Art & Culture Current Affairs Quiz — Last 12 months
Daily news by your exam, state and topic — each with a short summary, key facts and MCQs.
India held the 2nd Joint Working Group on Tourism with which country on 29 September 2026, discussing cine-tourism and destination twinning?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — Italy
The 2nd India–Italy JWG on Tourism was co-chaired by Bhuvnesh Kumar and Emanuela Tripi.
How many Lalit Kala Akademi Awards were announced at the 65th National Exhibition of Art in September 2026?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — 20
The second-tier jury selected 20 artworks by 20 artists for the Lalit Kala Akademi Awards.
Consider the following statements about the 65th National Exhibition of Art (2026): 1. It received 6,175 artworks from artists of 27 States and Union Territories. 2. All entries received were displayed at the exhibition. Which of the above is/are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — 1 only
Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is wrong: the first-tier jury selected 270 artworks for the exhibition.
In September 2026 APEDA facilitated the export of GI-tagged Gulbarga Tur Dal from Karnataka to which country?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — Maldives
A 1 MT consignment was flagged off to the Maldives on 24 September 2026, to be shipped by sea.
What price per kg did farmers realise through the export-linked channel for Gulbarga Tur Dal, against a market price of ₹60 per kg?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — ₹82
Farmers realised ₹82 per kg, more than 30% above the prevailing market price of ₹60 per kg.
What is the theme of the BRICS Theatre Festival 2026 to be held in New Delhi from 12 to 14 October 2026?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — Shared Stories, Shared Futures
The festival is themed 'Shared Stories, Shared Futures'.
The BRICS Theatre Festival 2026 builds on which declaration adopted at the BRICS Culture Ministers' Meeting in August 2026?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — Bhopal Declaration
It builds on the Bhopal Declaration, which emphasised cultural cooperation and people-to-people exchanges.
Which institution organised the 17th Kathakali Festival held in Chennai from 18 to 20 September 2026?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — Kalakshetra Foundation
The festival was organised by the Kalakshetra Foundation under the Ministry of Culture; Kerala Kalamandalam was one of the performing institutions.
What was the theme of the 17th Kathakali Festival (September 2026)?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — Kadha Rasa Sangama – Confluence of Essence of Stories
The theme was 'Kadha Rasa Sangama – Confluence of Essence of Stories'.
Proceeds from the 8th edition of the PM Mementos e-Auction will support which programme?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — Namami Gange
Proceeds from the auction of 1,498 mementos will support the Namami Gange programme.
Whose 150th birth anniversary was marked on 15 September 2026, with PM Modi paying homage?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — Saratchandra Chattopadhyay
PM Modi paid homage to Bengali writer Saratchandra Chattopadhyay on his 150th birth anniversary.
According to PM Modi's tribute, Saratchandra Chattopadhyay's works are known for depicting which society?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — Rural Bengali society of 19th-century India
The PM said his works accurately depict 19th-century India, especially rural Bengali society.
The National Maritime Heritage Complex (NMHC), reviewed by its Governing Council on 11 September 2026, is coming up at Lothal in which state?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — Gujarat
The NMHC is being developed at Lothal, Gujarat, by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways.
How many countries had signed MoUs for collaboration on the NMHC, Lothal, as reported at the 2nd Governing Council meeting in September 2026?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — 13
Thirteen countries have signed MoUs, with discussions under way towards a pipeline of 35-plus partnerships.
Consider the following: 1. Lothal, an Indus Valley Civilization site, has the world's oldest known artificial dock, connected to an ancient course of the Sabarmati river. 2. The 2nd Governing Council meeting of the NMHC Society in September 2026 was chaired by the Union Minister of Culture. Which of the above is/are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only statement 1 is correct. Lothal's dock is the world's oldest known artificial dock; the meeting was chaired by Ports, Shipping and Waterways Minister Sarbananda Sonowal.
