Young Artists Honored with Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar for 2022 and 2023
The prestigious Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar for the years 2022 and 2023 has been awarded to 82 exceptional young performing artists from across India. This award, established by the Sangeet Natak Akademi in 2006, recognizes outstanding young talent in fields such as music, dance, drama, folk and tribal arts, and puppetry. The ceremony was held at the Dr. Ambedkar International Centre in New Delhi, with notable figures such as Shri Arunish Chawla, Secretary of the Ministry of Culture, and Dr. Sandhya Purecha, Chairman of the Sangeet Natak Akademi, in attendance to celebrate these young talents.
Assam’s Karimganj District Renamed to Sribhumi: CM Sarma Announces
On November 21, 2024, the Assam government officially renamed the Karimganj district to Sribhumi, along with its headquarters town, Karimganj, which will now be called Sribhumi town. This move, announced by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, fulfills a long-standing public demand and aims to reflect the historical and cultural significance of the region. The name “Sribhumi” symbolizes prosperity and divine blessings, aligning with the region’s cultural heritage.
O.P. Jindal University Inaugurates India’s First Constitution Museum
On November 23, 2024, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla inaugurated India’s first Constitution Museum at O.P. Jindal Global University (JGU) in Sonipat, Haryana. This museum aims to enhance public understanding of the Indian Constitution and commemorate its 75th anniversary. The museum features engaging installations and interactive displays that highlight the journey of the Constitution, its significance, and the historical debates that shaped its creation.
Bihar Hosts Grand Khelo India Youth and Para Games 2025
In a landmark development, Bihar will host the prestigious Khelo India Youth Games (KIYG) and Khelo India Para Games (KIPG) in April 2025. This event marks a significant achievement for the state, showcasing its growing capabilities in organizing major sporting events. The KIYG will feature over 10,000 young athletes from across the country, showcasing their talents in various sports. Meanwhile, the KIPG will empower para-athletes, promoting inclusivity and sportsmanship. The games aim to foster a vibrant sports culture and support grassroots talent development in India.
Italy Clinches Fifth Billie Jean King Cup Title with Paolini’s Commanding Performance
Italy celebrated its fifth Billie Jean King Cup title on November 21, 2024, with a standout performance from Jasmine Paolini. Paolini’s decisive 6-2, 6-1 win over Slovakia’s Viktória Kužmová, following Lucia Bronzetti’s earlier victory, clinched the title for Italy. This achievement marks Italy’s first Billie Jean King Cup triumph since 2013, highlighting an exceptional year for Paolini, who also reached the finals at Roland Garros and Wimbledon.
Bihar Unveils ‘Mahila Samwad’ to Empower Rural Women
The Bihar Cabinet has approved an ambitious initiative named ‘Mahila Samwad‘, aimed at empowering rural women by providing them with information about government policies. Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, along with other officials, will actively engage with women across various districts to understand their needs and aspirations. The program, which has an allocated budget of Rs 225 crore, is set to launch next month and will feature interactive sessions at both the district and block levels.