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.
Where in Thimphu was the Global Peace Prayer Festival 2025 ceremonially inaugurated by the King of Bhutan?
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Correct answer: A — Changlimithang Ground
The GPPF was inaugurated at Changlimithang Ground, Thimphu, by King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck and Chief Abbot Trulku Jigme Choedra. The IBC exhibitions were at Tashichhodzong.
The 'Jabzhi', a key event of the Global Peace Prayer Festival 2025 in Bhutan, is a ritual of which tradition?
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Correct answer: C — Vajrayana Buddhism
The Culture Ministry described Jabzhi as a profound Vajrayana Buddhist ritual believed to cleanse negative karma.
In which city did India and Saudi Arabia sign an MoU on Cultural Cooperation on 9 November 2025?
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Correct answer: B — Riyadh
Gajendra Singh Shekhawat and Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan Al Saud signed the MoU in Riyadh.
The Culture Ministers of India and Saudi Arabia co-chair the Ministerial Committee of Tourism and Cultural Cooperation, created under which India–Saudi Arabia mechanism?
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Correct answer: D — Strategic Partnership Council
The committee was newly created under the India–Saudi Arabia Strategic Partnership Council (SPC), announced during PM Modi's State Visit to Jeddah.
At which edition of the International Film Festival of India was the ICFT–UNESCO Gandhi Medal instituted?
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Correct answer: B — 46th IFFI
The I&B Ministry said the ICFT–UNESCO Gandhi Medal was instituted at the 46th IFFI.
Consider the following statements about the ICFT–UNESCO Gandhi Medal: 1. It is presented in collaboration with the ICFT, Paris, under the aegis of UNESCO. 2. It honours a film that promotes peace and inter-cultural dialogue. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
The medal is an international honour presented with the ICFT, Paris, under the aegis of UNESCO, for a film promoting peace and inter-cultural dialogue in line with Gandhi's vision of non-violence.
The centenary commemorated at Shravanabelagola on 9 November 2025 marked Acharya Shantisagar Maharaj's 1925 visit for which ceremony?
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Correct answer: D — Mahamastakabhisheka
The event marked the centenary of Acharya Shantisagar Maharaj's visit to Shravanabelagola in 1925 for the Mahamastakabhisheka ceremony.
At Shravanabelagola in November 2025, Vice-President C. P. Radhakrishnan praised the government's recognition of which language as a classical language?
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Correct answer: C — Prakrit
The Vice-President praised the recognition of Prakrit as a classical language and manuscript digitisation under the Gyan Bharatam Mission.
Which film was chosen as the opening feature film of Indian Panorama 2025 at the 56th IFFI?
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Correct answer: A — Amaran (Tamil)
'Amaran' (Tamil) is the opening feature film and 'Kakori' (Hindi) the opening non-feature film of Indian Panorama 2025.
How many feature films were selected for Indian Panorama 2025?
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Correct answer: B — 25
Indian Panorama 2025 selected 25 feature films (including 5 from mainstream cinema) and 20 non-feature films.
Where and when is the 56th International Film Festival of India being held?
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Correct answer: D — Panaji, 20–28 November 2025
The I&B Ministry said the 56th IFFI would be held from 20 to 28 November 2025 in Panaji, Goa.
The Sacred Relics of Lord Buddha taken to Bhutan in November 2025 are enshrined in India at which institution?
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Correct answer: B — National Museum, New Delhi
The Culture Ministry said the relics, enshrined at the National Museum, New Delhi, arrived in Bhutan on 8 November 2025.
For which period was the public exposition of the holy relics of Lord Buddha held in Bhutan in 2025?
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Correct answer: D — 8–18 November
The relics arrived in Bhutan for a public exposition from 8 to 18 November 2025.
According to PM Modi's address on 7 November 2025, in which journal did Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay publish 'Vande Mataram' in 1875?
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Correct answer: B — Bangadarshan
PM Modi said Bankim Babu published Vande Mataram in Bangadarshan in 1875; it also appears in his novel Anandamath.
Consider the following statements: 1. Rabindranath Tagore sang 'Vande Mataram' at the Calcutta session in 1896. 2. The year-long commemoration of 150 years of 'Vande Mataram' runs from 7 November 2025 to 7 November 2026. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
PM Modi recalled that Tagore sang Vande Mataram at the Calcutta Session in 1896, and the programme launched a commemoration from 7 November 2025 to 7 November 2026.
