Alexei Navalny wins Sakharov Prize, the EU's highest award for human rights work

• Alexei Navalny, the imprisoned Russian opposition leader, dedicated his Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought to anti-corruption activists all across the world.
• The award is the highest honour bestowed by the European Union for human rights defenders.
• During a plenary session in Strasbourg, the leaders of the political parties represented in the European Parliament chose the winner.
• The Sakharov Prize was established in 1988 to recognise individuals and organisations who work to protect human rights and fundamental freedoms.
• Nelson Mandela and Anatoli Marchenko were the first awardees.

Important Facts 

About Bharat Ratna Award

• The 'Bharat Ratna,' the country's highest civilian award, was established in 1954. These prizes are open to anybody, regardless of ethnicity, occupation, position, or gender. It is given in honour of excellent service or high-level performance in any sector of human endeavour.
• First awarded: 1954: C. Rajagopalachari; S. Radhakrishnan; C. V. Raman