General Awareness

AWARDS AND HONOURS - November 2024

Nov 2024

Nov 10, 2026

Padma Bhushan Awardee Arpita Singh passes away at 89

Padma Bhushan Awardee Arpita Singh passed away on 9 November 2026 in New Delhi at the age of 89. A renowned Indian modernist painter, Singh was celebrated for figurative works that probe women's lives, social conflicts, violence and humanitarian concerns. Her art merged traditional Indian motifs with contemporary forms, creating a distinctive voice in post-independence Indian art. Over a career spanning several decades, she represented Indian modernism on national and international platforms, inspiring younger artists with her fearless imagery and quiet social critique. Singh received the Padma Bhushan in 2011 and the Lalit Kala Akademi Fellowship in 2014 for her significant contributions.

Arpita Singh died on 9 November 2026 in New Delhi at age 89.
Renowned for figurative works exploring women's lives and social issues.
Art blended traditional Indian motifs with contemporary forms.
Padma Bhushan awarded in 2011; Lalit Kala Akademi Fellowship in 2014.
Major figure in Indian modernism with national and international influence.

Nov 07, 2026

Nirmala Lakshman wins Sharjah International Non-Fiction Book Award 2026

On 4 November 2026, Indian author and journalist Nirmala Lakshman received the Sharjah Award for Best International Non-Fiction Book 2026 for her book The Tamils: A Portrait of a Community, at the Sharjah International Book Fair in the United Arab Emirates. Published by Aleph Book Company in January 2025, the work surveys Tamil history, literature, culture, religion, politics and social identity. The award carries a cash prize of AED 50,000 and recognises excellence in international non-fiction writing. The honour highlights the role of Indian authors on the global literary stage and reflects growing interest in South Asian narratives. The award emphasises cross-cultural dialogue and the importance of documenting diaspora and regional communities.

Award date: 4 November 2026.
Book: The Tamils: A Portrait of a Community; publisher Aleph Book Company.
Explores Tamil history, culture and social identity.
AED 50,000 cash prize.
Signals growing Indian presence in international non-fiction.

Nov 06, 2026

Edmund Richardson Wins 2026 Baillie Gifford Prize

British historian and Durham University Professor Edmund Richardson won the 2026 Baillie Gifford Prize for Nonfiction for his book Alexander: God, King, Man. The award ceremony took place at BMA House in London in November 2026. Richardson spent more than a decade researching the life and legacy of Alexander the Great. The Baillie Gifford Prize recognises outstanding nonfiction writing and is among the world's most prestigious literary awards. The win highlights sustained scholarly work in ancient history and biographical studies.

Edmund Richardson winner of Baillie Gifford Prize 2026
Book: Alexander: God, King, Man
Ceremony held at BMA House, London
Prize honors long-form nonfiction scholarship
Celebrates achievements in ancient history studies

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.

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