Art and Culture Current Affairs

Indian Art and Culture for Competitive Affairs

54th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) from November 20th to 28th in Goa

The 54th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) has invited renowned filmmakers, cinematographers, and film producers from around the world to serve as the International Jury for judging the ‘International Competition’ and ‘Best Debut Feature Film of a Director’ at the festival.

  1. A record-breaking 2,926 entries were received from 105 countries for the festival.
  2. The International Jury members include Chairman Shekhar Kapur, Cinematographer José Luis Alcaine, and Film Producers Jerome Paillard, Catherine Dussart, and Helen Leake.
  3. The International Competition features 15 acclaimed feature films that represent emerging trends in the aesthetics and politics of cinema, encompassing both experienced filmmakers and emerging talents.
  4. The International Jury will select the winner of the Best Film Award, which includes the ‘Golden Peacock’ and Certificates for the Director and Producer.
  5. Other categories to be determined by the Jury include Best Director, Best Actor (Male), Best Actor (Female), and Special Jury Prize.
  6. The International Film Festival of India is scheduled to take place from November 20th to 28th in Goa and will bring together international and national film industry talents and cinephiles for a celebration of world cinema in South Asia.

Q.: Who is the Chairman of the International Jury for the 54th International Film Festival of India (IFFI)?

A) José Luis Alcaine
B) Jerome Paillard
C) Shekhar Kapur
D) Helen Leake

C) Shekhar Kapur

Q.: What is the ‘Golden Peacock’ at IFFI awarded for?

A) Best Director
B) Best Cinematographer
C) Best Film
D) Best Actor (Male)

Ans : C) Best Film

Ram Temple Idol Consecration On January 22, 2024, PM Modi To Attend Ceremony

The idol of Lord Ram will be installed at the temple in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh, on January 22, 2024. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has accepted the invitation and will attend the inauguration

  1. The Shri Ram Janambhoomi Trust plans to invite over 25,000 Hindu religious leaders from 136 Sanatana traditions for the consecration ceremony, along with 10,000 “special guests.”
  2. The construction of the Ram temple was made possible by a Supreme Court verdict in November 2019, and the Shri Ram Janma Bhoomi Tirtha Kshetra was established to oversee the construction.
  3. The temple’s construction has been progressing steadily under the trust’s supervision, and the idol of Ram Lalla will be placed in the sanctum sanctorum.
  4. The foundation stone for the temple was laid by PM Modi on August 5, 2020.
  5. Mohan Bhagwat, the chief of the BJP’s ideological mentor RSS, urged people to organize celebrations at temples across the country for this occasion.
  6. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has instructed officials to beautify Ayodhya and provide modern amenities in preparation for the temple’s inauguration.

Q.: What organization was established to oversee the construction of the Ram temple following a Supreme Court verdict in November 2019?

A. RSS (Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh)
B. Shri Ram Janma Bhoomi Tirtha Kshetra
C. BJP (Bharatiya Janata Party)
D. Indian National Congress

Ans : B. Shri Ram Janma Bhoomi Tirtha Kshetra

International Film Festival of India (IFFI) from 20th to 28th of November in Goa

The 54th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) is scheduled to be held from November 20th to November 28th in Goa.

  1. International Film Festival of India (IFFI) will showcase 25 feature films and 20 non-feature films in the Indian Panorama section.
  2. Some of the featured films to be showcased include “Aattam” in Malayalam, “Ardhangini” in Bengali, “Dhai Aakhar” in Hindi, and “Kantara” in Kannada.
  3. Non-feature films in the selection include “1947: Brexit India” in English, “Baasan” in Hindi, and “Utsavmurti” in Marathi.
  4. “Aattam” has been selected as the Opening Feature Film, while “Andro Dreams” in Manipuri language will be the Opening Non-Feature Film.
  5. The Indian Panorama is organized by the National Film Development Corporation, and its aim is to select films that demonstrate cinematic, thematic, and aesthetic excellence in line with the regulations of Indian Panorama.

Q.: Which film has been selected as the Opening Feature Film of the 54th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) 2023?

a) “Ardhangini” (Bengali)
b) “Aattam” (Malayalam)
c) “Dhai Aakhar” (Hindi)
d) “Kantara” (Kannada)

Answer: b) “Aattam” (Malayalam)

Best Tourism Village Award for Dhordo Village by UN World Tourism Organization

Dhordo village in Kutch district of Gujarat has been recognized as one of the Best Tourism Villages by the United Nations World Tourism Organization.

  1. Dhordo, a small village with a population of less than 1000, is located in the Great Rann of Kutch and has harsh climatic conditions.
  2. Chief Minister Narendra Modi played a significant role in promoting tourism in Dhordo by making it a venue for the Rannotsav desert festival, held between November to February.
  3. The Rannotsav festival has greatly contributed to the economic upliftment of the people in Dhordo, allowing them to showcase their natural and cultural resources, handicrafts, cultural diversity, and culinary traditions.
  4. In 2022, Dhordo attracted more than 1 lakh visitors, including nearly 7400 foreign tourists, during Rannotsav.
  5. The state government, along with the participation of villagers, has taken various policy initiatives to conserve and sustainably use limited resources, including financial incentives for lodging construction.
  6. Dhordo’s efforts in preserving its local culture, cuisine, and landscapes have led to its recognition as the Best Tourism Village.