What did PM Modi release on 7 November 2025 to mark 150 years of 'Vande Mataram'?
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Correct answer: D — A commemorative coin and postage stamp
A special commemorative coin and postage stamp dedicated to Vande Mataram were released.
The Chhattisgarh Rajat Mahotsav that closed on 5 November 2025 marked 25 years since the state was created on which date?
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Correct answer: B — 1 November 2000
The Vice-President recalled that Chhattisgarh was created on 1 November 2000 under PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee.
Where was the closing ceremony of the Chhattisgarh Rajat Mahotsav held on 5 November 2025?
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Correct answer: D — Nava Raipur
Vice-President C.P. Radhakrishnan attended the closing ceremony held in Nava Raipur as chief guest.
On 5 November 2025, Vice-President C.P. Radhakrishnan attended a 'Lakhpati Didi Sammelan' in which district of Chhattisgarh?
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Correct answer: B — Rajnandgaon
The Vice-President attended the Lakhpati Didi Sammelan at Rajnandgaon, Chhattisgarh.
The Dev Deepawali celebrations in Varanasi on 5 November 2025 were dedicated to what?
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Correct answer: A — Operation Sindoor
This year's Dev Deepawali in Varanasi was dedicated to Operation Sindoor and the soldiers who died.
At which ghat in Varanasi was the 3D projection show 'Kashi Katha' presented on Dev Deepawali 2025?
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Correct answer: C — Chet Singh Ghat
The 3D projection mapping show 'Kashi Katha' was presented at Chet Singh Ghat.
At which spot in Patna did PM Modi pay tributes to Rashtrakavi Ramdhari Singh Dinkar on 2 November 2025?
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Correct answer: D — Dinkar Golambar
The PM paid tributes to Dinkar at Dinkar Golambar in Patna.
Takhat Sri Harimandir Ji Patna Sahib, where PM Modi offered prayers on 2 November 2025, is the birthplace of which Sikh Guru?
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Correct answer: B — Guru Gobind Singh Ji
Takhat Sri Harimandir Ji Patna Sahib is the revered birthplace of Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji, the tenth Sikh Guru.
Where is the new Chhattisgarh Vidhan Sabha building inaugurated by PM Modi on 1 November 2025 located?
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Correct answer: B — Nava Raipur
The PM inaugurated the new building of the Chhattisgarh Vidhansabha at Nava Raipur.
In which year was the state of Chhattisgarh established, as recalled by PM Modi at the new Assembly building on 1 November 2025?
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Correct answer: D — 2000
PM Modi recalled that when the state was established in 2000, the first Assembly session was held at Jashpur Hall in Rajkumar College, Raipur.
Who is the Speaker of the Chhattisgarh Legislative Assembly, as noted at the inauguration of its new building in November 2025?
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Correct answer: A — Dr Raman Singh
The PM noted that the Speaker's Chair is graced by Dr Raman Singh; Vishnu Deo Sai is CM and Ramen Deka is Governor.
Consider the following statements about the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh Memorial-cum-Tribal Freedom Fighters Museum inaugurated on 1 November 2025: 1. It has been built at a cost of ₹50 crore. 2. It houses around 650 sculptures across 14 galleries. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct: the museum cost ₹50 crore and houses around 650 sculptures across 14 galleries.
What was the theme of Madhya Pradesh's 70th Foundation Day celebration in Bhopal (1-3 November 2025)?
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Correct answer: B — Abhyudaya Madhya Pradesh
The celebration at Lal Parade Ground, Bhopal, was held under the theme 'Abhyudaya Madhya Pradesh'.
Which Foundation Day did Madhya Pradesh celebrate on 1 November 2025?
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Correct answer: D — 70th
Madhya Pradesh celebrated its 70th Foundation Day on 1 November 2025.
The new State of Madhya Pradesh came into being on 1 November 1956 under which law?
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Correct answer: C — States Reorganisation Act, 1956
Section 9 of the States Reorganisation Act, 1956 formed the new State of Madhya Pradesh; the Act's appointed day was 1 November 1956.
The Jore Sahib enshrined at Takhat Sri Harmandir Ji Patna Sahib on 1 November 2025 are sacred relics of whom?
