General Awareness

ART AND CULTURE - January 2025

Jan 2025

Dec 22, 2025

Sreenivasan, Malayalam Actor and Filmmaker, Passes Away at 69

Sreenivasan, a veteran Malayalam actor, writer, and director, died at age 69. He was known for sharp humour and social messages, and his films gave voice to the common man while shaping modern Malayalam cinema. He entered cinema in 1976 with Manimuzhakkam, directed by P. A. Backer. His first lead role came in Sanghaganam (1979). He also appeared in Mela (1980). As a director, Vadakkunokkiyanthram and Chinthavishtayaya Shyamala are considered classics for their psychological depth and emotional honesty. Over his career, Sreenivasan won multiple Kerala State Film Awards and other honours for his contributions to cinema.

Sreenivasan was a veteran Malayalam actor, writer and director
Entered cinema in 1976 with Manimuzhakkam
First lead role in Sanghaganam (1979)
Directed Vadakkunokkiyanthram and Chinthavishtayaya Shyamala
Won multiple Kerala State Film Awards

Divya Kala Mela 2025 Concludes at Kartavya Path, New Delhi

Divya Kala Mela, organized by the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, concluded at Kartavya Path in New Delhi after a nine-day run. The event, held December 13–21, 2025, showcased the entrepreneurial work of Divyang artisans and entrepreneurs from across India, emphasizing opportunity over sympathy. More than 2,362 Divyang participants contributed, generating business of over Rs. 23 crore. The closing ceremony included performances and exhibitions of handicrafts, textiles, and other creative works. The event reinforced inclusive growth and showcased disability empowerment in a national setting.

Divya Kala Mela concluded December 21, 2025
Nine-day event; Kartavya Path, Delhi
2,362+ Divyang participants; over Rs 23 crore in business
Showcased handicrafts, textiles, and creative works
Promoted disability empowerment and inclusive growth

Dec 18, 2025

Sant Ravidas Museum planned in Varanasi

A modern Sant Ravidas Museum is planned in his birthplace Seer Govardhanpur, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh. The project, managed by UP Projects Corporation Ltd., spans about 1,645 square metres on a G+1 footprint and costs roughly Rs 2,320.73 lakh. The museum will present Ravidas’ life, literature, and Bhakti movement contributions through digital projections and audiovisual displays. Officials say completion is targeted for February 2027. The museum aims to preserve spiritual heritage and educate visitors about Ravidas’ philosophy while boosting cultural tourism in the region.

Sant Ravidas Museum to be built in Seer Govardhanpur, Varanasi.
Cost around Rs 2,320.73 lakh; 1,645 sqm area; G+1 building.
Completion targeted for February 2027.
Features digital projections and multimedia displays.

Dec 17, 2025

Italy becomes first country with UNESCO recognition for its entire national cuisine

Italy has become the first country to receive UNESCO recognition for its entire national cuisine. In December 2025, UNESCO inscribed Italian cooking on its List of Intangible Cultural Heritage, acknowledging its living traditions that reflect culture, identity, and community life. The decision, announced during UNESCO’s cultural assembly in Delhi, covers Italy’s diverse culinary practices, including pasta, cheese, wine, desserts, and regional foods. The inscription marks a landmark moment in how food heritage is understood globally and highlights cuisine as a shared social experience rather than merely recipes or dishes.

UNESCO inscribes entire Italian national cuisine as intangible heritage.
Recognition announced during UNESCO cultural assembly in Delhi.
Covers diverse culinary traditions: pasta, cheese, wine, desserts, regional foods.
Celebrates cuisine as living cultural practice and social experience.
First time a nation's entire cuisine receives UNESCO status.

Dec 16, 2025

UNESCO Adds Endangered Traditional Arts to Urgent Safeguarding List

UNESCO has added several endangered traditional arts and crafts to its Urgent Safeguarding List. Inclusions include Boreendo, a Pakistani musical instrument; Mwazindika spiritual dance from Kenya; and Dong Ho woodblock printing from Vietnam. The move recognises living cultural practices at risk of disappearance and the need for immediate protection, documentation, and community support. UNESCO emphasizes that safeguarding such crafts preserves cultural diversity, supports intergenerational knowledge transfer, and promotes sustainable development in affected communities, prompting governments and civil society to invest in preservation, capacity-building, and awareness campaigns at both global and local levels.

UNESCO adds Boreendo (Pakistan), Mwazindika (Kenya), Dong Ho (Vietnam) to urgent list.
Aims to protect endangered intangible cultural heritage.
Emphasises documentation and community support.
Encourages global and local safeguarding efforts.

Commemorative Stamp for Emperor Perumbidugu Mutharaiyar Released

India released a commemorative postage stamp honouring Emperor Perumbidugu Mutharaiyar II (Suvaran Maran) in December 2025 at the Vice-President Enclave, New Delhi. The event extends government efforts to recognise unsung rulers and cultural icons of Tamil Nadu. The Vice-President highlighted the emperor's long rule from Tiruchirappalli, spanning nearly four decades, noting administrative stability, territorial expansion, cultural patronage, and military prowess. The stamp edition reinforces cultural heritage and aims to raise public awareness of regional history within national narratives.

Commemorative stamp released for Emperor Perumbidugu Mutharaiyar II.
Event held at Vice-President Enclave, New Delhi, December 2025.
Emperor ruled Tiruchirappalli for nearly four decades (7th–9th centuries).
Stamp supports cultural heritage recognition.

Dec 15, 2025

India to open its first energy museum in Patna, Bihar

Bihar will host the country’s first energy museum at the decommissioned Karbigahiya Thermal Power Station in Patna. The project will occupy a 3‑acre campus and is designed to preserve the power sector’s heritage while promoting educational outreach and tourism. The Bihar Museum leadership and power‑sector officials outlined a detailed plan, including timelines and selection of the executing agency. The museum aims to showcase India’s energy evolution, celebrate innovations in power generation, and serve as a research and public outreach hub for students, professionals, and visitors.

India’s first energy museum to open in Patna
Location: Karbigahiya Thermal Power Station site
Focus: heritage, education, and tourism

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