Current Context: On 16 October 2026, the Ministry of Culture announced that 106 young artists selected for the Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar for 2024 and 2025 would be honoured on 19 October 2026 in New Delhi. The selections were made by Sangeet Natak Akademi’s General Council during its meeting held from 22–26 March 2026.
- Awarding institution: Sangeet Natak Akademi, India’s national academy of music, dance and drama under the Ministry of Culture.
- Established: 2006, to recognise and encourage young performing artists.
- Fields covered: Music, dance and drama.
- Age eligibility: Artists up to 40 years of age, according to the announcement.
- Award components: ₹25,000, a Tamrapatra and an Angavastram.
- Ceremony venue: Meghdoot Complex, Rabindra Bhavan, New Delhi.
- Chief guest: Union Minister of Culture and Tourism Gajendra Singh Shekhawat was scheduled to confer the awards.
Question:
Q1. The Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar is presented by which institution to recognise young artists in music, dance and drama?a) Sahitya Akademi
b) Lalit Kala Akademi
c) Sangeet Natak Akademi
d) Indian Council of Historical Research
Answer: c) Sangeet Natak Akademi instituted the Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar in 2006 to recognise promising young performing artists. The award covers music, dance and drama, distinguishing it from honours primarily associated with literature or visual arts.
