Awards and Honors

2025 Nobel Prize in Economics Awarded for Work on Innovation and Creative Destruction

Joel Mokyr, Philippe Aghion, and Peter Howitt won the 2025 Nobel Prize in Economic Sciences for explaining how innovation and “creative destruction” drive long-term economic growth.

Their research shows that new technologies replace old ones, improving living standards but also requiring continuous innovation to avoid stagnation.

  • Mokyr (Northwestern University) studied historical factors behind technological progress.
  • Aghion (Collège de France, INSEAD, LSE) and Howitt (Brown University) built a model showing how innovation fuels growth.

Aghion urged Europe to balance competition and industrial policy, learning from the U.S. and China.
The prize, worth 11 million Swedish crowns ($1.2 million), was the final Nobel of 2025.

Maria Corina Machado Wins 2025 Nobel Peace Prize

On 10 October 2025, Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for her unwavering commitment to promoting democracy and leading a peaceful transition from dictatorship in Venezuela. The Norwegian Nobel Committee praised her for keeping the spirit of democratic resistance alive despite political persecution and threats.

Machado, founder of the electoral watchdog Súmate and a former member of Venezuela’s National Assembly, has been a central figure in organizing peaceful protests and advocating for civil liberties. Her recognition highlights the global importance of non-violent activism and democratic resilience in the face of authoritarianism.

The award ceremony will take place on 10 December 2025 in Oslo, Norway.

Hungarian Writer László Krasznahorkai Wins 2025 Nobel Prize in Literature

Hungarian author László Krasznahorkai has been awarded the 2025 Nobel Prize in Literature for his “compelling and visionary works that reaffirm the power of art amid apocalyptic terror.”

Born in Gyula, Hungary (1954), Krasznahorkai is celebrated for his long, philosophical, and complex prose, often exploring despair, chaos, and the search for meaning.

His major works include:

  • Satantango (1985)
  • The Melancholy of Resistance (1989)
  • War and War (1999)
  • Seiobo There Below (2008)
  • Baron Wenckheim’s Homecoming (2016)

Nobel Prize in Chemistry 2025 – Awarded for Developing Metal-Organic Frameworks (MOFs)

On October 8, 2025, the Nobel Prize in Chemistry 2025 was awarded to Susumu Kitagawa (Japan), Richard Robson (Australia), and Omar M. Yaghi (United States) for their pioneering development of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) — molecular structures with large internal spaces that allow gases and chemicals to pass through.

Their discovery has revolutionized materials science, enabling applications in gas storage, catalysis, and environmental purification. Each laureate will receive an equal share of the 11 million Swedish kronor prize.

Nobel Prize in Physics 2025 – Quantum Physics on a Chip

On 7 October 2025, American scientists John Clarke, Michel Devoret, and John Martinis won the 2025 Nobel Prize in Physics for their pioneering experiments demonstrating quantum physics on a chip.

Their work proved that quantum effects like tunnelling and energy quantisation can occur in macroscopic electrical circuits, advancing the development of quantum computers, sensors, and cryptography.

The Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences awarded them 11 million Swedish kronor, recognizing their contribution as a major milestone in modern quantum technology and physics research.

Mary Brunkow, Fred Ramsdell, and Shimon Sakaguchi Win 2025 Nobel Prize in Medicine for Discovery of Regulatory T Cells

The 2025 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine has been awarded to Mary E. Brunkow, Fred Ramsdell (both from the USA), and Shimon Sakaguchi (Japan) for their groundbreaking discovery on peripheral immune tolerance.

The Nobel Committee announced the award on 6th October 2025 in Stockholm, Sweden, recognizing the trio for identifying regulatory T cells (Tregs) — crucial immune components that prevent the immune system from attacking the body’s own tissues. Their discovery has opened new pathways for treating autoimmune diseases, cancer, and improving organ transplantation outcomes.

The prize, worth 11 million Swedish kronor, will be shared equally among the three laureates.

  • Mary E. Brunkow (b. 1961) – Ph.D. from Princeton University; Senior Programme Manager at the Institute for Systems Biology, Seattle.
  • Fred Ramsdell (b. 1960) – Ph.D. from the University of California, Los Angeles; Scientific Advisor at Sonoma Biotherapeutics, San Francisco.
  • Shimon Sakaguchi (b. 1951) – M.D. (1976) and Ph.D. (1983) from Kyoto University; Distinguished Professor at Osaka University, Japan.

