Awards and Honors

Miss Thailand Opal Suchata Chuangsri Crowned Miss World 2025 in Hyderabad

Opal Suchata Chuangsri, representing Thailand, was crowned Miss World 2025 at the 72nd Miss World Pageant held on 31 May 2025 in Hyderabad, India. She was crowned by the outgoing Miss World Krystyna Pyszková of the Czech Republic, marking Thailand’s first-ever win in Miss World history.

The event featured 108 contestants from across the globe, who competed through fast-track challenges like:

  • Head-to-Head Challenge
  • Top Model
  • Beauty with a Purpose
  • Talent
  • Sports
  • Multimedia

The competition advanced from 40 quarterfinalists to a continental Top 10, a Top 5, and finally to the winner. The runner-up title went to Miss Ethiopia, Hasset.

Miss Opal stood out with her poise and values, wearing a floral-themed white gown. During the Q&A round, she responded to actor Sonu Sood’s question about her journey, saying it taught her the power of storytelling and personal responsibility, emphasizing that actions should always speak louder than words.

India’s representative, Nandini Gupta, exited early, failing to reach the Top 8. India has previously won the crown six times, last in 2017 with Manushi Chhillar.

Continental Queens were also crowned:

  • Miss Martinique (Americas & Caribbean)
  • Miss Ethiopia (Africa)
  • Miss Poland (Europe)
  • Miss Thailand (Asia & Oceania)

The finale featured vibrant performances, including a Bollywood segment by Jacqueline Fernandez and Ishaan Khatter. Actor Sonu Sood was honoured with the Miss World Humanitarian Award.

The judging panel included:

  • Dr. Carina Tyrell
  • Sudha Reddy
  • Rana Daggubati
  • Jayesh Ranjan
  • Manushi Chhillar
  • Namrata Shirodkar
  • Sonu Sood
  • Donna Walsh
  • Julia Morley (Miss World Chairperson & CEO)

President Murmu Confers National Florence Nightingale Awards 2025

On 30 May 2025, President Droupadi Murmu conferred the National Florence Nightingale Awards to 15 exceptional nursing professionals at Rashtrapati Bhavan, recognizing their outstanding contributions to India’s healthcare system.

The awardees included Auxiliary Nurse Midwives (ANMs), Lady Health Visitors (LHVs), and Registered Nurses from both government and voluntary sectors, acknowledged for their dedication, compassion, and resilience.

Union Health Minister JP Nadda, along with Ministers of State Prataprao Jadhav and Anupriya Patel, attended the ceremony. Nadda praised the awardees as pillars of India’s healthcare system.

The award, instituted by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, includes:

  • A Certificate of Merit
  • A medal
  • A cash prize of ₹1 lakh

The government has recently passed the National Nursing and Midwifery Commission Act to modernize nursing education and regulation. Additionally, the setup of 157 nursing colleges aims to strengthen India’s healthcare capacity and prepare a skilled nursing workforce.

Jafar Panahi Wins Palme d’Or at 78th Cannes Film Festival

Iranian filmmaker Jafar Panahi won the Palme d’Or at the 78th Cannes Film Festival on 15 May 2025 for his film It Was Just an Accident. The festival featured 22 films in its main competition. Panahi, known for his criticism of the Iranian government, received a standing ovation and emphasized freedom of expression in Iran during his speech. Japanese director Hayakawa Chie’s film Renoir was nominated but did not win. Cannes is one of the world’s top film festivals, along with Venice and Berlin.

Gallantry Awards 2025: President Murmu Confers Kirti and Shaurya Chakras to 39 Bravehearts

On 22 May 2025, President Droupadi Murmu honored 39 gallantry award recipients during the Defence Investiture Ceremony 2025 at Rashtrapati Bhawan, recognizing their extraordinary courage and sacrifice in service to the nation. A total of six Kirti Chakras and 33 Shaurya Chakras were conferred upon personnel from the Armed Forces, CAPF, and State/UT Police, with 11 awards given posthumously.

