Art & Culture Current Affairs MCQs

Notes:
India recently exported 25 metric tonnes of Joha Rice to the United Kingdom and Italy. Joha Rice is an indigenous aromatic rice variety of Assam known for its distinct fragrance, fine grain, and rich taste. It is mainly cultivated during the Sali or Kharif season in Assam. Major varieties include Kola Joha, Keteki Joha, Bokul Joha, and Kunkuni Joha. The rice is rich in antioxidants, flavonoids, and phenolic compounds, giving nutritional benefits. It received the Geographical Indication (GI) tag in 2017.

Notes:
The Kalinjar Fort hill region in Banda, Uttar Pradesh, has been officially declared a National Geo-Heritage Site by the Geological Survey of India (GSI). Kalinjar Fort is located on an isolated hilltop, surrounded by the Vindhya Mountains and the Ken River, making it a strategically important location. It is one of the oldest and most impressive forts in India, witnessing many decisive battles across ancient, medieval, and modern times. The fort has a history of over 1,500 years, with evidence of its establishment during the Gupta period (4th–6th century).

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Chapchar Kut is Mizoram’s spring festival, celebrated in March to honour Mizo culture with traditional dances, music, art, cuisine, and community festivities. It marks the completion of the Jhum operation (clearing forest and remnants of burning) and reflects the Mizo community’s connection with nature and agriculture. The theme of 2026 festival is “Zo nun ze mawi – Inremna” (Mizo Ethics – Reconciliation).

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The Mulgao Kelbai Peth festival is celebrated in Goa, specifically in the village of Mulgao located in the Bicholim taluka. The festival reflects deep-rooted cultural and religious traditions and attracts devotees from nearby regions. Goddess Kelbai is placed in a decorated wooden structure called “peth” and carried in a ceremonial procession. The event takes place on Chaitra Shuddha Panchami and is considered highly auspicious by local communities

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The Archaeological Survey of India has recently started fresh excavations at the Balirajgarh site. Balirajgarh is located in the Madhubani district, Bihar, and is considered a major archaeological and historical site. The site has mythological significance, as it is believed to be the capital of the legendary King Bali. Historically, it is associated with the ancient Videha Kingdom, where it likely functioned as an important administrative center. The site was declared a monument of national importance in 1938 under the Ancient Monuments Preservation Act, 1904.

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A National Advanced Agriculture Festival-Exhibition & Training will be held in Raisen, Madhya Pradesh, from April 11–13, 2026, led by Shivraj Singh Chouhan. The event showcases the full agricultural value chain: “Laboratory to Field” and “Seed to Market”. Around 300 stalls will cover modern farming, drones, micro-irrigation, machinery, and agribusiness. The focus is more on Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) and startups for market linkage. A regional agriculture roadmap will boost productivity, sustainability, and farmers’ income.

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The festive spirit of Rongali Bihu has spread across different parts of Assam. It is one of the most important festivals of Assam, also known as Bohag Bihu, marking the Assamese New Year and the arrival of spring. The term “Rongali” is derived from the word “Rong,” meaning joy, happiness, and celebration. The festival reflects the rich cultural traditions and social life of Assamese society. During celebrations, women wear traditional mekhela chador made of pat, muga silk, or cotton.

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The sacred Piprahwa Relics of Gautam Buddha were recently brought to Leh, marking a major spiritual event in the region. These relics were originally discovered in 1898 at Piprahwa Stupa in Uttar Pradesh by William Claxton Peppé. They include bone fragments believed to belong to Buddha, along with crystal caskets, gold ornaments, and gemstones. An inscription in Brahmi script links the relics to the Sakya clan, confirming their historical authenticity. The Piprahwa site is associated with ancient Kapilavastu. The recent transfer of relics to Ladakh highlights their continuing religious, cultural, and diplomatic significance in Buddhism.

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Preah Vihear Temple is a historic Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, located in Preah Vihear Province of Cambodia. It stands atop a cliff in the Dangrek Mountains along the Cambodia–Thailand border, giving it strategic importance. It was built during the Khmer Empire (11th–12th century), it was developed by kings Suryavarman I and Suryavarman II. The temple was used for over 800 years by Angkor rulers. Later, it gradually transformed into a Buddhist site with added decorations. It became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2008. Recently, tensions and clashes have again emerged between both countries over control of the temple.

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The Chitra Pournami is primarily celebrated in Tamil Nadu with notable observances at the Mangaladevi Temple. The festival occurs on the full moon day in the Tamil month of Chithirai (April–May). In 2026, it was celebrated on 1 May. It is dedicated to Chitragupta and also associated with Goddess Mangaladevi (Kannagi). Large-scale celebrations take place in Thiruvannamalai, where devotees perform Girivalam around the sacred hill. The festival reflects spiritual purification, devotion, and the belief in karmic accountability.