General Awareness

ART AND CULTURE - June 2023

Jun 2023

May 03, 2026

Ashutosh Gowariker appointed Festival Director for 57th IFFI

The Ministry of Information & Broadcasting has appointed Ashutosh Gowariker as Festival Director for the 57th International Film Festival of India (IFFI). The festival is scheduled to be held in Goa in November 2026. Gowariker is a celebrated filmmaker known for his distinctive storytelling and has a long association with IFFI, including attendance since 1984 and serving as Jury President for International Cinema in 2024. His appointment is expected to bring a fresh vision and enhanced international engagement to one of Asia’s largest film festivals, aligning with India's cultural diplomacy goals.

Ashutosh Gowariker named Festival Director for IFFI 57.
IFFI 57 to be held in Goa, November 2026.
Gowariker known for iconic films and storytelling.
He has attended IFFI since 1984; Jury President for International Cinema in 2024.

May 01, 2026

First BRICS Culture Working Group meets in New Delhi concludes

The first Culture Working Group meeting under India’s BRICS Presidency 2026 concluded in New Delhi, with BRICS partners participating virtually. The Indian delegation included Vivek Aggarwal, Secretary of the Ministry of Culture, and Dr. Sachchidanand Joshi from the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts. The Ministry of Culture highlighted cultural exchanges and people‑to‑people ties as central themes, aligned with the BRICS emphasis on shared heritage and collaboration. The presidency‑level theme is Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability, reflecting India’s push for cultural diplomacy within BRICS.

Meeting concluded in New Delhi
BRICS culture focus under India’s presidency
Participants included Vivek Aggarwal and Dr. Joshi
Emphasis on cultural exchanges and people‑to‑people ties
Theme: Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability
Highlights cultural diplomacy within BRICS

Apr 28, 2026

Symbiosis launches Asia’s first UNESCO Gender Chair

Symbiosis Skills and Professional University (SSPU), Pune, has launched Asia’s first UNESCO Chair on Gender Inclusion and Skill Development. The announcement occurred during the international conference 'Women Leading the Future of Work' in collaboration with UNESCO. The Chair aims to advance gender equality through skill development, employment opportunities and research for underprivileged girls and women in emerging industries. The initiative marked Asia’s first UNESCO Chair dedicated to gender inclusion and skill development, underscoring India’s role in the global gender and education agenda. Jayant Chaudhary, Minister of State for Skill Development and Education, inaugurated the Chair.

Asia’s first UNESCO Chair on Gender Inclusion and Skill Development launched at SSPU, Pune.
Inaugurated during 'Women Leading the Future of Work' conference with UNESCO.
Chair aims to boost gender equality through skill development and employment.

Apr 20, 2026

Nishita Yogesh Antarkar Crowned Miss Sake India 2026 in Mumbai

Nishita Yogesh Antarkar was crowned Miss Sake India 2026 at a gala event held in Mumbai on 17 April 2026. Organized by Hirohama India Pvt. Ltd., the pageant celebrated cross-cultural ties between India and Japan while promoting Japanese sake culture. Nishita, a Mumbai-based entrepreneur and trained Kathak dancer, brings a blend of artistic excellence and curiosity about global traditions. With over sixteen years of Kathak experience and a passion for languages, she faces responsibilities as a cultural ambassador for India-Japan ties. The outgoing titleholder, Akansha Shrivastava, crowned her during a ceremony at the Robata Kuuraku venue, marking a graceful transition of duties.

Winner: Nishita Yogesh Antarkar (Mumbai).
Event: Miss Sake India 2026, 17 April 2026, Mumbai.
Organizer: Hirohama India Pvt. Ltd.
Background: Kathak dancer with over 16 years of experience.
Role: Cultural ambassador for India-Japan ties.
Crown: By outgoing titleholder Akansha Shrivastava at Robata Kuuraku.

Apr 19, 2026

NITI Aayog Vice Chairman Releases Divya Bharat Anthology

NITI Aayog Vice Chairman Suman Bery released 'Divya Bharat: A Window to the Soul of India' in New Delhi. The anthology serves as a comprehensive, year-round tourism companion covering all States and Union Territories, blending destinations, culture, cuisine, textiles and handicrafts while highlighting iconic sites and lesser-known attractions. The book includes a monthly travel calendar and state-wise chapters to promote informed and diverse travel experiences across the country. In his remarks, Bery described the work as a significant contribution to showcasing India's cultural and tourism potential and urged ongoing collaboration to grow the sector. The launch coincided with discussions on tourism policy reform and PPP growth.

Book title: Divya Bharat: A Window to the Soul of India; author: Suman Bery.
Aims: year-round tourism companion with state-wise coverage.
Contents: destinations, culture, cuisine, textiles, handicrafts; monthly travel calendar.
Impact: promotes informed travel and cultural promotion across India.
Launch linked to policy discussions and sector collaboration.

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