The Kirti Chakra and Shaurya Chakra are among India’s highest peacetime gallantry awards, awarded for acts of exceptional bravery and selflessness. Notable posthumous recipients of the Kirti Chakra included Rifleman Ravi Kumar, Colonel Manpreet Singh, DSP Himayun Muzzammil Bhat, and Naik Dilwar Khan, all recognized for their valor during counter-terror operations, particularly in Jammu & Kashmir.

The Shaurya Chakra recipients included Major Vijay Verma, Deputy Commandant Vikrant Kumar, and Inspector Jeffrey Hmingchullo among others. Seven Shaurya Chakras were awarded posthumously, including to Major Aashish Dhonchak and Captain Deepak Singh.

Personnel displayed heroism in counter-terrorism operations, anti-piracy missions, internal security, and disaster management. Highlights included:

  • Indian Navy officers like Commodore Sharad Sinsunwal led successful anti-piracy and firefighting operations.
  • Indian Air Force officers such as Wing Commander Vernon Desmond Keane executed life-saving aerial rescues.
  • CRPF personnel, including Deputy Commandant Lakhveer and posthumous awardee Constable Pawan Kumar, played crucial roles in anti-Maoist operations.

This ceremony underscored the bravery, professionalism, and dedication of India’s security forces in ensuring national security across land, sea, and air.

President Droupadi Murmu Confers Padma Awards 2025 to 71 Eminent Personalities at Rashtrapati Bhavan

On 28 April 2025, at the first Civil Investiture Ceremony held at Rashtrapati Bhavan, New Delhi, President Droupadi Murmu conferred Padma Awards 2025 on 71 eminent personalities. The awards included 4 Padma Vibhushan, 10 Padma Bhushan, and 57 Padma Shri recipients.

Among the Padma Vibhushan awardees:

  • D. Nageshwar Reddy (Medicine)
  • Dr. Lakshminarayana Subramaniam (Art)
  • M. T. Vasudevan Nair (Posthumously)
  • Osamu Suzuki (Posthumously)

Prominent Padma Bhushan recipients included:

  • Nandamuri Balakrishna (Cinema)
  • Shekhar Kapur (Cinema)
  • Sreejesh P. R. (Sports – Hockey)
  • Sushil Kumar Modi (Posthumously, Public Affairs)

Notable Padma Shri awardees:

  • Ravichandran Ashwin (Cricket)
  • Arundhati Bhattacharya (Public Affairs, for expanding the Jan Dhan scheme)
  • Stephen Knapp (Literature and Education)
  • Ronu Majumdar (Art – Music)
  • Dr. K. Omankutty Amma (Art – Carnatic Music)

The event was attended by Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Ministers including Amit Shah, and other dignitaries.

The Padma Awards honor achievements in fields like art, social work, public affairs, science and engineering, trade and industry, medicine, literature and education, sports, and civil service.

AIIMS New Delhi Ranked Among World’s Top Hospitals in 2024

AIIMS, New Delhi, has been ranked the 97th best hospital in the world in the World’s Best Hospitals 2024 list by Newsweek and Statista. This recognition reflects AIIMS’s excellence in healthcare, research, and affordable treatment.

The ranking evaluated over 2,400 hospitals across 30 countries, based on patient satisfaction, clinical outcomes, hygiene standards, and expert recommendations.

Other Indian hospitals on the list include:

  • PGIMER, Chandigarh at 228th rank
  • A private hospital in Gurgaon at 146th rank

These rankings underscore India’s growing global presence in healthcare.

President Droupadi Murmu Honoured with “Key to the City” in Lisbon, Strengthens India-Portugal Ties

On April 7, 2025, President Droupadi Murmu was conferred the prestigious “Key to the City of Lisbon”, the highest civic honour of the Portuguese capital. The symbolic gesture, presented by Lisbon Mayor Carlos Moedas, officially recognises her as an honorary citizen of Lisbon. The ceremony took place at the Câmara Municipal de Lisboa and was attended by diplomats, citizens, and members of the Indo-Portuguese community.

President Murmu thanked the city for the honour, appreciating Lisbon’s spirit of tolerance, diversity, and inclusiveness. She noted the strong cultural and economic contributions of the Indian diaspora, which forms the fourth-largest immigrant community in Portugal.

