December 17, 2025 - Current Affairs

Homebound Nominated for Oscars 2026: Kiara Advani, Zoya Akhtar Call It ‘EPIC’

December 17, 2025

Indian movie Homebound has been nominated in the Best International Feature Film category at the 98th Academy Awards (Oscars 2026), which gives international fame to the Indian cinema. The film fraternity was overjoyed by the news, and celebrities such as Kiara Advani and filmmaker Zoya Akhtar congratulated the film with the milestone of an epic on social media. The move puts Homebound among 15 foreign applicants as it gets closer to the final Oscar nominations, which will be announced in January 2026. The producers and cast were proud and thankful for the honour, and this is in line with the emotional effect and storytelling brilliance of the film in the global arena.

Homebound’s Oscar Journey Begins in 2026

Homebound started its Oscar trip in the year 2026 after being nominated in the best international feature film category.
The movie is filmed by Neeraj Ghaywan, who is a realistic and socially oriented narrator.
Ishaan Khatter, Vishal Jethwa, and Janhvi Kapoor are the lead actors who portray strong performances.
Dharma Productions is the producer of the film, which is produced by Karan Johar, Adar Poonawala, Apoorva Mehta, and Somen Mishra.
The project has been linked to renowned filmmaker Martin Scorsese, who is also the executive producer.
The 98th Academy Award (Oscar 2026) celebration is scheduled to take place in Los Angeles, USA, in March 2026.

About the Oscars International Feature Film Category

The Academy Award for Best International Feature Film was first established in 1956.
Previously, foreign movies were awarded Honorary Academy Awards between 1947 and 1955.
The category honours include the feature-length movies that are produced outside the United States.
The films are to contain an almost exclusively non-English dialogue.
In the case of each nation, it is allowed to enter one film yearly.
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS) awards it.

PYQs Based Question About Oscar

Question	Answer	Exam	Year
Which film won the Best International Feature Film at the 2024 Oscars?	All Quiet on the Western Front (Germany)	UPSC Prelims	2024
Who won the Best Director Oscar in 2023?	Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert (Everything Everywhere All at Once)	SSC CGL	2023
The Academy Award for Best International Feature Film was officially established in which year?	1956	UPSC Prelims	2022
Which country’s film was India’s official entry for the Oscars 2023?	Ponniyin Selvan: Part I	SSC GD	2023
Who received the Oscar for Best Actor in 2022?	Will Smith (King Richard)	IBPS PO	2022
Name the first Indian film to be nominated for an Oscar.	Mother India (1957)	UPSC Prelims	2021
Which Indian film was nominated for Best International Feature Film in 2022?	Jallikattu	SSC CHSL	2022
The Oscars ceremony is organised by which institution?	Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS)	SSC CGL	2021
Which country won the most Oscars for Best International Feature Film?	Italy	UPSC Prelims	2020
Who is eligible to submit films for the International Feature Film category?	Each country can submit only one official film annually	SSC GD	2020

Conclusion (Homebound Nominated for Oscars 2026)

The nomination of Homebound in the categories of the Oscars 2026 is a proud moment in the history of Indian cinema, as it will recognise its image on the international level and excellence in narration. The movie has a great star cast, innovative direction, and impressive production, which brings Indian creative talent to the international scene, motivating filmmakers and viewers.

Italian Cuisine Becomes World’s First to be Awarded UNESCO Status

December 17, 2025

Italian cuisine has become the first national cuisine in the world to receive the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity status from the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation. This historic recognition protects Italy's rich culinary traditions, focusing on regional recipes, family rituals, and community dining practices that have been passed down through generations. Italian cooking is renowned not only for its flavours but also as a cultural symbol of identity, social cohesion, and sustainable practices. UNESCO's honour highlights the significance of Italy's gastronomy globally, fostering connections among people, conserving traditions, and inspiring culinary excellence across the world.

Key Highlights of Italian Cuisine

First national cuisine to be awarded NIH – Intangible Cultural Heritage status.
Celebrates regional diversity for ingredients, recipes and cooking methods.
Highlights family and community rituals of dining, focusing on shared meals.
Preserves the generational knowledge that has been passed down through the chefs and home cooks.
Emphasises fresh local and sustainable ingredients.
Dishes ranging from iconic classics such as pasta, pizza, risotto and gelato.
Recognises culinary methods, including slow cooking, fermentation and seasoning.
Helps foster cultural identity, social unity and international culinary influence.

