Awards, Honours & Persons in News Current Affairs MCQs

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The government has revamped the National Security Advisory Board (NSAB) after the Pahalgam terror attack, appointing former intelligence chief Alok Joshi as chairman. National Security Advisory Board (NSAB) is an advisory body under the National Security Council (NSC) structure. It is chaired by the Prime Minister, supported by the National Security Advisor (NSA) and the National Security Council Secretariat (NSCS). Established in 1998 after the Pokhran-II nuclear tests, it institutionalized India’s national security framework. The NSAB provides non-partisan strategic inputs on national security issues but is not a decision-making body. It reports to the NSCS and includes experts from various sectors.

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President Draupadi Murmu recently presented the 58th Jnanpith Award to Sanskrit scholar Jagadguru Rambhadracharya and poet-lyricist Gulzar at Vigyan Bhavan in New Delhi. Jagadguru Rambhadracharya, despite being blind, has made great contributions to Sanskrit and Hindi literature by memorizing texts like ‘Ramcharitmanas’ and the ‘Gita’. Gulzar is a famous poet, songwriter, and Oscar and Grammy winner, known for his work in literature, cinema, and television. The Jnanpith Award is India’s highest literary honour, established in 1961 by the Bharatiya Jnanpith Trust. It is given to writers working in the languages listed in the Eighth Schedule of the Indian Constitution and in English. The award includes ₹11 lakh, a bronze statue of Goddess Saraswati, and a citation. The first award was given in 1965 to Malayalam poet G. Sankara Kurup for ‘Odakkuzhal’.

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Dr M.R. Srinivasan, a key architect of India’s civilian nuclear programme, passed away at the age of 95 on 20 May. He was a technocrat with strong engineering skills and a vision for building scientific institutions. He joined the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) in 1955, just a year after it was formed. He worked closely with Dr Homi Bhabha, the father of India’s nuclear programme, to develop Apsara, India’s first nuclear research reactor, which became operational in 1956. In 1959, he became Principal Project Engineer and led India’s early efforts in nuclear power generation. He received the Padma Vibhushan, India’s second-highest civilian award, for his contributions to nuclear energy. His legacy reflects excellence in engineering and dedication to national scientific self-reliance.

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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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Philosopher and author Acharya Prashant received the ‘Most Impactful Environmentalist’ award on World Environment Day. The award was given by the Green Society of India for his work in linking spiritual clarity with environmental awareness. At the World Environment Conference 2025 in Greater Noida, he said climate crisis starts in our minds, not just nature. He launched “Operation 2030,” a national initiative educating youth to meet the UN’s 1.5°C climate target by 2030.

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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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On June 16, 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi received the Grand Cross of the Order of Makarios III, Cyprus’s highest civilian honour. The award was conferred by Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides during PM Modi’s visit to the country. The honour is named after the first President of Cyprus, Archbishop Makarios III, and represents strong bilateral ties. PM Modi dedicated the award to the 1.4 billion people of India and the friendship between India and Cyprus.

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Lieutenant Commander Yashaswi Solankee, aged 27, became the first woman officer to be appointed as an Aide-de-Camp (ADC) to the President of India. The President usually has five ADCs — three from the Indian Army, and one each from the Indian Navy and Indian Air Force. Until now, no woman officer had ever served in this prestigious role. Solankee, from Bharuch in Gujarat, was selected in April 2025 and completed a month-long orientation. She received her aiguillette from President Droupadi Murmu after training. The ADC manages presidential schedules, attends all ceremonies, and serves as a 24/7 liaison with government and military.

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Shri Ram Bahadur Rai, a renowned journalist and President of the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA) Trust, was recently awarded the ‘Padma Bhushan’ by Shri Satpal Chauhan, Director General, Ministry of Home Affairs. As Shri Rai could not attend the official ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhavan, the award was presented at the IGNCA office in the presence of Director Shri Pandey Pradeep Kumar and senior officials. The award included a citation with the signature and seal of the President of India and a medal. Shri Rai also serves as Chancellor of Sri Guru Gobind Singh Tricentenary University, Gurugram, and guides many other institutions.

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Sahitya Akademi, India’s National Academy of Letters, announced 23 winners for the Yuva Puraskar and 24 for the Bal Sahitya Puraskar awards. Sahitya Akademi is the central institution for literary promotion in 24 Indian languages, including English. There is no award in Dogri this year. Notable winners include Advait Kottary (English), Parvati Tirkey (Hindi), Latshmihar (Tamil), and Prasad Suri (Telugu).