The President underscored Portugal’s role as a vital partner in India’s engagements with the European Union and Lusophone countries, and reaffirmed India’s vision of a “Viksit Bharat by 2047” guided by Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam – the world is one family.

During her visit, President Murmu:

  • Held delegation-level talks with Portuguese President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa.
  • Discussed cooperation in trade, green energy, startups, IT, and skilled mobility.
  • Visited the Statue of Mahatma Gandhi and Kasturba Gandhi to pay floral tributes.
  • Is scheduled to meet Portuguese PM Luis Montenegro and visit the Assembly, Champalim Foundation, and Radhakrishna Temple.

Her visit marks 50 years of diplomatic ties between India and Portugal and precedes her historic two-day visit to Slovakia, the first by an Indian President in 29 years.

Sudarsan Pattnaik Becomes First Indian to Win Fred Darrington Sand Master Award

Renowned Indian sand artist Sudarsan Pattnaik has become the first Indian to win the prestigious Fred Darrington Sand Master Award for his exceptional contribution to sand art. The honor was presented at the Sandworld 2025 International Sand Art Festival held in Dorset, England.

To celebrate the occasion, Pattnaik crafted a 10-foot sculpture of Lord Ganesha bearing the message of “World Peace.” The award carries special meaning this year as it coincides with the 100th birth anniversary of legendary British sculptor Fred Darrington.

A Padma Shri awardee from Odisha, Pattnaik has represented India in over 65 international sand art festivals, known for artworks that blend spiritual themes with social messages. The Sandworld exhibition at Lodmoor Park, famous for large-scale sculptures made from just sand and water, featured global talent—but Pattnaik’s peace-themed creation stood out as a highlight.

His win is not only a personal milestone but also a proud moment for Indian art on the world stage.

Vinod Kumar Shukla Honored with Jnanpith Award

Renowned Hindi poet and writer Vinod Kumar Shukla has been honored with the prestigious Jnanpith Award — India’s highest literary accolade!

Hailing from Raipur, Chhattisgarh, Mr. Shukla has enriched Hindi literature for over five decades. His thought-provoking works, including “Naukar Ki Kameez,” “Khilega To Dekhenge,” and “Deewar Mein Ek Khidki”, are cherished as some of the finest Hindi novels. His poetry and stories have touched hearts across generations.

The announcement was made on 22nd March 2025 in New Delhi, bringing immense pride to Chhattisgarh and the literary world. Upon receiving the award, Mr. Shukla expressed his gratitude and acknowledged the responsibility that comes with this esteemed recognition.

Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnudev Sai extended his heartfelt congratulations, calling it a proud moment for the state.

RBI Wins Prestigious Digital Transformation Award 2025

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has been honored with the Digital Transformation Award 2025 by Central Banking, London, in recognition of its groundbreaking digital initiatives, Sarthi and Pravaah.

Key Highlights:

  • Sarthi, launched in January 2023, revolutionized RBI’s internal workflows by digitizing document sharing, enhancing data analysis, and improving record management across its vast network.
  • Pravaah, introduced in May 2024, streamlined external regulatory applications, offering real-time tracking and analytics for over 70 regulatory processes.

These initiatives have significantly reduced paper-based submissions, increased efficiency, and modernized RBI’s operations, making it one of the most digitally advanced central banks globally. The award reflects RBI’s commitment to innovation and its vision of a future-proof financial ecosystem.

PM Modi becomes first Indian to receive highest civilian award of Mauritius

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has become the first Indian to receive the highest civilian award of Mauritius, Grand Commander of the Order of the Star and Key of the Indian Ocean.

Mauritius Prime Minister Dr. Navinchandra Ramgoolam announced the award during an Indian diaspora event in Port Louis on 11 March 2025. This marks Modi’s 21st international accolade.

Addressing the Indian community, Modi expressed gratitude, calling it an honour for India-Mauritius ties. He highlighted the deep-rooted cultural connection between the two nations.

In a special gesture, Modi announced Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cards for Mauritius PM Navinchandra Ramgoolam and his spouse Veena Ramgoolam.

The event, attended by 3,500 people, included Mauritius Cabinet members, officials, and National Assembly members. Later, Modi will hold a bilateral meeting with PM Ramgoolam.

