General Awareness

ART AND CULTURE - July 2019

Jul 2019

Jul 12, 2026

Manas and Mahabharata centre inaugurated in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan

The International Centre for Civilizational Studies 'Manas and Mahabharata' was inaugurated in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, in July 2026 through collaboration between the Manas National Academy of Kyrgyzstan and the Centre for Studies of International Relations (CSIR), New Delhi. The centre will foster research on shared civilizational heritage and cultural exchange between India and Kyrgyzstan. It will host seminars, joint projects, and academic programs to study epics like Manas and Mahabharata and related historical narratives. The initiative reflects broader efforts to strengthen academic ties, regional understanding, and people-to-people links between the two countries and promote cross-cultural education.

Inauguration in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan in July 2026
Collaboration between Manas National Academy and CSIR, New Delhi
Focus on civilizational heritage and cultural exchange
Plans seminars, joint projects, and exchanges
Aims to strengthen India-Kyrgyzstan ties

Jul 11, 2026

Australia to repatriate Tamil Nadu temple artefacts to India amid Modi visit

Australia has announced repatriation of three ancient Tamil Nadu temple artefacts, including a Chola-era ceremonial bronze trident of Goddess Bhadrakali, a granite idol of Nandi, and a basalt sculpture of Karttikeya. Dating back to the 11th and 12th centuries, the artefacts were stolen and exported to Australia. The repatriation reflects cooperation between India and Australia to protect cultural heritage. The return coincides with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Australia and is part of ongoing efforts to recover artefacts through legal channels and provenance research. Museums and temple authorities will oversee restoration and display.

Three artefacts repatriated: bronze trident, Nandi idol, Karttikeya sculpture.
Originated in Tamil Nadu; dates to 11th–12th centuries.
Part of India–Australia cultural heritage cooperation.
Return announced during Prime Minister Modi's visit to Australia.
Process via legal channels and provenance research; restoration oversight.

Jul 02, 2026

Swar Prerna Veethika Photo Gallery Inaugurated at Akashvani Bhavan

Akashvani unveiled the Swar Prerna Veethika Photo Gallery at the Rang Bhavan Auditorium, Akashvani Bhawan, New Delhi. The gallery was inaugurated by Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasia and features portraits of Bharat Ratna awardees in music, including Lata Mangeshkar, Pandit Ravi Shankar, and M. S. Subbulakshmi. The project highlights India’s rich musical heritage and public broadcasting’s role in preserving artistic legacies. The event emphasized preservation of cultural records and education about living musical traditions for visitors across generations.

Gallery named Swar Prerna Veethika inaugurated in New Delhi.
Inaugurated by Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasia.
Features portraits of Bharat Ratna musicians such as Lata Mangeshkar, Ravi Shankar, M. S. Subbulakshmi.
Celebrates public broadcasting’s role in culture.

Jun 30, 2026

Study Group on Indian Cinema Formed to Boost Global Competitiveness

In June 2026, the Union Information and Broadcasting Ministry formed a high-level Study Group chaired by Prasoon Joshi to examine challenges and opportunities in Indian cinema. The group will recommend measures to strengthen film production, distribution and theatre infrastructure, promote technology adoption and improve global competitiveness. It will also consider policy changes to support financing, digital distribution and wider audience outreach. The study aims to address bottlenecks and modernize the film ecosystem, helping Indian cinema reach larger audiences both domestically and internationally.

Formation: June 2026, Study Group on Indian cinema
Chair: Prasoon Joshi
Mandate: strengthen production, distribution, theatres
Focus areas: technology, financing, digital distribution
Goal: improve global competitiveness
Expected outcome: policy recommendations for sector growth

Jun 29, 2026

Italy tops UNESCO World Heritage List with 61 sites

Italy now holds the most UNESCO World Heritage Sites, with 61 sites inscribed on the World Heritage List. The 61 sites comprise 55 cultural and 6 natural sites, reflecting Italy’s rich historical and natural heritage. UNESCO data confirm Italy’s leading position among world nations for World Heritage properties. Notable Italian sites include iconic cultural landscapes and ancient urban ensembles. The count of 61 sites is supported by UNESCO and Italian cultural institutions, underscoring ongoing preservation and international recognition of Italy’s heritage. Must-know item: as of 2026, Italy maintains the largest number of UNESCO sites worldwide.

Italy has 61 UNESCO World Heritage Sites (55 cultural, 6 natural).
Italy holds the highest total of UNESCO sites among countries.
Sites include renowned cultural landscapes and historic cities.
UNESCO data corroborate Italy’s leading position as of 2026.
Must-know: total remains 61 sites in 2026.

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