Awards, Honours & Persons in News Current Affairs MCQs

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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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Bibhuti Bhusan Nayak has been unanimously elected as the new President of the Institute of Cost Accountants of India (ICMAI) for 2024-25, succeeding Ashwin Dalwadi. The election took place on July 22, 2024, in New Delhi. TCA Srinivasa Prasad has been elected as Vice President. Established as a statutory body on May 28, 1959, ICMAI operates under the Cost and Works Accountants Act, 1959.

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At an international medical meet, Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh received the “Lifetime Achievement Award” for his contributions to diabetology, diabetes care, and research. He was also honored as the Lifetime Patron of RSSDI, India’s largest diabetologists’ association.

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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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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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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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Ramnarayan Agarwal, known as “Agniman” and the “Father of Missiles,” passed away in Hyderabad. He played a key role in India’s long-range ballistic missile program and was the first Project Director of the Agni Missile Program. Agarwal, a Padma Shri and Padma Bhushan awardee, made significant contributions to India’s defense capabilities. He retired as Director of the Advanced Systems Laboratory (ASL) in 2005. He worked closely with Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam and Dr. Arunachalam on missile programs.

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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 winners of the 70th National Film Awards were recently announced by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting. The National Film Awards was established in 1954 to encourage films of aesthetic, technical excellence, and social relevance, promoting cultural appreciation across India. Initially called ‘State Awards,’ they included President’s Gold Medals and certificates of merit. Awards are given in three sections: Feature Films, Non-Feature Films, and Best Writing in Cinema.
Since 1973, the Directorate of Film Festivals has administered these awards, promoting Indian films and cultural exchange through various events and international participation.

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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.”