General Awareness

AWARDS AND HONOURS - January 2026

Jan 2026

Jan 21, 2026

Ilaiyaraaja to receive Padmapani Award at AIFF 2026

The 11th Ajanta-Ellora International Film Festival (AIFF) is set to run 28 January to 4 February 2026 in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Maharashtra. Legendary composer Ilaiyaraaja will be conferred with the Padmapani Award on 28 January, on opening day, in a ceremony attended by national and international artists and dignitaries. The festival showcases 70 films across eight days and supports dialogue on cinema and music. The Padmapani Award recognises lifelong contribution to the arts, with the event emphasising cultural exchange and storytelling in Indian cinema.

Padmapani Award to Ilaiyaraaja at AIFF 2026 on 28 January.
Festival runs 28 January–4 February 2026; 70 films.
Event gathers national and international artists; ceremony in Sambhajinagar.
Award honours lifetime contributions to cinema and music.

Sarada awarded JC Daniel Award for 2024

Veteran Malayalam cinema actor Sarada has been chosen for the JC Daniel Award for 2024, Kerala’s highest cinema honour. The award comprises a ₹5 lakh prize, a statuette and a citation. Cultural Affairs Minister Saji Cherian announced the decision, and Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan will present the award on 25 January at Nishagandhi Auditorium, Thiruvananthapuram. Sarada is the 32nd recipient of the prize, following a distinguished career across theatre and film. The jury included noted writers and filmmakers, underscoring Sarada’s enduring contribution to Malayalam cinema and regional culture.

JC Daniel Award 2024 goes to Sarada.
Award includes ₹5 lakh, statuette and citation.
Ceremony on 25 January in Thiruvananthapuram.
Sarada is the 32nd recipient; jury included eminent figures.

Soosan Jacob elected president of ISRS

Soosan Jacob, director and chief of Dr. Agarwal’s Refractive and Cornea Foundation, has been elected president of the International Society of Refractive Surgery (ISRS). She is the second Indian to hold the post after Amar Agarwal. Jacob also serves as Associate Editor of the Journal of Refractive Surgery, a leading international forum for research and discussion in refractive and cataract procedures. The ISRS announcement highlights her leadership in education and ethical practice in vision correction and her ongoing contributions to advancing refractive surgery worldwide.

Soosan Jacob elected ISRS president; first Indian woman in post since Amar Agarwal.
Director of Dr. Agarwal’s Refractive and Cornea Foundation.
Associate Editor, Journal of Refractive Surgery.
ISRS recognizes her leadership in vision correction.

Jan 20, 2026

Chandana Sinha receives Ati Vishisht Sewa Puruskar for child rescue work

Railway Protection Force inspector Chandana Sinha was honoured with the Ati Vishisht Sewa Puruskar, the Indian Railways’ highest service award, for leading the rescue of more than 1,500 children at risk of trafficking across Uttar Pradesh rail networks. Her quiet, persistent work over three years involved covertly tracking vulnerable children and intervening at stations before trafficking routes could take hold. The award ceremony in Delhi on January 9 recognised her dedication, courage, and impact on safeguarding children. Sinha’s work highlights the vital role of railway personnel in child protection and public safety.

Chandana Sinha awarded Ati Vishisht Sewa Puruskar
Rescued/assisted over 1,500 children from trafficking
Work conducted across Uttar Pradesh rail network
Award presented in Delhi on January 9
Showcases role of Railways in child protection

Jan 17, 2026

DPIRS students win gold medals at national events

Two DPIRS students in Mysuru earned podium finishes at national championships. Rohan R. won a gold medal in the 13th All India Traditional Wrestling and Pankration Federation National Championship 2025–26 in Mapusa, Goa. Shreyas K.P. won a gold and a bronze medal in two events at the Prince Cup taekwondo competition in Bengaluru. These achievements reflect strong sports training at DPIRS and highlight youth excellence in national circuits. The school credits teachers, coaches, and families for supporting discipline, dedication, and ethical competition.

DPIRS students win national gold and bronze medals.
Rohan R. wins gold in traditional wrestling and pankration championship.
Shreyas K.P. wins gold and bronze in taekwondo Prince Cup.
Wins reflect strong school sports program and coaching.
Encourages youth participation and discipline.

Jan 15, 2026

Karnataka Bank wins IBA award for fintech and DPI adoption

Karnataka Bank has won the Indian Banks’ Association (IBA) Banking Technology Award in the Best Fintech & DPI Adoption category. The bank also finished as runner-up in Best Tech Talent and earned Special Mentions in Best Technology Bank, Best Digital Financial Inclusion, and Best Digital Sales. The recognitions reflect the bank’s investment in digital transformation, customer-centric tech adoption, and inclusive financial services. Industry experts view the awards as validation of Karnataka Bank’s technology strategy and its ability to integrate fintech solutions to improve accessibility, efficiency, and customer experience across its network.

Karnataka Bank wins IBA award for fintech adoption
Runner-up in Best Tech Talent; Special Mentions in several categories
Awards reflect digital transformation and inclusion

Jan 14, 2026

Dempo receives Cavaliere dell’Ordine della Stella d’Italia from Italy

Shrinivas Dempo, chairperson of the Dempo Group, was conferred the Cavaliere dell’Ordine della Stella d’Italia (Knight of the Order of the Star of Italy) for his role in assisting Italian citizens and investments in Goa. The ceremony, held in Goa, was conducted by the Italian consul general in Mumbai, Walter Ferrara. Dempo also serves as honorary vice consul of Italy in Goa and helped facilitate support for Italian nationals in the state. The honour recognizes his contributions to fostering Italy-India ties at the state level.

Dempo awarded Knight of the Order of the Star of Italy
Recognition for aiding Italian citizens and investments
Ceremony held in Goa; consul general attended
Dempo serves as honorary Italy vice consul in Goa
Highlighting India-Italy ties at the regional level

KSTA bestows Lifetime Achievement Award on two senior scientists

The Karnataka Science and Technology Academy (KSTA) conferred its Lifetime Achievement Award on two senior scientists, recognizing their sustained contributions to science and technology. Prof. C.N.R. Rao received a KSTA award bearing a gold medal and cash prize, while Dr. Ramakrishna, former director of the Zoological Survey of India, was also honoured. The ceremony highlighted decades of research, leadership, and mentoring that advanced scientific understanding. Award recipients received ₹2 lakh gold medals and ₹1 lakh cash as part of the prize package, with KSTA underscoring the importance of sustained scientific advancement.

KSTA Lifetime Achievement Award announced
Prof. C.N.R. Rao among the recipients
Dr. Ramakrishna also honoured for contributions
Awards include gold medals and cash prizes
Celebrates long-term leadership and research achievements

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