Awards, Honours & Persons in News Current Affairs MCQs

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Veteran Odia playback singer Geeta Patnaik passed away at 68 in Cuttack after suffering a brain stroke in Bhubaneswar. She began singing professionally at 15 and debuted in the Odia film Adina Megha in 1970. She was an artist of All India Radio (AIR) and Doordarshan. She received the State Film Award for playback singing.

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The Manipuri film Boong, produced by Farhan Akhtar’s Excel Entertainment, won the BAFTA Award for Best Children’s & Family Film in London. The film was directed by debutant Lakshmipriya Devi, who made an emotional appeal for peace during her acceptance speech. She received the award from Paddington Bear, the lead character of Paddington The Musical. Producers Farhan Akhtar and Ritesh Sidhwani, along with assistant director Rahul Sharda, joined her on stage.

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi was conferred the ‘Speaker of the Knesset Medal’ by the Israeli Parliament, the highest honour of the Knesset. He is the first world leader to receive this medal, recognising his personal leadership in strengthening India-Israel strategic relations. In 2018, PM Modi had received the Grand Collar of the State of Palestine, the highest Palestinian honour for foreign leaders.

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60th Jnanpith Award (2025) will be conferred on R. Vairamuthu. Jnanpith Award is the highest literary award in India. The award is presented by Bharatiya Jnanpith. R. Vairamuthu is a distinguished Tamil poet, lyricist and writer. He is recognised for creative depth, powerful poetic voice and contribution to Tamil literature. His writings focus on human emotions, social issues and nature. The selection committee meeting was chaired by Pratibha Ray.

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Kailash Satyarthi, Nobel Peace Prize laureate (2014), released his new book Karuna: The Power of Compassion in March 2026. The book was launched by the Satyarthi Movement for Global Compassion (SMGC) in association with HarperCollins India. The launch event was attended by Justice Surya Kant and Kiran Bedi. The book highlights compassion as a transformative force to address global challenges like inequality and conflict. It introduces the concept of Compassion Quotient (CQ) to measure and enhance compassion. Kailash Satyarthi won the Nobel Peace Prize 2014 along with Malala Yousafzai.

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Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA – Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts) published the book “Janjati Gaurav” to document tribal history and culture. The book highlights contributions of tribal communities in freedom struggle and nation-building. It includes archival records, research and stories of tribal leaders and movements. It mentions Mangarh Dham linked to uprising led by Govind Guru and sacrifices of tribal fighters. Ministry of Tribal Affairs approved 11 Tribal Freedom Fighters Museums across 10 states.

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Gandey MLA Kalpana Soren, wife of Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren, received the Women Empowerment Trailblazers Award. The award was given at the BRICS Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCI) WE Annual Women Summit and Felicitation 2026 in New Delhi. It recognises her efforts in promoting women’s empowerment and leadership. She dedicated the award to women of Jharkhand and beyond for their role in society and economy. She highlighted women’s growing role in business, sports, science, and governance.

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Stuti Pradhan has been selected to represent India at the World Youth Parliament 2026 after winning the Viksit Bharat Youth Parliament 2025. The World Youth Parliament is an international platform where young leaders from multiple countries come together to discuss global challenges and suggest policy solutions. Her selection reflects India’s emphasis on promoting youth leadership and participation in global affairs. She will contribute to discussions on key issues such as climate change, education, and sustainable development.

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The Government of India has opened nominations for Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar (RVP) 2026, a top national science award. It recognises scientists, technologists, and innovators for contributions to science, technology, and innovation. It honours path-breaking research, innovation, and discoveries benefiting national development. It is administered by Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR – Council of Scientific and Industrial Research) under Ministry of Science and Technology.

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Singapore Changi Airport ranked 1st in the Skytrax World Airport Awards 2026, marking its 14th win since 2000. It is a major international hub in Southeast Asia, known for world-class passenger experience and advanced infrastructure. The airport features attractions like Jewel Changi Airport, home to the world’s tallest indoor waterfall. It consistently scores high in services such as dining, entertainment, and connectivity. The recognition highlights Singapore’s leadership in global aviation excellence and airport management.