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.
At which event was the 'Digital Handloom Atlas – One Platform. Endless Markets' launched in August 2026?
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Correct answer: D — GI & Beyond 2.0 Summit
The Digital Handloom Atlas was launched at the GI & Beyond 2.0 Summit organised by DC (Handlooms) with HEPC.
The Centre of Excellence for Handloom Technology (CoE-HT), inaugurated in August 2026, is located at which institution?
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Correct answer: A — IIT Delhi
Textiles Minister Giriraj Singh inaugurated the CoE-HT at IIT Delhi on 3 August 2026.
Which initiative launched at the Centre of Excellence for Handloom Technology converts recycled defence textiles into premium handloom fabrics?
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Correct answer: C — Threads of Valour
Threads of Valour is a sustainability initiative that turns recycled defence textiles into premium handloom fabrics.
Satish Gujral, on whose centenary a postage stamp was released in August 2026, was a recipient of which Padma award?
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Correct answer: D — Padma Vibhushan
Satish Gujral was a Padma Vibhushan recipient.
Where was the commemorative postage stamp on Satish Gujral's centenary released on 3 August 2026?
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Correct answer: B — Bikaner House, New Delhi
Communications Minister Jyotiraditya M. Scindia released the stamp at Bikaner House, New Delhi.
Which Union Minister released the commemorative postage stamp on Satish Gujral's centenary?
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Correct answer: C — Jyotiraditya M. Scindia
The stamp was released by Communications Minister Jyotiraditya M. Scindia; the Department of Posts is under his ministry.
Pingali Venkayya, whose 150th birth anniversary was marked on 2 August 2026, is remembered for his role in giving India what?
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Correct answer: D — The Tricolour (National Flag)
The PM remembered Pingali Venkayya for his invaluable role in giving the nation the Tricolour.
Which birth anniversary of Pingali Venkayya was observed on 2 August 2026?
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Correct answer: C — 150th
2 August 2026 marked Pingali Venkayya's 150th birth anniversary.
The Swami Vivekananda Cultural Youth Centre – Viveka Smaraka, inaugurated by the PM on 1 August 2026, is in which city?
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Correct answer: C — Mysuru
The PM inaugurated the Viveka Smaraka at Mysuru, Karnataka.
At the Viveka Smaraka inauguration, the PM traced his spiritual roots to the teachings of which organisation?
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Correct answer: A — Ramakrishna Mission
The PM traced his own spiritual roots to the teachings of the Ramakrishna Mission.
31 July is observed as the Balidan Diwas (martyrdom day) of which revolutionary, to whom the PM paid tribute in 2026?
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Correct answer: A — Udham Singh
PM Modi paid tribute to Shaheed Udham Singh on his Balidan Diwas on 31 July 2026.
The BSIP pollen study released in July 2026 that linked a weak monsoon to the shrinking of the Harappan Civilisation was based on a sediment core from which lake?
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Correct answer: B — Deoria Tal
BSIP studied a well-dated sediment core from Deoria Tal in the Garhwal Himalaya.
Consider the following statements about the BSIP Deoria Tal study: 1. It found an abrupt rise in the oak/pine ratio around 4250 cal yr BP, matching the '4.2 ka event'. 2. It suggests Harappan people migrated westward towards the Indus delta. 3. Pollen and spores were used as tools to reconstruct past vegetation and climate. Which of the statements given above are correct?
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Correct answer: C — 1 and 3 only
The study reports the oak/pine jump near 4250 cal yr BP and uses pollen and spores as proxies. It says people along the Indus and Ghaggar-Hakra migrated to the eastern Ganga plains, not westward.
'Chongpreng', a three-stringed bamboo musical instrument mentioned in Mann Ki Baat on 26 July 2026, belongs to which State?
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Correct answer: C — Tripura
The PM described Chongpreng as an instrument from Tripura, popular among its tribal communities, whose tune resembles the sarod.
The traditional 'Vagu' mat, whose revival was praised in the 136th Mann Ki Baat, is made from what and belongs to which region?