Academy Awards 2025: Anora Dominates the Oscars

The prestigious 97th edition of the Academy Awards took place on March 2, 2025, in Los Angeles, celebrating the best in cinema. The grand event saw remarkable wins, emotional speeches, and record-breaking achievements.

Anora Dominates the Oscars

Director Sean Baker’s romantic comedy-drama Anora emerged as the biggest winner of the night, sweeping five major awards. The film took home accolades for:

  • Best Picture
  • Best Director (Sean Baker)
  • Best Original Screenplay
  • Best Film Editing
  • Best Actress (Mikey Madison)

Top Acting Honors

While Emilia Pérez led the nominations with 13 nods, it was The Brutalist’s Adrien Brody who secured the Best Actor Oscar. Mikey Madison’s stellar performance in Anora earned her the Best Actress award.

Supporting Role Triumphs

  • Best Supporting Actress: Zoe Saldaña (Emilia Pérez), winning her first Oscar in an emotional moment.
  • Best Supporting Actor: Kieran Culkin (A Real Pain), recognized for his outstanding performance.

Technical and Creative Achievements

  • Dune: Part Two took home two major awards for Best Sound and Best Visual Effects.
  • Paul Tazewell made history by winning Best Costume Design for Wicked.
  • No Other Land received the Oscar for Best Documentary Feature, overcoming early distribution challenges.
  • Conclave won Best Adapted Screenplay.
  • The Substance was awarded Best Makeup and Hairstyling.

MCQs on Oscars Awards 2025

Q: Which film won the Best Picture award at the 97th Academy Awards?
a) The Brutalist
b) Emilia Pérez
c) Anora
d) Dune: Part Two
Answer: c) Anora
The prestigious 97th edition of the Academy Awards took place on March 2, 2025, in Los Angeles. Director Sean Baker’s romantic comedy-drama Anora emerged as the biggest winner, sweeping five major awards.

Q: Who won the Best Director award at the Oscars 2025 for his film Anora ?
a) Denis Villeneuve
b) Sean Baker
c) Greta Gerwig
d) Christopher Nolan
Answer: b) Sean Baker

Q: Which actor won the Best Actor award for his role in The Brutalist?
a) Leonardo DiCaprio
b) Adrien Brody
c) Kieran Culkin
d) Timothée Chalamet
Answer: b) Adrien Brody

Q: Mikey Madison won Best Actress for which film?
a) Emilia Pérez
b) Wicked
c) Anora
d) The Substance
Answer: c) Anora

Zoe Saldaña Wins Best Supporting Actress Oscar for Emilia Pérez

On March 2, 2025, Zoe Saldaña made history by winning the Oscar for Best Supporting Actress for her outstanding performance in the Spanish-language musical, Emilia Pérez. This monumental victory marks her as the first American of Dominican descent to receive an Academy Award, further solidifying her status as a trailblazer in Hollywood.

Zoe Saldaña’s Role in Emilia Pérez

Saldaña delivered a compelling portrayal of Rita Castro, a struggling lawyer hired by a Mexican drug lord to facilitate gender-affirming surgery. Her performance captivated both audiences and critics, showcasing her remarkable versatility and emotional depth. The film, celebrated for its unique narrative and powerful storytelling, gained widespread acclaim, contributing to Saldaña’s success this awards season.

Emotional Acceptance Speech

During her heartfelt acceptance speech, Saldaña thanked her family, cast, and crew, dedicating the award to her grandmother, who immigrated to the United States in 1961. She also acknowledged the strong women who shaped her journey and emphasized the importance of immigrant representation in Hollywood. “I am a proud child of immigrant parents,” she declared, inspiring many with her words.

A Winning Streak in Awards Season

Saldaña’s Oscar win follows an impressive awards season, where she also secured victories at the:

  • Golden Globe Awards
  • BAFTAs
  • Critics Choice Awards
  • Screen Actors Guild Awards

Her success in Emilia Pérez cements her place in cinematic history and highlights the growing impact of diverse storytelling in Hollywood.

Other Notable Oscar Wins

In addition to Saldaña’s triumph, Kieran Culkin won the Best Supporting Actor award for his role in A Real Pain.

