Art & Culture Current Affairs Quiz — All time
Daily news by your exam, state and topic — each with a short summary, key facts and MCQs.
Who inaugurated the exposition of the Devnimori relics of Lord Buddha in Colombo on 4 February 2026?
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Correct answer: A — President Anura Kumara Dissanayake
Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake inaugurated the exposition with the Gujarat Governor and Deputy Chief Minister.
Who led the Indian delegation that accompanied the Devnimori relics to Sri Lanka in February 2026?
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Correct answer: B — Gujarat Governor Acharya Devvrat
The delegation was led by Gujarat Governor Acharya Devvrat and Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi.
Which of the following sites is among the 15 archaeological sites to be developed as cultural destinations under the Union Budget 2026-27?
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Correct answer: D — Rakhigarhi
The listed sites include Lothal, Dholavira, Rakhigarhi, Adichanallur, Sarnath, Hastinapur and Leh Palace.
How much did the Union Budget 2026-27 allocate to promote sports goods manufacturing?
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Correct answer: A — ₹500 crore
₹500 crore was allocated to promote sports goods manufacturing, alongside the Khelo India Mission.
Which country was the partner country of the 39th Surajkund International Atmanirbhar Crafts Mela (2026)?
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Correct answer: A — Egypt
PIB: The Vice-President welcomed Egypt, the partner country for this year's Mela.
Which two states were the theme states of the 39th Surajkund Crafts Mela inaugurated on 31 January 2026?
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Correct answer: C — Uttar Pradesh and Meghalaya
PIB: The theme states were Uttar Pradesh and Meghalaya.
The Surajkund International Crafts Mela is held in which district?
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Correct answer: D — Faridabad
PIB: The 39th Mela was inaugurated at Faridabad, Haryana.
Bharat Parv, held every year at the Red Fort lawns during Republic Day celebrations, is organised by which ministry?
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Correct answer: D — Ministry of Tourism
PIB: Bharat Parv is organised by the Ministry of Tourism annually since 2016.
'Vande Mataram', whose 150th anniversary was the theme of Bharat Parv 2026, was first published in which journal?
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Correct answer: B — Bangadarshan
PIB: Vande Mataram was first published in the literary journal 'Bangadarshan' on 7 November 1875; it was later included in the novel 'Anandamath' (1882).
Under a January 2026 MoU with CCRAS, rare Ayurvedic palm-leaf manuscripts of which university's South Odisha Cultural Study Centre will be digitised?
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Correct answer: B — Berhampur University
PIB: CCRAS and Berhampur University, Odisha, agreed to digitise manuscripts preserved at the South Odisha Cultural Study Centre (SOCSC).
The Prime Minister addressed the centenary of the Arya Vaidya Sala Charitable Hospital on 28 January 2026. Who founded the Arya Vaidya Sala?
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Correct answer: C — Vaidyaratnam P.S. Varier
PIB (PMO): the PM recalled the contributions of Arya Vaidyasala's founder, Vaidyaratnam P.S. Varier.
Bharat Rang Mahotsav, whose 25th edition opened on 27 January 2026, is organised by which institution?
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Correct answer: A — National School of Drama
PIB (Culture): BRM is organised by the National School of Drama under the Ministry of Culture; the 25th edition opened at NSD, Mandi House.
Consider the following statements about Bharat Rang Mahotsav 2026: 1. It is the festival's 25th edition. 2. It features 277 Indian and 12 international productions. 3. Its 'Rang Doot' is actor Mita Vashisht. Which of the statements given above are correct?
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Correct answer: D — 1, 2 and 3
PIB (Culture): 25th edition; 277 Indian and 12 international productions; Rang Doot Ms. Mita Vashisht.
Tamil scholar D. Gnanasundaram, who died in January 2026, was praised by the Prime Minister for his exceptional understanding of which work?
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Correct answer: A — Kamba Ramayanam
PIB (PMO): the PM said Gnanasundaram's understanding of the Kamba Ramayanam was exceptional.
The Prime Minister recalled meeting D. Gnanasundaram in January 2024 at which temple?
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Correct answer: B — Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple, Tiruchirappalli
PIB (PMO): the PM recalled interacting with him during his visit to Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple, Tiruchirappalli, in January 2024.
