Current Affairs - Awards and Honours

The 2025 Nobel Peace Prize was awarded to Maria Corina Machado, a Venezuelan politician and democracy activist recognised for her relentless struggle for democratic rights and peaceful political transition in Venezuela. As the founder of Súmate, she has spent decades advocating for free elections, judicial independence, and nonviolent resistance against authoritarianism. Despite facing persecution, threats, and exclusion from elections, Machado’s leadership has united Venezuela’s opposition and inspired global movements for peaceful reform. Her recognition by the Norwegian Nobel Committee underscores the power of civilian courage and the link between democracy and lasting peace worldwide.

Sherry Singh created history by becoming the first Indian to win the Mrs Universe 2025 title at the grand finale held in Manila, Philippines. Competing against 120 contestants from around the world, she impressed the judges with her confidence, intellect, and advocacy for women’s empowerment and mental health awareness. Her win marks a significant milestone for India in global beauty pageantry, showcasing the strength and grace of Indian women. The Mrs Universe platform celebrates not just beauty but also leadership and compassion, making Sherry Singh’s achievement a source of national pride and inspiration worldwide.

Hungarian novelist and screenwriter Laszlo Krasznahorkai received the 2025 Nobel Prize in Literature for his profound and visionary body of work. Often referred to as the “writer of the apocalypse,” Krasznahorkai’s novels explore themes of existential dread, human resilience, and the search for meaning in chaotic times. The Nobel committee honoured him for his ability to reaffirm the transformative power of art amidst apocalyptic terror. His richly complex narratives and stylistic mastery have earned him global acclaim as one of the most distinctive voices in contemporary world literature.

BS Chandrasekhar, a legendary Indian leg-spinner, and Brian Lara, one of the greatest batsmen from the West Indies, received the prestigious Lifetime Achievement awards at the CEAT Cricket Rating Awards. This recognition highlights their immense contributions to the sport—Chandrasekhar for his match-winning spells in the 1960s and 1970s, and Lara for his record-breaking batting feats, including his 400* in Tests. The awards celebrate their lasting impact on international cricket and their roles as icons who inspired generations of players and fans alike.

The 2025 Nobel Prize in Chemistry was awarded to Susumu Kitagawa, Richard Robson, and Omar M Yaghi for pioneering the design of molecular structures that create large, porous spaces allowing gases and chemicals to flow efficiently. Their groundbreaking work has practical applications in harvesting water, capturing carbon dioxide, storing toxic gases, and catalyzing chemical reactions. The three scientists will share the prize money of 11 million Swedish crowns (around Rs 10 crore). This recognition highlights their transformative contribution to chemistry, particularly in materials science and sustainable technologies with significant global impact.