8 September 2026 marked the 100th birth anniversary of which Bharat Ratna awardee from Assam?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — Bhupen Hazarika
PM Modi paid tribute to Dr Bhupen Hazarika on his 100th birth anniversary on 8 September 2026.
Bhupen Hazarika was announced as a posthumous Bharat Ratna recipient in January 2019 along with which two others?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — Nanaji Deshmukh and Pranab Mukherjee
The President's communique of 25 January 2019 named Nanaji Deshmukh (posthumously), Dr Bhupen Hazarika (posthumously) and Pranab Mukherjee.
On 6 September 2026, PM Modi addressed the inauguration of a BAPS Swaminarayan Hindu Mandir in which city?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — Paris
The PM addressed, by video conference, the inauguration of the BAPS Swaminarayan Hindu Mandir in Paris.
Consider the following statements about the PM's address at the Paris temple inauguration: 1. The PM attended the inauguration in person in Paris. 2. The PM called the temple a new milestone in India–France cultural relations. Which of the above is/are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — 2 only
Only 2 is correct. The PM addressed the gathering through video conference.
The Tamil daily Dinamalar, on which a commemorative stamp was released in September 2026, was founded in 1951 by whom?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — T. V. Ramasubbaiyer
The Vice President recalled the contribution of Dinamalar's founder T. V. Ramasubbaiyer; the paper was founded in 1951.
Which legendary actor, known as 'Mahanayak', was remembered by PM Modi on his birth centenary on 3 September 2026?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — Uttam Kumar
PM Modi paid tributes to Mahanayak Uttam Kumar on his birth centenary.
On which river is the Aranmula Uthrittathi Vallamkali held?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — Pamba
The Vice President inaugurated the Aranmula Vallamkali on the River Pamba.
What are the decorated snake boats used in the Aranmula Vallamkali called?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — Palliyodams
The Aranmula Vallamkali features decorated Palliyodams rowed by more than a hundred oarsmen.
Telugu Language Day, observed on 29 August, marks the birth anniversary of which reformer?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — Gidugu Venkata Ramamurthy
Telugu Language Day is observed on the birth anniversary of Gidugu Venkata Ramamurthy (born 29 August 1863).
Consider the following statements about Gidugu Venkata Ramamurthy: 1. Gidugu championed the classical literary style (Grandhika Bhasha) over spoken Telugu. 2. Gidugu developed a script for the Savara tribal language. Which of the above is/are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — 2 only
Statement 1 is wrong: Gidugu championed spoken Telugu (Vyavaharika) over Grandhika. Statement 2 is correct.
Consider the following statements about the tributes paid on 28 August 2026: 1. The Prime Minister paid tributes to Sree Narayana Guru on his birth anniversary. 2. The Prime Minister paid homage to Mahatma Ayyankali on his death anniversary. Which of the above is/are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — 1 only
Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is wrong: 28 August 2026 was Mahatma Ayyankali's birth anniversary, not his death anniversary.
The Hutatma Smruti Smarak at Patradevi, Goa, marks the site where satyagrahis faced Portuguese fire during the satyagraha of which date?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — 15 August 1955
On 15 August 1955 the first group of satyagrahis entered Goa through Patradevi and was met with Portuguese machine-gun fire.
Through which 1961 military operation did the Indian armed forces liberate Goa, as recalled at Patradevi on 26 August 2026?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — Operation Vijay
The Indian armed forces liberated Goa from Portuguese rule through Operation Vijay in 1961.
Consider the following statements about the Goa liberation satyagrahis honoured at Patradevi on 26 August 2026: 1. Karnail Singh, one of the satyagrahis honoured, was from Punjab. 2. Sahodra Devi, one of the satyagrahis honoured, was from Kerala. Which of the above is/are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — 1 only
Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is wrong: Sahodra Devi was from Madhya Pradesh.
Where did the Ministry of Tribal Affairs begin the National Conclave on Tribal Languages and Museums on 24 August 2026?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — Mysuru
The three-day conclave began in Mysuru, Karnataka, organised with the Karnataka State Tribal Research Institute and CIIL.
