Awards and Honors

Get the latest Awards & Honors current affairs for competitive exams. Updates on national & international awards, winners & key facts — essential for SSC, UPSC, Banking.

Ajit Doval Selected for Lokmanya Tilak National Award 2026

National Security Adviser (NSA) Ajit Doval has been selected for the Lokmanya Tilak National Award 2026 in recognition of his outstanding contribution to India’s national security, counter-terrorism operations, covert missions, and border security. The award will be presented on 1 August 2026 in Pune during the 106th death anniversary of Lokmanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak.

A 1968-batch IPS officer of the Kerala cadre, Doval served in the intelligence establishment for over three decades, later headed the Intelligence Bureau (IB), and is currently India’s longest-serving National Security Adviser. He has played a key role in major national security initiatives, including Operation Black Thunder, the Doklam diplomatic negotiations, and the Balakot air strike.

The award consists of a memento, citation, and a cash prize of ₹1 lakh.

National Film Awards 2026: Article 370 Wins Best Film

On 18 July 2026, the winners of the 72nd National Film Awards were announced in New Delhi.

  • Best Film: Article 370 (Hindi)
  • Best Actor: Mammootty (Bramayugam) and Kartik Aaryan (Chandu Champion)
  • Best Actress: Yami Gautam (Article 370)
  • Best Director (Feature Film): Rajkumar Periasamy (Amaran)
  • Best Supporting Actor: Sanjay Mishra
  • Best Supporting Actress: Sachana Namidass and Ropashree Varkady
  • Best Music Direction: Shaswat Sachdev and G. V. Prakash Kumar
  • Best Playback Singers: Abhay Jodhpurkar and Vaikom Vijayalakshmi
  • Best Children’s Film: Chinna Katha Kaadu (Telugu)
  • Best Feature Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment: Kalki 2898 AD
  • Best Film Promoting National, Social Values: Captain Miller

Non-Feature Film Awards

  • Best Non-Feature Film: Bhangaaar (Director: Sumira Roy)
  • Best Short Film: Hamasafar (Marathi)
  • Best Direction (Non-Feature): Anand L. Rai (Statue of Unity – Ekta Ka Prateek)

Other Major Awards

  • Best Film Critic: Sanjeev Srivastava
  • Best Writing on Cinema: K. Pradeep Kumar Shetty (Kannada book)

Best Regional Films

  • Gujarati: Maaran
  • Odia: Lahari
  • Kannada: Mithya
  • Manipuri: Sunita
  • Garhwali: Dholi

PM Modi Conferred Indonesia’s Highest State Honour – Bintang Adipurna

On 7 July 2026, Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto conferred the Bintang Adipurna (Star of the Republic of Indonesia, First Class), Indonesia’s highest state honour, on Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the Istana Merdeka Presidential Palace in Jakarta.

Instituted in 1959, the Bintang Adipurna is Indonesia’s highest civilian and military honour. It is awarded to individuals who have made exceptional contributions to Indonesia or to foreign leaders who have significantly strengthened international friendship and cooperation.

The insignia features a gold star with the Garuda Pancasila, Indonesia’s national emblem, and is worn with a red-and-white ceremonial sash.

Accepting the award, PM Modi dedicated the honour to the people of India and described it as a symbol of the historic friendship and strong ties between India and Indonesia. The award further adds to his list of prestigious international state honours.

PM Narendra Modi Receives Seychelles’ Highest Civilian Honour ‘Guardian of the Blue Horizon’

Prime Minister Narendra Modi was conferred ‘Guardian of the Blue Horizon’, the highest national honour of Seychelles, by President Patrick Herminie on 28 June 2026 during his three-day State Visit. The award recognises PM Modi’s leadership in environmental conservation, climate action, sustainable development, and his efforts to strengthen cooperation in the Indian Ocean Region.

The visit coincided with the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between India and Seychelles and the Golden Jubilee of Seychelles’ National Day, highlighting the growing strategic partnership between the two countries.

Padma Awards 2026: Rohit Sharma, Mammootty, Alka Yagnik Among Recipients

President Droupadi Murmu presented the Padma Awards 2026 at the second Civil Investiture Ceremony held at Rashtrapati Bhavan on 23 June 2026.