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Correct answer: A — Reeds and paddy straw – Kashmir
Vagu is Kashmir's traditional mat crafted from reeds and paddy straw; it keeps cool in summer and warm in winter.
According to the PM's Mann Ki Baat of 26 July 2026, Khadi sales have grown how much over the last 12 years?
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Correct answer: B — Six-fold, to nearly ₹8,000 crore
The PM said Khadi sales have increased six-fold over the last 12 years and reached nearly ₹8,000 crore.
'Aksharakanduk', mentioned in the 136th episode of Mann Ki Baat, is:
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Correct answer: D — A school project in Ernakulam, Kerala that teaches Sanskrit letters through football terms
Aksharakanduk is a project of a school Sanskrit club in South Chittoor, Ernakulam, Kerala, where a teacher explains Sanskrit letters by linking them to football terms.
With the inscription of the 'Ancient Buddhist Site of Sarnath' in July 2026, how many World Heritage properties does India have?
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Correct answer: B — 45
Sarnath became India's 45th property on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
Sarnath was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List at the 48th session of the World Heritage Committee held in which city?
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Correct answer: D — Busan
The decision was taken at the 48th session of the World Heritage Committee in Busan, South Korea.
Which two component parts make up the inscribed serial property 'Ancient Buddhist Site of Sarnath'?
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Correct answer: A — Chaukhandi Stupa and the Archaeological Remains of Sarnath
The property comprises the Chaukhandi Stupa and the Archaeological Remains of Sarnath (which include the Dhamekh Stupa, Dharmarajika Stupa, Mulagandhakuti Vihara and Ashokan Pillar).
Consider the following statements about Sarnath's World Heritage inscription (2026): 1. Sarnath had been on India's Tentative List since 1998. 2. It was inscribed under criteria (iii) and (vi). 3. With it, all four principal Buddhist pilgrimage sites are now World Heritage properties. Which of the statements given above are correct?
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Correct answer: C — 1 and 2 only
Statements 1 and 2 are correct. Statement 3 is wrong: three of the four principal sites – Lumbini, Bodh Gaya's Mahabodhi Temple and Sarnath – are now on the list, not all four.
In July 2026, President Droupadi Murmu unveiled a bust of Mahatma Gandhi in which city?
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Correct answer: D — Skopje
The bust was unveiled at the Museum of the City of Skopje, North Macedonia, on 22 July 2026.
Which Bharat Ratna awardee, whose memorial President Murmu visited in July 2026, was born in Skopje?
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Correct answer: B — Mother Teresa
Mother Teresa was born in Skopje, lived there until 1928 and received the Bharat Ratna in 1980.
'Mission Golden Spice', launched in July 2026, is aimed at which crop of Meghalaya?
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Correct answer: B — Lakadong turmeric
Mission Golden Spice is the Integrated Lakadong Turmeric Value Chain Enhancement Project.
What is the outlay of Mission Golden Spice for Lakadong turmeric?
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Correct answer: C — ₹175.45 crore
Mission Golden Spice is a ₹175.45-crore convergence-led initiative.
Consider the following statements about Mission Golden Spice: 1. Lakadong turmeric, the focus of the Mission, is GI-tagged. 2. The Mission is anchored by MDoNER and the North Eastern Council. 3. The Mission is a single-phase, three-year project. Which of the statements given above are correct?
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Correct answer: D — 1 and 2 only
Statements 1 and 2 are correct. Statement 3 is wrong: the Mission is a five-year roadmap (2025–2030) in two phases.
Who inaugurated the first phase of the 'Museum of Word' in Kolkata in July 2026?
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Correct answer: C — Amit Shah
Union Home Minister Amit Shah inaugurated the first phase on 19 July 2026.
The 'Museum of Word', tracing the journey of language from Omkar to Artificial Intelligence, is located in which city?
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Correct answer: B — Kolkata
The Museum of Word is in Kolkata, West Bengal.
Which film won the Best Feature Film award at the 72nd National Film Awards (for 2024), announced on 18 July 2026?