Indian Students Win Bronze at Global Best M-Gov Award 2025 for ‘AccessWay’ App

Three Indian computer science students from Maharaja Agrasen Institute of Technology, New Delhi, won the Bronze Award at the Global Best M-Gov Award 2025 on February 11, 2025, during the World Government Summit (WGS) in Dubai. The award recognizes innovative technological solutions that enhance mobile government services and social progress.

The winning team, comprising Sagar Teotia (team lead), Abhinav Mishra, and Anushka Singh, received a cash prize of $10,000 for their AI-powered application, ‘AccessWay’. The app integrates augmented reality (AR), artificial intelligence (AI), and crowdsourced data to provide accessible navigation, social connections, and emergency tools for individuals with disabilities. It features personalized route planning, real-time voice assistance, and community-driven mapping of accessible spaces, promoting social inclusion and accessibility.

Presented by Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President of the UAE, the award was part of a global competition with 3,500 entries from 74 countries. The M-Gov Award and GovTech Award, prestigious honors from the UAE government, aim to inspire students, researchers, and companies to develop sustainable, technology-driven solutions for global challenges.

Uttar Pradesh’s ‘Mahakumbh 2025’ Tableau Wins Best Award at Republic Day Parade

Uttar Pradesh’s tableau titled ‘Mahakumbh 2025 – Swarnim Bharat: Virasat aur Vikas’ won the best tableau award at the Republic Day Parade on January 26 at Kartavya Path, New Delhi.

Tripura’s tableau themed ‘Eternal Reverence: The worship of 14 Deities in Tripura – Kharchi Puja’ secured the second place.

Andhra Pradesh’s tableau depicting ‘Etikoppaka Bommalu – Eco-Friendly Wooden Toys’ won the third prize.

Ministry of Tribal Affairs‘ ‘Janjatiya Gaurav Varsh’ won the best tableau award among Central Ministries and Departments.

Jammu and Kashmir Rifles Contingent won the best marching contingent award among Services.

Delhi Police Marching Contingent won the award among CAPFs and other auxiliary forces.

Central Public Works Department and ‘Jayati Jai Mamah Bharatam’ Dance Group received the Special Prize for 75 years of the Constitution of India.

Gujarat won the best tableau award in the Popular Choice Category for ‘Swarnim Bharat: Virasat aur Vikas’.

Uttar Pradesh was the runner-up in the Popular Choice Category.

Uttarakhand’s tableau on ‘Cultural Heritage and Adventure Sports’ won the third spot in the Popular Choice Category.

Signals Contingent won the Best Marching Contingent award among Services in the Popular Choice Category.

CRPF Marching Contingent won the Best Marching Contingent award among CAPFs and other auxiliary forces in the Popular Choice Category.

Hariman Sharma, ‘The Apple Man of India,’ honoured with Padma Shri for Transforming Apple Cultivation in India

Hariman Sharma, a farmer from Himachal Pradesh, received the Padma Shri for his revolutionary contribution to Indian agriculture.

He developed HRMN-99, a self-pollinating, low-chilling apple variety, enabling apple cultivation in tropical and sub-tropical regions with temperatures up to 40-45°C.

The innovation expanded apple farming across 29 Indian states and Union Territories, improving accessibility and affordability.

Sharma’s journey began in 1998 when he planted discarded seeds, refining the variety by 2001 through grafting to produce up to 75 kg per plant annually.

Initially overlooked, the variety was validated by NIF in 2012 with trials by ICAR and Krishi Vigyan Kendras, benefiting farmers, especially in North-Eastern states.

Sharma has received multiple awards, including the National Award for Grassroots Innovation (2017) and National Innovative Farmer Award (2016), and represented India at the ASEAN Innovation Forum in 2023.

HRMN-99 is a symbol of grassroots innovation, transforming apple cultivation, empowering farmers, and contributing to food security in India.

76th Republic Day celebration at Kartavya Path in New Delhi

The 76th Republic Day celebration in India was a grand affair held at Kartavya Path in New Delhi on January 26, 2025. The event was graced by Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto as the Chief Guest.