Padma Awards are among India’s highest civilian honours. They are awarded in three categories:

  • Padma Vibhushan
  • Padma Bhushan
  • Padma Shri

Padma Awards 2026

  • Total awards announced: 131
    • 5 Padma Vibhushan
    • 13 Padma Bhushan
    • 113 Padma Shri

Major Awardees

Padma Vibhushan
  • P. Narayanan – Literature & Education
  • Justice K.T. Thomas (Former Judge) – Social Work
Padma Bhushan

Awarded to several distinguished personalities, including:

  • Vijay Amritraj (Former Tennis Player)
  • Mammootty (Actor)
  • Alka Yagnik (Playback Singer)
  • Shibu Soren (Politician) – Posthumously
Padma Shri

Among the recipients were:

  • Rohit Sharma (Cricketer)
  • R. Madhavan (Actor)
  • Shashi Shekhar Vempati (Former Prasar Bharati CEO)
  • Satish Shah (Actor) – Posthumously

QS World University Rankings 2027: MIT Tops, IIT‑Delhi Leads India

The QS World University Rankings 2027 place MIT at the top globally for the 15th consecutive year, while India has achieved its highest-ever representation with 52 universities ranked, led by IIT-Delhi at 118th. This marks India’s rise to the 5th position worldwide in terms of the number of institutions featured.

🌍 Global Highlights – QS World University Rankings 2027

  • Top 5 Universities Worldwide
    1. Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), USA
    2. Stanford University, USA (joint 2nd)
    3. Imperial College London, UK (joint 2nd)
    4. University of Oxford, UK
    5. Harvard University, USA
  • Other notable performers:
    • University of Cambridge (UK) – 6th
    • ETH Zurich (Switzerland) – 8th
    • National University of Singapore (NUS) – 10th
    • Peking University (China) – 13th
    • Technical University of Munich (Germany) – 25th

India’s Performance

  • India ranks 5th globally in terms of the number of institutions featured (52 universities).
  • Top Indian Universities in QS 2027:
    • IIT-Delhi – 118th (highest-ranked Indian institution, improving 5 places)
    • IIT-Bombay – 134th
    • IIT-Madras – 170th
    • IIT-Kharagpur – 205th
    • IIT-Kanpur – 221st
    • Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bangalore – 221st
    • University of Delhi (DU) – 322nd (improved by 6 places)

PM Modi Conferred Slovakia’s Highest State Honour

Prime Minister Narendra Modi was conferred Slovakia’s highest state honour, the Order of the White Double Cross (1st Class), by Slovak President Peter Pellegrini in Bratislava on 15 June 2026.

The award is given to foreign leaders for their outstanding contribution to strengthening relations with Slovakia and supporting its foreign policy interests.

The visit was historic as it marked the first-ever visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Slovakia since the country became independent in 1993. With this recognition, PM Modi has received 33 international honours and awards from foreign countries.

About Slovakia

Slovakia is a landlocked country in Central Europe. Its capital city is Bratislava, and its official currency is the Euro (€).

The country has a population of about 55 lakh (5.49 million) people. Slovakia is known for its mountains, medieval castles, and natural landscapes.

It was part of Czechoslovakia until it became an independent nation in 1993. Today, Slovakia is a member of the European Union (EU) and uses the Euro as its currency.

Chhattisgarh’s Charu Pandey Clears 19 Competitive Exams, to be Honoured at Rashtrapati Bhavan

In June 2026, Charu Pandey, a 23-year-old woman from Raipur, Chhattisgarh, gained national recognition after successfully clearing 19 competitive examinations. For this remarkable achievement, she has been invited to receive the prestigious ‘At-Home’ honour at Rashtrapati Bhavan on Independence Day 2026.

Charu cleared several major examinations, including SSC CGL, SSC CHSL, SSC MTS, SSC GD, SSC CPO, IBPS PO, and SBI recruitment exams. She currently works as an Assistant Auditor in Chennai.

