Awards, Honours & Persons in News Current Affairs MCQs

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Karnataka Grameena Bank received the National Award for Outstanding Performance in Self-Help Group (SHG) Bank Linkage 2024-25 from the Union Ministry of Rural Development. The award recognises the bank’s role in rural economic empowerment through SHGs. It was presented at the National Conference on Financial Literacy and Capacity Building and the 25th Central Level Coordination Committee meeting in Hyderabad. The merger under the ‘One State – One Rural Bank’ policy strengthened the bank’s capacity for regional development. The bank aligns with Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana – National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM) to empower rural women through SHGs.

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Rituparna Sengupta was honoured with the Women Empowerment Award for Art and Culture at the House of Commons in the United Kingdom. The award was presented by Seema Malhotra and Virendra Sharma during an event organised by GloWomen CiC. The ceremony was held to mark International Women’s Day, celebrating women’s contributions across various fields. Rituparna Sengupta was specifically recognised for her significant contributions to art and culture.

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The Ashwini Bhide was appointed as the Municipal Commissioner of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation on March 31, 2026. She is the first woman to head one of India’s oldest and richest civic bodies. The outgoing Municipal Commissioner Bhushan Gagrani completed his tenure and handed over charge to Ms. Bhide. Ms. Bhide’s previous role as Additional Chief Secretary in the Chief Minister’s Office will now be taken over by Lokesh Chandra.

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Singapore Changi Airport ranked 1st in the Skytrax World Airport Awards 2026, marking its 14th win since 2000. It is a major international hub in Southeast Asia, known for world-class passenger experience and advanced infrastructure. The airport features attractions like Jewel Changi Airport, home to the world’s tallest indoor waterfall. It consistently scores high in services such as dining, entertainment, and connectivity. The recognition highlights Singapore’s leadership in global aviation excellence and airport management.

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Deep Jariwala has been selected for the UT-ORNL Governor’s Chair for Quantum Devices in the United States. The position is jointly managed by University of Tennessee and Oak Ridge National Laboratory, combining academic teaching with high-end research. The Governor’s Chair programme aims to attract top global scientists, promote innovation, and link academic research with real-world applications. Deep Jariwala, currently at University of Pennsylvania, is known for work in quantum materials, microelectronics, and next-generation computing, with more than 180 research papers and patents.

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India was elected unopposed to four bodies of the United Nations Economic and Social Council, reflecting strong global diplomatic support. Elections were held at the United Nations Headquarters through acclamation, meaning unanimous approval by member states. Preeti Saran was re-elected to the Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (CESCR) in her personal capacity. India also secured seats in key ECOSOC bodies: Commission on Science and Technology for Development (CSTD), Committee on Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs), and Committee for Programme and Coordination (CPC).

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Dinesh Trivedi has been appointed as India’s High Commissioner to Bangladesh. He is a former Union Minister who served as Railway Minister and Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare. His appointment marks a departure from the usual practice of appointing Indian Foreign Service (IFS) officers to such diplomatic posts. It reflects India’s strategic emphasis on strengthening ties with Bangladesh through political-level engagement.

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Lisa Gill was sworn in as the first woman Chief Justice of the Andhra Pradesh High Court. The oath of office was administered by S. Abdul Nazeer in a ceremony held in Vijayawada. The ceremony included the formal reading of the President’s warrant. The event was attended by senior judges, officials, and dignitaries. This appointment marks an important milestone for gender equality in India’s judicial system.

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Parveen Shaikh has won the 2026 Whitley Award for protecting the endangered Indian skimmer. She works with the Bombay Natural History Society. Her initiative “Guardians of the Skimmer” focuses on conservation along the Chambal River. The award, known as the “Green Oscars,” is given by the Whitley Fund for Nature in London. Her project has increased the skimmer population from about 400 in 2017 to over 1,000 by 2025. The programme uses local community members as “nest guardians” to protect nesting sites. It has significantly improved nest survival rates and reduced threats from predators and human disturbance.

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The Government of India appointed NS Raja Subramani as the new Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) and Secretary, Department of Military Affairs. He will succeed Anil Chauhan, whose tenure ends on 30 May 2026. Lieutenant General NS Raja Subramani previously served as Military Adviser in the National Security Council Secretariat and Vice Chief of Army Staff.
He was commissioned into the 8th Battalion of the Garhwal Rifles in 1985. He has been awarded the Param Vishisht Seva Medal, Ati Vishisht Seva Medal, Sena Medal, and Vishisht Seva Medal.