Their pioneering work has revolutionized immunology and influenced clinical trials and therapeutic innovations worldwide.

(Note: The 2024 Nobel Prize in Medicine was awarded to Victor Ambros and Gary Ruvkun for discovering microRNA and its role in gene regulation.)

India Wins ISSA Award 2025 for Outstanding Achievement in Social Security

On 1 October 2025, India was honoured with the International Social Security Association (ISSA) Award 2025 for Outstanding Achievement in Social Security at the World Social Security Forum (WSSF) 2025 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The award recognised the Modi government’s success in expanding social protection coverage from 19% in 2015 to 64.3% in 2025, benefiting over 940 million citizens.

Union Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya received the award on behalf of India, crediting Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of Antyodaya. India now holds the highest representation (30 seats) in the ISSA General Assembly.

Key initiatives highlighted include the e-Shram portal (database of 310 million unorganised workers), the National Career Service (NCS) portal, and contributions of EPFO and ESIC in providing pension, healthcare, and insurance benefits.

71st National Film Awards 2023

On 23 September 2025, President Droupadi Murmu presented the 71st National Film Awards for the year 2023 in New Delhi.

  • Dadasaheb Phalke Award: Mohanlal (for his legendary contribution to Indian cinema).
  • Best Feature Film: 12th Fail (Hindi).
  • Best Hindi Feature Film: Kathal: A Jackfruit Mystery.
  • Best Actor: Shah Rukh Khan (Jawan) and Vikrant Massey (12th Fail).
  • Best Actress: Rani Mukerji (Mrs. Chatterjee vs. Norway).
  • Best Director: Sudipto Sen (The Kerala Story).
  • Best Popular Film: Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani.
  • Best Female Playback Singer: Shilpa Rao (Jawan).
  • Best Male Playback Singer: PVNS Rohit (Baby – Telugu).
  • Best Non-Feature Film: Mau: The Spirit Dreams of Cheraw (Mizo).

Malayalam superstar Mohanlal Honoured with Dadasaheb Phalke Award 2023

Malayalam superstar Mohanlal received the Dadasaheb Phalke Award 2023, India’s highest cinematic honour, at the 71st National Film Awards on 23 September 2025. With a career spanning over 400 films across multiple languages, he is celebrated for iconic roles in Kireedam, Bharatham, Manichithrathazhu, Vanaprastham, and Drishyam.

A five-time National Award winner and recipient of the Padma Shri (2001) and Padma Bhushan (2019), Mohanlal is admired for his versatility and cultural impact. Leaders and celebrities, including PM Narendra Modi and Amitabh Bachchan, hailed the award as a fitting tribute to his unmatched contribution to Indian cinema.

Ramon Magsaysay Award 2025 – Educate Girls (India)

The Indian NGO Foundation to Educate Girls Globally (popularly Educate Girls) has been named a 2025 Ramon Magsaysay Awardee, often called Asia’s Nobel Prize.

Founded in 2007 by Safeena Husain in Rajasthan, the organisation focuses on mobilising communities and government resources to ensure girls’ education in rural and disadvantaged areas.

Educate Girls is the first Indian organisation to win this award.

The 67th Ramon Magsaysay Award will be presented on 7 November 2025 at the Metropolitan Theatre, Manila.

M.S. Swaminathan Centenary Conference: Honouring the Father of India’s Green Revolution

The M.S. Swaminathan Centenary International Conference 2025 was held from August 7–9, 2025, at ICAR-PUSA, New Delhi with the theme “Evergreen Revolution – The Pathway to Biohappiness.”

The event marked the birth centenary of Prof. M.S. Swaminathan, known as the Father of India’s Green Revolution, and celebrated his vision for sustainable agriculture, food security, and social equity.

👨‍🔬 Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the event, released a commemorative coin and stamp, and launched the M.S. Swaminathan Award for Food and Peace.

🌍 The conference featured global participation, focusing on:

  • Climate-resilient, nutrition-sensitive farming
  • Biodiversity conservation
  • Biohappiness – linking ecology with human well-being
  • Youth and women’s role in agriculture

🏆 The first Swaminathan Award was conferred on Prof. Adenle of Nigeria for work with marginalized communities.