The Matabari Tourism Circuit, whose foundation stone was laid in January 2026, will integrate which of the following?
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Correct answer: A — Tripura Sundari Temple, Chabimura and Dumbur Lake
PIB (DoNER): the ₹450 crore circuit will integrate the Tripura Sundari Temple, Chabimura and Dumbur Lake.
What is the Ministry of DoNER's contribution to the ₹450 crore Matabari Tourism Circuit?
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Correct answer: C — ₹276 crore
PIB (DoNER): of the ₹450 crore outlay, ₹276 crore is being contributed by the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region.
Bharat Parv 2026, held at the Red Fort from 26 to 31 January, is organised by which ministry?
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Correct answer: A — Ministry of Tourism
PIB: the Ministry of Tourism organises Bharat Parv, its flagship annual event, as part of the Republic Day celebrations.
How many Republic Day tableaux are on display at Bharat Parv 2026?
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Correct answer: B — 41
PIB (Tourism): attractions include 41 Republic Day tableaux, 48 cultural performances and a food court with 60 stalls.
The Second Global Buddhist Summit (January 2026) was held at:
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Correct answer: B — Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi
PIB (Culture): Shekhawat addressed the inaugural session of the Second Global Buddhist Summit at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, on 24 January 2026.
According to the Culture Minister, the Piprahwa relics were repatriated to India after how many years?
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Correct answer: C — 127
PIB (Culture): Shekhawat recalled the Piprahwa relics, repatriated to India after 127 years.
The exhibition 'The Light & The Lotus: Relics of The Awakened One' is on display at which venue in New Delhi?
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Correct answer: B — Rai Pithora Cultural Centre
PIB (Culture): the international exhibition is on display at the Rai Pithora Cultural Centre, New Delhi.
Which school won the Brass Band Girls category at the National School Band Competition 2026?
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Correct answer: C — Providence Girls Higher Secondary School, Kozhikode
PIB (Defence): Providence Girls HSS, Kozhikode (Kerala) won Brass Band Girls; KGBV Kanke won Pipe Band Girls and Kairali School won Pipe Band Boys.
The Grand Finale of the National School Band Competition 2026 was held at:
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Correct answer: D — National Bal Bhavan, New Delhi
PIB (Defence): the Grand Finale was held at the National Bal Bhavan, New Delhi, on 24 January 2026.
Granth Kutir, inaugurated at Rashtrapati Bhavan in January 2026, has books in how many classical languages of India?
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Correct answer: C — 11
PIB (President's Secretariat): Granth Kutir has about 2,300 books in 11 classical languages of India.
Which of the following languages was NOT among those granted classical language status on 3 October 2024?
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Correct answer: D — Odia
PIB: Marathi, Pali, Prakrit, Assamese and Bengali got classical status on 3 October 2024; Odia was among the six that already had it.
Which institution is providing professional expertise for managing and conserving manuscripts at Granth Kutir?
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Correct answer: A — Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts
PIB: the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA) provides expertise in management, conservation, documentation and display of manuscripts.
Kaladi, a GI-tagged traditional dairy product, belongs to which district?
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Correct answer: D — Udhampur
PIB (Science & Technology): Kaladi is the GI-tagged traditional dairy product of Udhampur district, Jammu & Kashmir.
Technologies of which CSIR laboratory are to be applied to upscale Kaladi?
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Correct answer: A — CSIR-CFTRI, Mysuru
PIB (Science & Technology): following the success of millet-based foods, CSIR-CFTRI Mysuru technologies will be applied for Kaladi upscaling.
The 233-year-old Valmiki Ramayana manuscript gifted in January 2026 was given to which museum?
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Correct answer: A — International Ram Katha Museum, Ayodhya
PIB (Culture): the manuscript has been permanently gifted to the Antarrashtriya Ram Katha Sangrahalaya, Ayodhya.
The Valmiki Ramayana manuscript gifted to the Ram Katha Museum carries which classical commentary?
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Correct answer: A — Tattvadīpikā by Maheshvara Tīrtha
PIB (Culture): the manuscript is the Vālmīkirāmāyaṇam with the Tattvadīpikā ṭīkā by Maheshvara Tīrtha.
