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Indian Art and Culture for Competitive Affairs

Guru Nanak Jayanti or Gurpurab on 15 November 2024

Guru Nanak Jayanti, also known as Gurpurab, is one of the most sacred festivals in Sikhism. It commemorates the birth of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of Sikhism and the first of the ten Sikh Gurus. Observed on the full moon day in the month of Kartik (October-November), it holds immense religious and cultural significance for Sikhs and is celebrated with great devotion around the world. This year Guru Nanak Jayanti celebrated on 15 November 2024.

Significance

Guru Nanak Dev Ji was born in 1469 in Talwandi, now known as Nankana Sahib in Pakistan. He is revered as a spiritual leader who taught principles of equality, compassion, and devotion to God. His teachings emphasized love, selflessness, and unity. Guru Nanak’s message, captured in the sacred text Guru Granth Sahib, promotes “Naam Japna” (meditation on God’s name), “Kirat Karni” (honest work), and “Vand Chakna” (sharing with others).

Indian musicians Ricky Kej and Anoushka Shankar nominated for the 67th Grammy Awards

Indian musicians Ricky Kej and Anoushka Shankar have received Grammy nominations for the 67th Grammy Awards. Ricky Kej, a three-time Grammy winner, earned his fourth nomination for his album Break of Dawn in the Best New Age, Ambient, or Chant Album category.

Anoushka Shankar was nominated in the same category for her album Chapter II: How Dark It Is Before Dawn, showcasing her blend of traditional and modern music.

Other nominees in this category include Warriors of Light by Radhika Vekaria and Triveni by Chandrika Tandon, featuring flautist Wouter Kellerman and cellist Eru Matsumoto.

The Grammy Awards will be held on February 2, 2025, at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles.

Four-day Chhath Puja festival began on November 5, 2024

The four-day Chhath Puja festival began on November 5, 2024, with the ritual of Nahay-Khay. Devotees started the festival by taking holy dips in rivers and performing puja to the Sun God, consuming offerings like Arwa rice and Chana dal. In Bihar, large gatherings formed along the Ganga, Kosi, Gandak, and other rivers.

On November 6, the Kharna ritual will be observed, followed by a strict 36-hour fast without water. The First Arghya, offerings to the setting Sun, will be given on November 7, and the festival will conclude on November 8 with a final Arghya to the rising Sun. Devotees will gather at riverbanks and famous Sun temples across Bihar. Chief Minister Nitish Kumar extended greetings for Chhath Puja.

‘Sunflowers Were The First Ones To Know’ qualifies for 2025 Oscars Short Film category

The Film and Television Institute of India (FTII) student film Sunflowers Were The First Ones To Know has qualified for the 2025 Oscars in the Live Action Short Film category. Directed by FTII student Chidananda S Naik, this Kannada short film is inspired by Indian folk stories and traditions. Earlier, it won first prize at the Cannes Film Festival’s La Cinef Selection, where the jury praised its storytelling and direction.

The film follows the story of an elderly woman who steals the village rooster, causing sunlight to disappear and bringing chaos to the community. A prophecy then forces her family into exile to retrieve the rooster and restore peace.

Sunflowers will have special screenings and events to connect with global audiences, showcasing India’s storytelling traditions and universal themes that resonate worldwide.

Ningol Chakkouba festival celebrated in Manipur

The Ningol Chakkouba festival, one of Manipur’s biggest, was celebrated on November 3, 2024. It is a special festival for the Meitei community but is now enjoyed by other communities too.

Ningol Chakkouba happens each year on the second day of the Meitei lunar month called Hiyangei. On this day, married sisters come to their maternal homes for a big feast and happy reunion, where gifts are exchanged. Traditionally, the brother invites his sister a week before the festival. Many Manipuris celebrate this festival even when they are living outside Manipur.

Karva Chauth Celebrated Across India on October 20

Karva Chauth was celebrated across the country on 20 October 2024. On this day, married women fast from morning until they see the moon at night. The tradition is believed to strengthen the relationship between husband and wife and is thought to help ensure the husband’s long life.