Her success story highlights the importance of hard work, consistency, patience, and self-confidence. Despite considering herself an average student in most subjects, Charu remained focused on her goal and continued preparing for new exams while awaiting previous results.

She has become an inspiration for competitive exam aspirants across the country and plans to pursue a PhD and prepare for the UPSC Civil Services Examination in the future.

Major Abhilasha Barak Receives UN Military Gender Advocate Award

Major Abhilasha Barak, India’s first woman combat helicopter pilot, has been honoured with the United Nations Military Gender Advocate of the Year Award 2025. The announcement was made on 23 May 2026, and the felicitation ceremony is scheduled for 29 May 2026 at the UN Headquarters in New York.

She served with the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) as the Commander of the Female Engagement Team. During her mission, she worked extensively on community outreach programs for women and adolescent girls and conducted gender sensitisation training for peacekeepers.

Major Abhilasha Barak became the third Indian woman officer to receive this prestigious honour after Major Suman Gawani (2019) and Major Radhika Sen (2023). The award recognises outstanding efforts in promoting gender equality and empowering women in UN peacekeeping operations.

President Murmu Confers Padma Awards 2026 at Rashtrapati Bhavan

President Droupadi Murmu presented the Padma Awards 2026 at Rashtrapati Bhavan on 25 May, honouring 66 distinguished personalities across fields including art, cinema, literature, education, sports, and public service. The ceremony saw emotional moments as Hema Malini accepted the Padma Vibhushan for her late husband, legendary actor Dharmendra.

📌 Key Highlights of Padma Awards 2026 Ceremony

  • Date & Venue: 25 May 2026, Ganatantra Mandap, Rashtrapati Bhavan, New Delhi.
  • Total Awards Approved: 131 (5 Padma Vibhushan, 13 Padma Bhushan, 113 Padma Shri).
  • Phase 1 Ceremony: 66 awards conferred (2 Padma Vibhushan, 6 Padma Bhushan, 58 Padma Shri). Remaining awards will be presented later.
  • Dignitaries Present: Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Vice President CP Radhakrishnan, Union Home Minister Amit Shah.

🏅 Major Awardees

Padma Vibhushan (Exceptional Service)
  • Dharmendra (Posthumous): Bollywood legend, honoured for his decades-long contribution to Indian cinema. Award received by wife Hema Malini.
  • Dr. N. Rajam: Renowned violinist, celebrated for her outstanding contribution to Indian classical music.
Padma Bhushan (Distinguished Service of High Order)
  • Piyush Pandey (Posthumous): Iconic advertising professional, honoured for revolutionizing Indian advertising.
  • Mammootty: Legendary Malayalam actor, recognised for his landmark performances in Indian cinema.
  • Alka Yagnik: Celebrated playback singer, honoured for her immense contribution to Indian music.
  • Bhagat Singh Koshyari: Former Governor of Maharashtra.
  • Uday Kotak: Prominent banker and business leader.
Padma Shri (Distinguished Service in Any Field)
  • Harmanpreet Kaur: Captain of the Indian women’s cricket team.
  • Mamidala Jagadesh Kumar: Former UGC Chairman, recognised in Literature & Education.
  • Prosenjit Chatterjee: Veteran Bengali actor, honoured for his contribution to cinema.
  • R. Madhavan: Actor and filmmaker, recognised for his work in Indian cinema.
  • Satish Shah (Posthumous): Actor, honoured for his lifetime contribution to theatre and cinema.
  • Paralympic Gold Medalist Praveen Kumar: Recognised for achievements in sports.

PM Narendra Modi Receives Sweden’s Highest Civilian Honour

Prime Minister Narendra Modi was conferred Sweden’s highest civilian honour, the Royal Order of the Polar Star, Commander Grand Cross, during his visit to Gothenburg on 17 May 2026.

The award was presented by Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden in the presence of Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson. Instituted in 1748, the honour is Sweden’s highest distinction awarded to a Head of Government.

The Polar Star symbolises enlightenment and overcoming the “darkness of ignorance.” PM Modi dedicated the honour to the people of India and the strong India-Sweden friendship.

With this, Narendra Modi has received his 31st international honour, reflecting India’s growing global influence and diplomatic stature.