Asked Questions in the Govt. Exam (PYQs)

Question	Answer	Exam
How many elements of India were listed in the UNESCO Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity?	13 elements	SSC CHSL
In which year did UNESCO include Yoga in its Intangible Cultural Heritage list?	2016	SSC CHSL
Which of the following was included in the Intangible Cultural Heritage List of UNESCO?	Kumbh Mela	UPSC Prelims
Consider the following properties: Shantiniketan, Rani-ki-Vav, Sacred Ensembles of the Hoysalas, and Mahabodhi Temple Complex at Bodhgaya. How many of these were included in UNESCO’s World Heritage List?	Only two	UPSC Prelims
Which World Heritage Site is famous for its ancient stepwell architecture?	Rani-ki-Vav	SSC/UPSC GK
Nalanda Mahavihara is a UNESCO World Heritage site associated with which religion?	Buddhism	SSC/UPSC GK

Expected Questions About UNESCO

Ajanta Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, are famous for what?

A) Rock-cut sculptures
B) Fresco paintings
C) Stepwells
D) Temples
Answer: B) Fresco paintings
Explanation: The Ajanta Caves contain ancient Buddhist frescoes dating back to the 2nd century BCE – 480 CE.

Which UNESCO World Heritage Site is part of the Mountain Railways of India?

A) Darjeeling Himalayan Railway
B) Konkan Railway
C) Howrah Bridge
D) Nilgiri Express
Answer: A) Darjeeling Himalayan Railway
Explanation: It represents engineering excellence and scenic railway heritage in India.

The Mahabodhi Temple at Bodhgaya, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is significant for which reason?

A) Birthplace of Buddha
B) Place of Buddha’s enlightenment
C) Site of the first Buddhist monastery
D) Ancient university
Answer: B) Place of Buddha’s enlightenment
Explanation: It is a major pilgrimage site for Buddhists worldwide.

Which UNESCO-listed dance form is from Odisha?

A) Kathak
B) Chhau
C) Bharatnatyam
D) Kathakali
Answer: B) Chhau
Explanation: Chhau is a martial and folk dance recognised for cultural expression.

Which Indian festival celebrated in Kerala is proposed for UNESCO recognition?

A) Onam
B) Vishu
C) Thrissur Pooram
D) Attukal Pongala
Answer: D) Attukal Pongala
Explanation: Attukal Pongala is a women-centric ritual attracting mass participation.

Which Indian site is recognised by UNESCO for rock-cut architecture?

A) Ellora Caves
B) Red Fort
C) Fatehpur Sikri
D) Charminar
Answer: A) Ellora Caves
Explanation: Ellora Caves represent Buddhist, Hindu, and Jain rock-cut architecture.

Which UNESCO World Heritage Site in India is associated with the Mughal period?

A) Humayun’s Tomb
B) Konark Sun Temple
C) Ajanta Caves
D) Mahabodhi Temple
Answer: A) Humayun’s Tomb
Explanation: It showcases Mughal architecture and influenced later monuments including the Taj Mahal.

Which of the following is UNESCO’s headquarters?

A) New York
B) Geneva
C) Paris
D) Vienna
Answer: C) Paris
Explanation: UNESCO is headquartered in Paris, France, promoting global education, science, and culture.

Which site in India is recognised for Buddhist cave monasteries?

A) Sanchi
B) Ajanta
C) Khajuraho
D) Fatehpur Sikri
Answer: B) Ajanta
Explanation: Ajanta features rock-cut monasteries and paintings, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Kumbh Mela is recognised by UNESCO under which category?

A) Tangible Heritage
B) Intangible Cultural Heritage
C) World Heritage Site
D) Global Landmark
Answer: B) Intangible Cultural Heritage
Explanation: It represents cultural rituals, mass gatherings, and religious traditions.

Which of the following sites is part of India’s Western Ghats UNESCO World Heritage Site?

A) Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve
B) Kaziranga
C) Sundarbans
D) Rann of Kutch
Answer: A) Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve
Explanation: It is recognised for its biodiversity and ecological significance.

Which UNESCO World Heritage Site is located in Gujarat, India?

A) Rani‑ki‑Vav
B) Hampi
C) Mahabalipuram
D) Sanchi
Answer: A) Rani‑ki‑Vav
Explanation: The stepwell architecture is recognised for cultural and engineering excellence.

Which UNESCO World Heritage Site in India is known for its Hoysala architecture?

A) Pattadakal
B) Hoysaleswara Temple, Halebidu
C) Konark Sun Temple
D) Ajanta Caves
Answer: B) Hoysaleswara Temple, Halebidu
Explanation: It is a classic example of Hoysala temple architecture and sculpture.

Conclusion (Italian Cuisine)

Italian cuisine's recognition as the first national cuisine that receive the title of Intangible Cultural Heritage, by the United Nations Educational for Scientific and Cultural Heritage, spoke volumes about its cultural importance throughout the world. Celebrating regional recipes and family rituals, and sustainable practices, it preserves generations of culinary knowledge. This honour highlights the role of Italy in spreading the message of cultural identity, social cohesion and gastronomic excellence around the world.

PM Modi Becomes First World Leader To Receive Ethiopia’s Highest Honour ‘Great Honour Nishan’

December 17, 2025

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has become the first global figure to receive the biggest honour of Ethiopia, the Great Honour Nishan of Ethiopia, during his bilateral visit to Addis Ababa. Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali gave the prestigious award during a special ceremony that took place at the Addis International Convention Centre, and he appreciated the extraordinary effort of Modi in enhancing the India-Ethiopia relationship and his visionary leadership on the global scene, as per an official statement of the Ministry of External Affairs. Modi honoured the 1.4 billion citizens of India and also emphasised the age-old co-operation between the two countries.

Ethiopia Honours PM Modi for Strengthening Bilateral Relations

Prime Minister Narendra Modi was the first global leader to get the top civilian award in Ethiopia.
This is known as the award of the Great Honour Nishan of Ethiopia.
It was awarded during the official visit of PM Modi to Ethiopia.
The honour is given by Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali.
The award honours the leadership of PM Modi around the world and his work in enhancing India-Ethiopia relations.
The honour was given by PM Modi to the 1.4 billion Indians.
India and Ethiopia have had long-standing diplomatic, economic and people-to-people relations.
The honour also indicates increased cooperation and respect between India and Africa.

Recently Asked Question All Award Got PM Modi (PYQs)

Question	Answer	Exam	Year
Which country honoured PM Narendra Modi with the ‘Legion of Honour’?	France	UPSC Prelims	2024
PM Modi received the ‘Order of the Nile’ from which country?	Egypt	SSC CHSL	2024
The ‘Grand Cross of the Order of Honour’ was awarded to PM Modi by which nation?	Greece	IBPS PO	2024
Which country conferred the ‘Order of Zayed’ on PM Narendra Modi?	United Arab Emirates	SSC MTS	2023
PM Modi was awarded the ‘Order of the Druk Gyalpo’ by which country?	Bhutan	UPSC Prelims	2023
The ‘Order of the Distinguished Rule of Nishan Izzuddin’ honour came from which nation?	Maldives	SSC CGL	2022
Which country awarded PM Modi the ‘Order of the Star and Key of the Indian Ocean’?	Mauritius	SSC CHSL	2021
PM Narendra Modi received the ‘Order of St. Andrew the Apostle’ from which country?	Russia	UPSC Prelims	2021
The ‘King Hamad Order of the Renaissance’ was conferred on PM Modi by which country?	Bahrain	SSC GD	2019
PM Modi received the ‘Seoul Peace Prize’ from which country?	South Korea	UPSC Prelims	2018

Conclusion (Great Honour Nishan)

The conferment of the Great Honour Nishan of Ethiopia on Prime Minister Narendra Modi is a historic event in India-Africa relations. It indicates the international awareness of the increasing leadership, diplomatic capabilities and the contribution of PM Modi to the enhancement of global collaboration and respect.