Vijayadashmi, or Dussehra, was celebrated on October 12, 2024, across the country

Vijayadashmi, or Dussehra, was celebrated on October 12, 2024, marking the triumph of good over evil. The festival commemorates Lord Rama’s victory over the demon king Ravana in the Ramayana and Goddess Durga’s defeat of Mahishasura, symbolizing the victory of righteousness (Dharma). Across India, it was celebrated with grand processions, Ramlila performances, and the burning of Ravana’s effigies.

In northern India, large crowds gathered for Ramlila enactments and the symbolic destruction of Ravana. In West Bengal, the festival marked the conclusion of Durga Puja with idol immersions and joyous Sindoor Khela. Mysuru hosted its famous royal Dasara procession, and in Maharashtra, people exchanged “Apta” leaves and performed Ayudha Puja. The festival also encouraged new beginnings, with many choosing to start ventures and educational journeys.

PM Modi inaugurates the Banjara Virasat Museum in Pohardevi, Washim, Maharashtra.

On October 5, 2024, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Banjara Virasat Museum in Pohardevi, Washim, Maharashtra. The museum, which spans four stories and contains 13 galleries, showcases the rich heritage of the Banjara community, including portraits of its leaders and historical movements.

During his visit, Modi paid floral tributes to the memorials of Sant Sevalal Maharaj and Sant Ramrao Maharaj, both revered spiritual leaders of the Banjara community. He also performed rituals at the Jagdamba Temple in Pohardevi.

Mithun Chakraborty Honored with Dadasaheb Phalke Award 2024

Legendary Actor Mithun Chakraborty will be honoured with Dadasaheb Phalke Award at the 70th National Film Awards ceremony in October 2024. Dadasaheb Phalke Award, India’s highest honor in cinema. This award, named after the father of Indian cinema, Dadasaheb Phalke, is given for lifetime contributions to Indian cinema.

Mithun Chakraborty, affectionately known as Mithun Da, has had a remarkable career spanning nearly five decades. He made his acting debut in 1976 with the film “Mrigayaa,” which earned him his first National Film Award for Best Actor.  Over the years, he has appeared in over 350 films across multiple Indian languages, including Hindi, Bengali, Odia, Bhojpuri, and Telugu.

Andro Village’s Recognition as Best Tourism Village in Heritage Category (2024)

Andro Village in Manipur has been recognized as one of the Best Tourism Villages in the Heritage category in the 2024 edition of the Best Tourism Villages Competition, organized by the Ministry of Tourism. The award ceremony took place on 27 September 2024, at Vigyan Bhawan in New Delhi, during World Tourism Day celebrations.

Andro Village was selected for its unique cultural heritage, including its ancient fire worship tradition and historical temple, which attract tourists from around the world. The local community actively participates in preserving this heritage and engaging in tourism, creating income and employment for the villagers.

55th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in Goa from November 20 to 28, 2024

A review meeting for the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) 2024 was held in Panaji on 24 September, chaired by Sanjay Jaju, Secretary of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting. Goa Chief Secretary Punit Goyal, IFFI Director Shekhar Kapoor, and others attended, and they later met with Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant.

The 55th edition of IFFI will take place from November 20 to 28 in Goa. Organized by the NFDC and the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, this festival celebrates global cinema. New highlights include the Best Indian Debut Director Award and various events focused on youth and emerging talent.

Laapataa Ladies is India’s official entry for the 2025 Oscars in the Best Foreign Film category

Filmmaker Kiran Rao’s comedy-drama Laapataa Ladies has been selected as India’s official entry for the 2025 Oscars in the Best Foreign Film category. The Film Federation of India confirmed the news, saying a 13-member committee, led by Assamese director Jahnu Barua, unanimously chose the film.

Laapataa Ladies, produced by Aamir Khan and Kiran Rao, features strong, well-defined characters that highlight the diverse lives of Indian women, blending both submission and dominance. The film is a light-hearted comedy about two young brides who get separated on a train, leading to a series of funny events and mix-ups.

Onam 2024: Celebrating Kerala’s Grand Festival

Onam, celebrated from September 5 to 15 in 2024, with Thiruvonam on September 15, is a major festival in Kerala, India. It honors King Mahabali’s annual visit, symbolizing prosperity and unity.

