Kaziah Liz Mejo, a 19-year-old law student from Kerala, was crowned Miss Universe India 2026 at the grand finale held in Jaipur, Rajasthan. She defeated 52 finalists to win the title and will represent India at the 75th Miss Universe pageant scheduled to be held in Puerto Rico. The victory marks another milestone for India's presence on international beauty platforms and adds to the country’s cultural prominence on the global stage.
Winner: Kaziah Liz Mejo, age 19, Kerala.
Event: Miss Universe India 2026 finale, Jaipur.
Finalists: 52; title earned for Miss Universe 2026 in Puerto Rico.
Implication: strengthens India’s representation on global platforms.
Aug 23, 2026
Ashutosh Parida named 47th Sarala Puraskar recipient
Odia poet and former CSIR-IMMT scientist Dr. Ashutosh Parida was selected for the 47th Sarala Puraskar in August 2026 for his poetry collection Bishwas De Pruthwi, published by Prabha Publication in 2024. The Indian Metals Public Charitable Trust (IMPaCT) awards include a citation, copper plaque, and ₹7 lakh cash prize. A ceremony is scheduled in Bhubaneswar on 25 October 2026. The Sarala Puraskar recognises Odia literature and is one of India’s prestigious literary honours. Parida’s work engages with themes of belief, nature, and human experience in a contemplative voice, contributing to contemporary Odia literary culture.
Recipient: Ashutosh Parida
Work: Bishwas De Pruthwi (2024)
Award: 47th Sarala Puraskar, ₹7 lakh prize
Ceremony: 25 October 2026, Bhubaneswar
Organiser: IMPaCT (IMFA)
Aug 17, 2026
9th National Anubhav Awards 2026 Announced
Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh announced the 9th National Anubhav Awards 2026 at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi. A total of 15 retired government employees were selected for recognition under the National Anubhav Awards Scheme, which encourages retirees to document and share experiences from public service and nation-building. The awards are organized by the Department of Pension and Pensioners’ Welfare. Recipients represent various ministries and departments who will contribute insights on reforms, governance and citizen-centric initiatives. The event promotes institutional memory and motivates current civil servants through firsthand accounts of public service across decades.
Award announcement: 9th National Anubhav Awards 2026
Location: Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi
Recipients: 15 retired government employees
Organizer: Department of Pension and Pensioners’ Welfare
Purpose: encourage documentation of public service experiences
Aug 16, 2026
Rani Mukerji Honoured at IFFM 2026 for Excellence in Acting
Rani Mukerji was honoured at the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne (IFFM) 2026 with a special citation for Excellence in Acting. The tribute marks three decades in Indian cinema for the veteran star and recognises her influence across Hindi film. Over a career spanning the 1990s to the present, Mukerji has drawn praise for performances in Black (2005), Hum Tum (2004), Hichki (2018), Mardaani (2014) and Mrs. Chatterjee vs Norway (2023). Festival organisers emphasised her versatility and commitment to challenging roles. The award adds to a long list of achievements in Indian cinema and highlights cross‑cultural appreciation for Indian talent abroad. Mukerji expressed gratitude in a brief on-stage address.
Rani Mukerji received a special citation for Excellence in Acting at IFFM 2026.
The recognition celebrates three decades of her work in Indian cinema.
Highlighted performances include Black, Hum Tum, Hichki, Mardaani and Mrs. Chatterjee vs Norway.
Organisers noted her versatility and impact on Hindi cinema.
The award reflects cross‑cultural appreciation for Indian talent abroad.
Aug 14, 2026
Gaj Gaurav Award 2026 Honours Jaldapara Mahouts
Seven mahouts from the Jaldapara Wildlife Division in West Bengal were honoured with the Gaj Gaurav Award 2026 for their work in elephant care and wildlife rescue operations. The award recognises dedication to wildlife conservation and animal protection, highlighting the frontline role played by mahouts in caring for elephants and coordinating rescue efforts. Jaldapara Wildlife Division, renowned for its biodiversity including elephants and endangered species like the one-horned rhinoceros, was celebrated for humanely handling complex wildlife situations. The ceremony showcased the important link between traditional hands-on care and modern wildlife management practices.
Recipients: Seven mahouts from Jaldapara Wildlife Division, West Bengal.
Award: Gaj Gaurav Award 2026 for elephant care and rescue work.
Significance: Recognition of frontline wildlife conservation efforts.
Location context: Jaldapara’s biodiversity, including elephants and rhinoceros.
Impact: Highlights traditional expertise in modern wildlife management.