General Awareness

AWARDS AND HONOURS - March 2020

Mar 2020

Aug 05, 2026

Annapurni Subramaniam wins COSPAR Vikram Sarabhai Medal 2026, first Indian woman recipient

Annapurni Subramaniam, Director of the Indian Institute of Astrophysics in Bengaluru, has become the first Indian woman scientist to receive the COSPAR Vikram Sarabhai Medal in 2026. The award recognises her significant contributions to space research, including studies on stellar populations, blue straggler stars, and observations from AstroSat’s UVIT instrument. Subramaniam is the fourth Indian to receive this honour, highlighting India’s rising role in space science. The COSPAR medal underscores long-term astronomical research and the growing involvement of Indian researchers in international space programs, reflecting ongoing collaboration between Indian institutions and global space agencies.

Recipient: Annapurni Subramaniam, Director, IIA Bengaluru.
First Indian woman to receive Vikram Sarabhai Medal (2026).
Research focus: stellar populations, blue stragglers, AstroSat UVIT data.
Fourth Indian awarded the honour overall.
Significance: strengthens India’s space research profile.

Aug 04, 2026

Meena Bindra Tops Candere Hurun India Women Leaders List 2026

Meena Bindra, founder of BIBA, topped the 2026 Candere Hurun India Women Leaders List. The list recognised 117 self-made women leaders across twelve categories, highlighting leadership across business, technology, and social impact. Mumbai emerged as the city with the highest representation, followed by New Delhi. Bindra’s position reflects ongoing growth in women-led entrepreneurship and brand-building in India. The award underscores the role of women leaders in shaping consumer sectors, fashion, and inclusive business strategies. The Candere Hurun list aims to spotlight diverse leadership, promote mentorship, and encourage more women to scale enterprises in a competitive market. Experts noted increased funding and favorable policies supporting women-owned startups.

Meena Bindra topped the 2026 Candere Hurun India Women Leaders List.
117 self-made leaders recognized across 12 categories.
Mumbai had the highest representation, followed by New Delhi.
Highlights growth of women-led entrepreneurship in India.
Encourages mentorship and female leadership in business.

Jul 24, 2026

Ajit Doval named Lokmanya Tilak National Award 2026; ceremony Aug 1

National Security Adviser Ajit Doval has been selected for the Lokmanya Tilak National Award 2026 in recognition of his contributions to national security and counter-terrorism. The Tilak Smarak Trust announced the honor on 20 July 2026, with the ceremony scheduled in Pune on 1 August 2026, marking Lokmanya Tilak’s death anniversary. Union Home Minister Amit Shah will present the award, which includes a memento, a citation, and ₹1 lakh in cash. The award celebrates lifetime contributions to national security, aligning with ongoing policy emphasis on safeguarding internal stability and regional security in India.

Award recipient: Ajit Doval, National Security Advisor
Award name: Lokmanya Tilak National Award 2026
Announcement date: 20 July 2026
Ceremony: Pune, 1 August 2026
Presenter: Union Home Minister Amit Shah
Prize: memento, citation, ₹1 lakh

Jul 20, 2026

72nd National Film Awards: expanded honours and industry impact

New details from the 72nd National Film Awards show broad recognition beyond Best Feature Film. The ceremony, held in New Delhi on 18 July 2026, praised acting performances and technical crafts across feature and non-feature cinema, and acknowledged exceptional writing for screen. The event celebrated regional industries and new voices, underlining cinema's cultural and artistic impact. Observers note the awards’ role in guiding industry standards and inspiring emerging filmmakers, while highlighting the country’s diverse storytelling traditions. The ceremony reinforces India’s status as a major national film powerhouse.

Date and location: 18 July 2026, New Delhi
Expanded honours beyond Best Feature Film
Categories: acting, technical craft, writing
Recognition for regional cinema and new voices
Impact: industry standards and inspiration for filmmakers

72nd National Film Awards announced; Article 370 wins Best Feature Film

The 72nd National Film Awards were announced on 18 July 2026 in New Delhi. The awards recognize cinema certified in 2024 and honour excellence across feature films, non-feature films, and cinema writing. Article 370 won the Best Feature Film award. The ceremony highlighted notable performances and technical achievements in Indian cinema, including areas such as cinematography, editing, and sound design. The National Film Awards are among the country’s highest honours for filmmakers, reflecting India’s diverse film landscape and creative talent. The event also celebrated regional cinema and new voices contributing to Indian cinema’s growth.

Date of announcement: 18 July 2026
Best Feature Film: Article 370
Categories honoured: feature, non-feature, writing
Emphasis on performances and technical craft
Highest national honours for filmmaking

Jul 15, 2026

R. Vairamuthu Receives 60th Jnanpith Award

Renowned Tamil poet and lyricist R. Vairamuthu was conferred the 60th Jnanpith Award for 2025 in July 2026. The award recognises his extensive contributions to Indian literature through poetry, songs, and prolific writing. He has penned thousands of film songs and works such as Kallikaattu Ithigaasam, earning him the nation's highest literary honour. He becomes the third Tamil writer to receive the Jnanpith, joining predecessors in the 1980s and 1990s. The award ceremony highlighted his impact on modern Tamil literature and the interplay between poetry and cinema. Officials noted the award carries cultural significance for language and regional poetry.

Award: 60th Jnanpith (2025)
Recipient: R. Vairamuthu, Tamil poet
Notable works: Kallikaattu Ithigaasam
Tamil representation: third Tamil writer to win
Cultural significance: language and regional poetry

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