Key traditions include creating flower carpets (Pookalam), enjoying a grand feast (Onasadya), participating in snake boat races (Vallamkali), and performing traditional dances (Kaikottikali and Pulikali). The festival highlights Kerala’s cultural heritage and the values of gratitude and humility.

Ganesh Chaturthi: Celebrating Wisdom, Prosperity, and Unity

Ganesh Chaturthi, also known as Vinayaka Chaturthi, is a Hindu festival celebrating the birth of Lord Ganesha, symbolizing wisdom, prosperity, and new beginnings. It occurs in Bhadrapada (August-September) and lasts for ten days. In 2024, Ganesh Chaturthi is on 7 September 2024.

The festival begins with the installation of Ganesha idols in homes and public pandals, accompanied by rituals, prayers, and offerings like modak. Public celebrations, especially in Maharashtra, include music, dance, and processions. The festival concludes with the immersion (visarjan) of idols on Ananta Chaturdashi.

Ganesh Chaturthi gained prominence in the late 19th century, popularized by Bal Gangadhar Tilak to foster unity during India’s independence struggle.

Janmashtami celebrated across the country

Krishna Janmashtami, also known as Gokulashtami or Janmashtami, is a significant Hindu festival that celebrates the birth of Lord Krishna, the eighth avatar of Vishnu. This festival is observed on the eighth day (Ashtami) of the dark fortnight in the month of Bhadrapada, which usually falls in August or September. This year Krishna Janmashtami was celebrated on 26 August across the country.

Significance and History

Krishna Janmashtami marks the birth of Krishna, who is considered a divine hero, teacher, and philosopher in Hinduism. According to Hindu mythology, Krishna was born in Mathura to Devaki and Vasudeva. His birth is celebrated with great fervor, especially in Mathura and Vrindavan, where he spent his childhood.

Q.: Krishna Janmashtami is observed on which day of the dark fortnight in the month of Bhadrapada?

A) First day (Pratipada)
B) Fifth day (Panchami)
C) Eighth day (Ashtami)
D) Fifteenth day (Amavasya)

Ans : C) Eighth day (Ashtami)
Krishna Janmashtami is observed on the eighth day (Ashtami) of the dark fortnight in the month of Bhadrapada, which usually falls in August or September.

Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra 2024 Concludes Peacefully with Over 5 Lakh Pilgrims Participating

The annual Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra concluded on August 19, 2024, in Jammu and Kashmir, with over 5 lakh pilgrims participating. The Yatra, which began on June 29, ended with the arrival of the holy mace “Chhari Mubarak” at the Shri Amarnath Ji Cave Shrine in the South Kashmir Himalayas, marking the formal end of the 43-day pilgrimage. The mace was carried by a group of sadhus led by Mahant Deependra Giri. Pilgrims visited the shrine using both the Pahalgam and Baltal routes. The Yatra concluded peacefully on the occasion of Shravan-Punima, coinciding with Raksha Bandhan, with a pooja at sunrise.

Q.: On which occasion did the Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra 2024 conclude?

a) Diwali
b) Maha Shivaratri
c) Shravan-Punima
d) Navratri

Answer: c) Shravan-Punima
The annual Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra concluded on August 19, 2024, in Jammu and Kashmir, on the occasion of Shravan-Punima, coinciding with Raksha Bandhan, with a pooja at sunrise.

Moidams of the Ahom Dynasty in Assam declared India’s 43rd World Heritage Site in the cultural category

The Moidams of the Ahom Dynasty in Assam were officially declared India’s 43rd World Heritage Site in the cultural category during UNESCO’s 46th World Heritage Committee session in New Delhi from 21 to 31 July 2024. These 700-year-old mound-burial sites, akin to pyramids, reflect the rich history and architectural brilliance of the Ahom rulers. The Moidams are strategically located in the foothills of the Patkai Ranges in Assam, and they contain the royal necropolis of the Tai-Ahom. Within the property, 90 moidams—hollow vaults built of brick, stone, or earth—of different sizes are found. For 600 years, the Tai-Ahom created these moidams, accentuating the natural topography of hills, forests, and water, thus forming a sacred geography. This recognition marks a significant milestone for Assam, as it is the first cultural site from the Northeast to make it to the UNESCO World Heritage List under the Cultural Category.