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Correct answer: C — Guru Gobind Singh Ji and Mata Sahib Kaur Ji
The Jore Sahib is the blessed footwear of Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji and Mata Sahib Kaur Ji.
What was the name of the nine-day yatra that carried the Holy Jore Sahib from Delhi to Patna before their enshrinement on 1 November 2025?
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Correct answer: A — Guru Charan Yatra
The enshrinement marked the culmination of the nine-day 'Guru Charan Yatra' from Delhi to Patna.
In October 2025, Lucknow joined the UNESCO Creative Cities Network in which creative field?
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Correct answer: C — Gastronomy
UNESCO named Lucknow a Creative City of Gastronomy, recognising its Awadhi culinary heritage.
Lucknow became India's second UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy. Which was the first?
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Correct answer: A — Hyderabad
Indian Express and India Today report Lucknow is the second Indian city with the gastronomy title, after Hyderabad.
Lucknow's designation as a UNESCO Creative City was announced during the 43rd session of the UNESCO General Conference held in:
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Correct answer: D — Samarkand
The designation came during the 43rd session of the UNESCO General Conference in Samarkand, Uzbekistan.
In which year did the Akashvani Sangeet Sammelan begin?
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Correct answer: C — 1954
Prasar Bharati notes the Sammelan has carried forward India's musical legacy since its inception in 1954.
Which edition of the Akashvani Sangeet Sammelan was scheduled for November 2025?
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Correct answer: D — 67th
The 67th edition was scheduled from 2 to 29 November 2025.
Across how many centres was the 67th Akashvani Sangeet Sammelan to be held?
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Correct answer: B — 24
The 2025 edition was scheduled at 24 centres nationwide from 2 to 29 November.
Pasumpon, where the Vice-President paid homage to Muthuramalinga Thevar on 30 October 2025, is in which district of Tamil Nadu?
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Correct answer: C — Ramanathapuram
The Vice-President visited Pasumpon in Ramanathapuram district on Thevar's Jayanthi and Guru Pooja.
Vice-President C. P. Radhakrishnan described Pasumpon Muthuramalinga Thevar as a devoted follower of:
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Correct answer: D — Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose
The Vice-President hailed Thevar as a devoted follower of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose.
The GI-tagged Indi lime, shipped by air to the UK for the first time on 28 October 2025, comes from which district of Karnataka?
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Correct answer: B — Vijayapura
PIB: 350 kg of GI-tagged Indi Lime from Vijayapura, Karnataka was part of the consignment.
Puliyankudi, often called the 'Lemon City of Tamil Nadu', lies in which district?
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Correct answer: C — Tenkasi
PIB: Puliyankudi, often referred to as the 'Lemon City of Tamil Nadu', lies in Tenkasi district.
When did the Puliyankudi lime officially receive its Geographical Indication (GI) tag?
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Correct answer: D — April 2025
PIB: the Puliyankudi lime officially received its GI tag in April 2025.
SECL's India Post special cover of October 2025 marked Coal India's Golden Jubilee and SECL's Ruby Jubilee. Which SECL mine does PIB describe as the largest coal mine in Asia?
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Correct answer: B — Gevra
PIB: SECL's Gevra Mine is the largest coal mine in Asia.
In the 127th episode of Mann Ki Baat, the PM mentioned 'Garbage Cafes' where people get a meal in exchange for plastic waste. In which city are they run?
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Correct answer: C — Ambikapur
The PM said Garbage Cafes are being run in Ambikapur, Chhattisgarh: 1 kg of plastic gets lunch or dinner, half a kg gets breakfast.
According to Mann Ki Baat (26 October 2025), mangroves have spread over about 3,500 hectares on the Dholera coast in five years. Dholera is in which state?
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Correct answer: D — Gujarat
The PM said Gujarat's Forest Department planted mangroves near Dholera near Ahmedabad; a Mangrove Learning Centre has also been set up at Kori Creek, Kutch.
As stated in Mann Ki Baat (October 2025), from which date does India enter the 150th year of the national song 'Vande Mataram'?
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Correct answer: B — 7 November 2025
The PM said that on 7 November India will enter the 150th year of 'Vande Mataram'; Tagore first sang it in 1896.
Koraput coffee, praised by the PM in the 127th Mann Ki Baat, is grown in which state?