Consider the following statements about the Valmiki Ramayana manuscript gifted in January 2026: 1. It dates to Vikrama Samvat 1849 (1792 CE). 2. It contains all seven kandas, including the Uttarakanda. 3. It was earlier on loan to Rashtrapati Bhavan. Which of the statements given above are correct?
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Correct answer: B — 1 and 3 only
PIB (Culture): the manuscript dates to VS 1849 (1792 CE) and was earlier loaned to Rashtrapati Bhavan; it comprises five kandas — Bāla, Araṇya, Kiṣkindhā, Sundara and Yuddha — so statement 2 is wrong.
Where was PM Vishwakarma Haat 2026 inaugurated in January 2026?
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Correct answer: B — Dilli Haat, INA, New Delhi
PIB (MSME): Jitan Ram Manjhi inaugurated PM Vishwakarma Haat 2026 at Dilli Haat, INA, New Delhi.
Which ministry organised PM Vishwakarma Haat 2026?
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Correct answer: C — Ministry of MSME
PIB (MSME): PM Vishwakarma Haat 2026 was organised by the Ministry of MSME.
Bagurumba Dwhou, attended by the PM in Guwahati on 17 January 2026, is a traditional cultural programme of which community?
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Correct answer: C — Bodo
PIB (PMO): Bagurumba Dwhou is a traditional Bodo cultural programme.
At which venue in Guwahati was Bagurumba Dwhou 2026 held?
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Correct answer: B — Sarusajai Stadium
PIB (PMO): the programme was held at Sarusajai Stadium, Guwahati.
In which year was the Bodo Peace Accord, recalled by the PM at Bagurumba Dwhou 2026, signed?
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Correct answer: C — 2020
PIB (PMO): the PM referred to the Bodo Peace Accord of 2020.
Ponduru Khadi, which received a GI tag in January 2026, comes from which district of Andhra Pradesh?
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Correct answer: A — Srikakulam
PIB (MSME): Ponduru Khadi is produced in Ponduru village of Srikakulam district.
By what local name is Ponduru Khadi known?
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Correct answer: A — Patnulu
PIB (MSME): Ponduru Khadi is locally known as Patnulu.
In whose favour was the GI registration for Ponduru Khadi awarded?
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Correct answer: D — Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC)
PIB (MSME): the registration was awarded by the GI Registry in favour of KVIC.
On Thiruvalluvar Day 2026, the PM urged everyone to read which work, saying it gives a glimpse of Thiruvalluvar's outstanding intellect?
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Correct answer: B — Tirukkural
PIB (PMO): the PM urged all to read the Tirukkural, which gives a glimpse of the outstanding intellect of Thiruvalluvar.
From which Indian port did INSV Kaundinya begin the maiden voyage that ended in Muscat in January 2026?
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Correct answer: D — Porbandar
PIB (Ports, Shipping and Waterways): INSV Kaundinya arrived in Muscat after completing its maiden voyage from Porbandar.
The design of INSV Kaundinya is inspired by a fifth-century CE vessel depicted in which artwork?
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Correct answer: A — Ajanta Cave paintings
PIB (Ports, Shipping and Waterways): INSV Kaundinya is inspired by a fifth-century CE vessel depicted in the Ajanta Cave paintings.
INSV Kaundinya's arrival in Muscat came as India and Oman commemorate how many years of diplomatic relations?
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Correct answer: C — 70 years
PIB (Ports, Shipping and Waterways): both countries are commemorating 70 years of diplomatic relations.
The skilling initiative 'Inspiring Innovators – Naye Bharat Ki Nayi Pehchaan', concluded in January 2026, was developed by the I&B Ministry and the Office of the PSA in collaboration with which fund?
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Correct answer: B — Netflix Fund for Creative Equity
PIB (I&B): the initiative was developed in collaboration with the Netflix Fund for Creative Equity.
The Somnath Swabhiman Parv held in January 2026 marked a thousand years since the first attack on the Somnath temple by whom?
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Correct answer: A — Mahmud of Ghazni
PIB (PMO): PM Modi recalled that in 1026 AD Mahmud of Ghazni first attacked and destroyed the Somnath temple.
In which year was the Somnath temple reconstructed, an event that completed 75 years in 2026?
