Current Affairs - Awards and Honours

Michelle Bachelet, former President of Chile and former UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, received the 2024 Indira Gandhi Peace Prize in recognition of her lifelong dedication to human rights, gender equality, and global peace initiatives. Her leadership in establishing key institutions such as Chile’s Ministry of Women and Gender Equality, implementing major social reforms, and her global advocacy through roles at the UN highlight her impact. The award also acknowledges her resilience shaped by political turmoil, her commitment to democratic values, and her principled stance on rights issues worldwide, including critical assessments of policies affecting civil liberties.

Anurag Arora has been appointed as the Senior Director and General Manager for Dell Technologies’ Consumer Sales business in India. With over 28 years of experience across technology, retail, e-commerce, and product management, he brings deep expertise in omnichannel strategies and consumer engagement. His previous contributions at Dell include expanding Dell.com India, improving retail presence, and enhancing integration between online and offline sales channels. In this leadership role, he will guide strategy, boost sales performance, and drive growth initiatives at a time when India remains a crucial market for Dell, given the rising demand for personal computing devices and rapid digital adoption.

Tom Cruise was honoured with an honourary Academy Award at the 2025 Governors Awards, marking a significant milestone in his long and influential career. Despite being nominated several times in the past, this recognition represents his first Oscar win. The award acknowledges not only his achievements as an actor but also his impactful work as a producer and his contributions to elevating theatrical cinema over several decades. Presented by director Alejandro González Iñárritu, the honour highlights Cruise’s enduring influence, his commitment to cinematic excellence, and his role in shaping modern Hollywood filmmaking.

Keerthy Suresh has taken on the significant role of UNICEF India’s Celebrity Advocate, bringing her strong public influence and dedicated fan base to support critical social causes. As an acclaimed actor known across Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, and Hindi cinema, she is well-positioned to highlight issues related to child rights, mental health, and emotional well-being. Her involvement is intended to inspire communities, mobilize awareness campaigns, and encourage positive action for children’s welfare. By leveraging her platform, she aims to contribute to long-term change and elevate national conversations around the needs and rights of children.

Thota Tharani, one of India’s most distinguished art directors and production designers, received the Chevalier de l’Ordre des Arts et des Lettres in 2025 for his exceptional contribution to cinema and visual arts. His career spans over four decades, during which he has shaped the visual identity of numerous iconic films across multiple languages. His mastery in crafting culturally immersive and historically accurate sets has elevated film aesthetics in Indian cinema. The award recognises his impact not only within India but also on the global arts landscape, placing him among other renowned Indian recipients who have enriched artistic expression through their craft.