Marathi Film Dashavatar Enters Oscars 2026 Contention List
The Marathi film Dashavatar has been officially included in the contention list for the 98th Academy Awards (Oscars 2026). The film has been written and directed by Subodh Khanolkar and was selected from over 2,000 international submissions, highlighting its global cinematic appeal.
The film features a powerful cast including Dilip Prabhavalkar, Mahesh Manjrekar, and Bharat Jadhav. Earlier, filmmaker Neeraj Ghaywan’s movie Homebound was also shortlisted in the Best International Feature Film category for Oscars 2026.
About the Oscars:
The Oscars, officially known as the Academy Awards, are organized by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS). First presented in 1929, they are considered the most prestigious film awards globally.
Major Winners – Oscars 2025
Best Film: Anora
Best Actor: Adrien Brody
Best Actress: Mikey Madison
Best Director: Sean Baker
Indian Railways Becomes World’s Largest Electrified Rail Network
Indian Railways has achieved a historic milestone by becoming the largest electrified railway network in the world. By November 2025, the railways accomplished 99.2% broad-gauge electrification, covering all 25 States and Union Territories.
The pace of electrification has seen a dramatic rise—from 1.42 km/day (2004–2014) to 15 km/day (2019–2025)—surpassing other major global railway systems in scale and speed.
Important Current Affairs Related to Indian Railways
Indian Army Forms ‘Bhairav’ Drone Warfare Force
The Indian Army has established a cutting-edge drone warfare unit named Bhairav Force, designed for modern combat operations. This unit specializes in offensive drone strikes and real-time surveillance.
Its first public demonstration took place during the Indian Army Day Parade 2026 in Jaipur, with operational support from the Rudra Brigade, enabling rapid response and joint military actions.
DRDO Develops Seawater Desalination System (SWaDeS)
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has developed SWaDeS (Seawater Desalination System) to support troops deployed in coastal and saline regions. Created by the Jodhpur-based Defence Laboratory, this system converts saline water into potable drinking water.
Manual version: Portable, supports 10–12 personnel
Engine-driven version: Supports 20–25 personnel
This innovation significantly enhances troop self-sufficiency in remote and challenging terrains.
India–Bhutan Judicial Cooperation Strengthened
The Supreme Court of India and Bhutan have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to promote judicial cooperation. Under this initiative, two Bhutanese law clerks will work at India’s Supreme Court for three months, receiving honorariums equivalent to Indian clerks, with travel expenses covered by the court.
The initiative was announced by Justice Surya Kant and focuses on judicial training, technology integration, and capacity building between the two nations.