The parade featured more than 18 marching contingents and 31 tableaux from various states and services, showcasing India’s rich cultural heritage and developmental achievements. The theme for this year’s celebration was “Swarnim Bharat: Virasat aur Vikas” (Golden India: Legacy and Progress).

Some highlights of the celebration included:

  • Best Tableau Award: Uttar Pradesh’s tableau depicting the Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj won the Best Tableau Award.
  • Best Contingent Award: The 61st Cavalry, led by Lieutenant Ahan Kumar, received the Best Contingent Award.
  • Best Para Military Contingent award: Border Security Force (BSF) Camel Contingent, led by Deputy Commandant Manohar Singh Kheechee
  • Spectacular Displays: The parade included mind-blowing stunts by daredevils and spectacular aerial formations by the Indian Air Force.
  • Cultural Performances: Over 5,000 artists performed, covering the entire Kartavya Path, showcasing India’s diverse cultural traditions.

The event concluded with the national anthem, leaving the audience in high spirits and a sense of national pride.

Padma Awards 2025

The Padma Awards 2025 list, announced by the central government and approved by President Droupadi Murmu, includes 139 awardees: 7 Padma Vibhushan, 19 Padma Bhushan, and 113 Padma Shri recipients. The list features one duo case, 23 women, 10 individuals from the Foreigners/NRI/PIO/OCI category, and 13 posthumous awards.

Notable awardees include Osamu Suzuki, former Suzuki Motors chief; ex-Maharashtra CM Manohar Joshi; BJP leader Sushil Modi; ex-CJI Jagdish Singh Khehar; Malayalam literary icon MT Vasudevan Nair; singers Arijit Singh and Pankaj Udhas; cricketer R. Ashwin; and hockey player PR Sreejesh.

Other honorees include Ram temple architect Chandrakant Sompura, Brazilian Hindu spiritual leader Jonas Masetti, Paralympian Harvinder Singh, and Kuwaiti yoga practitioner Shaikha A J Al Sabah. Several Padma Shri recipients include travel bloggers Hugh and Colleen Gantzer, gynecologist Dr. Neerja Bhatla, freedom fighter Libia Lobo Sardesai, and Dhak player Gokul Chandra Dey, who has broken gender barriers by training women in the traditionally male-dominated art.

The Padma Awards honor extraordinary contributions across diverse fields, such as art, literature, medicine, sports, science, public service, and social work, making them one of India’s highest civilian recognitions.

Full List of Padma Awardees are : https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2096285

Indian short film Anuja nominated for Best Short Film (Live Action) category at Oscars 2025

The Indian short film Anuja has been nominated in the Best Short Film (Live Action) category for the 2025 Oscars. Directed by Adam J. Graves and Suchitra Mattai, and produced by Guneet Monga, Priyanka Chopra, and Mindy Kaling, the film tells the story of a nine-year-old girl and her sister facing a life-changing opportunity that tests their bond.

Other nominated films in the same category include A Lien, The Last Ranger, I’m Not a Robot, and The Man Who Could Not Remain Silent. The 2025 Oscar nominations were announced by Bowen Yang and Rachel Sennott, after being postponed twice due to wildfires in Los Angeles.

India Secures 2nd Place in QS World Future Skills Index, January 2025 Release

India has secured the 2nd spot in the QS World Future Skills Index released in January 2025, highlighting its excellence in digital skills and readiness for future job markets, particularly in AI, digital technology, and green industries. Key findings include:

Second Place Ranking: India is just behind the United States in digital skills, showcasing an impressive global standing.

Future of Work: India ranks high in this indicator, signaling its preparedness to meet the demands of future job markets.

Academic and Industry Readiness: The report identifies areas for improvement, such as enhancing industry-academia collaboration and better alignment of educational outcomes with industry needs.

Economic Transformation: India’s start-up culture and GDP growth contribute to its strong performance.

Dr. Syed Anwar Khursheed awarded the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award 2025

Dr. Syed Anwar Khursheed, a renowned Indian physician in Saudi Arabia, has been awarded the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award 2025. This prestigious honor recognizes his outstanding contributions to healthcare, community welfare, and fostering India-Saudi Arabia relations.

