Awards, Honours & Persons in News Current Affairs MCQs

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Dr. Basant Goel was honored at the United Nations Global Excellence Award in Dubai and received an honorary doctorate from the USA International University. He holds a Bachelor of Pharmacy, a Ph.D. in Diabetes, and a Doctorate in Health Science from prestigious U.S. institutions. His humanitarian work gained recognition during the COVID-19 pandemic, earning a World Book of Records (London) mention. On July 6, 2024, he set a Guinness World Record for the most blood donations in a single camp, ensuring 200 daily units in India. Named “Blood Man of India” by the President, he was hosted at the President’s House for four days. The International Book of Honour (England) recognized his contributions on October 26, 2024.

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The Inland Waterways Authority of India’s Kalughat Intermodal Terminal in Bihar received a five-star SVAGRIHA rating. SVAGRIHA stands for Simple Versatile Affordable GRIHA. SVAGRIHA promotes green buildings and sustainability through the Green Rating for Integrated Habitat Assessment (GRIHA) system for small buildings. The rating applies to projects under 2500 sq.m. with 14 criteria across five categories: architecture & energy, water & waste, materials, landscape, and lifestyle. The terminal achieved this rating by using recyclable materials like fibre, recyclable glass, and eco-friendly fixtures. This project is part of the IWAI’s efforts to enhance National Waterway 1 on the River Ganga.

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India has been honored with the International Social Security Association (ISSA) Good Practice Award for Asia and Pacific 2024 at the Regional Social Security Forum in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The Employees’ Provident Fund Organization (EPFO) was recognized for its innovative communication strategies, digital initiatives, and outreach programs like Nidhi Aapke Nikat 2.0, which enhance service delivery and stakeholder engagement in social security. This award underscores EPFO’s commitment to improving social security systems in line with contemporary needs.

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Former Chile President Michelle Bachelet has been awarded the Indira Gandhi Prize for Peace, Disarmament, and Development 2024. She is recognized for her contributions to gender equality, human rights, and democracy. The Indira Gandhi Prize honors efforts promoting international peace, disarmament, and development. The award includes ₹10 million, a trophy, and a citation. Recipients are selected by a jury of 5-9 eminent persons appointed by the Chairperson of the Indira Gandhi Memorial Trust.

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The Russian team won the team event of the 13th Admiral Cup sailing regatta. The Admiral Cup is an offshore Laser Radial boat race organized by the Indian Navy. The event is held in the Arabian Sea near Ettikulam Beach, Kerala, where the Indian Naval Academy (INA) is located. The 13th edition took place from December 9-13, 2024. The Admiral Cup was first organized by the Indian Navy in 2010. It is inspired by the Admiral Cup of the Royal Ocean Racing Club, England, regarded as the unofficial World Cup for offshore racing.

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Eminent tabla player Pt. Swapan Chaudhuri from Kolkata received the ‘Rashtriya Tansen Samman’ for 2023. Sanand Nyas Sanstha from Indore was awarded the ‘Raja Mansingh Tomar Samman’ for 2023. The awards were presented during the Tansen Sangeet Samaroh 2024, held in Gwalior to mark the centenary year of legendary music maestro Tansen. The ‘Tansen Award’ is the highest national music honor in Indian classical music, instituted by the Madhya Pradesh government. Pt. Swapan Chaudhuri thanked the state government for the prestigious recognition.

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Gagan Gill (Hindi) and Easterine Kire (English) are among 21 winners of the Sahitya Akademi Awards 2024. Easterine Kire from Nagaland won the Sahitya Akademi Award 2024 for her novel Spirit Nights. Hindi poet Gagan Gill received the award for her poetry book Main Jab Tak Aai Bahar. The award honors outstanding books in 24 Indian languages, initiated in 1954, with the first awards given in 1955. Recipients receive a copper plaque (designed by Satyajit Ray), a shawl, and a cash prize. Sahitya Akademi, India’s national academy of letters, was established in 1954 under the Ministry of Culture. Based in New Delhi, it promotes Indian literature, preserves literary heritage, and encourages literary activities across languages.

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On December 20, 2024, President Droupadi Murmu awarded the President’s Colours to the College of Defence Management (CDM) in Secunderabad for its outstanding contributions to military education. The college, established in 1970, trains senior officers from the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force in leadership, management, and strategic skills. The President also released a ‘Special Day Cover’ and a book titled ‘Pearls of Ancient Indian Wisdom.’ President’s Colours is the highest honor awarded to military units, training establishments, or State/UT Police Forces in India. It recognizes exceptional service to the nation, both in peace and war. The award is also referred to as “Rashtrapati ka Nishaan” in Hindi. It acknowledges the dedication and outstanding contributions of the recipient institution to the country’s security and defense.

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Retired Supreme Court judge Madan B. Lokur has been appointed Chairperson of the United Nations Internal Justice Council. His term as chairperson will run until November 12, 2028, as per UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ appointment letter. The Internal Justice Council comprises five members, including Carmen Artigas (Uruguay), Rosalie Balkin (Australia), Stefan Brezina (Austria), and Jay Pozenal (USA). The council oversees the administration of the UN’s internal justice system. Justice Lokur served as a Supreme Court judge in India from June 2012 to December 2018. He authored landmark rulings on electoral integrity and raising the age of consent in marriages. Justice Lokur participated in the 2018 press conference addressing case allocation concerns in the judiciary.

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President Droupadi Murmu conferred the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar 2024 to 17 children on December 26. The award celebrates the energy, determination, and enthusiasm of children. It is the highest civilian honor for children in India. It is instituted by the Ministry of Women and Child Development. Awards recognize exceptional achievements in seven categories: Art & Culture, Bravery, Innovation, Science & Technology, Social Service, Sports, and Environment.