Pakistani-born author Mahreen Sohail wins 2026 PEN/Faulkner Award for Small Scale Sinners
The PEN/Faulkner Award for fiction has been awarded to Mahreen Sohail for her debut collection, Small Scale Sinners. The stories move from a college campus to a training camp for child soldiers, and they probe desire, rage, love and loss across a wide spectrum of lives. The PEN/Faulkner Awards Committee Chair Lauren Francis-Sharma praised the volume for its sharp, striking prose and its ability to illuminate nearly every facet of humanity within a compact book. Sohail, born in Pakistan and now living in Washington, D.C., said she spent a decade mapping possible ways of being an independent woman in the world. The prize carries $15,000. Past winners include Philip Roth and Ann Patchett. Source: AP News, 6 April 2026. ([apnews.com](https://apnews.com/article/7da4de0062cbc991d142274c9fad2cee?utm_source=openai))
Award: 2026 PEN/Faulkner Award for fiction to Mahreen Sohail for Small Scale Sinners
Stories span settings from a college campus to a child-soldier training camp
Prose described as sharp and striking; broad portrayal of humanity
Sohail is originally from Pakistan and resides in Washington, D.C.
Prize amount is $15,000; notable past winners include Philip Roth and Ann Patchett
Dhurandhar’s record-breaking 14 wins dominated the latest coverage of the Chetak Screen Awards 2026. Indian Express notes Ranveer Singh won Best Actor (Male) for Dhurandhar, and Aditya Dhar earned Best Director for the same film. Yami Gautam earned Best Actor (Female) for Haq’s portrayal of Shah Bano, while Homebound was named Best Film. The ceremony celebrated technical achievements across categories and recognized supporting performances, with Dharmendra posthumously receiving the Lifetime Achievement Award. The event was hosted by Alia Bhatt and Sunil Grover, and the winners’ list was streamed on SonyLIV and Sony Entertainment Television.
Dhurandhar: 14 wins
Best Actor (Male): Ranveer Singh
Best Actor (Female): Yami Gautam
Best Film: Homebound
Lifetime Achievement: Dharmendra
Apr 03, 2026
International Booker Prize 2026 shortlist announced
The International Booker Prize 2026 shortlist features six novels translated into English from diverse global authors. The selection explores human struggle, identity, exile, and resilience amid political unrest and psychological depth. Chair Natasha Brown noted the chosen works reflect hope, insight, and emotional resonance. The prize honors translated fiction published in the UK or Ireland and recognizes authors whose work has reached a broad audience through translation. Shortlisted authors represent multiple continents and languages, highlighting the prize’s commitment to diverse storytelling in contemporary world literature.
Shortlist comprises six translated novels for 2026.
Themes include exile, identity, resilience, and political unrest.
Judging chair: Natasha Brown.
Prize honors fiction translated into English published in the UK/ Ireland.
Diversity of authors and regions highlighted.
Mar 30, 2026
Ramnath Goenka Excellence in Journalism Awards 2026
The Ramnath Goenka Excellence in Journalism Awards 2026 recognized 24 journalists across 19 categories in New Delhi. The Ramnath Goenka Foundation administers these awards to celebrate fearless and impactful reporting across print, digital, and broadcast media. The event featured remarks from senior government officials about the importance of press freedom and journalistic integrity in safeguarding democracy. Winners were celebrated for investigative reporting, analysis, and public-service journalism, contributing to informed public discourse and accountability in governance.
Event: RNGS Excellence in Journalism Awards 2026
Location: New Delhi
Recipients: 24 journalists across 19 categories
Organization: Ramnath Goenka Foundation
Theme: fearless, impactful reporting
Mar 29, 2026
Nandamuri Balakrishna receives Lifetime Achievement at IFFD 2026
Veteran Telugu actor Nandamuri Balakrishna was honoured with the Lifetime Achievement Award at the International Film Festival of Delhi (IFFD) 2026. The accolade recognises his five-decade-long contribution to Indian cinema and his versatility across genres. The ceremony took place at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, in the presence of cinema professionals and dignitaries. Balakrishna, celebrated for his sustained impact on Telugu cinema, was praised for his prolific body of work and influence on regional film industries. The event underscored IFFD 2026’s aim to celebrate cinematic excellence and long-standing industry leaders.
Balakrishna received IFFD 2026 Lifetime Achievement Award.
IFFD 2026 ceremony held at Bharat Mandapam, Delhi.
Award commemorates 50 years in Balakrishna’s film career.
Festival highlighted contributions to Indian regional cinema.
Presence of notable cinema personalities at the event.
‘People’s Padma’ on Akashvani features Padma Shri awardee Mishra
As part of the series ‘People’s Padma’ on Akashvani, Odisha-born writer and educator Mahendra Kumar Mishra will be honoured with the Padma Shri for literature and education. The upcoming episode will air at 9:10 AM on 100.1 Akashvani Gold, with availability on the NEWSONAIR App and the NEWSONAIROFFICIAL YouTube channel. The feature recognises Mishra’s contributions to regional literature and educational initiatives, highlighting his role in promoting literacy and cultural heritage. Akashvani’s program underscores the ongoing celebration of Padma awardees and their societal impact.
Mahendra Kumar Mishra to be conferred Padma Shri for literature and education.
Akashvani series ‘People’s Padma’ features Mishra at 9:10 AM on 100.1 FM.
Streaming available via NEWSONAIR App and YouTube channel.
Mishra recognised for contributions to Odisha’s literature and education.
Padma Shri honors lifelong public service in arts and education.