State PCS - Maharashtra (MPSC)

• 24 Feb 2026

Vasai Cathedral Wins UNESCO Asia-Pacific Heritage Award

Why in News?

The Our Lady of Grace Cathedral in Papdy, Vasai (Maharashtra), has been conferred with the Award of Merit at the 2025 UNESCO Asia-Pacific Awards for Cultural Heritage Conservation.

Key Points:

• Period: Built in the mid-16th century (Portuguese colonial era)
• Historical Context: Vasai (earlier Baçaim) was a major Portuguese stronghold on India’s western coast.
  • The cathedral reflects the spread of Christianity, Indo-Portuguese architecture, and maritime trade networks in the early modern period.
• Conservation Project: The restoration strictly adhered to traditional techniques, using lime mortar and indigenous stone instead of modern cement to preserve the building's "breathability" and historical integrity.
• Community Participation: The project is a landmark example of crowdfunded conservation. 
  • The local parish community raised approximately ₹4.75 crore for the restoration without government grants.
• Technical Excellence: Led by conservation architect Ainsley Lewis, the work involved structural stabilization of the bell tower, repairing the Mangalore-tiled roof, and restoring intricate wood carvings.
• Legacy: The UNESCO jury noted that the project successfully preserved the cathedral as a "living heritage" site that remains central to the socio-cultural life of Vasai.
• UNESCO Award: The cathedral received the UNESCO Asia‑Pacific Awards for Cultural Heritage Conservation.
  • These awards recognise:
    • Conservation of historic structures in the Asia-Pacific region
    • Projects that demonstrate authenticity, technical excellence, and community engagement

Read More: UNESCO

NHAI to Develop Bee Corridors Along National Highways

Why in News?

The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has announced a pioneering initiative to create pollinator-friendly “Bee Corridors” along stretches of India’s National Highways as part of its sustainable infrastructure development strategy.

Key Points:

• First-of-Its-Kind: NHAI’s Bee Corridor programme will transform roadside plantations from decorative to ecologically functional green corridors that support pollinators such as honeybees and wild bees.
• Objective: The project aims to address declining pollinator populations, enhance biodiversity, and strengthen ecosystem services such as crop pollination that are vital for agriculture and food security.
  • The Bee Corridors will consist of continuous linear stretches of vegetation including flowering trees, shrubs, herbs, and grasses that provide nectar and pollen throughout the year.
• Native Species: Plant species such as Neem, Karanj, Mahua, Palash, Bottle Brush, Jamun, and Siris — known for their nectar and pollen richness — will be planted with staggered flowering patterns to ensure year-round support for pollinators. 
• Implementation Strategy: NHAI field offices will identify suitable stretches of National Highways and vacant land parcels for corridor development based on agro-climatic conditions and local ecological suitability.
  • In the 2026–27 fiscal year, NHAI plans to plant about 40 lakh trees along National Highways, with close to 60 % of these allocated under the Bee Corridor initiative. 
  • At least three dedicated pollinator corridors are expected to be developed during this period.
• Significance: The Bee Corridor initiative by NHAI represents a novel model of infrastructure-led ecological restoration, where India’s highway network is leveraged to support pollinator habitats and biodiversity.

Read More:  National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), Bee Corridors, Green corridors, Agro-climatic, Biodiversity

Indian Manipuri Film ‘Boong’ Wins at BAFTA Awards 2026

Why in News?

The Manipuri-language Indian film ‘Boong’ made history by winning the Best Children’s and Family Film award at the 79th British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) Awards 2026.

Key Points:

• Historic Win: Boong became the first Indian film to win the Best Children’s and Family Film category at the prestigious BAFTA Awards.
• Competition: The Manipuri film triumphed over renowned international titles such as Zootopia 2 and Lilo & Stitch.
• Film Background: Directed by Lakshmipriya Devi and backed by producers including Farhan Akhtar and Ritesh Sidhwani.
  • Boong is a coming-of-age drama that follows a young boy from Manipur on a heartfelt journey to reunite his family.
  • It premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival in 2024 and has showcased at several international festivals.
• Theme: The film revolves around childhood, family bonds, identity, and emotional resilience, making it suitable for children and family audiences globally.
  • At the London ceremony, the director delivered an emotional acceptance speech, using the platform to highlight cultural narratives and call for peace, resonating with audiences globally.
• Significance: The film is a historic achievement for Indian cinema, marking the first time an Indian production has won in this category. 
  • The win brings global attention to the socio-cultural narratives of Northeast India, a region historically underrepresented in mainstream Indian cinema.

Read More: Northeast India

National Science Day 2026

Why in News?

India observed National Science Day 2026 on 28 February 2026 with the theme “Women in Science: Catalysing Viksit Bharat”.

Key Points:

• Background: National Science Day was celebrated across India on 28 February to honour the discovery of the Raman Effect by physicist C.V. Raman in 1928, which earned him the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1930.
• 2026 Theme: The theme “Women in Science: Catalysing Viksit Bharat” emphasised the contribution of women scientists and innovators in building a developed India, recognising their efforts in research, technology, and STEM fields.
  • The theme aligned with international efforts such as the International Day of Women and Girls in Science, promoting gender equality and enhanced participation of women in scientific research.
• National Celebrations: Schools, colleges, research institutions, and science centres organised science exhibitions, workshops, debates, competitions, and public awareness programmes to celebrate women’s contributions and inspire future generations of scientists.
• Significance: The day promoted scientific temper among citizens and acknowledged the role of science in national development, while the 2026 theme focused on reducing gender gaps in STEM and advancing women-led scientific progress.

Read More: Viksit Bharat, C.V. Raman, National Science Day 2025