Q.: What recognition has Dhordo village in Gujarat received from the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO)?

a) Cultural Heritage Site
b) Best Tourist Spot in Asia
c) Best Tourism Village
d) Natural Wonder of the World

Ans : c) Best Tourism Village

69th National Film Awards: Allu Arjun received Best Actor and Alia Bhatt and Kriti Sanon shared the Best Actress Award

President Droupadi Murmu conferred the 69th National Film Awards in New Delhi on 17 October 2023.

  1. Allu Arjun received the Best Actor Award for “Pushpa: The Rise.”
  2. Alia Bhatt and Kriti Sanon shared the Best Actress Award, with Alia Bhatt winning for “Gangubai Kathiawadi” and Kriti Sanon for “Mimi.”
  3. Pallavi Joshi received the Best Supporting Actress Award for “Kashmir Files,” and Pankaj Tripathi received the Best Supporting Actor Award for “Mimi.”
  4. “RRR” won the award for Best Popular Film providing wholesome entertainment.
  5. “The Kashmir Files,” directed by Vivek Agnihotri, received the Nargis Dutt award for Best Film on National Integration.
  6. Waheeda Rehman received the Dadasaheb Phalke Lifetime Achievement Award.
  7. “Rocketry: The Nambi Effect,” directed by R Madhavan, was awarded the Best Feature Film for the year 2021.
  8. “Ek Tha Gaon,” directed by Srishti Lakhera, received the Best Non-Feature Film award.
  9. Shreya Ghoshal won the Best Female Playback Singer award for the song ‘Mayava Chayava’ from the film ‘Iravin Nizhal.’
  10. Kaala Bhairava won the Best Male Playback Singer award for the song ‘Komuram Bheemudo’ from the film ‘RRR.’
  11. Prem Rakshith received the Best Choreography award for ‘RRR.’

MCQ on National Film Awards

Q.1: Who received the Best Actor Award at the 69th National Film Awards?

A. Alia Bhatt
B. Kriti Sanon
C. Allu Arjun
D. Pallavi Joshi

Q.2: Which film won the award for Best Popular Film providing wholesome entertainment?

A. Gangubai Kathiawadi
B. RRR
C. Mimi
D. Kashmir Files

Q.3: Who received the Dadasaheb Phalke Lifetime Achievement Award at the 69th National Film Awards?

A. R Madhavan
B. Waheeda Rehman
C. Vivek Agnihotri
D. Pankaj Tripathi

Q.4: Which film received the Nargis Dutt award for Best Film on National Integration?

A. Pushpa: The Rise
B. RRR
C. Gangubai Kathiawadi
D. Kashmir Files

Q.5: Who won the Best Supporting Actor Award for the film “Mimi”?

A. Kriti Sanon
B. Pallavi Joshi
C. Allu Arjun
D. Pankaj Tripathi

Q.6: Which film was awarded the Best Feature Film for the year 2021 at the 69th National Film Awards?

A. Ek Tha Gaon
B. Rocketry: The Nambi Effect
C. Iravin Nizhal
D. Komuram Bheemudo

Q.7: Who received the Best Female Playback Singer award for the song ‘Mayava Chayava’?

A. Shreya Ghoshal
B. Kaala Bhairava
C. Alia Bhatt
D. Pallavi Joshi

Q.8: Which director’s film, “Ek Tha Gaon,” received the Best Non-Feature Film award?

A. R Madhavan
B. Srishti Lakhera
C. Vivek Agnihotri
D. Allu Arjun

Answers:

  1. C. Allu Arjun
  2. B. RRR
  3. B. Waheeda Rehman
  4. D.Kashmir Files
  5. D. Pankaj Tripathi
  6. B. Rocketry: The Nambi Effect
  7. A. Shreya Ghoshal
  8. B. Srishti Lakhera

Bhartiya Bhasha Utsav: 75 Days of Indian Language Celebration starts in Lucknow

A 75-day-long event celebrating Indian languages, known as Bhartiya Bhasha Utsav, commenced on September 28, 2023, in Lucknow.

  1. Participants: The event features the participation of Padma Shree awardees and representatives from various Indian languages.
  2. Program Highlights: The festival includes a Multi-language conference called Bahubhashi Sangoshthi and a play based on the epic Ramayana.
  3. Duration: Bhartiya Bhasha Utsav will run from September 28 to December 11, which coincides with the birthday of the famous Tamil poet Subrahmanyam Bharti, celebrated as Indian Languages Day.
  4. Government Initiative: Central government has initiated the celebration of Indian languages for 75 days as part of The Indian Languages Festival. Numerous programs will be organized throughout the state to celebrate various Indian languages.