National Panchayat Awards 2025: 42 Panchayats Selected Across India

The Ministry of Panchayati Raj announced the National Panchayat Awards 2025, recognising 42 Panchayats for excellence in rural development, good governance, and sustainable development goals (SDGs). The awards ceremony will be held on 3 June 2026 in New Delhi.

The awards are given under the DDUPSVP and NDSPSVP categories for outstanding Gram, Block, and District Panchayats. Karnataka won the highest number of awards (6), followed by Andhra Pradesh and Odisha with 5 awards each.

A key highlight was Kawrthah North Village Council in Mizoram, which secured the top rank in the “Clean and Green Panchayat” category for its work in environmental conservation and sustainable rural development.

Among the top overall winners:

  • Sepahijala (Tripura) won Best District Panchayat
  • Harippad (Kerala) won Best Block Panchayat
  • New Napam (Assam) won Best Gram Panchayat

The awards are part of the Rashtriya Gram Swaraj Abhiyan (RGSA) and include prize money ranging from ₹50 lakh to ₹5 crore.

Pulitzer Prize 2026: Indian Journalists Anand RK, Suparna Sharma and Aniruddha Ghosal Win Prestigious Awards

The Pulitzer Prize 2026 winners were announced on 4 May 2026 at Columbia University, New York, honoring excellence in journalism, books, drama, and music. Indian journalists Anand RK, Suparna Sharma, and Aniruddha Ghosal brought pride to the nation with their awards.

📰 Pulitzer Prize 2026 – Indian Winners

  • Anand RK & Suparna Sharma
    • Category: Illustrated Reporting and Commentary
    • Work: Bloomberg project on cybercrime in India
    • Significance: Highlights the growing challenges of digital security and investigative reporting in India.
  • Aniruddha Ghosal
    • Category: International Reporting
    • Work: Associated Press coverage of global issues, including governance and international conflicts.
    • Significance: Recognition of Indian journalists’ contribution to global investigative journalism.

🏆 About the Pulitzer Prize

  • Established: 1917, by provisions in the will of Joseph Pulitzer, a Hungarian-American journalist and newspaper publisher.
  • Administered by: Columbia University, New York.
  • Categories: Journalism, Books, Drama, and Music (23 categories in 2026).
  • Prestige: Considered the highest honor in American journalism, recognizing excellence in reporting, commentary, and storytelling.
  • Prize: Winners receive a certificate and USD 15,000 cash award (for most categories).

Seven-year-old Ishank Singh becomes youngest swimmer to cross Palk Strait

Seven-year-old Ishank Singh from Ranchi, Jharkhand, has created history by becoming the youngest swimmer to cross the treacherous 29 km Palk Strait between Sri Lanka and India on April 30, 2026, completing the feat in 9 hours and 50 minutes. He has been recognized by the Universal Records Forum as the “Youngest and Fastest Palk Strait Swimmer.”

🌐 About the Palk Strait

  • Location: Narrow sea channel between Tamil Nadu (India) and Northern Sri Lanka
  • Length: ~85 km, width varies between 30–80 km
  • Significance: Historically important for trade and cultural exchange; now a popular challenge for open-water swimmers due to strong currents and unpredictable weather.

🏆 Previous & Other Records

  • Jay Jaswanth (Tamil Nadu, 2019): Crossed at age 10, in 10h 30m.
  • Bula Choudhury (West Bengal, 1991): First Indian woman to cross Palk Strait.
  • Other Notable Swims: The Strait has been attempted by endurance swimmers worldwide, often compared to the English Channel for difficulty.

Sahitya Akademi Awards 2025 Winners List

The Sahitya Akademi announced the Sahitya Akademi Awards 2025 on 16 March 2026, honoring outstanding literary works across 24 Indian languages. The awards cover diverse genres such as poetry, novels, short stories, essays, literary criticism, autobiography, and memoirs.

This year’s selections include 8 poetry collections, 4 novels, 6 short story collections, 2 essay volumes, 1 literary criticism work, 1 autobiography, and 2 memoirs. The winners were chosen through a rigorous process involving expert jury recommendations.