With over 45 years of medical experience, Dr. Khursheed has been instrumental during the COVID-19 pandemic, supported Indian pilgrims during Hajj, and founded the International Indian School in Taif.

His dedication to the Indian diaspora and his efforts in education and community development have made a significant impact, earning him this highest recognition for overseas Indians.

President Murmu Awards Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar to 17 Exceptional Children

President Droupadi Murmu conferred the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar on 17 children in New Delhi on 26 December 2024.

Categories: The children were recognized for their achievements in Art and Culture, Bravery, Innovation, Science and Technology, Social Service, Sports, and Environment.

Awards: Each awardee received a medal, a certificate, and a citation booklet.

States and UTs: The awardees hailed from 14 states and union territories.

Veer Bal Diwas Tribute: President Murmu paid homage to the bravery and sacrifice of the Sahibzadas on Veer Bal Diwas, honoring the younger sons of the tenth Sikh Guru, Guru Gobind Singh.

Prime Minister’s Interaction: Prime Minister Narendra Modi interacted with the awardees.

PM Modi Honoured with Kuwait’s Highest Civilian Award, “The Order of Mubarak Al Kabeer”

Prime Minister Narendra Modi was awarded Kuwait’s highest civilian honor, The Order of Mubarak Al Kabeer, by Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al Sabah, the Amir of Kuwait, during his state visit on 22nd December 2024.

Significance: The award symbolizes the enduring partnership between India and Kuwait.

Bilateral Talks: PM Modi held talks with the Amir, focusing on strengthening India-Kuwait relations, which have now been elevated to a Strategic Partnership.

Historical Context: This is the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Kuwait in 43 years.

Easterine Kire Wins Sahitya Akademi Award 2024 for ‘Spirit Nights’ in English Category

Easterine Kire: Noted author from Nagaland, Easterine Kire, has been selected for the Sahitya Akademi Award 2024 in the English language category.

Award for Spirit Nights: Kire’s novel, Spirit Nights, published by Simon and Schuster India, won the award in the English language category. The novel is inspired by a story from the Chang Naga tribe of Nagaland.

Annual Sahitya Akademi Awards: The awards were announced in 21 languages on 18 December 2024.

Other Awardees from the North East:

  • Sameer Tanti: Awarded for Pharingbore Bator Katha Jane in the Assamese language.
  • Haobam Satyabati Devi: Awarded for Mainu Bora Nungshi Sheirol in the Manipuri language under the Poetry category.
  • Aron Raja: Awarded for Swrni Thakhai in the Bodo language under the Novel category.

Award Ceremony: The awardees will receive a casket containing an engraved copper plaque, a shawl, and a cash prize of one lakh rupees. The ceremony will be held on 8th March 2025 in Delhi.

Q.: Who won the Sahitya Akademi Award 2024 for the English language category?

a) Arundhati Roy
b) Jhumpa Lahiri
c) Easterine Kire
d) Chetan Bhagat

Answer: c) Easterine Kire

Hindi writer Suryabala awarded the 34th Vyas Samman 2024 for novel Kaun Des Ko Vasi: Venu Ki Diary

Noted Hindi writer Suryabala has been awarded the 34th Vyas Samman 2024 for her novel Kaun Des Ko Vasi: Venu Ki Diary, published in 2018. The award, instituted by the KK Birla Foundation in 1991, honors outstanding Hindi literary works published in the last 10 years. It includes a ₹4 lakh cash prize, a citation, and a plaque. The selection was made by a committee chaired by eminent litterateur Prof. Ramji Tiwari.

Suryabala, born in Varanasi in 1943, holds an MA and a PhD in Hindi literature from Kashi Vishwavidyalaya. Over her decades-long career, she has written over 50 books, including novels, biographies, and children’s literature, with many adapted into TV serials. Her works often focus on social issues.

Kaun Des Ko Vasi: Venu Ki Diary explores the struggles of Indian youth migrating to America, addressing cultural conflicts, spiritual alienation, and disconnection from their roots. The novel is an authentic reflection of the challenges faced by overseas Indians, blending personal experiences and cultural insights.

President Droupadi Murmu Presents National Panchayat Awards 2024

On December 11, 2024, the President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu, presented the National Panchayat Awards 2024 at Vigyan Bhawan in New Delhi. The event honored 45 exceptional Panchayats for their outstanding contributions to sustainable and inclusive development in rural India.