Q.: Who is participating in the Bhartiya Bhasha Utsav, commenced on September 28, 2023, in Lucknow?

a) Bollywood actors
b) Padma Shree awardees and representatives of Indian languages
c) International diplomats
d) Scientists and researchers

Ans : b) Padma Shree awardees and representatives of Indian languages

Waheeda Rehman will be honoured with Dadasaheb Phalke Lifetime Achievement Award 2023

Veteran actor Waheeda Rehman has been chosen to receive the Dadasaheb Phalke Lifetime Achievement Award in 2023.

  1. The Dadasaheb Phalke Lifetime Achievement Award is a prestigious honor named after the father of Indian cinema, Dadasaheb Phalke.
  2. This award recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to the Indian film industry and have left a lasting impact on audiences.
  3. Waheeda Rehman is celebrated for her outstanding performances in Hindi cinema, including movies like “Guide” and “Reshma Aur Shera.”
  4. She is known for her versatility, talent, dedication, and timeless beauty, making her one of the most respected and beloved actors in the industry.
  5. Receiving this award acknowledges her exceptional career and substantial contributions to Indian cinema, affirming her talent, passion, and remarkable body of work.

Q.: Who is the recipient of the Dadasaheb Phalke Lifetime Achievement Award in 2023?

a) Amitabh Bachchan
b) Shah Rukh Khan
c) Waheeda Rehman
d) Dilip Kumar

Ans : c) Waheeda Rehman

Hoysala temples in Karnataka, have been designated as India’s 42nd UNESCO World Heritage Site

The Hoysala temples in Belur, Halebidu, and Somanathapur, Karnataka, have been designated as India’s 42nd UNESCO World Heritage Site. These temples, constructed during the 12th to 13th centuries, are renowned for their remarkable architecture and showcase the sculptural and artistic achievements of the Hoysala dynasty.

  1. The UNESCO recognition, known as the “Sacred Ensembles of the Hoysalas in Karnataka, India,” emphasizes their cultural significance and universal value.
  2. The decision to include this site on the World Heritage List was made during the 45th session of the World Heritage Committee in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
  3. The site had been on UNESCO’s Tentative List since 2014 and has now received official recognition, covering an area of about 10.47 hectares with a buffer zone spanning 195.87 hectares.
  4. These temples represent the architectural brilliance and intricate carvings characteristic of Hoysala art, featuring unique star-shaped platforms, detailed sculptures, and reliefs depicting various mythological stories.

Q.: What is the official UNESCO designation for Hoysala temples in Belur, Halebidu, and Somanathapur, Karnataka?

A) Hoysala Heritage Temples
B) Temples of Karnataka Excellence
C) Sacred Ensembles of the Hoysalas in Karnataka
D) Karnataka’s Ancient Temples

Answer: C) Sacred Ensembles of the Hoysalas in Karnataka, India

Shantiniketan has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage site

Shantiniketan has been included in the UNESCO World Heritage list as announced by UNESCO on September 18, 2023. The decision to include Shantiniketan in the UNESCO World Heritage list was made during the 45th session of the World Heritage Committee held in Saudi Arabia.

  1. Shantiniketan was established in 1901 by Maharshi Debendranath Tagore, the father of Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore. It is located in the Birbhum district of West Bengal, India.
  2. Shantiniketan was originally founded as a residential school and an art center, based on ancient Indian traditions and the idea of the unity of humanity transcending religious and cultural boundaries.
  3. In 1921, it evolved into a ‘world university’ known as “Visva Bharati,” emphasizing the unity of humanity.
  4. Shantiniketan’s architectural style is distinct from the British colonial and European modernist trends of the early 20th century. Instead, it represents a pan-Asian modernity, drawing inspiration from ancient, medieval, and folk traditions across the region.

Q.: Who founded Shantiniketan?

a) Jawaharlal Nehru
b) Mahatma Gandhi
c) Rabindranath Tagore
d) Sardar Patel

Ans : c) Rabindranath Tagore

Ganesh Chaturthi, also known as Vinayaka Chaturthi on September 19, 2023.

Ganesh Chaturthi, also known as Vinayaka Chaturthi, falls on September 19, 2023. It is a Hindu festival celebrating Lord Ganesha, the god of prosperity and wisdom.

  1. The festival starts on the fourth day (chaturthi) of the Hindu month of Bhadrapada, which usually falls in August or September.
  2. During Ganesh Chaturthi, clay idols of Lord Ganesha are installed both in homes and on public pandals (temporary stages).
  3. The festival spans ten days, culminating with the immersion of Ganesha idols on the final day.
  4. Devotees observe rituals such as prayers, aarti (worship rituals), and singing devotional songs to seek blessings from Lord Ganesha.
  5. Ganesh Chaturthi is celebrated with great enthusiasm in various regions of India, including Maharashtra, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Goa, and Telangana.
  6. Lord Ganesha is revered as the god of wisdom, wealth, and fortune, making this festival auspicious for seeking his blessings.

Q.: On which day of the Hindu calendar does Ganesh Chaturthi begin?

a) Fourth day (Chaturthi) of Shravana
b) Second day (Dwitiya) of Bhadrapada
c) Third day (Tritiya) of Kartika
d) Fourth day (Chaturthi) of Bhadrapada

Ans : d) Fourth day (Chaturthi) of Bhadrapada

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