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Correct answer: A — Odisha
The PM said people from Odisha had written to him about Koraput coffee and praised its taste.
Under the Gyan Bharatam framework, how many centres have been established as implementing partners, as stated in October 2025?
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Correct answer: B — 12 Cluster Centres and 5 Independent Centres
PIB: under the Gyan Bharatam framework, 12 Cluster Centres and 5 Independent Centres have been established — 17 in all, matching the 17 MoUs signed.
The Gyan Bharatam initiative of the Ministry of Culture is mainly concerned with:
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Correct answer: A — India's manuscript heritage
PIB: Gyan Bharatam is dedicated to identifying, documenting, conserving, digitising and promoting India's manuscript legacy, with a planned National Digital Repository.
Consider the following statements about Gyan Bharatam: 1. The Ministry of Culture signed MoUs with 17 institutions under it in October 2025. 2. It was announced in the Interim Budget 2024. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only 1 is correct. PIB: MoUs were signed with 17 institutions; Gyan Bharatam was announced in the Union Budget 2025–26 (Para 84), not the Interim Budget 2024.
According to Indian Railways (25 October 2025), how many Vande Bharat Express services were in operation across India?
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Correct answer: D — 156
PIB (Railways): 156 Vande Bharat Express services are currently in operation; a special Vande Bharat between New Delhi and Patna ran for Chhath in addition to regular services.
Bhashini, the AI platform for real-time translation across India's 22 scheduled languages, operates under which mission?
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Correct answer: A — National Language Translation Mission
PIB backgrounder: Bhashini, under the National Language Translation Mission (NLTM), enables real-time translation for the 22 Scheduled Languages and tribal languages.
'Sanchika', a digital repository of dictionaries, primers and storybooks for scheduled and tribal languages, belongs to which institution?
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Correct answer: D — Central Institute of Indian Languages
PIB backgrounder: Sanchika is CIIL's (Central Institute of Indian Languages) digital repository, used for AI model training and machine translation.
The 200th anniversary commemoration that concluded in October 2025 marked Rani Chennamma's victory at Kittur against the British in which year?
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Correct answer: B — 1824
PIB: the commemoration marked 200 years of Rani Chennamma's victory at Kittur, where she defended Kittur against the British force in 1824.
What was the denomination of the special commemorative coin released in October 2025 to mark 200 years of Rani Chennamma's victory at Kittur?
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Correct answer: D — ₹200
PIB: a special commemorative coin of ₹200 denomination was released by Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat.
Where did President Droupadi Murmu inaugurate the observance of the Mahasamadhi centenary of Sree Narayana Guru on 23 October 2025?
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Correct answer: B — Sivagiri Mutt, Varkala
PIB: the President inaugurated the observance of the Mahasamadhi centenary of Sree Narayana Guru at Sivagiri Mutt, Varkala, Kerala.
The message 'One Caste, One Religion, One God for Man' is associated with which social reformer?
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Correct answer: C — Sree Narayana Guru
PIB: the President said Sree Narayana Guru saw God as the divine presence within every living being and gave the message 'One Caste, One Religion, One God for Man'.
Consider the following statements about Sree Narayana Guru as described at the centenary observance in October 2025: 1. He composed verses in Malayalam, Sanskrit and Tamil. 2. The centenary observance at Sivagiri was inaugurated by the Prime Minister. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only 1 is correct. PIB: his verses were in Malayalam, Sanskrit and Tamil; the observance was inaugurated by President Droupadi Murmu, not the Prime Minister.
According to the PIB backgrounder of October 2025, Ladakh is India's largest producer of which fruit?
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Correct answer: D — Apricot
PIB backgrounder: Ladakh is India's largest apricot producer, with Kargil, Leh and the Nubra Valley as its main production hubs.
In which region of Leh is Ladakh's Pashmina wool produced, sustaining over 10,000 nomadic herders?
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Correct answer: A — Changthang
PIB backgrounder: Pashmina wool is produced in the Changthang region in Leh, sustaining over 10,000 nomadic herders.
Consider the following statements about the GST changes described for Ladakh (October 2025): 1. Hotel tariffs up to ₹7,500 per night now attract 5% GST. 2. GST on Pashmina products was reduced from 18% to 12%. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only 1 is correct. PIB backgrounder: GST on hotel tariffs up to ₹7,500 per night is 5%; GST on Pashmina was reduced from 12% to 5%, not 18% to 12%.