Notable awardees include Navtej Sarna (English novel Crimson Spring), Mamta Kalia (Hindi memoir Jeete Jee Allahabad), and N. Prabhakaran (Malayalam novel Maayaamanushyar).

Each award carries a copper plaque, shawl, and ₹1 lakh cash prize, and the ceremony will be held in New Delhi on March 31, 2026.

Oscars 2026 Winners: Best Actor, Actress & Best Picture (98th Academy Awards)

The 98th Academy Awards were held on March 15, 2026, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, hosted by Conan O’Brien. The film One Battle After Another dominated the ceremony, winning Best Picture and six awards overall.

Michael B. Jordan (Sinners) won Best Actor, while Jessie Buckley (One Battle After Another) won Best Actress, and Ryan Coogler took Best Director.

Other notable films included Sinners (4 awards) and Frankenstein (3 awards). The event highlighted strong competition, diversity in winners, and global engagement, with Priyanka Chopra Jonas representing India as a presenter.

NBEMS Sets Guinness World Record in AI-Based Medical Education

On 25 February 2026, the National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS), an autonomous body under the Union Health Ministry, achieved a historic milestone by being officially recognised by Guinness World Records for hosting the most-viewed Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare lesson live stream on YouTube.

The record was achieved through a nationwide online training programme on AI in Healthcare, specially designed for registered medical practitioners across India. The initiative highlighted NBEMS’s effective use of digital platforms to deliver large-scale, technology-driven medical education.

NBEMS President Dr Abhijat Sheth described the recognition as a testament to India’s leadership in digital innovation in medical education. He reaffirmed NBEMS’s commitment to competency-based learning and to launching future initiatives aimed at improving the quality of healthcare delivery across the country.

BAFTA Awards 2026: Manipuri Film Boong Wins Best Children’s & Family Film

The Manipuri film Boong, produced by Farhan Akhtar’s Excel Entertainment, won the BAFTA Award for Best Children’s & Family Film in London on 22 February 2026. Directed by debutant Lakshmipriya Devi, the film stood out among international contenders including Lilo and Stitch, Arco and Zootropolis 2. In her acceptance speech, Devi made an emotional appeal for peace. She received the award from Paddington Bear, the lead character of Paddington The Musical, and was joined on stage by producers Farhan Akhtar, Ritesh Sidhwani, and assistant director Rahul Sharda. The film stars Gugun Kipgen and Bala Hijam.

At the 79th British Academy Film Awards (BAFTAs), the action thriller One Battle After Another dominated the ceremony, winning six awards, including Best Film. Paul Thomas Anderson won Best Director, along with awards for Best Adapted Screenplay and Best Cinematography, dedicating his directing honour to late producer and assistant director Brit Adam Somner. The film also earned Supporting Actor for Sean Penn and entered the Oscars as a strong contender with 14 BAFTA and 13 Oscar nominations.

The vampire saga Sinners and gothic horror Frankenstein won three awards each. Ryan Coogler received Best Original Screenplay for Sinners, while Wunmi Mosaku won Supporting Actress. Jessie Buckley was named Best Actress for Hamnet, which also won Best British Film, and Robert Aramayo claimed Best Actor for I Swear.

The star-studded ceremony, held at London’s Royal Festival Hall, was attended by leading Hollywood and British stars, including Prince William and Catherine, Princess of Wales. Bollywood star Alia Bhatt appeared as a celebrity guest presenter, awarding Best Film Not in the English Language to the Nordic drama Sentimental Value.

Rouble Nagi Wins Global Teacher Prize 2026

Indian educator and social reformer Rouble Nagi has won the prestigious $1 million Global Teacher Prize 2026, often called the “Nobel of Teaching,” for her transformative work in turning slums into vibrant learning spaces through murals and community centres. The award was announced at the World Governments Summit in Dubai, recognising her two decades of dedication to inclusive education.