'Jago', launched at the Mysuru conclave in August 2026, is:
Show answer
Correct answer: A — The official AI conversational assistant of the Ministry of Tribal Affairs
Jago is the ministry's official AI assistant, designed to make information on tribal welfare schemes easier to find and understand.
Consider the following statements about the upgraded Adi Vaani platform launched in August 2026: 1. It was launched with a new Android-only app. 2. Five new languages were added to it. Which of the above is/are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — 2 only
Only statement 2 is correct. The upgrade added a new iOS application, five new languages and a logo.
The Mati Kala Board announced by Bihar's Chief Minister in August 2026 is meant to promote which traditional craft?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — Clay and terracotta art
The Mati Kala Board will preserve and promote traditional pottery and terracotta (clay) art.
Bihar's proposed Mati Kala Board will primarily work for the welfare of which community?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — Kumhar (Prajapati)
The board will work for the welfare of the Kumhar (Prajapati) community and other clay artisans.
'Vigyan Pragati', the Hindi science magazine that completed 75 years in 2026, is published by:
Show answer
Correct answer: A — CSIR-NIScPR
Vigyan Pragati, launched in 1952, is published by CSIR-National Institute of Science Communication and Policy Research.
When and where will the 57th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) be held?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — Goa, 20–28 November 2026
The 57th IFFI is scheduled to be held in Goa from 20 to 28 November 2026.
The Har Ghar Tiranga 2026 celebrations, which closed with a concert at Bharat Mandapam on 18 August 2026, were dedicated to what?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — 150 years of Vande Mataram
Har Ghar Tiranga 2026 was dedicated to marking 150 years of Vande Mataram.
How many Indian missions and posts did the Suryapath Tiranga global relay connect on 15 August 2026?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — 54
The relay connected 54 missions and posts across continents, following the path of the rising sun.
From which place did the Suryapath Tiranga relay begin on 15 August 2026?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — Suva, Fiji
The relay began in Suva, Fiji, at 1:30 am IST and ended in San Francisco at 8:30 pm IST.
Har Ghar Tiranga 2026, observed from 9 to 17 August, was which edition of the campaign and centred on which anniversary?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — Fifth year; 150 years of Vande Mataram
The Ministry of Culture described 2026 as the fifth year of Har Ghar Tiranga, with 150 years of the National Song, Vande Mataram, at its heart.
Partition Horrors Remembrance Day, observed on 14 August, is also known by which name?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — Vibhajan Vibheeshika Smriti Divas
Partition Horrors Remembrance Day is also called Vibhajan Vibheeshika Smriti Divas; President Murmu referred to it by this name in her address of 14 August 2026.
Where in New Delhi did the Ministry of Culture hold the main observance of Partition Horrors Remembrance Day 2026?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — Central Park, Connaught Place
The main observance, with a Partition Horrors Exhibition, was held at Central Park, Connaught Place; other programmes were held in Amritsar and Kolkata.
Consider the following statements about Partition Horrors Remembrance Day 2026: 1. In Amritsar, the observance was held at Guru Nanak Dev University. 2. In Kolkata, the programme was organised in collaboration with the Government of West Bengal. Which of the above is/are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both statements are correct. Amritsar's programme was at GNDU, and Kolkata's two-day programme on 13–14 August was held at the Newtown Convention Centre with the West Bengal government.
President Droupadi Murmu presented the Sangeet Natak Akademi Fellowships and Awards on 13 August 2026 for which years?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — 2024 and 2025
The President presented the Sangeet Natak Akademi Fellowships and Awards for the years 2024 and 2025.
August Kranti Diwas, observed on 9 August, commemorates which movement?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — Quit India Movement
August Kranti Diwas commemorates the Quit India Movement of 1942.
Where did Vice-President C. P. Radhakrishnan launch the Har Ghar Tiranga Abhiyan on 9 August 2026?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — Sri Vijaya Puram, Andaman & Nicobar Islands
The Vice-President hoisted the flag at Flag Point, Sri Vijaya Puram, to launch the campaign on August Kranti Diwas.