Veteran actor Govardhan Asrani, who died in October 2025, is best remembered for which role in 'Sholay'?
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Correct answer: C — The jailer
The Hindu: Asrani endeared himself to audiences by playing the eccentric jailer in 'Sholay'; India Today also lists Sholay among his best-known films.
Govardhan Asrani, who died on 20 October 2025, was originally from which city?
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Correct answer: B — Jaipur
India Today: he was originally a resident of Jaipur; NDTV: he was born in Jaipur and studied at Rajasthan College, Jaipur.
During her Kerala visit of October 2025, at which temple was President Droupadi Murmu scheduled to perform darshan and aarti on 22 October?
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Correct answer: A — Sabarimala Temple
PIB (President's Secretariat): on October 22, the President will perform darshan and aarti at the Sabarimala Temple.
St. Teresa's College, whose centenary celebrations President Murmu was to attend on 24 October 2025, is located in which city?
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Correct answer: C — Ernakulam
PIB (President's Secretariat): on October 24, the President will grace the centenary celebrations of St. Teresa's College, Ernakulam.
During her Kerala visit of October 2025, President Droupadi Murmu was scheduled to unveil a bust of which former President at Raj Bhavan, Thiruvananthapuram?
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Correct answer: D — K.R. Narayanan
PIB (20 Oct 2025): on 23 October the President will unveil the bust of former President of India K.R. Narayanan at Raj Bhavan, Thiruvananthapuram.
The Holy Relics of Lord Buddha were exhibited in October 2025 in which republic of the Russian Federation?
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Correct answer: D — Kalmykia
PIB: the relics returned to India after a week-long exposition (11–18 October 2025) in the Republic of Kalmykia, Russia; the delegation departed from Elista, its capital.
Who led the Indian delegation accompanying the Buddha relics to Kalmykia in October 2025?
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Correct answer: A — Manoj Sinha, Lieutenant Governor of J&K
PIB: the Indian delegation was led by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha; UP Deputy CM Keshav Prasad Maurya inaugurated Vasudeo Kamath's art exhibition there.
Consider the following statements about the Buddha relics exposition in Kalmykia (October 2025): 1. It was organised by the Ministry of Culture with the International Buddhist Confederation, the National Museum and IGNCA. 2. Artist Vasudeo Kamath donated all 28 paintings displayed there to the National Museum in Elista. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct. PIB: the exposition was a collaborative effort of the Ministry of Culture, IBC, National Museum and IGNCA; Kamath donated all 28 paintings to the National Museum of Elista.
Where was the State Tourism Ministers' Meet on 'One State: One Global Destination' held on 14–15 October 2025?
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Correct answer: D — Udaipur
PIB: the Ministry of Tourism concluded a two-day State Tourism Ministers' Meet in Udaipur, held from October 14–15.
The 'One State: One Global Destination' vision, discussed at the Udaipur meet, was announced in which document?
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Correct answer: A — Union Budget 2025-26
PIB: 'One State: One Global Destination' is a cornerstone initiative announced in the Union Budget 2025-26, aiming at least one globally benchmarked destination in every State and UT.
The relics of which two disciples of the Buddha did India announce in October 2025 would be sent to Mongolia next year?
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Correct answer: A — Sariputra and Maudgalyayana
PIB (PM's statement): the holy relics of two great disciples of Lord Buddha, Sariputra and Maudgalyayana, will be sent from India to Mongolia next year.
During the Mongolian President's October 2025 visit, an MoU was signed between Mongolia's Arkhangai Province and which Indian body?
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Correct answer: D — Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council
PIB (PM's statement): the MoU signed between the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council and Mongolia's Arkhangai Province will boost cultural ties.
Consider the following statements about India–Mongolia relations as described in October 2025: 1. The Mongolian oil refinery project is supported by an Indian line of credit of US$ 1.7 billion and is India's largest development partnership project globally. 2. The India–Mongolia Strategic Partnership was established in 2005, marking 20 years in 2025. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only 1 is correct. PIB: the refinery, supported by India's US$ 1.7 billion line of credit, is India's largest development partnership project globally; the 2025 visit marked 10 years of the Strategic Partnership, elevated during Modi's visit ten years ago.