During his visit to New Zealand, Prime Minister Narendra Modi engaged in cultural diplomacy by gifting traditional Indian handicrafts to foreign leaders.
Modi presented New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon with a 'Dhokra tree of life' metal sculpture from Bastar, Chhattisgarh, along with a traditional Pahari Cap from Uttarakhand.
Leader of the Opposition Chris Hipkins was gifted a Zari Zardozi Wall Hanging handcrafted in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, and a hockey stick signed by the Indian Women’s Hockey Team.
For competitive exams, these events underscore India's diplomatic strategy of using Geographical Indication (GI) products and regional art forms to boost local artisan economies on global platforms.
Key Facts / Static GK
Prime Minister of New Zealand: Christopher Luxon
Capital of New Zealand: Wellington
Currency of New Zealand: New Zealand Dollar
Practice Quiz — 16 July 2026
Q1. Which of the following statements is/are correct regarding the India-Australia Civil Nuclear Arrangement finalized recently?
Answer: (C) It operationalizes the Civil Nuclear Cooperation Agreement signed in 2014. — The Administrative Arrangement finalized during the 3rd India-Australia Annual Summit in Melbourne operationalizes the Civil Nuclear Cooperation Agreement signed in 2014. It enables Australian uranium exports under IAEA safeguards to support India's target of 100 GW of nuclear capacity by 2047.
Q2. The traditional 'Dhokra tree of life' metal sculpture presented by PM Modi to his New Zealand counterpart Christopher Luxon originates from which of the following regions?
Answer: (B) Bastar, Chhattisgarh — PM Narendra Modi gifted a 'Dhokra tree of life' sculpture originating from Bastar in Chhattisgarh to New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon.
Q3. Where was the first-ever 'Samriddh Kendra' under the award-winning Samriddh Gram Initiative inaugurated?
Answer: (C) Umri village, Madhya Pradesh — The first Samriddh Kendra under the Samriddh Gram Initiative was inaugurated in Umri village, located in the Guna district of Madhya Pradesh.
Q4. Which of the following is correct regarding the recent achievement of Mangaluru International Airport (MIA)?
Answer: (B) It is the fourth airport in India to receive Level 5 ACI accreditation. — MIA is the fourth airport in India to achieve Level 5 ACI accreditation (following Mumbai, Ahmedabad, and Bengaluru). Bengaluru was the first in Karnataka, making MIA the second in the state.
Q5. Which state has declared the year 2027 as the 'Year of Youth' to involve over 2 crore youngsters in policy-making and development?
Answer: (C) Madhya Pradesh — Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav declared 2027 as the 'Year of Youth' during the 'My Youth, My Pride' Conclave.
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