IGF Archer Amish Award

♦ Dr. Shalini Mullick was announced the inaugural winner of the IGF Archer Amish Award for Storytellers, presented in partnership with The House of Abhinandan Lodha, at the Queen Elizabeth II Centre. U.K Minister for Culture Lisa Nandy presents $25,000 award to Dr. Shalini Mullick for her novel The Way Home. 

♦ Her book, The Way Home, was selected as the standout work for its moving and relatable exploration of grief, identity, and healing.

♦ The novel tells the story of three millennials seeking refuge in Goa as they navigate personal demons, ultimately discovering strength in friendship and self-discovery.

Shrivalli Bhamidipaty

♦ India’s Tennis player Shrivalli Bhamidipaty was awarded the prestigious Billie Jean King Cup Heart Award for the Asia/Oceania Group I zone.

♦ The award, given by the International Tennis Federation (ITF), recognises players who demonstrate exceptional courage, commitment, and team spirit while representing their nations in the Billie Jean King Cup, the world’s premier international women’s team tennis competition. 

♦ With this honour, Shrivalli becomes only the third Indian woman to receive this award, joining the ranks of tennis legends Sania Mirza (2020) and Ankita Raina (2022).

Narendra Modi highest civilian honour of the Republic of Cyprus

♦ Prime Minister Narendra Modi was conferred with the “Grand Cross of the Order of Makarios III”, the highest civilian honour of the Republic of Cyprus on 16 June 2025.

♦ The award was presented by Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides during the Prime Minister’s official visit to the country.

♦ Instituted in 1981 by then President Spyros Kyprianou, the Decoration of the Grand Cross of the Order of Makarios III is one of the most prestigious awards conferred by the Cypriot state.

♦ It is granted under the powers of Article 47b of the Constitution of the Republic of Cyprus and is reserved for distinguished personalities who have contributed to strengthening bilateral relations and promoting global goodwill.

Dr Mrutyunjay Mohapatra

♦ Dr Mrutyunjay Mohapatra, Director General of Meteorology, India Meteorological Department (IMD), was awarded the United Nations Sasakawa Award 2025 for Disaster Risk Reduction.

♦ Mohapatra was honoured with the award at the eighth session of the Global Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction held in Geneva.

♦ Mohapatra received the award for his exceptional contributions to tropical cyclone forecasting and warning systems.

♦ Established in 1986 with the support of The Nippon Foundation, the United Nations Sasakawa Award is the most prestigious international recognition in the field of disaster risk reduction.

♦ It honours individuals and institutions that made outstanding contributions to building disaster-resilient communities.