Awards, Honours & Persons in News Current Affairs MCQs

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On October 9, 2025, the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences announced the Nobel Prize in Literature 2025 for László Krasznahorkai, a Hungarian author. He was awarded for his compelling and visionary works that explore art amidst apocalyptic terror. Born in 1954 near the Romanian border, he rose to fame with his first novel ‘Sátántangó’ (1985; English 2012). His latest work, ‘Herscht 07769’ (2025), portrays social unrest in a small town in Thüringen, Germany, blending violence and beauty. The Nobel Prize carries a cash award of 11 million Swedish kronor (~₹1.03 crore) and will be presented on December 10, 2025. Last year, the Literature Nobel was awarded to Han Kang, South Korea.

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In October 2025, Union Minister Rajnath Singh, Ministry of Defence (MoD), released the book “Ready, Relevant and Resurgent II: Shaping a Future Ready Force”. The book is authored by Chief of Defense Staff (CDS), General Anil Chauhan, and published by Pentagon Press. It provides a comprehensive, forward-looking plan to make India’s Armed Forces future-ready. Focus areas include cyberspace, space-enabled operations, cognitive warfare, and their growing relevance for modern military strategy. It highlights India’s strategic vision and adaptation to emerging warfare frontiers.

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Chhattisgarh was awarded the ‘Best Performing State’ under Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY) for effective implementation, transparency, and near-zero claim pendency. The award was presented at the National Health Authority (NHA) Conclave held in Bhopal. 97% of hospitals empanelled under PM-JAY in Chhattisgarh are active, the highest in India, compared to 62% in Madhya Pradesh and 52% national average. The state’s health department reforms included wide-ranging inspections, disciplinary actions, and over 32,000 field audits to curb irregularities and fraud.

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Shri Anil Malik, Secretary, Ministry of Women and Child Development (MoWCD), received an award from the President of India for outstanding contribution to Pradhan Mantri Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan (PM-JANMAN). The felicitation took place at the National Conclave on ‘Adi Karmayogi Abhiyan’ held at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi, organised by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs. The recognition highlights MoWCD’s key role in implementing PM-JANMAN, focused on tribal welfare and inclusion. More than 2,000 Anganwadi Centres have been made functional in Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG) areas under the scheme. The initiative aims to empower tribal communities at the last mile through better access to nutrition, education, and child care services.

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Andrzej Poczobut from Belarus and Mzia Amaghlobeli from Georgia won the 2025 Sakharov Prize. The Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought is the European Union’s (EU) highest human rights award, established in 1988. The prize is named after Soviet dissident and Nobel Peace laureate Andrei Sakharov. It honours individuals or groups defending human rights and fundamental freedoms. The winners are chosen by the Conference of Presidents of the European Parliament, including leaders of all political groups, ensuring a European selection. The award carries an endowment of €50,000 and is presented annually in December at the European Parliament in Strasbourg, France.

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On October 24, 2025, Maharashtra Governor Acharya Devvrat released a book titled “Modi’s Mission” in Mumbai, Maharashtra. The book is authored by Berjis Desai, a renowned lawyer and former journalist. It is published by Rupa Publications India Private Limited. The book traces the journey of Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi from his early life in Vadnagar, Gujarat to the PM’s office in New Delhi, Delhi. It highlights how PM Modi’s formative years shaped his socioeconomic vision and governance style.

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Queen Mother Sirikit of Thailand passed away at age 93 on 24 October at Chulalongkorn Hospital, Bangkok. She was the mother of King Maha Vajiralongkorn and wife of the longest-reigning monarch, King Bhumibol Adulyadej. King Vajiralongkorn has ordered a year-long mourning period for the royal family. She had been hospitalised since 2019, recently battling a blood infection. Queen Mother Sirikit was renowned for rural development, preserving traditional crafts, environmental protection, and forest conservation. Her birthday, August 12, is celebrated as Mother’s Day in Thailand.

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Sahitya Akademi released the Hindi translation of the acclaimed Lithuanian novel The Last Day, titled “Antim Din”, in New Delhi. The event was held at Rabindra Bhawan in collaboration with the Embassy of Lithuania. The novel is written by Lithuanian-Ukrainian author Jaroslavas Melnikas. Madhav Kaushik, President of Sahitya Akademi, called it a milestone in promoting world literature in Indian languages. It is the first-ever translation of a Lithuanian fiction book into Hindi. The novel explores themes of existential change and cultural identity, fostering literary and cultural collaboration between India and Lithuania.

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The Union Health Ministry achieved three Guinness World Record titles under the Swasth Nari Sashakt Parivar Abhiyaan campaign. The campaign was conducted nationwide from 17th September to 2nd October 2025 during Poshan Maah. The records include the most people registered for a health care platform in one month. It also includes the most people signed up for a breast cancer screening online in one week. Another record was the most people signed up for vital signs screening online in one week at the state level. The campaign focuses on improving the health and nutrition of women, adolescent girls and children. The achievement highlights India’s success in combining digital health innovation and community participation.

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Ramdarash Mishra, renowned Hindi poet, writer, and academic, passed away in Delhi on October 31, 2025, aged 101. He was born on August 15, 1924, in Dumri village, Gorakhpur district, Uttar Pradesh. He received the Padma Shri (2025) for his outstanding contribution to Hindi literature. His career spanned over seven decades, shaping post-independence Hindi literature. His writings reflected India’s rural ethos, social transitions, and human emotions. He was admired for blending creative writing and literary criticism with equal mastery. He authored over 150 books, including 32 poetry collections, 15 novels, and 30 short-story anthologies.