General Awareness

ART AND CULTURE - December 2024

Dec 2024

Mar 17, 2026

CHYIMI Wins Best Director at NYSAF 2026

Indian animated short CHYIMI won Best Director at the New York Short Animation Festival (NYSAF) 2026. Directed by Dr. Partha Sarathi Mahanta, who serves as Inspector General of Police (IGP) in Assam and Commissioner of Police, Guwahati, the film highlights rising Indian storytelling in international animation circuits. NYSAF is renowned for recognizing creative vision and craft in short formats. CHYIMI’s accolade reflects the growing global footprint of Indian and Assamese narratives and showcases India’s talent pool on global screens.

Award: Best Director, NYSAF 2026.
Director: Dr. Partha Sarathi Mahanta (IGP Assam/Police Commissioner, Guwahati).
Festival: New York Short Animation Festival, 2026.
Significance: strengthens Indian/Assamese animation presence internationally.
Context: part of global recognition for Indian short films.

Rare Medieval Gajapathi Inscription Found at Guntur Temple, Andhra Pradesh

A Telugu inscription carved on a stone pillar inside the mandapa of Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple, Ramachandrapura Agraharam, Guntur city, Andhra Pradesh, has been dated to the 15th century CE. Historians link the record to the Gajapati king Purushottama Deva of Odisha. The text also mentions Kumaraguru Mahapatra, who served as a steward under the king, offering crucial clues about the administrative framework of the Gajapati dynasty. The pillar bears inscriptions on both sides, indicating its architectural significance. Epigraphists are analyzing the script and symbols to better understand temple administration, land tenure, and governance during this era.

Inscription in Telugu on a stone pillar inside the temple mandapa.
Dates to the 15th century CE; linked to Gajapati King Purushottama Deva.
Mentions Kumaraguru Mahapatra as a steward officer.
Provides insights into administrative practices of the Gajapati dynasty.
Bilateral engraving suggests significance for temple record-keeping.

Mar 14, 2026

Asian Women’s Film Festival Begins in Delhi

The 21st Asian Women’s Film Festival (AWFF) 2026 started in New Delhi, celebrating women’s voices from across Asia. The three‑day event is organized by the International Association of Women in Radio and Television (IAWRT) at the India International Centre. Festival director Bina Paul curated about 75 films across documentary, fiction, animation, and experimental formats, complemented by discussions, masterclasses, and curated sessions. The programme highlights diverse storytelling, ranging from intimate personal narratives to films addressing social and political realities. Beyond screenings, AWFF aims to foster conversation, collaboration, and connections among filmmakers, audiences, and industry professionals.

Event: 21st AWFF 2026; location: India International Centre, Delhi.
Organizer: IAWRT; director: Bina Paul.
Films: ~75 across multiple formats.
Activities: discussions, masterclasses, curated sessions.
Goal: promote women’s storytelling and dialogue.

Mar 13, 2026

Prada names Bella Hadid global beauty ambassador

Prada Beauty announced Bella Hadid as its first global beauty ambassador, leading the campaign for the brand’s debut blush, Prada Touch. The model, actress and entrepreneur is described as representing modern confidence and individuality, aligning with Prada’s evolving fashion and beauty strategy. Hadid’s appointment will involve promotional appearances and digital campaigns across global markets, reinforcing Prada’s image as an innovator in beauty alongside fashion. The collaboration marks a milestone for Prada’s beauty division as it expands its product lineup and retail presence while showcasing Hadid’s influence in contemporary style trends.

Ambassador: Bella Hadid
Brand: Prada Beauty, debut blush Prada Touch
Role: global ambassador with promotional activities
Brand positioning: contemporary, avant-garde beauty
Impact: broader reach for Prada’s beauty line

Mar 09, 2026

Guinness World Record: 9,111 Lezim performers unite in Maharashtra

On International Women’s Day, 9,111 participants performed Lezim, a traditional Maharashtra folk exercise, in a synchronized mass display in Thane district near Mumbai. The event took place at the Shri Sant Savlaram Sports Complex ground in Dombivli, bringing together women and schoolgirls from Dombivli and Kalyan talukas to set a new Guinness World Record. The attempt broke the previous record of 7,338 Lezim performers held by Sangli district. Organisers include Dombivlikar Ek Sanskruti Parivar and the Kalyan Taluka Physical Education Committee, under the guidance of BJP state president Ravindra Chavan. The gathering highlighted women’s empowerment and community involvement.

9,111 participants performed Lezim together
Event held on International Women’s Day in Thane district
New Guinness World Record, surpassing 7,338 from Sangli
Organised by Dombivlikar Ek Sanskruti Parivar and Kalyan Taluka committee
Participants included women and schoolgirls from local talukas

Mar 06, 2026

President Murmu to inaugurate Darjeeling Hill Festival

President Droupadi Murmu will visit West Bengal on 6–7 March 2026. On 6 March, she will inaugurate the Darjeeling Hill Festival at Lok Bhavan, Darjeeling, marking the 150th anniversary of the national anthem and unveiling an exhibition ‘Root & Rhythms’. The festival showcases tribal heritage and North Bengal culture, with collaborations among cultural institutions and museums. The event highlights Darjeeling’s artistic traditions and regional crafts, drawing visitors from across the state. Murmu’s visit underscores the emphasis on hill region culture, heritage preservation, and ongoing cultural diplomacy.

President Murmu inaugurates Darjeeling Hill Festival.
Scheduled for 6 March 2026 at Lok Bhavan, Darjeeling.
Festival marks 150th anniversary of Vande Mataram exhibition.
Celebrates tribal heritage and regional arts.

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