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Correct answer: C — Article 370
Article 370, directed by Aditya Suhas Jambhale, won Best Feature Film.
Who shared the Best Actor in a Leading Role award with Kartik Aaryan at the 72nd National Film Awards?
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Correct answer: B — Mammootty
Mammootty (Bramayugam) and Kartik Aaryan (Chandu Champion) shared the Best Actor award.
Randeep Hooda won the Best Debut Director award at the 72nd National Film Awards for which film?
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Correct answer: D — Swatantrya Veer Savarkar
Randeep Hooda won Best Debut Director for Swatantrya Veer Savarkar.
Match the 72nd National Film Awards categories with the winners: 1. Best Actress — Yami Gautam 2. Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment — Kalki 2898 AD 3. Best Documentary — Bhangaar Which of the pairs given above are correctly matched?
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Correct answer: A — 1 and 2 only
Pairs 1 and 2 are correct. Pair 3 is wrong: Ram-Nami won Best Documentary, while Bhangaar won Best Non-Feature Film.
PM Modi's Rath Yatra greetings on 16 July 2026 sought the blessings of which deity?
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Correct answer: D — Mahaprabhu Jagannath
The PM sought the blessings of Mahaprabhu Jagannath on Rath Yatra.
Where was the 31st Divya Kala Mela, inaugurated on 14 July 2026, held?
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Correct answer: A — Ravindra Sadan, Kolkata
The 31st Divya Kala Mela was inaugurated at Ravindra Sadan, Kolkata, and runs from 14 to 22 July 2026.
Mannathu Padmanabhan, whose statue was unveiled by the Vice-President in July 2026, was the founder of which organisation?
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Correct answer: B — Nair Service Society
The Vice-President described Mannathu Padmanabhan as the founder of the Nair Service Society.
Where was the Mannam Smrithi Mandapam inaugurated by the Vice-President on 12 July 2026?
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Correct answer: D — Mannam International Centre, Dwarka, New Delhi
The statue and Mannam Smrithi Mandapam are at the Mannam International Centre, Dwarka, New Delhi.
Which organisation's Delhi unit organised the unveiling of Mannathu Padmanabhan's statue in July 2026?
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Correct answer: C — Nair Service Society
The event was organised by the Nair Service Society (NSS), Delhi.
Where was the 6th Lok Samvardhan Parv inaugurated on 11 July 2026?
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Correct answer: D — Dehradun
The 6th Lok Samvardhan Parv was inaugurated at Parade Ground, Dehradun, Uttarakhand.
The Lok Samvardhan Parv is organised by the Ministry of Minority Affairs under which scheme?
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Correct answer: A — PM VIKAS
The 6th Lok Samvardhan Parv was organised in partnership with the Uttarakhand Government under the PM VIKAS Scheme.
The 4K restoration of the Malayalam classic 'Kireedam' by NFDC–NFAI was carried out under which initiative?
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Correct answer: B — National Film Heritage Mission
Director Siby Malayil thanked NFDC–NFAI for restoring the film under the National Film Heritage Mission.
The Prambanan Temple Complex in Indonesia, where ASI began a conservation project in July 2026, is dedicated to whom?
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Correct answer: A — The Trimurti — Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva
Prambanan, built in the 9th century, is the largest temple complex in Indonesia dedicated to the Trimurti.
In which Indonesian region is the Prambanan Temple Complex, visited by PM Modi on 8 July 2026, located?
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Correct answer: D — Yogyakarta
PIB says PM Modi visited the Prambanan Temple Complex in Yogyakarta.
On 6 July 2026, the foundation was laid in Kolkata for a statue of Dr Syama Prasad Mookerjee of what height?
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Correct answer: B — 125 feet
The Bhoomi Pujan at Eco Park was for a proposed 125-foot statue, marking his 125th birth anniversary.
Dr Syama Prasad Mookerjee, whose 125th birth anniversary was marked on 6 July 2026, founded which political party?