Rouble Nagi: Global Teacher Prize 2026 Winner

About the Award

  • Global Teacher Prize: Established by the Varkey Foundation in collaboration with UNESCO.
  • Prize Money: $1 million, the largest international award for educators.
  • Venue: Announced at the World Governments Summit in Dubai on February 5, 2026.
  • Significance: Recognises teachers who have gone beyond conventional classrooms to transform communities.

Rouble Nagi’s Contributions

  • Community Learning Centres: Founded more than 800 centres across 100+ underserved communities in India, providing access to education for children who had never attended school.
  • Mural-Based Classrooms: Transformed neglected walls in slums into interactive murals teaching literacy, numeracy, hygiene, and environmental awareness.
  • Pedagogy Rooted in Art: Began in Mumbai’s slums, using art as a medium to engage children and create inclusive learning environments.
  • Philosophy: Believes education should “meet children where they are,” blending creativity with compassion and consistency.

Padma Awards 2026: 131 Recipients Announced Including Top National Figures

The Government of India has announced the Padma Awards 2026, honouring 131 individuals across diverse fields. This year’s highlights include posthumous Padma Vibhushan awards for veteran actor Dharmendra Singh Deol and former Kerala Chief Minister V.S. Achuthanandan, while cricketer Rohit Sharma and actor R. Madhavan feature among Padma Shri recipients.

🏅 Padma Awards 2026 – Key Highlights

  • Total Awards: 131
  • Padma Vibhushan: 5
  • Padma Bhushan: 13
  • Padma Shri: 113
  • Posthumous Awards: 16
  • Women Awardees: 19
  • Foreigners/NRIs/PIOs/OCIs: 6

✨ Notable Recipients

Padma Vibhushan (Exceptional & Distinguished Service)

  • Dharmendra Singh Deol (Art – Cinema) – Posthumous
  • V.S. Achuthanandan (Public Affairs) – Posthumous
  • Other eminent personalities honoured for contributions in public affairs and arts.
    Padma Bhushan (Distinguished Service of High Order)
  • Shibu Soren (Public Affairs) – Posthumous
  • Recognitions across medicine, literature, and social work.
    Padma Shri (Distinguished Service in Any Field)
  • Rohit Sharma (Sports – Cricket)
  • R. Madhavan (Art – Cinema)
  • Mammootty (Art – Malayalam Cinema)
  • Several awardees from science, engineering, medicine, social service, and civil service.

📊 Distribution by Fields

  • Arts & Cinema: Dharmendra, Mammootty, R. Madhavan
  • Sports: Rohit Sharma
  • Public Affairs: V.S. Achuthanandan, Shibu Soren
  • Medicine & Science: Multiple distinguished doctors and scientists
  • Social Work & Civil Service: Numerous grassroots leaders and administrators

Significance of Padma Awards

  • Among India’s highest civilian honours, conferred annually on the eve of Republic Day.
  • Recognize exceptional service in fields such as art, literature, science, medicine, public affairs, social work, and sports.
  • Symbolize India’s commitment to celebrating excellence and contributions that shape society.

Golden Globes 2026: “One Battle After Another” & “Hamnet” Win Top Honors

At the 2026 Golden Globe Awards, dark comedy “One Battle After Another” and the Shakespeare-inspired drama “Hamnet” won the top film honors, taking best movie musical or comedy and best movie drama, respectively. Timothee Chalamet won best male actor in a movie musical or comedy for his role as a professional table tennis player in “Marty Supreme,” defeating major contenders such as Leonardo DiCaprio and George Clooney.

In new and notable categories, “Good Hang with Amy Poehler” earned the podcast award, while “Golden” from Netflix’s K-Pop Demon Hunters won best original song. Host Nikki Glaser kept the night light-hearted with playful jokes about Hollywood stars, including DiCaprio.

The Golden Globes are one of the first major events of Hollywood’s 2026 awards season, preceding the Academy Awards in March. While Globes voters (entertainment journalists) do not influence the Oscars, the wins often boost visibility for potential contenders.

President Droupadi Murmu Confers Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar 2025

President Droupadi Murmu conferred the Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar 2025 on 23 December 2025 at Rashtrapati Bhavan, New Delhi, recognising exceptional contributions in the fields of science, technology, and innovation. The awards, in their second edition, are India’s highest scientific honour and were presented under four categories: Vigyan Ratna, Vigyan Shree, Vigyan Yuva–Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar, and Vigyan Team.