Q.: Which cultural site from the Northeast became the first to be inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List under the Cultural Category?

A) Kaziranga National Park
B) Majuli Island
C) Moidams
D) Kamakhya Temple

Answer: C) Moidams
Moidams of the Ahom Dynasty in Assam were officially declared India’s 43rd World Heritage Site in the cultural category during UNESCO’s 46th World Heritage Committee session in New Delhi from 21 to 31 July 2024. It is the first cultural site from the Northeast to make it to the UNESCO World Heritage List under the Cultural Category.

Q.: Which dynasty created the Moidams?

A) Gupta
B) Maurya
C) Ahom
D) Chola

Answer: C) Ahom
These 700-year-old mound-burial sites, akin to pyramids, reflect the rich history and architectural brilliance of the Ahom rulers.

Rashtrapati Bhavan renames Durbar Hall and Ashok Hall to Ganatantra Mandap and Ashok Mandap

The Durbar Hall of Rashtrapati Bhavan, traditionally used for important ceremonies and celebrations such as the presentation of National Awards, has been renamed ‘Ganatantra Mandap,’ .

Ashok Hall, originally designed as a ballroom, will now be known as Ashok Mandap.

The term ‘Durbar,’ referring to an imperial court, became outdated after India transitioned to a republic, or ‘Ganatantra.’

Renaming Ashok Hall to Ashok Mandap was intended to bring “uniformity in language and remove traces of anglicization while upholding the key values associated with the word.”

The word Mandap is a Sanskrit term traditionally used to describe a pavilion or sacred space in Indian culture.

Q.: What is the new name for the Durbar Hall of Rashtrapati Bhavan?

A) Ashok Mandap
B) Ganatantra Mandap
C) Sarnath Mandap
D) Republic Hall

Ans : B) Ganatantra Mandap
The Durbar Hall of Rashtrapati Bhavan, traditionally used for important ceremonies and celebrations such as the presentation of National Awards, has been renamed ‘Ganatantra Mandap,’ .

Q.: What is the new name for Ashok Hall of Rashtrapati Bhavan?

A) Durbar Mandap
B) Ganatantra Mandap
C) Ashok Mandap
D) Unity Mandap

Ans : C) Ashok Mandap
Ashok Hall, originally designed as a ballroom, will now be known as Ashok Mandap.

Shekhar Kapur appointed as the festival director of International Film Festival of India (IFFI), Goa

Eminent filmmaker Shekhar Kapur has been appointed as the festival director of the 55th and 56th editions of the International Film Festival of India (IFFI), Goa. The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has issued an order in this regard. The 55th edition of IFFI will be held from 20th to 28th November 2024.

International Film Festival of India (IFFI)

The International Film Festival of India, established in 1952, is one of the most significant film festivals in Asia. Organized annually in Goa, it aims to provide a common platform for the cinemas of the world to project the excellence of the film art. The festival celebrates the spirit of cinema by showcasing a diverse range of films from various genres and countries, facilitating cultural exchange and promoting friendly relations among people of the world.

Q.: Who has been appointed as the festival director of the 55th and 56th editions of the International Film Festival of India (IFFI)?

A) Anurag Kashyap
B) Karan Johar
C) Shekhar Kapur
D) Zoya Akhtar

Ans : C) Shekhar Kapur
Eminent filmmaker Shekhar Kapur has been appointed as the festival director of the 55th and 56th editions of the International Film Festival of India (IFFI), Goa. The 55th edition of IFFI will be held from 20th to 28th November 2024.

Kanwar Yatra for the Shravan month from today (22 July 2024)

The Kanwar Yatra is a significant annual pilgrimage in India, primarily undertaken by devotees of Lord Shiva, known as Kanwariyas. This religious journey occurs during the Hindu month of Shravan (July-August), which is considered auspicious for worshipping Lord Shiva. this year Kanwar Yatra for the Shravan month begin from the 22 July 2024.

