General Awareness

ART AND CULTURE - December 2024

Dec 2024

Jun 19, 2026

ASI signs MoU with Denmark to locate and document the Oresund shipwreck

The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) and the National Museum of Denmark signed a Memorandum of Understanding on 15 June 2026 to undertake underwater archaeological work on the Danish ship Oresund, wrecked near Karaikal, Puducherry in 1619. The collaboration, involving non-invasive survey techniques, aims to locate and document the remains of the historic vessel, marking a milestone in India’s underwater heritage documentation. The project aligns with efforts to preserve maritime history and strengthen international scholarly ties in archaeology and cultural heritage.

MoU date: 15 June 2026
Parties: ASI and National Museum of Denmark (Njord Centre)
Subject: underwater archaeology of the Oresund (1619 off Karaikal)
Method: non-invasive survey techniques
Significance: documents India’s underwater cultural heritage; international collaboration

Jun 18, 2026

Tripura Sarinda awarded Geographical Indication tag

Tripura's traditional bowed string instrument, the Sarinda, has been granted Geographical Indication protection as of 16 June 2026. The instrument is carved from a single block of wood and used by indigenous communities across Tripura's hilly regions. The GI tag recognises its distinctive origin and authentic craftsmanship, helping to prevent imitation and misuse. Officials expect the designation to support local artisans by expanding markets beyond the state and by promoting cultural tourism linked to Tripura's heritage. The move also reinforces cultural identity within Tripura's indigenous communities and may encourage sustainable livelihoods for artisans who preserve this musical tradition.

GI tag granted on 16 June 2026 for Tripura Sarinda
Instrument carved from a single block of wood
GI protects authenticity and aids artisan livelihoods
Link to Tripura's indigenous cultural identity
Potential boost to regional cultural tourism

Jun 17, 2026

19th Mumbai International Film Festival held mid-June 2026

The 19th Mumbai International Film Festival took place from 15 to 21 June 2026 in Mumbai. Held at the NFDC–Films Division premises on Gopalrao Deshmukh Marg, the festival showcased documentaries, short fiction, animation, and non-feature films. It remains South Asia’s oldest and largest platform for cinematic expression in these genres. Delegates, filmmakers, and industry professionals from across the region attended, with awards recognizing excellence in storytelling, production, and technical craft. The event highlighted emerging Indian talent and international collaborations, reinforcing Mumbai’s role as a premier hub for documentary cinema.

Dates: 15–21 June 2026
Venue: NFDC–Films Division, Mumbai
Scope: Documentaries, shorts, animation, non-feature films
Significance: South Asia’s oldest and largest festival
Impact: Elevates Indian documentary cinema

May 29, 2026

Veteran Urdu poet Bashir Badr passes away at 91

Veteran Urdu poet Bashir Badr, a Padma Shri recipient, died in Bhopal on 28 May 2026 at the age of 91 after a prolonged illness. Badr was known for his memorable couplets such as 'Ujale apni yaadon ke hamare saath rehne do' and contributed to modern Urdu poetry from the 1960s onward. His work touched themes of love, longing and social reflection, earning acclaim in literary circles. His passing prompted tributes from writers, scholars and fans who recalled his distinctive voice and his contributions to Indian literature. The poet’s enduring influence on contemporary Urdu poetry remains widely recognized.

Date of death: 28 May 2026; age 91.
Noted Urdu poet; Padma Shri recipient.
Known for couplets like 'Ujale apni yaadon ke hamare saath rehne do'.
Contributions span modern Urdu poetry from the 1960s onward.

May 28, 2026

Sacred Sanchi relics to be sent to Mongolia on PM Modi’s initiative

Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s initiative, sacred relics from the UNESCO World Heritage Sanchi Stupa are being sent to Mongolia. The relics belong to Lord Buddha’s disciples Sariputra and Maudgalyayana. They will be flown to Delhi from Bhopal’s Raja Bhoj Airport with full state honours, then placed on public display at the National Museum in New Delhi. An Indian Air Force aircraft will carry the relics to Mongolia on 30 May, with public viewing planned in Ulaanbaatar. The move is expected to strengthen cultural and spiritual ties and attract Buddhist pilgrims and international visitors.

Relics belong to Sariputra and Maudgalyayana
Relics flown to Delhi with state honours
Public display at National Museum before outbound flight
IAF aircraft to transport to Mongolia on 30 May
Public display in Ulaanbaatar planned

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