Awards, Honours & Persons in News Current Affairs MCQs

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Roshni Nadar Malhotra, Chairperson of HCLTech, was awarded France’s highest civilian honor, the “Chevalier de la Legion d’Honneur,” for her significant contributions to business and sustainability, as well as enhancing economic relations between France and India. The honor was presented by the French Ambassador to India, acknowledging her exceptional leadership and influence in international business and diplomacy, underscoring her impactful role in these sectors.

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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.

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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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The Ministry of Steel, Government of India, has awarded the National Metallurgist Awards, honoring contributions in metallurgy across various fields such as Operations, R&D, Waste Management, and Energy Conservation. The awards are open to individuals from industry, research, and academia. They are presented in four categories: Lifetime Achievement Award, National Metallurgist Award, Young Metallurgist Award, and the Award for R&D in the Iron & Steel Sector. These awards recognize significant achievements and advancements in metallurgical science and practice.

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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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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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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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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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Director-General of Indian Coast Guard Rakesh Pal passed away in Chennai at age 59 due to a cardiac arrest. He was in Chennai for an event with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. He had over 30 years of service, joining the Coast Guard in January 1989 and becoming the 25th Director-General in July 2023. He held key positions, including commanding the Coast Guard Region (North West) and significant roles at ICG headquarters. He led major operations and was awarded the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal, President Tatrakshak Medal, and Tatrakshak Medal.

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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.”