The Vigyan Ratna Award was conferred posthumously on Padma Vibhushan Prof. Jayant Vishnu Narlikar for his pioneering work in astrophysics and cosmology, including the development of the Hoyle–Narlikar theory. The Vigyan Shree Award was presented to eight distinguished scientists, while fourteen young researchers received the Vigyan Yuva–Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Award. The Vigyan Team Award was conferred on the CSIR Aroma Mission, recognising its impactful science-led innovation.

PM Narendra Modi Conferred Order of Oman (First Class)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi was conferred the Order of Oman (First Class) on 18 December 2025 by Sultan Haitham bin Tarik in recognition of his leadership and efforts to strengthen India–Oman relations.

The conferment coincided with the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between India and Oman and took place during PM Modi’s official visit to Muscat, highlighting the depth of their strategic partnership.

Instituted in 1970 by the late Sultan Qaboos bin Said, the Order of Oman is one of the Sultanate’s highest civilian honours, awarded to select global leaders for outstanding contributions to public life and bilateral relations.

PM Narendra Modi Conferred Ethiopia’s Highest Civilian Award

Prime Minister Narendra Modi was conferred Ethiopia’s highest civilian award, The Great Honour Nishan of Ethiopia during his visit to Addis Ababa in December 2025. He became the first global Head of State or Government to receive this prestigious honour, marking a historic moment in India–Ethiopia relations.

The award was bestowed by Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali at a special ceremony, recognising PM Modi’s visionary leadership and his role in strengthening Ethiopia’s global partnerships, particularly with India. It reflects Ethiopia’s appreciation of India’s growing influence in Africa and its long-standing cooperation with the country.

Supriya Sahu Wins UNEP Champions of the Earth 2025 Award

Supriya Sahu, Additional Chief Secretary, Department of Environment, Climate Change and Forests, Tamil Nadu, has been awarded the UNEP Champions of the Earth 2025 in the Inspiration and Action category. This is the United Nations’ highest environmental honour.

⭐ Why She Received the Award

  • Recognised for sustainable cooling initiatives, ecosystem restoration, and climate resilience projects in Tamil Nadu.
  • Demonstrated how integrated governance and nature-based solutions can protect vulnerable communities.
  • Promoted climate action that created around 2.5 million green jobs.
  • Strengthened campaigns against single-use plastics and improved wildlife conservation efforts.
  • Advocated a model combining low-tech + high-tech solutions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

🏛️ Global Stage

  • Award announced during the UN Environment Assembly (UNEA-7) held in Nairobi.
  • Highlights Tamil Nadu as a global leader in climate mitigation, adaptation, and heat-resilience planning.

Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s Bust Unveiled at UNESCO on Constitution Day

A bust of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar was unveiled at the UNESCO Headquarters in Paris on November 26, 2025, coinciding with India’s Constitution Day. The ceremony, led by India’s Ambassador to UNESCO Vishal V. Sharma and attended by UNESCO Director-General Khaled El-Enany, marks the first time Ambedkar’s statue has been placed at a major international institution. The bust includes a plaque honoring 70 years of the Indian Constitution.

The event reflects India’s effort to highlight Ambedkar’s global legacy in social justice, equality, and democratic values. Prime Minister Narendra Modi called the unveiling a proud moment and a meaningful tribute to the architect of India’s Constitution. UNESCO also acknowledged his contributions, aligning his ideals with its mission of promoting education, human rights, and equality.

This milestone strengthens India’s cultural diplomacy and ensures Ambedkar’s message continues to inspire global conversations on democracy and social empowerment.

Q. Where was the bust of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar unveiled on November 26, 2025?
A) United Nations Headquarters
B) UNESCO Headquarters, Paris
C) Indian Parliament
D) Rashtrapati Bhavan

Answer: UNESCO Headquarters, Paris

Fátima Bosch of Mexico crowned Miss Universe 2025

The 74th Miss Universe pageant was held on 21 November 2025 at the Impact Challenger Hall, Pak Kret, near Bangkok, Thailand, with the theme “The Power of Love”, emphasizing unity, empowerment, and compassion.