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Correct answer: B — 1951
PIB (PMO): the thousand-year Swabhiman journey coincides with seventy-five years since the temple's reconstruction in 1951.
According to PM Modi's address at the Somnath Swabhiman Parv, who established a new temple at Somnath after its desecration by Aurangzeb?
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Correct answer: A — Ahilyabai Holkar
PIB (PMO): after Aurangzeb desecrated Somnath, Ahilyabai Holkar established a new temple, bringing Somnath back to life.
Consider the following statements about the Somnath Swabhiman Parv, 2026: 1. It was held at Somnath from 8 to 11 January 2026. 2. PM Modi addressed it in his capacity as Chairman of the Somnath Temple Trust. 3. A 'Shourya Yatra' with 1,000 horses reached the temple. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: B — 1 and 2 only
PIB (PMO): statements 1 and 2 are correct. Statement 3 is wrong: the Shourya Yatra had 108 horses; it was the drone show that used a thousand drones.
The 1169 CE Bhadrakali Temple inscription at Prabhas Patan is a eulogy of Bhavabrihaspati, spiritual preceptor of which ruler?
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Correct answer: D — Kumarapala
PIB (Culture): it is a eulogistic inscription of Bhavabrihaspati, the spiritual preceptor of Maharajadhiraj Kumarapala of Anhilwad Patan.
According to the Bhadrakali inscription, which builder–material pair for the Somnath temple is correctly matched?
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Correct answer: A — Shri Krishna – wood
PIB (Culture): the inscription says Chandra built it of gold, Ravana of silver, Shri Krishna of wood, and King Bhimdev Solanki of stone.
What is the theme of the New Delhi World Book Fair 2026?
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Correct answer: A — Indian Military History: Valour and Wisdom @ 75
PIB (Education): the theme of NDWBF 2026 is 'Indian Military History: Valour and Wisdom @ 75'.
Consider the following statements about the New Delhi World Book Fair 2026: 1. It is organised by the National Book Trust under the Ministry of Culture. 2. Entry to the fair was made free for the first time. 3. It is being held at Bharat Mandapam from 10 to 18 January 2026. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: B — 2 and 3 only
PIB (Education): NBT organises the fair under the Ministry of Education (not Culture); entry is free for the first time; it runs 10–18 January 2026 at Bharat Mandapam.
'The Saga of Kudopali: The Unsung Story of 1857', released at the New Delhi World Book Fair 2026, honours which freedom fighter and region?
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Correct answer: D — Veer Surendra Sai — Sambalpur
PIB (Education): the book honours Veer Surendra Sai and the martyrs of Sambalpur and was released in 9 Indian languages and Spanish.
Which city hosted the Indian Lighthouse Festival 3.0, which concluded on 10 January 2026?
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Correct answer: A — Visakhapatnam
PIB (Ports, Shipping and Waterways): the two-day Indian Lighthouse Festival 3.0 concluded in Visakhapatnam.
The MoU for Andhra Pradesh's first Lighthouse Museum, exchanged in January 2026, was between the Visakhapatnam Port Authority and which body?
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Correct answer: D — Directorate General of Lighthouses and Lightships
PIB (Ports, Shipping and Waterways): the MoU was exchanged between VPA and the Directorate General of Lighthouses and Lightships (DGLL).
Consider the following statements made at the Indian Lighthouse Festival 3.0 (January 2026): 1. 75 lighthouses have been developed as tourism destinations and 25 more are proposed. 2. Port projects worth ₹230 crore were launched at Visakhapatnam Port. 3. A light and sound show was inaugurated at Aguada Lighthouse in Kerala. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: B — 1 and 2 only
PIB (Ports, Shipping and Waterways): statements 1 and 2 are correct; Aguada Lighthouse is in Goa, not Kerala.
Who inaugurated the Third International Conference on Indian Languages in New Delhi on 9 January 2026?
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Correct answer: A — Vice-President C. P. Radhakrishnan
PIB (Vice-President's Secretariat): Vice-President C. P. Radhakrishnan inaugurated the conference.
In January 2026, online ticket booking for over 170 ASI-protected monuments and museums was made available on which network?
