The 2018 ASEAN–India Film Festival, organised to celebrate cultural ties between India and ASEAN nations, was held in which Indian city?

Introduction / Context:
This question is from current affairs related to culture and international relations. The ASEAN–India Film Festival was organised as part of the celebrations marking 25 years of ASEAN–India dialogue partnership and other associated anniversaries. Such cultural festivals highlight soft power and people to people ties. Examinations often test the city where major international cultural events are held, especially when they involve India's relationship with regional blocs like ASEAN.

Given Data / Assumptions:
We are asked to identify the host city of the 2018 ASEAN–India Film Festival. The options provided are:

• Lucknow
• New Delhi
• Pune
• Gurugram

We assume that the learner is aware that many such diplomatic and cultural events are organised in India's capital, but must choose the correct option based on factual recall rather than only guessing.

Concept / Approach:
Most high profile ASEAN–India events, summits, and cultural festivals are hosted in New Delhi because it is the national capital and home to important ministries, embassies, and cultural institutions. The 2018 ASEAN–India Film Festival was also held in New Delhi, featuring screenings of films from ASEAN countries and India to showcase shared stories and cinematic traditions. The other cities listed—Lucknow, Pune, and Gurugram—are important urban centres but were not the host of this specific film festival.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recognise that the ASEAN–India Film Festival is a diplomatic and cultural event involving multiple foreign missions. Step 2: Recall that such events are commonly held in New Delhi to facilitate participation by embassies, the Ministry of External Affairs, and cultural organisations. Step 3: Remember that reports about the 2018 edition specifically mentioned New Delhi as the venue, often including iconic venues like Siri Fort Auditorium or similar. Step 4: Compare this knowledge with the list of options: Lucknow, New Delhi, Pune, and Gurugram. Step 5: Select New Delhi as the correct answer.

Verification / Alternative check:
Media coverage surrounding the 25th anniversary of ASEAN–India partnership frequently described a series of events held in New Delhi, including a commemorative summit and the ASEAN–India Film Festival. Promotional posters and official press notes referenced New Delhi as the host city. While other cities do host film festivals (for example, Pune International Film Festival or events in Goa), the specific ASEAN–India Film Festival of 2018 was tied to New Delhi. This link is repeated in several exam oriented current affairs summaries, confirming New Delhi as the correct option.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Lucknow: Capital of Uttar Pradesh and an important cultural centre, but it did not host the 2018 ASEAN–India Film Festival.

Pune: Known for its own film festivals and educational institutions, but not the venue for this ASEAN–India event.

Gurugram: A major corporate hub near Delhi, but it was not chosen as the official host city for this particular festival.

Common Pitfalls:
Some learners may overthink and choose a city like Pune because it is historically associated with film culture, or Gurugram due to its modern infrastructure. Others might confuse the ASEAN–India Film Festival with other movie festivals held in Goa or Mumbai. To avoid such confusion, it is helpful to remember that diplomatic, multi country cultural events tied to India's foreign policy are usually hosted in New Delhi, especially when they celebrate major partnership milestones.

Final Answer:
The 2018 ASEAN–India Film Festival was held in New Delhi.