Key Results

  • Winner: Fátima Bosch (Mexico)
  • 1st Runner-up: Thailand
  • 2nd Runner-up: Venezuela

Participation

  • More than 130 contestants competed from different countries.
  • India’s representative: Manika Vishwakarma, Miss Universe India 2025, but did not enter the Top 12.

Sagar Defence Wins Robotics Challenge at Dubai Airshow 2025

On 18 November 2025, Sagar Defence, an iDEX (Innovations for Defence Excellence) winner, secured the “Accelerating the Autonomous Robotics Revolution” challenge under the VISTA Track at the Dubai Airshow 2025, earning a USD 5,000 prize for its autonomous systems concept. iDEX congratulated the team, calling it a reflection of India’s rising strength in defence innovation.

Sagar Defence’s winning pitch featured “Genesis”, a “boat-in-a-box” AI-powered module that can be retrofitted onto existing vessels to make them semi-autonomous, fully autonomous, or remotely operated. The company presented the idea during a three-minute pitch to the grand jury.

Launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2018, iDEX has rapidly become a major driver of India’s defence-tech ecosystem and now works with over 650 start-ups and MSMEs. At the Dubai Airshow, 15 iDEX-supported startups showcased technologies in robotics, space systems, electronic warfare, battlefield awareness, anti-drone systems, AR/VR training, and autonomous platforms, including innovations such as an autonomous cargo aerial vehicle, multi-sensor satellite systems, portable SAR image disrupters, and AESA radar for counter-UAS operations.

Strong interest from global OEMs and investors signals growing international recognition of India’s innovation-driven defence ecosystem. The Vista Startup Zone at the airshow (17–21 November) provided startups with mentorship, investor access, and global exposure.

6th National Water Awards 2024

President Droupadi Murmu will present the 6th National Water Awards 2024 on November 18, 2025, at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi, to honour outstanding contributions in water conservation and management.

The awards, organized by the Ministry of Jal Shakti’s Department of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation (DoWR, RD & GR), recognized 46 winners across 10 categories, selected from 751 applications received via the Rashtriya Puraskar Portal.

Maharashtra was declared the Best State, followed by Gujarat and Haryana. Among districts, Rajnandgaon (Chhattisgarh), Khargone (Madhya Pradesh), Mirzapur (Uttar Pradesh), Tirunelveli (Tamil Nadu), and Sepahijala (Tripura) were top performers.

In other categories:

  • Best Urban Local Body: Navi Mumbai (Maharashtra)
  • Best Institution: IIT Gandhinagar (Gujarat) & ICAR–CCARI (Goa)
  • Best Village Panchayat: Dubbiganipalli (Andhra Pradesh) & Payam (Kerala)
  • Industry Category Winners: Apollo Tyres Ltd (Tamil Nadu), Hero MotoCorp Ltd (Haryana), Jhajjar Power Ltd (Haryana)

Individuals from Bihar, Rajasthan, Uttarakhand, and Andhra Pradesh were also honoured for exceptional efforts.

Launched in 2018, the National Water Awards aim to promote community-driven and sustainable water management, aligning with the vision of “Jal Samridh Bharat” under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership.

IFFCO and Amul Ranked Among World’s Top Cooperatives by ICA

India’s leading cooperatives, Indian Farmers Fertiliser Cooperative Limited (IFFCO) and Amul, have been ranked as the top cooperatives globally based on GDP per capita performance in the International Cooperative Alliance (ICA) World Cooperative Monitor 2025, announced at the ICA CM50 Conference in Doha, Qatar.

The recognition highlights Amul’s dairy cooperative model, which has strengthened rural self-reliance and improved millions of farmers’ livelihoods, showcasing India’s leadership in food security and agribusiness.

IFFCO was praised for its sustainable fertiliser production, digital innovation, and commitment to environmental stewardship. By reinvesting profits in community welfare and green initiatives, IFFCO continues to set a global benchmark for cooperative excellence.

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