Current Affairs - Awards and Honours - Discussion

Major Abhilasha Barak was named the recipient of the 2025 United Nations Military Gender Advocate of the Year Award for her outstanding service in Lebanon as part of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL). Serving as the Commander of the Female Engagement Team, she contributed significantly to community outreach programs for women and adolescent girls and promoted gender sensitisation training among peacekeepers. The award recognises exceptional efforts to advance gender equality in peacekeeping operations. Major Abhilasha Barak is also notable for being the first woman combat helicopter pilot in the Indian Army and the third Indian peacekeeper to receive this prestigious international honour.