Origin and Significance

The Kanwar Yatra traces its origins to ancient Hindu traditions and scriptures. The pilgrimage is deeply rooted in the legend of Samudra Manthan (the churning of the ocean) from Hindu mythology. According to the legend, when the poison Halahala emerged from the ocean, Lord Shiva consumed it to save the universe. The Kanwar Yatra is a way for devotees to express gratitude and devotion to Lord Shiva.

The Journey

The pilgrimage involves collecting holy water from the Ganges River, particularly from sacred spots like Haridwar, Gaumukh, and Gangotri. Devotees carry this water in pitchers, known as Kanwars, on their shoulders as they journey to their local Shiva temples. They walk barefoot, covering hundreds of kilometers, to offer the sacred water to the Shiva lingam.

Rituals and Practices

  1. Piety and Fasting: Many Kanwariyas observe strict fasting during the Yatra. They refrain from consuming certain foods, maintain celibacy, and often wear saffron-colored clothes, which symbolize renunciation and devotion.
  2. Chanting and Singing: The journey is marked by the continuous chanting of “Bol Bam” and other devotional songs. The atmosphere is filled with spiritual fervor and collective enthusiasm.
  3. Community and Support: Along the route, numerous camps and makeshift facilities are set up by volunteers, local communities, and religious organizations to provide food, water, medical aid, and rest to the pilgrims.
  4. Safety and Security: Given the large number of participants, local authorities and law enforcement agencies take extensive measures to ensure the safety and smooth conduct of the Yatra. Traffic management, medical facilities, and security arrangements are crucial components of the event.

Cultural and Social Impact

The Kanwar Yatra is not just a religious event but also a social phenomenon. It brings together people from various backgrounds, fostering a sense of community and collective identity. However, it also poses challenges, such as traffic disruptions and environmental concerns due to the large influx of pilgrims.

Modern Adaptations

In recent years, the Kanwar Yatra has seen several modern adaptations. Use of vehicles and other means of transport to cover long distances has become common. Additionally, technology plays a role, with many pilgrims using mobile apps for navigation, information, and staying connected with fellow devotees.

Conclusion

The Kanwar Yatra is a vibrant expression of faith, devotion, and community spirit. It reflects the enduring cultural and religious traditions of India while adapting to contemporary contexts. Despite the challenges, the pilgrimage continues to be a powerful symbol of devotion to Lord Shiva, drawing millions of devotees each year in a remarkable display of faith and perseverance.

Q.: During which Hindu month does the Kanwar Yatra take place?

A. Baisakh
B. Kartik
C. Shravan
D. Chaitra

C. Shravan
The Kanwar Yatra occurs during the Hindu month of Shravan (July-August), which is considered auspicious for worshipping Lord Shiva.

Q.: What is the primary objective of the Kanwar Yatra?

A. To visit multiple temples
B. To collect and offer holy water to Lord Shiva
C. To fast for a month
D. To chant “Bol Bam” continuously

B. To collect and offer holy water to Lord Shiva
The pilgrimage involves collecting holy water from the Ganges River, particularly from sacred spots like Haridwar, Gaumukh, and Gangotri. Devotees carry this water in pitchers, known as Kanwars, on their shoulders as they journey to their local Shiva temples.

46th Session of World Heritage Committee in New Delhi from 21st to 31st July 2024

The 46th Session of the World Heritage Committee will be held at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi from 21st to 31st July 2024. India is hosting the event, fist time. India was elected to the 21-member World Heritage Committee in 2021 for a four-year term (2021-2025), marking its fourth term.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurating the session on 21st July. Attendees include UNESCO Director General Audrey Azoulay and senior UNESCO officials, along with high-level dignitaries such as Culture Ministers, Ambassadors, and domain experts from various countries.

India has 42 properties on the World Heritage List: 34 Cultural, 7 Natural, and one Mixed Heritage Site. In the last ten years, 12 sites have been added, including Santiniketan (West Bengal) and Sacred ensembles of the Hoysalas (Karnataka) last year. India has 57 sites on the Tentative List of the World Heritage.

Question : Where will the 46th Session of the World Heritage Committee be held from 21st to 31st July 2024?

