1. Who has been awarded the ‘PEN Pinter Prize 2024’?
[A] Vikram Seth
[B] Neelam Saxena
[C] Vikram Singh
[D] Arundhati Roy
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Arundhati Roy]
Notes:
Booker Prize winner Arundhati Roy has been awarded the 2024 PEN Pinter Literary Prize for her courageous writing. This honor comes shortly after the Lieutenant Governor of Delhi sanctioned her prosecution under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act. The award ceremony will be held in October in London. Previous winners include Salman Rushdie and Margaret Atwood. The PEN Pinter Award, established in 2009, recognizes exceptional English-language writers from the UK, Ireland, or the Commonwealth.
2. Recently, who has been elected as the new President of the European Council of the European Union?
[A] Charles Michel
[B] Antonio Costa
[C] Herman Van Rompuy
[D] Von der Leyen
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Antonio Costa]
Notes:
Antonio Costa, former Prime Minister of Portugal, was elected President of the European Council, replacing Charles Michel, effective October 1, 2024. Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas will be the new High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy. The European Council elects its President by secret ballot for a 2.5-year term, renewable once. The President leads the Council’s work and represents the EU internationally.
3. Which state’s natural farming model won the 2024 Gulbenkian Prize for Humanity?
[A] Gujarat
[B] Andhra Pradesh
[C] Sikkim
[D] Kerala
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Andhra Pradesh]
Notes:
The Andhra Pradesh Community Managed Natural Farming (APCNF) initiative, launched by Rythu Sadhikara Samstha (RySS) in 2016, has won the 2024 Gulbenkian Prize for Humanity. Awarded by Portugal-based Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation, the prize honors contributions to global food security, climate resilience, and ecosystem protection. APCNF shares the €1 million prize with soil scientist Rattan Lal and Egypt-based SEKEM. Selected from 181 nominations, the award jury was chaired by former German Chancellor Angela Merkel.
4. Recently, who has been appointed as the next Ambassador of India to the U.S.?
[A] J N Dixit
[B] Vinay Mohan Kwatra
[C] Nirupama Menon
[D] Surendra Kumar Adhana
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Vinay Mohan Kwatra]
Notes:
Vinay Mohan Kwatra has been appointed as India’s next Ambassador to the United States, as confirmed by the Ministry of External Affairs. A retired Indian Foreign Service diplomat, Kwatra has extensive expertise in relations with India’s neighbors, the US, China, and Europe.
5. Padma Shri awardee Kamala Pujari, who passed away recently, was associated with which profession?
[A] Archaeologist
[B] Agriculturist
[C] Folk Singer
[D] Journalist
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Agriculturist ]
Notes:
Kamala Pujari, a Padma Shri awardee and pioneering organic farmer, passed away at 74 due to kidney-related ailments. She was treated at SCB Medical College in Cuttack but succumbed on Saturday. Her death prompted condolences from leaders and state honors by the Odisha government. Pujari was hospitalized two days prior and attended by a four-member medical team after being transferred from Jeypore District Headquarters Hospital.
6. Hamzah Haz, who passed away recently, was the former vice-president of which country?
[A] Singapore
[B] Indonesia
[C] Malaysia
[D] Vietnam
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Indonesia]
Notes:
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.
7. Anshuman Gaekwad, who recently passed away, was associated with which sports?
[A] Cricket
[B] Football
[C] Hockey
[D] Boxing
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Cricket]
Notes:
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.
8. Recently, who has become the first woman to be appointed the Director General of Medical Services?
[A] Lt Gen Punita Arora
[B] Lt Gen Sadhna Saxena Nair
[C] Lt Gen Madhuri Kanitkar
[D] Lt Gen Kavita Sahai
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Lt Gen Sadhna Saxena Nair]
Notes:
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.
9. Yamini Krishnamurthy, who recently passed away, was associated with which field?
[A] Boxing
[B] Journalism
[C] Classical dance
[D] Scientist
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Classical dance]
Notes:
India mourned the loss of Yamini Krishnamurthy, a revered classical dancer, who passed away at 83 in New Delhi. Mastering Bharatanatyam, Kuchipudi, and Odissi, she elevated Indian classical dance globally. Born on December 20, 1940, in Andhra Pradesh, she began her dance journey at five, training at Kalakshetra School under Bharatanatyam legend Rukmini Devi Arundale.
10. Recently, who has been conferred with Fiji’s highest civilian award ‘Companion of the Order of Fiji’?
[A] Droupadi Murmu
[B] Narendra Modi
[C] S. Jaishankar
[D] Amit Shah
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Droupadi Murmu ]
Notes:
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.
