State PCS - Maharashtra (MPSC)

• 13 Apr 2026

Mumbai to Host 19th International Film Festival (MIFF)

Why in News? 

The 19^th edition of the Mumbai International Film Festival (MIFF) for documentary, short fiction and animation films will be organised in June 2026 at the NFDC Complex in Mumbai.  

Key Points 

• MIFF: Mumbai International Film Festival (MIFF) is one of the most prominent festivals dedicated to documentary, short fiction and animation films, attracting filmmakers, critics, students and cinema enthusiasts from across the world. 
  • It was established in 1990 and is South Asia’s oldest and largest non-feature film festival held biennially. 
• Organising Body: The festival is organised by the National Film Development Corporation (NFDC) under the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting. 
  • The MIFF will take place from 15 to 21 June 2026. 
• Awards: The festival offers total cash awards of ₹55 lakh, with the prestigious Golden Conch Award for Best Documentary carrying a cash prize of ₹10 lakh. 
  • The second edition of the WAVES Doc Bazaar will be held alongside the festival from 16–18 June 2026. 

Read More: South Asia 

Vice President Released Sindhi Version of Constitution in Two Scripts

Why in News? 

Vice President C. P. Radhakrishnan released the updated version of the Constitution of India in the Sindhi language on the occasion of Sindhi Bhasha Diwas. 

Key Points 

• Release: The Vice President released the latest Sindhi translation of the Constitution of India, at an event held at the Vice President’s Enclave in New Delhi. 
• Scripts Used: The Constitution in Sindhi has been published in two scripts—the Devanagari script (first edition) and the Persian script (second edition).  
• Occasion: The release took place on 10th April 2026 on the occasion of Sindhi Bhasha Diwas (Sindhi Language Day), observed to celebrate and promote the Sindhi language and culture. 
• Sindhi Language: 
  • Sindhi is one of the 22 official languages listed in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution of India. 
  • The Sindhi language was included through the 21st Constitutional Amendment Act, 1967. 

Read More: Constitution of India, Eighth Schedule 

Indian music legend Asha Bhosle Passes Away at 92

Why in News?

The death of legendary playback singer Asha Bhosle on 12 April, 2026, at the age of 92, marks the definitive end of an era in Indian music. Known affectionately as "Asha Tai," she died in Mumbai’s Breach Candy Hospital following complications from cardiac and respiratory issues.

Key Points:

• Birth: 8 September, 1933, in Sangli, Maharashtra. 
• Family: Daughter of classical singer Pandit Deenanath Mangeshkar and younger sister of the "Nightingale of India," Lata Mangeshkar. 
• Career Span: Over eight decades (1943–2026), beginning with the Marathi film Majha Bal. 
• Guinness World Record: Formally recognised in 2011 as the most recorded artist in music history, with over 11,000–12,000 songs across 20+ languages. 

Key Awards and Honours: 

Award	Year	Significance
Dadasaheb Phalke Award	2000	India's highest award in cinema
Padma Vibhushan	2008	Second-highest civilian award in India
National Film Awards	Multiple	Including for Umrao Jaan (1981) and Ijaazat (1986)
Grammy Nomination	1997	First Indian singer to be nominated for a Grammy
Maharashtra Bhushan	2021	The highest civilian award of the State of Maharashtra

Final Rites: Her last rites were performed with full state honours at Shivaji Park, Mumbai, the same location where her sister Lata Mangeshkar was laid to rest.

Read More:Padma Vibhushan, Dadasaheb Phalke Award 

Mundra Port: India’s Emerging Hub for Automotive Exports

Why in News? 

Mundra Port in Gujarat, managed by Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone (APSEZ), has officially surpassed traditional hubs like Chennai and Ennore to become India’s largest automobile export gateway. This shift marks a significant milestone in India’s maritime logistics and the "Make in India" initiative. 

Key Points: 

• Key Drivers of Growth: Its proximity to the northern and western automobile clusters (Haryana, Rajasthan, and Gujarat) reduces inland logistics costs. 
  • Infrastructure Excellence: The port features a dedicated Roll-on/Roll-off (Ro-Ro) terminal and a massive parking yard capable of handling over 15,000 vehicles at any given time. 
  • Deep Draft Capabilities: Mundra can accommodate the world’s largest Pure Car and Truck Carriers (PCTCs), enhancing economies of scale for global manufacturers.  
• Export Surge: Major OEMs (Original Equipment Manufacturers) like Maruti Suzuki, Nissan, and Toyota have increasingly shifted their export volumes to Mundra due to its faster turnaround times. 
  • Global Reach: The port serves as a primary exit point for Indian-made vehicles heading to markets in the Middle East, Africa, and Europe.  
• Economic and Policy Impact: Mundra’s integration with the Dedicated Freight Corridor (DFC) has significantly improved the "last-mile" connectivity from manufacturing plants. 

Read More:Dedicated Freight Corridor