Dehradun in the presence of Prataprao Jadhav and CM Pushkar Singh Dhami.
Where did the India Maritime Heritage Conclave 2024 begin on 11 December 2024?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — Yashobhoomi, Dwarka, New Delhi
PIB (11 Dec 2024): the inaugural day of IMHC 2024, organised by MoPSW at Yashobhoomi, Dwarka, New Delhi, commenced with a session addressed by Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar.
Which ministry organised the India Maritime Heritage Conclave 2024?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways
PIB (11 Dec 2024): IMHC 2024 was organised by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW).
In how many volumes is the compendium of Subramania Bharati's complete works, released by PM Modi on 11 December 2024?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — 21
PIB (11 Dec 2024): the PM lauded six decades of work for the compilation of 'Kaala Varisaiyil Bharathiyar Padaippugal' in 21 volumes.
Whose six decades of work went into compiling the compendium of Subramania Bharati's works released on 11 December 2024?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — Seeni Vishwanathan
PIB (11 Dec 2024): the PM said the hard work of Seeni Vishwanathan over six decades was a penance that will benefit generations.
Which text did Subramania Bharati translate into Tamil, as recalled by PM Modi on Gita Jayanti, 11 December 2024?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — The Bhagavad Gita
PIB (11 Dec 2024): 'He translated Gita into Tamil, providing a simple and accessible interpretation of its profound message,' the PM said.
Swahid Diwas, observed on 10 December, commemorates the martyrs of which movement?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — Assam Movement
PIB (10 Dec 2024): the PM said Swahid Diwas is an occasion to remember the courage and sacrifices of those who dedicated themselves to the Assam Movement.
Where did Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar address the International Gita Mahotsav 2024 on 8 December 2024?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — Kurukshetra, Haryana
PIB (8 Dec 2024): addressing the gathering at the International Gita Mahotsav 2024 in Kurukshetra, Haryana, the Vice-President spoke on the Gita's message.
Which of the following did Vice-President Dhankhar describe as the 'Panchamrit' of governance on 8 December 2024?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — Constructive dialogue, personal integrity, selfless dedication, compassion and mutual respect
PIB (8 Dec 2024): constructive dialogue, personal integrity, selfless dedication, compassion, and mutual respect are the 'Panchamrit' of governance, says Vice-President.
Where did Amit Shah unveil an 11-ft tall statue of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel on 8 December 2024?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — Jodhpur, Rajasthan
PIB (8 Dec 2024): Amit Shah unveiled an 11-ft tall statue of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel in Jodhpur, Rajasthan; Kevadia is the site of the Statue of Unity.
The Karyakar Suvarna Mahotsav addressed by PM Modi in Ahmedabad on 7 December 2024 marked:
Show answer
Correct answer: B — 50 years of BAPS volunteer service
PIB (7 Dec 2024): the PM said the Karyakar Suvarna Mahotsav was an important milestone in the journey of 50 years of service, and praised lakhs of BAPS workers.
Where did PM Narendra Modi inaugurate the Ashtalakshmi Mahotsav on 6 December 2024?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi
PIB (6 Dec 2024): the Prime Minister inaugurated the Ashtalakshmi Mahotsav at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi.
In the context of the Ashtalakshmi Mahotsav, 'Ashtalakshmi' refers to:
Show answer
Correct answer: B — The eight states of North-East India
PIB (6 Dec 2024): the PM said the Northeast is the 'Ashtalakshmi' of India, comparing its eight states to the eight forms of Goddess Lakshmi.
What did PM Modi unveil on the occasion of the Ashtalakshmi Mahotsav on 6 December 2024?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — A commemorative postage stamp
PIB (6 Dec 2024): the PM unveiled a commemorative postage stamp on the occasion of the Ashtalakshmi Mahotsav.
PM Modi said at the Ashtalakshmi Mahotsav that the government is connecting the Northeast with the trinity of:
Show answer
Correct answer: A — Emotion, Economy and Ecology
PIB (6 Dec 2024): 'We are connecting the Northeast with the trinity of Emotion, Economy and Ecology,' the PM said.
On 3 December 2024, President Droupadi Murmu unveiled in Bhubaneswar a statue of which Santali writer and educator?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — Pandit Raghunath Murmu
ThePrint/PTI (3 Dec 2024): President Droupadi Murmu arrived in Odisha and unveiled a statue of Santali writer and educator Pandit Raghunath Murmu in Bhubaneswar, as scheduled in the President's itinerary released by PIB.
Which edition of Nagaland's Hornbill Festival opened on 1 December 2024?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — 25th
PIB (3 and 6 Dec 2024): the 25th Hornbill Festival opened on 1st December 2024 at Kisama, Kohima, marking its silver jubilee.
The Hornbill Festival is celebrated at which venue in Nagaland?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — Naga Heritage Village, Kisama
PIB (6 Dec 2024): the festival is celebrated at the Naga Heritage Village in Kisama, 12 km from the state capital.
Since which year has the Hornbill Festival been held, according to the Ministry of Tribal Affairs?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — 2000
PIB (6 Dec 2024): since its inception in 2000, the Hornbill Festival has been a cornerstone of Nagaland's cultural calendar.
Consider the following statements about the Hornbill Festival: 1. It is held annually from 1 to 10 December and is often called the 'Festival of Festivals'. 2. The National Archives of India organised the exhibition 'Naga – Land & People in Archival Mirror' as part of its 2024 edition. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
PIB (3 and 6 Dec 2024): the festival is held annually from December 1 to 10 and is often referred to as the 'Festival of Festivals'; the NAI organised the exhibition 'Naga – Land & People in Archival Mirror' as part of the 25th Hornbill Festival. Both statements are correct. Answer: Both 1 and 2.
