General Awareness

AWARDS AND HONOURS - March 2019

Mar 2019

Nov 05, 2026

Nirmala Sitharaman releases ₹250 coin for Dikshitar anniversary

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman released a ₹250 commemorative coin on 3 November 2026 to mark the 250th birth anniversary of Carnatic composer Muthuswami Dikshitar. The event, held at Swatantrata Bhavan, IIT-BHU, Varanasi, saw the limited edition coin minted by the India Government Mint in Mumbai and offered for ₹6,985. The 35-gram coin comprises 50% silver, 40% copper, 5% nickel and 5% zinc. Alongside the coin, Sitharaman unveiled Amara Guruguham Potruvam, a book detailing Dikshitar’s life, philosophy and musical contributions. Dikshitar is renowned as a member of the Carnatic Music Trinity, blending devotion, philosophy and classical music in Sanskrit compositions.

Coin denomination: ₹250; limited edition, not for general circulation.
Composition: 50% silver, 40% copper, 5% nickel, 5% zinc.
Mint: India Government Mint, Mumbai.
Price: ₹6,985 on the Mint’s website.
Book launch: Amara Guruguham Potruvam on Dikshitar’s life and work.

Alexander: God, King, Man wins Baillie Gifford Prize for Nonfiction

Edmund Richardson’s Alexander: God, King, Man won the Baillie Gifford Prize for Nonfiction on 4 November 2026, receiving £50,000 (about US$67,000). The London ceremony recognised Richardson, a Durham University classics professor, for decades of research into Alexander the Great’s life and translations from twelve languages. Chair Kirsty Lang praised the work as immersive and groundbreaking in archaeology and source analysis. The prize, first awarded in 1999, selected Richardson’s biography from over 350 entries, defeating five shortlisted books. Other contenders included London Falling, Baldwin: A Love Story, The Great Dictator, Days of Love and Rage, and The Traveler.

Baillie Gifford Prize 2026 winner: Alexander: God, King, Man by Edmund Richardson.
Prize: £50,000; ceremony in London; date 4 November 2026.
Richardson’s research spans 12 ancient languages and decades of study.
Judges described the work as immersive and novel in insight.
Competition included prominent nonfiction titles from diverse fields.

Nov 03, 2026

Prashant Chaudhary wins Rohini Nayyar Prize for Rural Development

Prashant Chaudhary, founder of CodeYogi Foundation, has won the Rohini Nayyar Prize for Outstanding Contribution to Rural Development (November 2026). His organisation has impacted over 3.5 lakh students across 9 states and 120 districts by delivering smartphone‑based tech education in Indian languages. Chaudhary plans to donate the prize money to the foundation. The foundation offers a 30‑day AI fluency course teaching practical tools and concepts, aiming to remove barriers to tech learning by leveraging mobile devices rather than computer labs or English lessons. The award recognises leadership in expanding digital access for rural students.

Chaudhary wins Rohini Nayyar Prize in November 2026.
CodeYogi Foundation reached 3.5 lakh students across 9 states.
Smartphone‑based AI education in Indian languages employed.
Prize money donated to the foundation’s programs.
30‑day AI course focuses on practical skills for rural learners.

Nov 02, 2026

Prashant Chaudhary wins Rohini Nayyar Prize 2026

Technology educator Prashant Chaudhary, founder of the CodeYogi Foundation, received the fifth Rohini Nayyar Prize for Outstanding Contribution to Rural Development on 31 October 2026 in New Delhi. The award, presented by Amitabh Kant, former NITI Aayog CEO, carries ₹10 lakh, a citation, and a trophy. Chaudhary was recognised for extending coding, artificial intelligence, and technology education to rural students through smartphones, helping bridge the digital divide. Instituted in 2022 in memory of economist Rohini Nayyar, the prize recognises rural development and inclusive innovation, highlighting how digital literacy can empower communities and advance India’s inclusive-growth objectives.

Date: 31 October 2026; prize presentation in New Delhi.
Recipient: Prashant Chaudhary, CodeYogi Foundation founder.
Prize: Rohini Nayyar Prize with ₹10 lakh, citation, trophy.
Contribution: coding and AI education for rural students via smartphones.
Significance: promotes rural development and inclusive innovation.

Oct 31, 2026

Dhurandhar wins Best Picture at 26th IIFA Awards 2026

Dhurandhar won Best Picture at the 26th International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) Awards held in October 2026. Directed by Aditya Dhar, the film dominated the ceremony with 12 wins across both popular and technical categories. Lead actor Ranveer Singh earned the Best Actor (Leading Role) honour, while Dhar himself was named Best Director. The film also collected awards for original story, screenplay, cinematography, editing, music direction and sound design. The IIFA celebration recognised Dhurandhar’s production values and performances, reflecting India’s growing strength in cinema. Cast and crew praised the collective effort that contributed to the film’s success, as fans followed the live coverage across multiple platforms.

Dhurandhar won Best Picture at the 26th IIFA Awards in October 2026.
The film achieved 12 wins across popular and technical categories.
Ranveer Singh won Best Actor (Leading Role).
Aditya Dhar won Best Director.
Awards also for original story, screenplay, cinematography, editing, music direction and sound design.

Oct 29, 2026

Mumbai to Host Earthshot Prize 2026

Mumbai will host the Earthshot Prize ceremony on 16–17 November 2026, marking the first time India hosts the event. Established in 2020 by Prince William, Earthshot recognises innovative environmental solutions. Five winners will each receive £1 million to develop and scale projects addressing climate change, air quality, oceans, waste, and nature protection. The 2026 edition highlights India’s growing role in sustainability and provides a global platform for Indian innovators. Organisers anticipate participation from finalists, winners, and supporters spanning business, government, and civil society, with the ceremony broadcast to audiences worldwide from Mumbai.

Earthshot Prize ceremony in Mumbai on 16–17 November 2026
First Earthshot event hosted in India
Five winners to receive £1 million each
Winners focus on climate, air, oceans, waste, nature
Event underscores India’s role in sustainability

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