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Correct answer: B — Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC)
PIB (Ministry of Culture): ASI enabled online ticket booking for over 170 monuments and museums on ONDC.
Which entity technically enabled the onboarding of ASI's monuments and museums onto the ONDC network in January 2026?
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Correct answer: C — NSDL Database Management Limited (NDML)
PIB (Ministry of Culture): the integration was technically enabled by NDML, which onboarded ASI's complete inventory onto ONDC.
Consider the following statements about online booking of ASI monument tickets through ONDC (January 2026): 1. Indian visitors get a ₹5 discount on online booking. 2. Foreign nationals get a ₹50 discount on online booking. 3. Tickets can be booked only through a single ASI-run app. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: D — 1 and 2 only
PIB: the ₹5 (Indians) and ₹50 (foreigners) discounts continue, and tickets can be booked through multiple ONDC apps such as Highway Delite, Pelocal and Abhee, so statement 3 is wrong.
How many literary works in classical Indian languages did Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan release on 6 January 2026?
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Correct answer: B — 55
PIB (Ministry of Education): he released 55 literary works — 41 books from CIIL's Centres of Excellence plus 13 books and a Tirukkural sign language series from CICT.
Which classical Tamil work was released in an Indian Sign Language series by the Central Institute of Classical Tamil in January 2026?
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Correct answer: D — Tirukkural
PIB (Ministry of Education): CICT brought out a Tirukkural Sign Language series along with 13 books.
Consider the following statements regarding classical languages in India: 1. The Centres for Excellence for studies in Classical Kannada, Telugu, Malayalam and Odia function under the Central Institute of Indian Languages, Mysuru. 2. The Sahitya Akademi is the nodal agency for the Linguistic Experts Committee that examines classical language proposals. 3. Marathi and Bengali were among the languages granted classical status on 3 October 2024. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — 1, 2 and 3
PIB (Cabinet, 3 October 2024): the Centres of Excellence are under CIIL, Mysuru; Sahitya Akademi is the nodal agency for the LEC; and Marathi, Pali, Prakrit, Assamese and Bengali were granted classical status. All three are correct.
The Mridangiya Gayan-Bayan tradition, whose state convention Sarbananda Sonowal attended in January 2026, belongs to which state's cultural life?
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Correct answer: A — Assam
PIB (MoPSW): Sonowal called the Mridangiya Gayan-Bayan tradition an inseparable part of Assam's cultural life at the convention in Dibrugarh.
The ceremonial programme of which satra was held along with the Mridangiya Gayan-Bayan convention at Rajgarh, Dibrugarh, in January 2026?
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Correct answer: D — Sri Sri Auniati Satra
PIB (MoPSW): the convention was held along with an Akhanda Bhagavat Path and a ceremonial programme of Sri Sri Auniati Satra.
The Grand International Exposition of the sacred Piprahwa relics, inaugurated by PM Modi on 3 January 2026, was held at which venue?
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Correct answer: A — Rai Pithora Cultural Complex, New Delhi
PIB (PMO and Ministry of Culture): the exposition was inaugurated at the Rai Pithora Cultural Complex, New Delhi.
The Piprahwa relics of the Buddha were first unearthed in 1898 by whom, at a stupa site identified with ancient Kapilavastu?
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Correct answer: C — William Claxton Peppé
PIB (Ministry of Culture): the Piprahwa relics were unearthed in 1898 by William Claxton Peppé at the stupa site identified with Kapilavastu.
What is the title of the Piprahwa relics exposition inaugurated in New Delhi in January 2026?
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Correct answer: A — The Light & the Lotus: Relics of the Awakened One
PIB (Ministry of Culture): the exposition is titled 'The Light & the Lotus: Relics of the Awakened One'.
Consider the following statements about the Piprahwa relics exposition of January 2026: 1. It includes the Peppé family collection repatriated to India in July 2025 after its auction abroad was halted. 2. It includes relics preserved at the Indian Museum, Kolkata. 3. It was organised by the Archaeological Survey of India under the Ministry of External Affairs. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: D — 1 and 2 only
PIB (Ministry of Culture): the exposition brings together the Peppé collection repatriated in July 2025 and treasures from the Indian Museum, Kolkata. It was organised by the Ministry of Culture, so statement 3 is wrong.