Since 1972, the finale of Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony has been the official anthem of the European Community and its successor: the EU. Here’s why.
Joshimath and Kosiyakutoli have sites of religious and cultural importance. Here is a brief history of their recent names and why the renaming matters.
Franz Kafka is one of the best-known German-language authors in the world. He passed away on June 3, 1924, at the age of 40. Kafka's stories mostly revolve around human experiences, poetically describing the feeling of being lost, alone and helpless in this world.
Anish Kapoor has topped the Hurun India Art List of most successful Indian artists alive for the sixth consecutive year. Here is an introduction to him and his work
With artists from India winning major awards at the Cannes Film Festival, considered globally as one of the most prestigious events related to cinema, here is how it all began with an unlikely origin in the World War 2 era.
Indian actor Kani Kusruti, of ‘All We Imagine As Light’ fame, appeared on the Cannes red carpet with a watermelon clutch. Here is what this symbolises.
Officials behind the nomination process have told the Indian Express that the three texts were picked due to their enduring worldwide appeal.
The South Korean company has emerged as a major entertainment giant in the last few years, as Korean cultural exports have made their mark globally. Why does the company's public spat with a top executive of a subsidiary matter for the industry at large?
Why do the rich and famous don clothes around a pre-decided theme for a party, and what do they do at the party? Who funds the extravaganza, and where does the money it raises go? We take a look.
The founders of the Booker Group enslaved more than 200 people in Guyana, in the 19th century, and were deeply tied to the oppressive slavery and indentured labour-based economies of the colony.
The people of New Guinea have long tried to shed the cannibal label. While there have been documented cases of cannibalism among tribes on the island, the use of the stereotype has as much to do with European ideas on race and civilisation.
Romantic-era poet Lord Byron, known for creating complex and contradictory characters, continues to captivate our imagination. On his 200th death anniversary (April 19), we take a look at the persisting imprint that he left on world culture.
The shared Punjabi identity has been invoked on several occasions by politicians on both sides of the border to advocate closer bilateral ties, most recently by Maryam Nawaz Sharif, chief minister of Pakistan’ Punjab province in a speech at Gurdwara Kartarpur Sahib.
From 1979 to 1988, Chamkila ruled the music landscape in Punjab with songs that were a commentary on village life, drug abuse, guns, extra marital affairs, dowry, alcoholism and matters of Punjabi masculinity, among others.
The story of Jesus Christ focuses on the ideals of sacrifice and forgiveness. The day is an occasion of remembrance and holds deep significance for Christians around the world.
According to some records, bhang has been in use for thousands of years and finds mention in ancient texts such as the Vedas. In Ayurveda, bhang is believed to cure not only physical ailments but also anxiety.
A Gulaal Gota is a small, lightweight ball made of lac that is filled with dry gulaal and thrown at people during Holi. What is its history and why is it unique to Jaipur?
Frida Kahlo's intensely personal works drew from Mexican culture, folk art and her own struggles with love and health. They also represented her rejection of conservative values. Here's a brief account of her life and some of her famous paintings.
This was Göransson’s second Oscar after ‘Black Panther’ in 2018. Why does his work stand out, and how has he become the new sonic maverick for music in films?
The executive producer and showrunner of the 96th Oscars ceremony was India-born Raj Kapoor, who has been associated with the show for several years now. Here's what else he has been doing.
Several stories have originated about the source of the name "Oscar" over the years. We look at the three claims often repeated, and why they have not been confirmed as facts.
Oscars 2024: Why are the Oscars watched eagerly across the world and often seen as the pinnacle of achievement for those in the film industry? Is it a result of rapid globalisation or something more?
Ayya Vaikundar is revered as a social reformer and the founder of the Ayyavazhi sect. Through his teachings, he had waged a war against caste discrimination and social inequalities.
A GI tag is conferred upon products originating from a specific geographical region, signifying unique characteristics and qualities. The Odisha State Cooperative Handicrafts Corporation Limited had applied for the tag for Cuttack's 'rupa tarakasi' work.
The masks have been made in Assam's sattras, or monasteries, since the 16th century. Now, efforts are on to give them wider exposure and a commercial boost.