  • A) Paris
  • B) New Delhi
  • C) Tokyo
  • D) London

Ans : B) New Delhi
The 46th Session of the World Heritage Committee will be held at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi from 21st to 31st July 2024.

Questions : How many properties does India have on the World Heritage List?

  • A) 7
  • B) 42
  • C) 34
  • D) 57

Ans : B) 42
India has 42 properties on the World Heritage List: 34 Cultural, 7 Natural, and one Mixed Heritage Site.

Amarnath Yatra: Over 2 Lakh Visit Holy Cave in last 10 Days

The annual Shri Amarnath Ji pilgrimage is proceeding smoothly in the south Kashmir Himalayas. The pilgrimage will conclude on Shravan Poornima, coinciding with Raksha Bandhan.

By July 8, 24, a total of 207,016 pilgrims participating since the Yatra started on June 29, 2024. Pilgrims are arriving via the Baltal-Sonamarg and Nunwan-Pahalgam tracks, as well as through special helicopter services. Authorities have made all necessary arrangements for the convenience of the pilgrims.

Q: When is the Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra scheduled to conclude?

A) Diwali
B) Shravan Poornima
C) Holi
D) Makar Sankranti

Ans : B) Shravan Poornima
The annual Shri Amarnath Ji pilgrimage will conclude on Shravan Poornima, coinciding with Raksha Bandhan.

Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Devi Subhadra began in Puri, Orissa

The Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Devi Subhadra began in Puri, Orissa on 7th July 2024. President Droupadi Murmu performed the parikrama of the chariots and bowed before the deities.

Thousands of people pulled the giant chariots from the Jagannath Temple to the Gundicha Temple, a distance of around 2.5 kilometers. The festival symbolizes the Holy Trinity’s journey to their maternal aunt, Goddess Gundicha, and concludes with their return after eight days.

The journey began with a royal ritual called ‘Dhadi Pahandi’ accompanied by the beating of traditional instruments. Puri Shankaracharya Swami Nischalananda Saraswati visited the chariots and performed Chhera Pahanra, sweeping the decks with a golden broom.

The chariots were pulled a short distance before sunset and will continue on July 8, 2024. This year’s Rath Yatra, traditionally a single-day event, is expanded to two days due to special configurations.

Q: In which city is the world-famous Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath held?

A) Varanasi
B) Puri
C) Haridwar
D) Rishikesh

Ans : B) Puri
The Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Devi Subhadra, began in Puri, Orissa on 7th July 2024.

“The Golden Thread,” won the Golden Conch Award for Best Documentary in Mumbai International Film Festival (MIFF)

The closing ceremony of 18th Mumbai International Film Festival (MIFF) took place in Mumbai, on 21 June 2024.

  1. Best Documentary Award: “The Golden Thread,” an Indian documentary, won the Golden Conch Award for Best Documentary in the international category. Actress Poonam Dhillon presented the award to director Nishita Jain during the closing ceremony.
  2. Special Category Award: In the ‘India in Amrit Kaal’ special category, Edmond Ranson received the Best Short Film award for “Life In Loom.”
  3. Best Debut Director: Sreemoyi Singh won the Dadasaheb Phalke Chitranagari Award for Best Debut Director for her film “And, Towards Happy Alleys.”
  4. National Competition Winners:
  • “6-A Akash Ganga” won the Silver Conch Award for Best Documentary.
  • “Salt” won the Silver Conch for Best Short Fiction.
  • “Nirjara” from NID Ahmedabad won the Silver Conch for Best Animation.
  1. International Competition Winners:
  • “Zima” from Poland won the Silver Conch for Best Animation.
  • “Sour Milk” from Estonia won the Silver Conch for Best Short Fiction.

Q: Which Indian documentary won the Golden Conch Award for Best Documentary in the international category at the 18th Mumbai International Film Festival?

A) Life In Loom
B) And, Towards Happy Alleys
C) The Golden Thread
D) 6-A Akash Ganga

Ans : C) The Golden Thread
“The Golden Thread,” an Indian documentary, directed by director Nishita Jain won the Golden Conch Award for Best Documentary in the international category during closing ceremony of 18th Mumbai International Film Festival (MIFF) took place in Mumbai, on 21 June 2024.

