Awards, Honours & Persons in News Current Affairs MCQs

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Captain Avhilash Rawat and his crew from the oil tanker Marlin Luanda have received the 2024 International Maritime Organisation (IMO) Award for Exceptional Bravery at Sea. They were recognized for their determination during a rescue mission in the Red Sea, where they encountered a serious fire after an anti-ship missile strike, allegedly from Iranian-backed Houthi rebels. The award highlights the skill and bravery of Indian seafarers, as noted by India’s Directorate General of Shipping.

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The Indian Institute of Spices Research (IISR) received the best technology award for its work in horticultural sciences. Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan presented the award during ICAR’s 96th Foundation Day. IISR’s award-winning technology, “Process for instant soluble turmeric enriched spice flavoured milk powder,” has been commercialized with Malabar Milk Producers’ Union, resulting in products Golden Milk and Golden Milk Mix.

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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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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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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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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 24th International Mother Teresa Awards Ceremony was held at the Millennium Plaza Dubai. The event commemorated the 114th birth anniversary of Mother Teresa. Organized by the All-India Minority and Weaker Sections Council, it was held outside India for only the second time, both times in Dubai. The awards were established after Mother Teresa’s death in 1997. They honor outstanding contributions in education, science, culture, sports, social work, medicine, industry, and politics in India. This year’s ceremony featured awardees from various countries and sectors, highlighting their significant achievements.

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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.

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A senior Indian Police Service (IPS) officer from the Odisha cadre, Amrit Mohan, has been appointed Director General of Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB). He is currently serving as Special Director General of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF). His appointment is approved until his superannuation on August 31, 2025. Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) guards India’s borders with Nepal and Bhutan, preventing cross-border crime and smuggling. SSB’s headquarters, Force Headquarters (FHQ), is located in New Delhi, led by a Director-General. The Director-General is supported by an Additional Director-General and various directorates managed by senior officers.