Current Affairs - Awards and Honours

Saikhom Mirabai Chanu, an Olympic silver medallist and one of India’s most accomplished weightlifters was appointed as the Chairperson of the newly formed Athletes Commission under the Indian Weightlifting Federation (IWLF) in April 2025. With multiple accolades, including Commonwealth Games gold medals and an Olympic podium finish, Chanu brings unmatched credibility and athlete-first advocacy to the role. Her focus as Chairperson is to bridge the gap between athletes and administration, ensuring that weightlifters' voices are heard and that they can concentrate on their performance without off-field distractions. Her leadership marks a progressive step in athlete representation within Indian sports governance.

Dr. D. Nageshwar Reddy, Chairman of AIG Hospitals in Hyderabad, received the prestigious ‘Legends of Endoscopy’ award at the Tokyo Live Global Endoscopy 2025 event held at SHOWA Medical University Koto Toyosu Hospital, Tokyo. The award, presented by the Japanese gastroenterology community, acknowledges his pioneering contributions to the field of gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopy. Dr. Reddy’s live demonstrations of complex procedures at the event highlighted his expertise and reinforced India’s leadership in minimally invasive medical innovations. This recognition not only honours his personal achievements but also reflects the growing global stature of Indian medical professionals in advanced healthcare domains.

Aamir Khan received the ‘Master Humor Award’ at the 2025 Macau International Comedy Festival, held in China. This event also marked his first official public appearance with his partner, Gauri Spratt. Aamir has a massive fan following in China, where he is fondly called ‘Uncle Mi’ due to the widespread popularity of his films such as 3 Idiots, PK, Dangal, and Secret Superstar, which performed exceptionally well at the Chinese box office. His recognition at the festival highlights the deep cross-cultural impact of his work, especially in comedy and socially relevant cinema that resonates with international audiences.

P. Sivakami, a distinguished writer, retired IAS officer, and activist, was honoured with the Verchol Dalit Literary Award 2025 by the Neelam Cultural Centre in Chennai. This recognition of not only acknowledges her outstanding literary work but also her powerful voice in advocating for Dalit identity and rights. Along with the award, she received a cash prize of ₹1 lakh. Through her speech, she emphasized the role of Dalit literature in confronting dominant narratives, disrupting traditional aesthetic norms, and asserting the rightful place of marginalized voices in mainstream discourse. Her work reflects a blend of artistic expression and social resistance, making her a transformative figure in Indian literature.

Rajesh Unni, the founder of Synergy Marine Group, received the prestigious National Maritime Varuna Award on April 5, 2025, during the 62nd National Maritime Day celebrations in Mumbai. This award, conferred by the Directorate General of Shipping (DGS), is the highest individual recognition in India’s maritime sector. It honours individuals who have made extraordinary and lasting contributions to maritime development. Rajesh Unni was recognized for his leadership and innovation in the industry, especially through his work with Synergy Marine Group, which has become a leading name in ship management and sustainability-focused maritime solutions in India and beyond.