The awards recognized the efforts of these Panchayats in areas such as poverty alleviation, health, water conservation, sanitation, and climate sustainability. The President emphasized the importance of village development and empowerment in making India a developed nation. She congratulated the winners and expressed confidence that this recognition would inspire other Panchayats to adopt best practices for inclusive growth.

The National Panchayat Awards, revamped in 2022 to align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), celebrated the role of Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) in driving grassroots development. The awards were presented across various categories, including the Deen Dayal Upadhyay Panchayat Satat Vikas Puraskar and the Nanaji Deshmukh Sarvottam Panchayat Satat Vikas Puraskar.

The event was attended by Union Minister of Panchayati Raj, Shri Rajiv Ranjan Singh alias Lalan Singh, and other dignitaries. A booklet titled “Best Practices on Works of Awardee Panchayats” was also unveiled, documenting the innovative practices implemented by the award-winning Panchayats.

Payal Kapadia: First Indian Nominee for Best Director at Golden Globes Awards

Filmmaker Payal Kapadia has made history as the first Indian director nominated for Best Director (Motion Picture) at the 82nd Golden Globe Awards for her film All We Imagine As Light. The film has also been nominated for Best Motion Picture – (Non-English Language).

An Indo-French co-production, the film stars Kani Kusruti, Divya Prabha, and Hridhu Haroon, portraying the struggles of two women during a transformative trip to a beach town. It previously won the Grand Prix at the Cannes Film Festival, becoming the first Indian film in the competition section in 30 years.

The film has also earned accolades like Best International Film at the New York Film Critics Circle and Best International Feature at the Gotham Awards 2024.

The Golden Globe nominees for Best Director include renowned filmmakers like Jacques Audiard (Emilia Perez) and Sean Baker (Anora). The 82nd Golden Globe Awards will be held on January 6, 2025.

Saule Biluvaite’s Film ‘Toxic’ Wins Golden Peacock Award at 55th IFFI 2024

The  closing ceremony of 55th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) 2024, was held on 28 November in Panaji, Goa. Saule Biluvaite’s Toxic won the prestigious Golden Peacock Award, receiving a ₹40 lakh cash prize, a trophy, and a certificate.

Clement Faveau won Best Actor Male, while Vesta Matulyte and Leva Repuikaite shared the Best Actor Female award for their performances in Toxic.

In the Indian section, Navjot Bandiwadekar was honored as Best Debut Director for Gharat Ganpati, and Lampan received the Best Web Series OTT award. Vikrant Massey was celebrated as the Indian Film Personality of the Year.

The ceremony featured cultural performances by Mame Khan and Amaal Malik and was attended by dignitaries like Goa CM Dr. Pramod Sawant, I&B Secretary Sanjay Jaju, and Bollywood icons such as Madhur Bhandarkar, Rashmika Mandanna, and Jayaprada.

PM Modi conferred with the Dominica Award of Honour, the highest national award of the Commonwealth of Dominica

On 20 November 2024, Prime Minister Narendra Modi was conferred with the Dominica Award of Honour, the highest national award of the Commonwealth of Dominica. President Sylvanie Burton presented the award in recognition of PM Modi’s contributions during the COVID-19 pandemic and his efforts to strengthen ties between India and Dominica.

PM Modi dedicated the award to the 140 crore people of India, highlighting their values and traditions. He emphasized the strong partnership between the two democracies and their role as models of women’s empowerment.

Nigeria honours PM Modi with Grand Commander of The Order of the Niger award

On November 17, 2024, Prime Minister Narendra Modi was honored with Nigeria’s ‘Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger’ award. In his speech, he humbly dedicated the award to the people of India.

He announced India’s support for Nigeria with 20 tonnes of humanitarian aid for flood relief and congratulated Nigeria on becoming a BRICS partner country. Modi expressed confidence in India and Nigeria collaborating to address issues of the Global South.

Several MoUs were signed in the presence of Modi and Nigerian President Bola Tinubu. Earlier, PM Modi was accorded a ceremonial welcome at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.

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