On 1 December 2024, Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar addressed the 138th birth anniversary celebrations of which freedom-era figure at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — Raja Mahendra Pratap
PIB (1 Dec 2024): the Vice-President addressed the 138th Birth Anniversary Celebrations of Raja Mahendra Pratap at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, calling him a born diplomat, statesman, visionary and nationalist.
What is the name of the mascot of the first Ashtalakshmi Mahotsav, unveiled on 29 November 2024?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — Purvi
PIB (DoNER): 'Purvi', the mascot of the Mahotsav, was introduced at the curtain raiser; she is a young girl representing all eight states of Northeast India.
Where and when was the first Ashtalakshmi Mahotsav scheduled to be held?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, 6–8 December 2024
PIB (DoNER): the three-day festival was to take place at Bharat Mandapam, Pragati Maidan, New Delhi, from 6 to 8 December 2024.
The 48th meeting of the National Committee of Archivists concluded on 29 November 2024 at which place?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — Ekta Nagar (Kevadiya), Gujarat
PIB (Culture): the two-day 48th NCA meeting concluded on 29 November 2024 at the Statue of Unity, Kevadiya (Ekta Nagar), Gujarat.
Consider the following statements: 1. The 48th meeting was the first time the National Committee of Archivists met in Gujarat. 2. The Gujarat State Archives has completed the digitisation of its entire records holding. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — 2 only
PIB (Culture): it was the second NCA meeting in Gujarat — the 32nd was held at Gandhinagar on 7 June 1982 (1 is wrong). The Gujarat State Archives has completed digitising its entire records holding (2 is correct).
Which film won the Golden Peacock for Best Film at the 55th International Film Festival of India (IFFI 2024)?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — Toxic
PIB (I&B): the Lithuanian film 'Toxic' bagged the Golden Peacock for Best Feature Film at IFFI 2024.
Who won the Silver Peacock for Best Director at IFFI 2024?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — Bogdan Muresanu for 'The New Year That Never Came'
PIB (I&B): Romanian director Bogdan Muresanu won the Silver Peacock for Best Director for 'The New Year That Never Came'. Courvoisier got the Special Jury Award and Friedland the Best Debut Feature award.
Which film was screened as the closing film of the 55th IFFI in Goa?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — Dry Season
PIB (I&B): the festival concluded with the closing film 'Dry Season', directed by Czech filmmaker Bohdan Sláma.
Who received the Satyajit Ray Lifetime Achievement Award at IFFI 2024?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — Phillip Noyce
PIB (I&B): the Satyajit Ray Lifetime Achievement Award for Excellence in Cinema was presented to Australian director Phillip Noyce.
The first-ever Best Debut Director of Indian Feature Film award at IFFI 2024 went to Navjyot Bandiwadekar for which film?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — Gharat Ganpati
PIB (I&B): the maiden Best Debut Director of Indian Feature Film award went to Navjyot Bandiwadekar for the Marathi film 'Gharat Ganpati'. 'Lampan' won Best Web Series (OTT).
The 12th edition of the International Tourism Mart, inaugurated on 27 November 2024, was held at which place?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — Kaziranga, Assam
PIB (Tourism): the 12th edition of the International Tourism Mart in Kaziranga, Assam, was inaugurated by Gajendra Singh Shekhawat.
The 'Moidams of Charaideo', celebrated at the 12th International Tourism Mart, were declared India's which UNESCO World Heritage Site in July 2024?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — 43rd
PIB (Tourism): in July 2024, the 'Moidams of Charaideo' were declared the 43rd UNESCO World Heritage Site from India.
Lachit Borphukan, whose 402nd birth anniversary was marked on 24 November 2024, led the Ahom army to victory in which battle?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — Battle of Saraighat (1671)
PIB (MoPSW): Lachit Borphukan is honoured as the hero of the 1671 Battle of Saraighat, where he led the Ahom army to victory against the Mughals.
The Battle of Saraighat, described by Sarbananda Sonowal on 24 November 2024 as one of the greatest river naval battles, was fought on which river?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — Brahmaputra
PIB (MoPSW): Sonowal said the Battle of Saraighat stands as one of the greatest naval battles fought on the waterways of the Brahmaputra.
The National Maritime Heritage Complex, highlighted by the PM in Mann Ki Baat on 24 November 2024, is coming up at which site known for the world's first dockyard?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — Lothal
PIB (MoPSW): Lothal, known as the site of the world's first dockyard, is witnessing construction of the National Maritime Heritage Complex.
Consider the following statements about the National Maritime Heritage Complex (NMHC): 1. It is being developed under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways. 2. Its Phase 1A was reported complete (100%) in November 2024. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — 1 only
PIB (MoPSW): NMHC is a MoPSW project, but Phase 1A physical progress had reached 57%, not 100%. Only 1 is correct.
At Odisha Parba 2024 on 24 November 2024, the PM said the nation was celebrating the 125th birth anniversary of which leader, known as 'Utkal Kesari'?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — Hare Krishna Mehtab
PIB (PMO): the PM said the Government was celebrating the 125th birth anniversary of Utkal Kesari Hare Krishna Mehtab on a large scale.
According to the PM at Odisha Parba 2024, the Bali Jatra that concluded on 23 November 2024 was held on the banks of which river in Cuttack?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — Mahanadi
PIB (PMO): Bali Jatra was organised in a grand manner on the banks of the Mahanadi in Cuttack on Kartik Purnima and concluded the day before the event.
At Odisha Parba 2024, the PM named ports to be developed in Odisha. Which of the following was NOT among the ports he named?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — Paradip
PIB (PMO): the PM named Dhamra, Gopalpur, Astaranga, Palur and Subarnarekha. Paradip was not in the list he gave.