Awards, Honours & Persons in News Current Affairs MCQs

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Former Defence Secretary Dr. Ajay Kumar has been appointed as the new Chairman of the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). The Union Public Service Commission is a constitutional body under Part XIV of the Indian Constitution. Articles 315 to 323 define the composition, powers, functions, appointment, and removal of UPSC members. The Chairman and other members of the UPSC are appointed by the President of India. Each member holds office for six years or until reaching 65 years of age, whichever is earlier. A former member of a Public Service Commission cannot be reappointed to the same office.

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Recently, Brazilian microbiologist Mariangela Hungria was named the 2025 World Food Prize Laureate. She developed seed and soil treatments using beneficial bacteria like rhizobia and Azospirillum brasilense. These innovations help soybeans fix nitrogen naturally and boost root growth in crops like corn for better nutrient and water uptake. The World Food Prize is the top international award for those improving food quality, quantity, or access. It was established in 1986 by Nobel Peace Prize winner Dr. Norman E. Borlaug. Often called the Nobel Prize for Food and Agriculture, it carries a $500,000 reward and is given in October.

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Eminent astrophysicist and Padma Vibhushan awardee Dr. Jayant Vishnu Narlikar passed away in Pune on May 20, 2025, at the age of 87. He was known for his pioneering work in cosmology, science communication, and institution-building in India. In 1988, he founded the Inter-University Centre for Astronomy and Astrophysics (IUCAA) and served as its Director until 2003. He received the Kalinga Award from UNESCO in 1996 for popularising science through books, articles, and media. He was honoured with the Padma Bhushan in 1965, Padma Vibhushan in 2004, and Maharashtra Bhushan in 2011. In 2014, his Marathi autobiography won the Sahitya Akademi Award for regional literature.

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Indian-origin rapper and singer-songwriter Raja Kumari won an American Music Award (AMA) 2025. She was nominated at the 51st AMA held in Los Angeles for the song from Arcane League of Legends: Season 2. This made her the first Indian-origin musician ever nominated for an AMA. The song Renegade (We Never Run) was a collaboration with Stefflon Don and Jarina de Marco. It was nominated under the Favourite Soundtrack category. She was chosen for the song as the film character is Indian, and she represents Indian culture with powerful music.

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Recently, the President of India presented the National Florence Nightingale Awards for the year 2025 to nurses at a ceremony held at Rashtrapati Bhavan. The National Florence Nightingale Award was started in 1973 by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India. It is a prestigious national honour given to outstanding nursing personnel from Central Government, State and Union Territories, and Voluntary Organizations. The award recognizes the meritorious services of nurses in hospitals, communities, education, or administration. The award includes a Certificate of Merit, a Cash Award of ₹1,00,000, and a medal.

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On June 6, 2025, the Ministry of Panchayati Raj and the Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances launched a new category in the National Awards for e-Governance (NAeG) 2025. The category is called “Grassroots Level Initiatives for Deepening Service Delivery at Gram Panchayats or Equivalent Traditional Local Bodies.” It honors Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) for their digital efforts to improve ease of living and citizen-centric service delivery. From more than 1.45 lakh entries, four Gram Panchayats were awarded: Rohini (Maharashtra) won Gold; West Majlishpur (Tripura) won Silver; and Palsana (Gujarat) and Suakati (Odisha) won Jury Awards. Winners receive a trophy, certificate, and up to ₹10 lakh to further improve their public welfare projects.

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Prominent writer Sarah Joseph has received the 2024 Mathrubhumi Literary Award. The award was presented by Jnanpith awardee Pratibha Ray in Kozhikode. It includes ₹3 lakh cash, a citation, and a sculpture by M. V. Devan. Sarah Joseph was appreciated for her fearless voice in Malayalam literature and social issues. She earlier won the Kerala Sahitya Akademi and Sahitya Akademi Awards.

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Dr. Srinivas ‘Bobby’ Mukkamala has been elected as the first Indian-origin president of the American Medical Association (AMA) in its 178-year history. He will serve as the 180th president of the AMA, the largest association of physicians in the United States. Dr. Mukkamala, an ENT specialist from Michigan, has led the AMA Substance Use and Pain Care Task Force. He has advocated evidence-based policies to address the overdose epidemic in the U.S. He graduated from the University of Michigan Medical School and completed residency at Loyola University, Chicago.

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Renowned environmentalist and Padma Shri awardee Maruti Chitampalli, also known as ‘Aranya Rishi’, passed away at 93 in Solapur, Maharashtra due to age-related issues. He devoted his life to forests, wildlife, and environmental literature, earning national recognition. He was honoured with the Padma Shri by the President of India on April 30, 2025. Chitampalli served in the Forest Department for 36 years and travelled over 5 lakh kilometres across India for research. His scientific works include ‘Pakshikosha’ (Birds), ‘Pashukosha’ (Animals), and ‘Matsyakosha’ (Fish).

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Recently, Kirsty Coventry from Zimbabwe made history by becoming the first female and first African President of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) in its 130-year history. Coventry, a seven-time Olympic medallist in swimming, won the election in one round with 49 out of 97 votes, beating Juan Antonio Samaranch Jr. and other candidates. She aims to focus on athlete rights, gender equality, and the sustainability of the Games. She has pledged to expand Olympic participation, especially in Africa, and engage youth.