“AWARDS”

Vajra Chandrasekera Wins 2025 Le Guin Fiction Prize

Sri Lankan writer Vajra Chandrasekera has won the 2025 Ursula K. Le Guin Prize for Fiction for his speculative novel Rakesfall. The $25,000 award recognises a single author whose imaginative fiction explores critical themes such as power, freedom, equity, and humanity’s place in the world. Praised as “an extraordinary achievement in science fiction,” the novel cements Chandrasekera’s reputation as one of the most powerful new voices in global speculative fiction.

James Anderson Receives Knighthood for Services to Cricket

James Anderson, England’s legendary fast bowler, was formally knighted during an investiture ceremony held at Windsor Castle on 28 October 2025. He received the honour from Princess Anne in recognition of his monumental contribution to cricket. The knighthood, awarded as part of Rishi Sunak’s resignation honours list in April 2025, celebrates a career defined by excellence, longevity, and record-breaking achievements.

“SPORTS”

Lando Norris Wins Mexico GP, Takes F1 Championship Lead

Lando Norris claimed a stunning lights-to-flag victory at the Mexico City Grand Prix, handing the McLaren star the lead in the 2025 Formula 1 Drivers’ Championship by a single point. The win marks one of Norris’s most commanding performances, crossing the line 30.3 seconds ahead of Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc, with Max Verstappen rounding out the podium. Starting from pole position, Norris fended off fierce competition into Turn 1, where a chaotic battle saw four drivers vying for the lead. Despite the chaos, Norris retained control and never looked back, extending his advantage lap after lap.

India Sweeps Kabaddi Gold at Asian Youth Games

India reaffirmed its dominance in youth kabaddi by sweeping both the boys’ and girls’ gold medals at the 2025 Asian Youth Games held in Bahrain. With commanding performances across the board, both Indian U-18 teams emerged unbeaten champions, underlining the country’s strong pipeline of kabaddi talent and securing a major highlight in India’s overall medal tally.

“APPOINTMENTS”

RBI Approves Reappointment of C S Rajan at Kotak Bank

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has approved the reappointment of C S Rajan as part-time Chairman of Kotak Mahindra Bank, extending his tenure from January 1, 2026, to October 21, 2027. This decision aligns with the end of his current term as an Independent Director and continues a phase of experienced leadership at one of India’s leading private banks.

“NATIONAL & INTERNATIONAL NEWS”

National Maritime Heritage Complex Logo Launched at India Maritime Week 2025

Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways unveiled the official logo of the National Maritime Heritage Complex (NMHC) at the India Maritime Week 2025 celebrations in Mumbai. The launch marked a crucial step in showcasing and preserving India’s vast maritime history and promoting it through digital, cultural, and tourism-led initiatives. The NMHC, to be established at Lothal in Gujarat, is envisioned as a world-class facility to commemorate India’s ancient maritime legacy while inspiring future innovation in the sector.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah Inaugurates India Maritime Week

On the occasion of India Maritime Week 2025 in Mumbai, Amit Shah, Union Minister for Home Affairs and Cooperation, inaugurated the flagship maritime event. He emphasised that India’s maritime vision is anchored in safety, stability and self‑reliance, and pointed to the structural reforms that have enabled India to emerge as a strong maritime power.