Current Affairs - Awards and Honours

Nishita Yogesh Antarkar won the title of Miss Sake India 2026 during the third edition of the event held in Mumbai. A business owner and trained Kathak dancer, she was chosen as the cultural ambassador to represent India at the international level. The competition celebrates cultural exchange between India and Japan, particularly promoting Japanese traditions like sake. As the winner, she will participate in the Miss Sake Japan Finals scheduled in June 2026. The event also featured prominent dignitaries and highlighted Japan’s sake heritage, strengthening cultural ties between the two countries.

Shubhankar Sharma secured victory at the inaugural Boulders Classic 2026, marking a remarkable return to domestic golf after several years. Held at the Boulder Hills Golf & Country Club in Hyderabad, the tournament saw Sharma dominate from the outset with consistent and impressive performances across all rounds. His standout third round, where he equaled the course record, played a crucial role in building an unassailable lead. This win is significant as it highlights his continued excellence and reinforces his position as one of India’s top golfers on both domestic and international circuits.

Sikander Kumar, a Rajya Sabha Member of Parliament from Himachal Pradesh, was appointed as the Chairman of the Grappling Federation of India in April 2026. His appointment was made unanimously, reflecting strong support within the federation. The organisation governs grappling, a combat sport recognised by the United World Wrestling and considered for future Olympic inclusion. With his administrative and legislative experience, Sikander Kumar is expected to strengthen the development and promotion of grappling in India while aligning it with international standards and expanding its reach among athletes.

Prataprao Jadhav, serving as the Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for the Ministry of Ayush, concluded the Chintan Shivir 2026 in New Delhi. The two-day summit focused on expanding insurance coverage for traditional medicine systems under AYUSH and improving claim settlement processes for patients. The event included multiple strategic sessions to strengthen the sector and introduced digital initiatives like an official WhatsApp channel for better public engagement. These measures aim to enhance accessibility, credibility, and integration of AYUSH treatments within the broader healthcare system.

Harivansh Narayan Singh was elected unopposed as the Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha in April 2026, marking his third consecutive term in this position. His election took place during a special session of Parliament, reflecting a broad consensus among members. As a nominated member of the Upper House, his appointment is historically significant, as he became the first nominated member to hold this office. He has been recognized for his effective parliamentary conduct and efficient use of MPLADS funds, demonstrating administrative competence and commitment to public service over his previous terms.