Awards, Honours & Persons in News Current Affairs MCQs

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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.

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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.

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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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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.

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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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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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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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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.

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The Appointment Committee of the Union Cabinet approved the appointment of senior IPS officer B. Srinivasan as the new Director General of the National Security Guard (NSG) on August 27, 2024. Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired the meeting, with Union Home Minister Amit Shah in attendance. B. Srinivasan replaced CRPF Director General Anish Dayal Singh, who temporarily led the NSG. Srinivasan’s term as NSG Director General will last until his retirement on August 31, 2027. A 1992 batch IPS officer from the Bihar Cadre, Srinivasan currently directs the Bihar Police Academy. The NSG, established in 1986, is an elite counter-terrorism force under the Union Ministry of Home Affairs.

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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.