“AWARDS”

PM Modi Becomes First Indian Leader to Receive Israel’s Top Parliamentary Honour

Honorable Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi was conferred Israel’s highest parliamentary honour which is the Speaker of the Knesset Medal, in Jerusalem on February 25 2026. He became the first global leader to receive this prestigious recognition from the Israeli Parliament. The award honours his personal leadership in deepening India-Israel strategic relations, boosting trade ties and expanding cooperation in innovation, defense and technology.

Vasai Cathedral Wins UNESCO Award for Conservation

The 475-year-old Our Lady of Grace Cathedral in Papdy village, Vasai, received the Award of Merit at the 2025 UNESCO Asia-Pacific Awards for Cultural Heritage Conservation for its community-led restoration, highlighting the successful revival of a sixteenth-century Portuguese-era structure. Built without cement or bricks using traditional mud-based construction, the cathedral faced structural weakening over centuries; the Rs 4.5 crore restoration project addressed roof, façade, corridors, colonnade, and intricate interior liturgical elements while preserving its architectural and religious integrity.

Manipuri film Boong wins BAFTA Award for Best Children’s & Family Film in London

The Manipuri film Boong, produced by Farhan Akhtar’s Excel Entertainment, won the BAFTA Award for Best Children’s & Family Film in London, with debutant director Lakshmipriya Devi making an emotional plea for peace during her acceptance speech. The film stars Gugun Kipgen and Bala Hijam, and beat international competitors including Lilo and Stitch, Arco, and Zootropolis 2, marking a historic win for Manipuri cinema on the global stage.

“APPOINTMENTS”

Harsharan Kaur Trehan Appointed Director (Commercial) of Punjab State Power Corporation Limited

Harsharan Kaur Trehan has been appointed as the Director (Commercial) of Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL) by the Punjab government for a tenure of two years, subject to a maximum age limit of 65 years. She previously made history as the first woman Engineer-in-Chief at PSPCL, bringing over 34 years of experience in key power-sector roles.

“NATIONAL & INTERNATIONAL NEWS”

India Named ‘Country of the Year’ at BIOFACH 2026 in Germany

India has been designated ‘Country of the Year’ at BIOFACH 2026, the world’s leading trade fair for organic products, held in Nuremberg, Germany. India’s participation at the event is being coordinated by the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) to promote the country’s organic agri-exports. Five GI-tagged rice varieties—Indrayani, Navara, Gobindbhog, Red Rice, and Chak Hao (Black Rice)—will be highlighted, along with live food tastings

VOC Port Becomes First In India To Deploy Anti-Drone System

O. Chidambaranar Port Authority has become the first port in India to begin implementing an advanced Anti-Drone System to strengthen maritime and coastal security. The system integrates RF and radar-based technologies, offering 360° coverage up to 5 km, with real-time detection, tracking and neutralisation of unauthorised drones in complex port environments.