To recognise professionals delivering excellence in National Highway development, the sixth edition of 'National Highways Excellence Awards 2023' (NHEA 2023) were held at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi. Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari along with Harsh Malhotra, Minister of State and Dr V.K. Saraswat, Member, NITI Aayog; senior officials from MoRTH, NHAI and other stakeholders were present on the occasion.
NHEA 2023 commemorated various officials and concessionaire/contractors for their innovation and exceptional performance. Out of total 125 nominations, 22 entries were shortlisted by the jury through multiple assessment rounds and five awards for outstanding projects were awarded in different categories. In the 'Excellence in Project Management (PPP) category, the winner H.G. Infra Engineering Ltd was conferred with the Silver Award for the project Ateli Mandi to Narnaul section of NH-11 & Narnaul Bypass as an economic corridor in Haryana. Under the 'Excellence in Project Management (EPC)' category, Bhartia Infra Projects was awarded the Silver Award for Hakanjuri to Khonsa section of NH-315A in Arunachal Pradesh. The 'Excellence in Operation & Maintenance (Flexible)' category had Nanguneri Kanyakumari Tollway Pvt Ltd being bestowed with the Gold Award for Madurai to Kanyakumari of NH-7 Package 4 in Tamil Nadu. In the Green Highways category, Ashoka Buildcon Ltd won the Gold award for Kandi to Ramsanpalle section of NH-161 in Telangana and Deccan Tollways Ltd won the Silver Award for Maharashtra-Karnataka border to Sangareddy section of NH-65 in Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh.
Meghalaya Honoured with Two UIDAI Awards for Excellence in Aadhaar Implementation
Meghalaya was recognised by the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) as the best-performing state in two categories: mandatory biometric updates of children and verification of adult Aadhaar enrolment. The awards were presented in New Delhi. Shai Kupar War, Aadhaar nodal officer from the General Administration Department, received the awards on behalf of the state. This recognition highlights Meghalaya's commitment to effective Aadhaar rollout, even amidst resistance from protest groups like the Awaken India Movement, which questions the necessity of mandatory Aadhaar linkage for accessing welfare benefits.
Apr 15, 2025
P. Sivakami Honoured with Verchol Dalit Literary Award 2025
Acclaimed writer, retired IAS officer, and social activist P. Sivakami was awarded the Verchol Dalit Literary Award by the Neelam Cultural Centre, founded by filmmaker Pa. Ranjith. The award ceremony, held in Chennai, also included a cash prize of Rs. 1 lakh. The event was not only a celebration of literary excellence but also a powerful reaffirmation of Dalit identity, intellectual agency, and the space for social transformation through literature.
James Anderson Awarded Knighthood Honour
Former England fast bowler James Anderson was awarded a knighthood for his services to Cricket as part of former British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's resignation honours list. Anderson was the only sportsperson who made it to the list.
The English seamer retired from Test cricket in 2024 with 704 wickets, making him England's all-time leading wicket-taker the format.
The Prime Minister's Resignation Honours are honours granted at the behest of an outgoing UK Prime Minister following his resignation. In such a list, a Prime Minister may request the reigning monarch to grant peerages, knighthoods, damehoods or other awards in the British honours system to any number of people.
Apr 14, 2025
Dr. Ambrish Mithal Honoured with the Prestigious IOF 2025 CSA Medal of Achievement
Dr. Ambrish Mithal, a renowned Indian endocrinologist, was honoured with the 2025 Committee of Scientific Advisors (CSA) Medal of Achievement by the International Osteoporosis Foundation (IOF) for his exceptional contributions to osteoporosis research. The award was presented to Dr. Mithal at the World Congress on Osteoporosis, Osteoarthritis & Musculoskeletal Diseases (WCO-IOF-ESCEO 2025) held in Rome, Italy. Dr. Mithal's pioneering work in the field of endocrinology and osteoporosis has greatly advanced the understanding and treatment of the disease, particularly in India.
The award was presented by Professor Eugene McCloskey, Chair of the CSA, at the World Congress held in Rome.
Dr. Mithal established India's first bone density measurement service in 1996, which marked a major advancement in diagnosing and treating osteoporosis in India.
Aamir Khan Honoured at Macau Comedy Festival 2025
Bollywood icon Aamir Khan made headlines with his presence at the Macau International Comedy Festival 2025 held in China, where he was honoured with the 'Master Humor Award'. Widely loved in China and affectionately known as 'Uncle Mi', Aamir's appearance drew widespread attention, reflecting the strong cross-cultural influence of his films in the Chinese market.
Apr 12, 2025
UP Police Investigation Portal Wins SKOCH Award for Excellence in Police & Safety
In recognition of technological advancement in law enforcement, the Uttar Pradesh Police's 'Investigation, Prosecution and Conviction Portal' received the prestigious SKOCH Award at the national level in the "Police & Safety" category. The award celebrates the UP Police's effort to modernise and streamline the investigation process using digital infrastructure. The portal, developed by the Technical Services Unit of the police department, plays a key role in tracking serious crimes, ensuring faster investigations, timely filing of chargesheets, and enhancing court trial efficiency.
Apr 08, 2025
Synergy Marine Group Founder Gets National Maritime Varuna Award
Synergy Marine Group's founder Rajesh Unni was awarded the National Maritime Varuna Award, which is India's highest individual recognition in the maritime sector.
Director General of Shipping (DGS) Shyam Jagannathan presented the award in Mumbai during the 62nd National Maritime Day celebrations.
The National Maritime Varuna Award, given by DGS, recognises sustained and extraordinary contributions that have significantly shaped the country's maritime landscape.