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Correct answer: D — Bharatiya Jana Sangh
Amit Shah recalled that Dr Mookerjee founded the Bharatiya Jana Sangh.
The slogan 'Ek Vidhan, Ek Pradhan, Ek Nishan', associated with Dr Syama Prasad Mookerjee, related to which issue?
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Correct answer: A — Full integration of Jammu and Kashmir (Article 370)
PIB quotes Amit Shah saying Dr Mookerjee's resolve of 'Ek Vidhan, Ek Pradhan, Ek Nishan' was fulfilled by abrogating Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir.
Consider the following statements about the 6 July 2026 programme in Kolkata: 1. It was organised by the Ministry of Culture with the Government of West Bengal. 2. PM Narendra Modi attended in person as Chief Guest. 3. It is part of a two-year commemoration announced in 2025. Which of the statements given above are correct?
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Correct answer: C — 1 and 3 only
Statements 1 and 3 are correct. Statement 2 is wrong: Amit Shah was Chief Guest and PM Modi addressed the event virtually.
Teejan Bai, who died on 5 July 2026, was the best-known exponent of Pandavani. Pandavani narrates episodes from which epic?
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Correct answer: A — Mahabharata
Pandavani is the traditional Chhattisgarhi musical narration of episodes from the Mahabharata.
Pandavani, the folk art form taken to the world by Teejan Bai, belongs to which state?
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Correct answer: C — Chhattisgarh
PM Modi said Teejan Bai gave the Pandavani folk art form of Chhattisgarh a unique identity across the world.
In which year was Teejan Bai conferred the Padma Vibhushan?
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Correct answer: D — 2019
The MHA press note of 25 January 2019 lists Ms. Teejan Bai (Art-Vocals-Folk, Chhattisgarh) first among the four Padma Vibhushan awardees of 2019.
Consider the following statements about Teejan Bai: 1. She died at AIIMS Raipur on 5 July 2026. 2. Pandavani, her art form, narrates episodes from the Ramayana. 3. She was a Padma Vibhushan awardee. Which of the statements given above are correct?
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Correct answer: B — 1 and 3 only
She died at AIIMS Raipur on 5 July 2026 and was a Padma Vibhushan awardee; Pandavani narrates the Mahabharata, not the Ramayana.
PM Modi's letter to Amarnath Yatra pilgrims on 3 July 2026 linked the pilgrimage with how many resolutions?
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Correct answer: C — Five
The PM said he had written to pilgrims linking the sacred yatra with five resolutions.
According to the Home Minister, which registration system is in place for the Amarnath Yatra 2026?
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Correct answer: A — QR code-based registration
Amit Shah said arrangements include a multi-layer security grid and QR code-based registration.
On Hul Divas (30 June 2026), the Prime Minister paid tribute to Sido-Kanhu, Chand-Bhairav and which other pair of tribal warriors?
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Correct answer: C — Phulo-Jhano
The Prime Minister paid tribute to warriors like Sido-Kanhu, Chand-Bhairav and Phulo-Jhano who stood against the injustice of foreign rule.
Nadaprabhu Sri Kempegowda, whose birth anniversary the Vice-President attended on 27 June 2026, is remembered as the founder of which city?
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Correct answer: C — Bengaluru
The Vice-President paid tribute to Kempegowda as the founder of Bengaluru.
Which birth anniversary of Nadaprabhu Sri Kempegowda was celebrated in Bengaluru on 27 June 2026?
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Correct answer: A — 517th
The Vice-President attended the 517th birth anniversary celebrations of Kempegowda.
How many pilgrims travelled on shuttle helicopter services in the first phase of Char Dham Yatra 2026 operations, which concluded on 26 June 2026?
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Correct answer: C — 67,064
12,032 shuttle departures carried 67,064 pilgrims; separately, 2,065 charter operations carried 11,715 pilgrims.
For Char Dham Yatra 2026 helicopter operations, the Airports Authority of India operationalised Air Traffic Control services at:
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Correct answer: A — Sahastradhara and Sersi
AAI operationalised ATC services at Sahastradhara and Sersi; land has only been identified for permanent ATC at Badrinath and Kedarnath.