While launching Har Ghar Tiranga in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands in August 2026, the Vice-President recalled that Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose hoisted the Indian National Flag in the islands on which date?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — 30 December 1943
The Vice-President recalled that Netaji hoisted the Indian National Flag in the islands on 30 December 1943.
Which city hosted the XI BRICS Culture Ministers' Meeting in August 2026, which adopted a declaration named after it?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — Bhopal
The XI BRICS Culture Ministers' Meeting was held in Bhopal on 8 August 2026 and adopted the Bhopal Declaration.
What is India's overarching theme for its BRICS Chairship in 2026?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability
India's BRICS 2026 theme is 'Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability'.
Which of the following was NOT among the four BRICS partner countries at the XI BRICS Culture Ministers' Meeting in Bhopal?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — Vietnam
The four partner countries present were Belarus, Cuba, Kazakhstan and Thailand.
Consider the following statements about the BRICS culture track under India's 2026 Chairship: 1. One of the Culture Working Group meetings was held in Varanasi. 2. All ten BRICS member countries attended the Bhopal ministerial meeting in person. Which of the above is/are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only statement 1 is correct. The second Working Group meeting was held in Varanasi in June; Egypt joined the ministerial meeting online.
National Handloom Day, observed on 7 August, commemorates the launch of which movement in 1905?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — Swadeshi Movement
National Handloom Day marks the launch of the Swadeshi Movement in 1905, which boosted indigenous industries and handloom.
How many commemorative postage stamps on Indian handloom weaves did the President release on National Handloom Day 2026?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — Four
President Droupadi Murmu released four commemorative postage stamps on Indian handloom weaves.
How many Sant Kabir Handloom Awards for 2025 were conferred on the 12th National Handloom Day?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — 3
The President conferred 3 Sant Kabir Handloom Awards and 19 National Handloom Awards for 2025.
Consider the following statements about National Handloom Day: 1. 7 August was declared National Handloom Day in 2010. 2. The 2026 Handloom Awards ceremony was held at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi. Which of the above is/are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — Neither 1 nor 2
Neither statement is correct. The day was declared in 2015, and the 2026 ceremony was held at the Rashtrapati Bhavan Cultural Centre.
During which period is the Har Ghar Tiranga 2026 campaign being observed?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — 9 to 17 August
Har Ghar Tiranga 2026 is being observed across the country from 9 to 17 August 2026.
The Har Ghar Tiranga 2026 campaign is dedicated to 150 years of which of the following?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — Vande Mataram
The 2026 campaign is dedicated to 150 years of the National Song 'Vande Mataram'.
What is the new initiative under Har Ghar Tiranga 2026 that will connect Indian Missions across the globe?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — Suryapath Tiranga
'Suryapath Tiranga' is the new initiative to connect Indian Missions across the globe.
Which two bodies signed the MoU in August 2026 to commercialise India's GI products under the 'Bharat GI' banner?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — Ministry of MSME and DPIIT
The Ministry of MSME and DPIIT signed the MoU on 5 August 2026 at Vanijya Bhawan, New Delhi.
Under the 'Bharat GI' initiative, GI collectives and authorised users are to be onboarded onto which platforms?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — ONDC and GeM
The MoU provides for onboarding GI collectives and authorised users onto ONDC and the Government e-Marketplace (GeM).
Consider the following statements: 1. DPIIT is the nodal department for registration and legal protection of Geographical Indications under the GI of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999. 2. The MSME–DPIIT MoU of August 2026 provides for integrating One District One Product (ODOP) into programme design. Which of the above is/are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both statements are correct as per the MoU announcement.
On which portal was the 'As Seen on Netflix' section launched in August 2026?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — Incredible India portal
The 'As Seen on Netflix' section was launched on the Incredible India portal under the Ministry of Tourism–Netflix India collaboration.