Current Affairs - Awards and Honours

Dr. Mohan Rajan, Chairman and Medical Director of Rajan Eye Care Hospital in Chennai, has been elected as the Vice-President of the All India Ophthalmological Society (AIOS), a prominent professional organization comprising over 29,000 ophthalmologists across India. The announcement was made during the AIOS general body meeting at the Asia Pacific Academy Congress in New Delhi on April 5, 2025. Dr. Rajan’s election marks a significant achievement, making him the fifth ophthalmologist from Tamil Nadu to hold this prestigious position in the 84-year history of AIOS. His leadership is anticipated to bring valuable advancements to the field of ophthalmology nationwide.

The 2024–25 National Awards & Exhibition, organized by BriBooks and Education World to honour young authors, took place in New Delhi. This prestigious event recognized student finalists selected from over 5 lakh book submissions made through BriBooks’ Gen-AI platform. The celebration brought together notable personalities such as Smriti Irani and internationally renowned authors, who acknowledged and encouraged the imagination and talent of India’s youth. Hosting the event in New Delhi underscores the city’s significance as a hub for national-level educational and literary initiatives, making it a fitting venue for such an inspiring celebration.

During an official visit to Portugal on April 7, 2025, the President of India, Droupadi Murmu, was awarded the prestigious ‘City Key of Honour’ by the Mayor of Lisbon. This recognition came as India and Portugal marked 50 years of diplomatic relations, highlighting the strengthening cultural, technological, and economic ties between the two nations. President Murmu's visit underscored shared values and mutual aspirations in areas such as innovation and digital transformation. Her participation in a state banquet hosted by Portuguese President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa further emphasized the deepening bilateral relationship and Portugal’s appreciation of India’s global engagement.

Justice Arun Palli has been recommended by the Supreme Court for appointment as the Chief Justice of the Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh High Court. This recommendation comes in light of the impending retirement of Justice Tashi Rabistan. Justice Palli has been serving as a judge of the Punjab and Haryana High Court since his elevation in 2013. In addition to his judicial responsibilities, he also holds key roles in legal service institutions, including as executive chairman of the Haryana State Legal Services Authority and a member of the governing body of NALSA since October 2023.

Mohsin Naqvi, who is also the Chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and Pakistan’s Interior Minister, has been appointed as the new President of the Asian Cricket Council (ACC). He succeeded Shammi Silva of Sri Lanka, who held the position briefly. Naqvi’s appointment signifies an important leadership change in Asian cricket, reflecting a commitment to expanding the region's influence in global cricket affairs. With a vision to promote collaboration, growth, and innovation across Asian cricketing nations, Naqvi steps into this role with a blend of administrative experience and a clear agenda to advance cricket development throughout the continent.