Awards, Honours & Persons in News Current Affairs MCQs

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Hamzah Haz, Indonesia’s vice-president from 2001 to 2004, passed away at 84 on July 24 in a Jakarta hospital. Serving under President Megawati Soekarnoputri, Hamzah was also a key figure in the Development Planning Party (PPP). He previously held roles as minister for investment, coordinating minister for people’s welfare, and deputy speaker of the Indonesian House of Representatives. A former teacher and journalist, he was a contender in the 2004 presidential elections. Hamzah’s leadership significantly influenced PPP’s policies and direction over the years.

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The Ministry of Steel, Government of India, has awarded the National Metallurgist Awards, honoring contributions in metallurgy across various fields such as Operations, R&D, Waste Management, and Energy Conservation. The awards are open to individuals from industry, research, and academia. They are presented in four categories: Lifetime Achievement Award, National Metallurgist Award, Young Metallurgist Award, and the Award for R&D in the Iron & Steel Sector. These awards recognize significant achievements and advancements in metallurgical science and practice.

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On 31 July 2024, President Droupadi Murmu appointed Preeti Sudan, a 1983 batch IAS officer and former Union Health Secretary, as the new Chairperson of the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), succeeding Dr. Manoj Soni. Sudan, the second woman to hold this position, has played key roles in government programs like Ayushman Bharat and Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao. The UPSC, established in 1950, is an independent constitutional body.

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During her first official visit to Fiji from August 5 to 7, 2024, President Droupadi Murmu was honored with Fiji’s highest civilian award, the Companion of the Order of Fiji. She is the first Indian President to visit Fiji, where she met with Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka and President Ratu William Maivalili Katonivere. The Fiji government also allocated land for a 100-bed Super Speciality Hospital, supported by India.

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IRS officer Rahul Navin has been appointed as the new Enforcement Director by the Cabinet Appointments Committee. He will serve as the Special Director of the Enforcement Directorate (ED) for two years from the date he assumes charge. Navin joined the ED as Special Director in November 2019.

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President Droupadi Murmu approved 103 Gallantry awards for Armed Forces and Central Armed Police Forces on Independence Day. The awards include four Kirti Chakras (three posthumous), 18 Shaurya Chakras (four posthumous), and one Bar to Sena Medal (Gallantry). Additional awards include 63 Sena Medals (Gallantry, two posthumous), 11 Nao Sena Medals (Gallantry), and six Vayu Sena Medals (Gallantry). 39 Mention-in-Despatches were approved, including for Army Dog Kent. The President also approved one President’s Tatrakshak Medal (Distinguished Service), one Tatrakshak Medal (Gallantry), and two Tatrakshak Medals (Meritorious Service) for the Indian Coast Guard, along with the President’s Police Medal for Distinguished Services and Police Medal for Meritorious Service.

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The ‘Anubhav’ online platform was launched in March 2015 by the Department of Pension & Pensioners’ Welfare (DOPPW) under the Prime Minister’s directions. It allows retiring and retired employees to share their significant achievements during their service. So far, 54 Anubhav Awards and 9 Jury Certificates have been given out. The 7th Anubhav Awards Ceremony took place on August 28, 2024, at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi. Dr. Jitendra Singh, Minister of State, presented the awards.
The awards aim to promote good governance and administrative reforms based on the experiences shared by retiring central government employees.

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The Department of Higher Education selected 16 teachers from higher education institutions and polytechnics for the National Awards to Teachers (NAT) 2024. The National Teachers’ Award celebrates the outstanding contributions of the best teachers in India. It recognizes teachers who have significantly improved the quality of education and positively impacted their students’ lives. The award is given to exemplary teachers and faculty members from higher education institutions and polytechnics. These awards honor teachers for their dedication and commitment to enhancing education.

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The Ministry of Women and Child Development won the National Award for e-Governance 2024 (Gold) for the Poshan Tracker initiative. The Poshan Tracker monitors the growth of children aged 0-6 years using real-time data and WHO growth charts to ensure proper nutrition. Anganwadi Workers (AWWs) assess children’s health and intervene when growth issues arise. Advanced ICT tools and Growth Measuring Devices (GMD) are used at Anganwadi Centers for accurate monitoring. The app improves child health outcomes, covering millions under Mission Poshan 2.0. It also manages services for pregnant women, mothers, and children, digitizing Anganwadi workers’ records.

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The President of India presented the 2024 National Florence Nightingale Awards. Instituted by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare in 1973, these awards honor outstanding nurses from Central, State/UTs, and Voluntary Organizations.
The award recognizes nurses for their exceptional service in hospital, community, educational, or administrative roles.
Winners receive a Certificate of Merit, Rs.1,00,000 in cash, and a medal. Florence Nightingale was a pioneering English social reformer and founder of modern nursing, known for organizing care for soldiers during the Crimean War and establishing the first scientific nursing school.