Awards, Honours & Persons in News Current Affairs MCQs

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Senior IAS officer Manoj Kumar Singh, a 1988-batch officer, has become the chief secretary of Uttar Pradesh, succeeding Durga Shankar Mishra. Singh previously held roles as the agriculture production commissioner, infrastructure and industrial development commissioner, and additional chief secretary of the Panchayati Raj department in Uttar Pradesh.

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Captain Avhilash Rawat and his crew from the oil tanker Marlin Luanda have received the 2024 International Maritime Organisation (IMO) Award for Exceptional Bravery at Sea. They were recognized for their determination during a rescue mission in the Red Sea, where they encountered a serious fire after an anti-ship missile strike, allegedly from Iranian-backed Houthi rebels. The award highlights the skill and bravery of Indian seafarers, as noted by India’s Directorate General of Shipping.

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The Indian Institute of Spices Research (IISR) received the best technology award for its work in horticultural sciences. Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan presented the award during ICAR’s 96th Foundation Day. IISR’s award-winning technology, “Process for instant soluble turmeric enriched spice flavoured milk powder,” has been commercialized with Malabar Milk Producers’ Union, resulting in products Golden Milk and Golden Milk Mix.

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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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Former Indian cricketer Anshuman Gaekwad passed away at 71 after a long battle with cancer. He played 40 Tests and 15 ODIs for India and had a 22-year first-class career. After retiring, he served as the Indian team’s coach. Gaekwad was part of memorable moments in cricket, including the 1998 Sharjah tournament and Anil Kumble’s historic 10-wicket haul in 1999.

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Lieutenant General Sadhna Saxena Nair became the first woman to lead the Indian Army’s Medical Services on August 1, 2024. A third-generation armed forces member, she graduated from the Armed Forces Medical College and joined the Army Medical Corps in 1985. She previously served as Director General of Hospital Services and has received numerous honors, including the Vishisht Seva Medal and commendations from top Air Force officials.

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President Droupadi Murmu received Timor Leste’s highest civilian award, the Grand Collar of Order of Timor Leste, on 10 August 2024 in Dili. She is the first Indian President to visit Timor Leste, as part of her three-nation tour to Fiji, New Zealand, and Timor Leste from 5-10 August 2024. President Murmu discussed IT infrastructure, medical, and capacity-building assistance with Timor Leste’s President José Ramos Horta. Three MoUs were signed between India and Timor Leste, including media cooperation, visa exemptions for officials, and cultural exchange programs.

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The Science and Technology Ministry has withdrawn support from the Kalinga Prize. The Kalinga Prize is UNESCO’s oldest award for popularizing science. It was established in 1951 with a donation from Odisha’s former Chief Minister Biju Patnaik. The prize honors individuals with notable careers in writing, editing, lecturing, or media production, who help explain science and technology to the public.

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General Sundararajan Padmanabhan, former Chief of Army Staff, passed away in Chennai at age 83. He served as the Chief of Army Staff from 2000 to 2002. Born in Kerala, he was an alumnus of RIMC, NDA, and IMA, and was commissioned into the Regiment of Artillery in 1959. His career included commanding various brigades, regiments, and divisions, including the 15 Corps in Kashmir. He was awarded the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (AVSM) and Vishisht Seva Medal (VSM). He retired in 2002 after 43 years of service, known affectionately as “Paddy.”

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Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (RGIA) in Hyderabad has been named the Best Airport at the India Travel Awards for the third consecutive year. This award highlights RGIA’s commitment to providing an exceptional passenger experience and boosts its reputation in the aviation industry. RGIA also won the Skytrax award for ‘Best Airport Staff in India & South Asia 2024,’ reinforcing its status as a top airport. The airport’s modern facilities and efficient operations make it a key player in Hyderabad’s growth as an important air travel hub in India and South Asia.