Vinod Ganatra receive the ‘Nelson Mandela Lifetime Achievement Award’ for his contribution to films

Vinod Ganatra has become the first Indian to receive the prestigious ‘Nelson Mandela Lifetime Achievement Award’ from South Africa for his contribution to films. He was honored with the award at the 7th Nelson Mandela Children’s Film Festival for his contributions to children’s cinema.

Ganatra has won 36 national and international awards, including the ‘Janakinath Gaur Award’ from Doordarshan for his children’s program ‘Baingan Raja.’ He is the only Indian filmmaker to receive the ‘Liv Ullmann Peace Prize’ in Chicago for his Gujarati film ‘Harun-Arun.’

Ganatra has served on the jury of over 100 national, regional, and international film festivals in the past three decades. He has edited and directed more than 400 documentaries and newsreels. He has produced 25 multilingual television programs for children and youth.

Q: Who is the first Indian to receive the prestigious ‘Nelson Mandela Lifetime Achievement Award’ from South Africa for his contribution to films?

a) Satyajit Ray
b) Vinod Ganatra
c) Mira Nair
d) Shyam Benegal

Ans : b) Vinod Ganatra
He was honored with the award at the 7th Nelson Mandela Children’s Film Festival for his contributions to children’s cinema.

Mumbai International Film Festival (MIFF) on 15 June 2024

The 18th edition of the Mumbai International Film Festival (MIFF) was inaugurated in Mumbai with a grand opening ceremony on 15 June 2024.

Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting L Murugan, and film celebrities Randeep Hooda, Madhur Bhandarkar, Sonali Kulkarni, and Divya Dutta attended the inauguration.

The FTII student short film “Sunflowers were the first ones to know,” which won the La Cinef Award at the 77th Cannes Film Festival, was screened at the opening ceremony.

The V. Shantaram Lifetime Achievement Award for 2024 was presented to Subbiah Nallamuthu, an award-winning wildlife filmmaker.

MIFF 2024 will screen a total of 314 films from 59 countries in 61 languages. The festival will feature 8 world premieres, 5 international premieres, 18 Asia premieres, and 21 India premieres. For the first time, a documentary Film Bazaar is being organized this year.

A record 1,018 films were submitted for the competition sections, with 102 films selected by three Selection Committees of eminent film experts for the International and National competition sections.

MIFF screenings are being held not only in Mumbai but also in Delhi (Sirifort Auditorium), Chennai (Tagore Film Centre), Pune (NFAI auditorium), and Kolkata (SRFTI Auditorium).

Q: Which cities, apart from Mumbai, are hosting MIFF screenings this year?

A) Bangalore, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, and Jaipur
B) Delhi, Chennai, Pune, and Kolkata
C) Delhi, Bangalore, Pune, and Chennai
D) Hyderabad, Kolkata, Chennai, and Ahmedabad

Ans : B) Delhi, Chennai, Pune, and Kolkata
The 18th edition of the Mumbai International Film Festival (MIFF) was inaugurated in Mumbai on 15 June 2024.

Q: Who received the V. Shantaram Lifetime Achievement Award for 2024?

A) Madhur Bhandarkar
B) Randeep Hooda
C) Subbiah Nallamuthu
D) Divya Dutta

Ans : C) Subbiah Nallamuthu
Subbiah Nallamuthu, is an award-winning wildlife filmmaker.

18th Mumbai International Film Festival (MIFF) from June 15 to 21, 2024.

The 18th Mumbai International Film Festival (MIFF) will be held in Mumbai from June 15 to 21, 2024.

  • Screenings will also take place in Delhi, Chennai, Pune, and Kolkata.
  • 314 films from 59 countries will be showcased.
  • Special theme: India in Amrit Kaal.
  • 17 films from Japan, Russia, Belarus, Iran, Italy, Vietnam, and Mali will be featured.
  • There will be 8 world premieres, 6 international premieres, 17 Asia premieres, and 15 India premieres.
  • Special curated packages include award-winning films from the Oscars and Berlinale.
  • The opening film will be “Billy and Molly, an Otter Love Story”.
  • MIFF has received corporate collaborations from over 20 brands for the first time.

