वाराणसी को 'एससीओ सांस्कृतिक और पर्यटन राजधानी' के रूप में फिर से चुना गया
शंघाई सहयोग संगठन (SCO) ने वर्ष 2026-27 के लिए वाराणसी को अपनी सांस्कृतिक और पर्यटन राजधानी के रूप में नामित किया है।
2-Minute Summary (TL;DR)
- Varanasi has been re-selected as the SCO Cultural and Tourism Capital for the 2026-27 tenure.
- This is the second time Varanasi has received this honour, previously holding it for 2022-23.
- The decision was unanimously made during the annual Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit.
- The designation aims to strengthen cultural ties and promote tourism between India and Central Asian SCO member states.
- Varanasi's selection highlights its ancient heritage, spiritual significance, and vibrant living culture.
- Numerous cultural events, film festivals, and art exhibitions are planned in Varanasi during 2026-27.
- The SCO, founded in 2001, is an intergovernmental organization promoting cooperation among its member states.
- This re-nomination is expected to boost foreign tourist arrivals and enhance Varanasi's global profile.
How This Topic is Tested in Competitive Exams
| Exam | Frequency | Approx. Marks | What Gets Asked |
|---|---|---|---|
| SSC (CGL / CHSL / MTS) | Medium | 2–4 | Miscellaneous GK including appointments, books, summits, and records appears in SSC. |
| UPSC / State PCS | Low | 2–5 | UPSC focuses on depth, not breadth. General items are tested only when they have policy relevance. |
| State PCS / PSC | Medium | 3–5 | Miscellaneous GK is tested across all state exam categories. |
| Railway (RRB NTPC / Group D) | Medium | 2–4 | Miscellaneous GK about India and the world is standard in Railway papers. |
Key Facts to Remember: वाराणसी को 'एससीओ सांस्कृतिक और पर्यटन राजधानी' के रूप में फिर से चुना गया
- Varanasi has been re-selected as the SCO Cultural and Tourism Capital for the 2026-27 tenure.
- This is the second time Varanasi has received this honour, previously holding it for 2022-23.
- The decision was unanimously made during the annual Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit.
- The designation aims to strengthen cultural ties and promote tourism between India and Central Asian SCO member states.
- Varanasi's selection highlights its ancient heritage, spiritual significance, and vibrant living culture.
- Numerous cultural events, film festivals, and art exhibitions are planned in Varanasi during 2026-27.
- The SCO, founded in 2001, is an intergovernmental organization promoting cooperation among its member states.
- This re-nomination is expected to boost foreign tourist arrivals and enhance Varanasi's global profile.
Practice Questions
Q1. For which tenure has Varanasi been re-selected as the SCO Cultural and Tourism Capital?
- 2025-26
- 2026-27
- 2027-28
- 2023-24
Explanation: Varanasi has been re-selected by the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) member states to serve as the 'Cultural and Tourism Capital' for the tenure of 2026-27. This is a significant recognition of the city's cultural importance.
Q2. Which international organization has designated Varanasi as its Cultural and Tourism Capital?
- G20
- ASEAN
- SAARC
- Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO)
Explanation: The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) is the intergovernmental organization that has unanimously selected Varanasi as its Cultural and Tourism Capital for the 2026-27 period. This highlights the SCO's focus on cultural exchange among its member states.
Q3. When was Varanasi first designated as the SCO Cultural and Tourism Capital?
- 2021-22
- 2022-23
- 2023-24
- 2024-25
Explanation: Varanasi was first selected for the prestigious title of SCO Cultural and Tourism Capital for the 2022-23 period. Its subsequent re-selection for 2026-27 underscores its enduring cultural significance and the success of the initiative.
Q4. What is a primary objective of the SCO Cultural and Tourism Capital initiative?
- To promote military cooperation
- To enhance cultural exchange and tourism among member states
- To establish a common currency
- To resolve border disputes
Explanation: The SCO Cultural and Tourism Capital initiative aims to leverage the unique cultural heritage of member states to enhance people-to-people contacts and promote tourism within the SCO region. This fosters mutual understanding and strengthens regional ties.
Q5. Which of the following is NOT a current member state of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO)?
- India
- China
- Sri Lanka
- Uzbekistan
Explanation: The current member states of the SCO include India, China, Russia, Pakistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. Sri Lanka is not a member of the SCO.
How to Prepare Current Affairs for Government Exams — वाराणसी को 'एससीओ सांस्कृतिक और पर्यटन राजधानी' क…
For general current affairs, read the PIB (Press Information Bureau) daily digest. It covers government announcements that directly map to exam questions.
Maintain a 'Monthly Top 50' list — the 50 most important facts from the month. Revise this before every mock test.
Focus on news from the last 6–8 months before your exam date. Older news rarely appears unless it was a landmark event.
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