Consider the following statements about the first phase of Char Dham Yatra 2026 helicopter operations: 1. About 400 helicopter movements were conducted daily. 2. UCADA installed 33 PTZ cameras at critical locations. 3. The first phase began in March 2026. Which of the statements given above are correct?
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Correct answer: D — 1 and 2 only
Statements 1 and 2 are correct. The first phase began with the opening of the Char Dham Yatra in April 2026, not March.
The first commercial export of GI-tagged Rewa Sundarja mangoes from Madhya Pradesh, facilitated by APEDA in June 2026, was sent to:
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Correct answer: D — United Arab Emirates
The first commercial consignment of Rewa Sundarja mangoes was exported to the United Arab Emirates on 26 June 2026.
From which airport was the first export consignment of Rewa Sundarja mangoes flown to the UAE in June 2026?
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Correct answer: B — Varanasi
After packing at Bhadohi, Uttar Pradesh, the consignment was transported to Varanasi Airport for air shipment to the UAE.
What was the size of the first commercial export consignment of Rewa Sundarja mangoes shipped on 26 June 2026?
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Correct answer: A — 1 metric tonne
The first commercial consignment comprised one metric tonne of GI-tagged Rewa Sundarja mangoes, exported by Salt Range Foods Pvt. Ltd.
Which autonomous organisation under the Ministry of Culture organised the Samvidhan Hatya Diwas programme at its New Delhi campus on 25 June 2026?
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Correct answer: A — Centre for Cultural Resources and Training (CCRT)
The Ministry of Culture commemorated Samvidhan Hatya Diwas through a programme organised by CCRT, an autonomous organisation under the Ministry, at its campus in New Delhi.
What was the title of the exhibition featured at the Culture Ministry's Samvidhan Hatya Diwas programme in June 2026?
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Correct answer: C — Long Live Democracy
The programme began with a walkthrough of the exhibition 'Long Live Democracy', inaugurated on 24 June 2026.
According to the Ministry of Culture, over which period did the Government observe the 50th anniversary of the Emergency through Samvidhan Hatya Diwas programmes?
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Correct answer: B — 25 June 2024 to 25 June 2026
The Ministry of Culture states that, to commemorate its 50th anniversary, the Government is observing Samvidhan Hatya Diwas from 25 June 2024 to 25 June 2026.
The Bhawaiya folk tradition, the subject of a book released by the Vice-President on 25 June 2026, is associated with which community?
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Correct answer: C — Koch Rajbanshi
The book brings the cultural heritage of the Koch Rajbanshi community and the Bhawaiya folk tradition to the mainstream.
What is the theme of the first Vande Mataram Camp that began at Brainware University, West Bengal, on 24 June 2026?
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Correct answer: C — One Song, One Spirit, One Nation
The camp is conceived around the theme 'One Song, One Spirit, One Nation'.
The Vande Mataram Camp (June 2026) commemorates 150 years of the National Song 'Vande Mataram', which was composed by:
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Correct answer: B — Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay
The National Song 'Vande Mataram' was composed by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay.
Human skeletal remains excavated at Rakhigarhi were handed over by the ASI to which institution, as announced on 22 June 2026?
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Correct answer: B — Anthropological Survey of India
The ASI handed the remains to the Anthropological Survey of India (AnSI), which will study them at its laboratory in Kolkata.
In the 2025–26 field season at Rakhigarhi, ASI archaeologists uncovered eight burials at which location?
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Correct answer: D — Mound No. 7
Eight burials were found at Mound No. 7, an area previously identified as a cemetery.
Consider the following statements about Rakhigarhi, as described by the Culture Ministry on 22 June 2026: 1. Rakhigarhi, spread across about 550 hectares in Haryana, is the largest known settlement of the Indus-Saraswati Civilization. 2. The excavations reveal habitation only from the Late Harappan period. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is wrong: excavations show continuous habitation from the Early Harappan to the Mature Harappan periods.