Q: Which film will be the opening film of the 18th Mumbai International Film Festival (MIFF)?

A) “The Journey of a Lifetime”
B) “Tales of the Heart”
C) “Billy and Molly, an Otter Love Story”
D) “Echoes of the Past”

Ans : C) “Billy and Molly, an Otter Love Story”

Payal Kapadia’s “All We Imagine As Light” wins Grand Prix Award at Cannes Film Festival 2024

Filmmaker Payal Kapadia became the first Indian filmmaker to win the Grand Prix award at the Cannes Film Festival 2024. Kapadia’s film “All We Imagine as Light” won the Grand Prix, the second-most prestigious prize after the Palme d’Or, which was awarded to American director Sean Baker for “Anora”.

  1. All We Imagine as Light” was screened is the first Indian film in 30 years, and the first ever by an Indian female director, to be showcased in the main competition at Cannes.
  2. “All We Imagine as Light” is Kapadia’s first feature film and an Indo-French production, telling the story of a nurse named Prabha who receives an unexpected gift from her estranged husband, causing disruption in her life.
  3. Other Indian films previously selected for the Cannes competition section include works by Chetan Anand, V Shantaram, Raj Kapoor, Satyajit Ray, MS Sathyu, and Mrinal Sen. “Neecha Nagar” is the only Indian film to have won a Palme d’Or.

Q: Who became the first Indian filmmaker to win the Grand Prix award at the Cannes Film Festival?

A) Mira Nair
B) Payal Kapadia
C) Anurag Kashyap
D) Satyajit Ray

Answer: B) Payal Kapadia

Q: For which film did Payal Kapadia win the Grand Prix award at the Cannes Film Festival?

A) A Night of Knowing Nothing
B) The Lunchbox
C) All We Imagine as Light
D) Masaan

Answer: C) All We Imagine as Light

Anasuya Sengupta become the first Indian to win the Best Actress Award at the Cannes film Festival

Actor Anasuya Sengupta become the first Indian to win the Best Actress Award at the 77th Cannes film Festival in France on 26 May 2024. She bagged the award for her captivating performance in ‘The Shameless’, written and directed by the Bulgarian filmmaker Constantin Bojanov, in the Un Certain Regard section of the 77th edition of the festival.

MCQs

Q: Who became the first Indian to win the Best Actress Award at the 77th Cannes Film Festival?

A) Priyanka Chopra
B) Deepika Padukone
C) Anasuya Sengupta
D) Alia Bhatt

Answer: C) Anasuya Sengupta

Q: For which film did Anasuya Sengupta win the Best Actress Award at the 77th Cannes Film Festival?

A) The Beautiful
B) The Shameless
C) The Fearless
D) The Graceful

Answer: B) The Shameless

” Sunflowers were the first ones to know”, won the La Cinef Award at for Best Short at the 77th Cannes Film Festival

“SUNFLOWERS WERE THE FIRST ONES TO KNOW,” directed by Chidanand Naik, won the Cannes’ La Cinef Award for Best Short at the 77th Cannes Film Festival. The award was announced on May 23, 2024, and Naik received it at the festival.

  1. Collaborative Effort: The film is a collaborative project by students from the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII): Naik (Direction), Suraj Thakur (Cinematography), Manoj V (Editing), and Abhishek Kadam (Sound).
  2. Film Storyline: The short film narrates the story of an elderly woman who steals the village’s rooster, causing chaos, and leading to her family’s exile due to a prophecy.
  3. About La Cinef: La Cinef is a section of the Cannes Film Festival that encourages new talents and recognizes films from film schools globally.
  4. Selection and Competition: Naik’s film was one of 18 shorts selected from 2,263 submissions by 555 film schools worldwide.

Q: Which prestigious award did “SUNFLOWERS WERE THE FIRST ONES TO KNOW” win at the 77th Cannes Film Festival?

A) Palme d’Or
B) La Cinef Award for Best Short
C) Best Director Award
D) Jury Prize

Ans : B) La Cinef Award for Best Short

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