The event emphasized a shift from food security to nutritional security, highlighting millets, soil health, and community seed banks as future priorities.

India Shines at 66th International Mathematical Olympiad (IMO) 2025

India won 3 gold, 2 silver, and 1 bronze medals at the 66th IMO, held in Sunshine Coast, Australia in July 2025. This marks one of India’s strongest performances at the IMO since its debut in 1989.

🏅 Medal Winners:

  • Gold:
    • Kanav Talwar (Delhi)
    • Arav Gupta (Delhi)
    • Aditya Mangudi (Maharashtra)
  • Silver:
    • Abel George Mathew (Karnataka)
    • Adish Jain (Delhi)
  • Bronze:
    • Archit Manas (Delhi)

🌍 Global Impact:

  • Total Participants: 630 students (including 69 girls)
  • India’s Rank: 7th globally
  • Total Score: 193 out of 252 — India’s highest-ever score
  • This is the second time since 1998 India won three gold medals
  • India has now won 23 golds since 1989, with 12 golds from 2019–2025

Indore Declared India’s Cleanest City for 8th Time in a Row

At the Swachh Survekshan 2024–25 Awards held on 17 July 2025, Indore was once again crowned India’s cleanest city, marking its eighth consecutive win. Surat and Navi Mumbai followed in second and third positions, respectively.

President Droupadi Murmu conferred the awards at a ceremony in New Delhi, highlighting cleanliness as a key element of the Viksit Bharat 2047 vision and India’s cultural values.

🏆 Key Highlights:

  • Top 3 Cleanest Cities (Overall):
    1. Indore
    2. Surat
    3. Navi Mumbai
  • Cities with Population Over 10 Lakh:
    🥇 Ahmedabad ranked first
  • Cities with Population Between 3–10 Lakh:
    🥇 Noida
    🥈 Chandigarh
    🥉 Mysore
  • A total of 78 awards were distributed across four categories, including:
    • Super Swachh League Cities
    • Top three cleanest cities in five different population categories

PM Modi Conferred Brazil’s Highest Civilian Honour

On 8 July 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi was conferred Brazil’s highest civilian award, the Grand Collar of the National Order of the Southern Cross, by President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva in Brasilia.

PM Modi thanked Brazil’s government and citizens, calling the honour a tribute to India’s 1.4 billion people and the India–Brazil friendship.

He acknowledged President Lula’s role in founding the India–Brazil Strategic Partnership and said the award would further inspire the people of both nations to strengthen their ties.

This is PM Modi’s 26th international honour, and the third award on his current five-nation diplomatic tour that began on July 2.

PM Modi Conferred with Trinidad and Tobago’s Highest Civilian Honour

Prime Minister Narendra Modi was conferred with ‘The Order of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago’ — the country’s highest civilian award — on 4 July 2025 by President Christine Carla Kangaloo.

He became the first foreign leader to receive this honour, recognizing his statesmanship, support for the Global South, and efforts to strengthen India–Trinidad and Tobago ties.

QS World University Rankings 2026: IIT Delhi Tops Among Indian Institutes

The QS World University Rankings 2026 have been released, evaluating over 1,500 institutions from 106 countries, highlighting a dynamic shift in global academic leadership.

🌍 Top 3 Global Universities:

  1. Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) – Retains #1 for the 14th consecutive year.
  2. Imperial College London – Maintains the 2nd position.
  3. Stanford University – Jumps from 6th to 3rd, with notable gains in sustainability and international faculty.

🇮🇳 India’s Top Performers:

  • IIT Delhi – Now ranked 123, improved from 150.
  • IIT Madras – Climbs to 180 from 227.
  • IIT Kanpur – Rises to 222 from 263.
  • University of Delhi – Holds steady at 328.

🔹 41% of Indian institutions improved their global rankings.

🔍 Global Trends:

  • Sunway University (Malaysia) saw the largest jump: +129 positions.
  • Adelaide University (Australia) debuted at 82nd after a strategic merger.
  • Key ranking factors include sustainability, research impact, and international diversity.

These rankings reflect the evolving priorities in global higher education, emphasizing innovation, inclusivity, and environmental responsibility.

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.

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