Awards, Honours & Persons in News Current Affairs MCQs

Notes:
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.

Notes:
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.

Notes:
Indian space scientists Prahlad Chandra Agrawal and Anil Bhardwaj received prestigious awards from COSPAR during its 45th scientific assembly in Busan, South Korea. Agrawal, a retired professor from TIFR, earned the Harrie Massey Award for contributions to X-ray astronomy and leading AstroSat. Bhardwaj, PRL Director since 2017, won the Vikram Sarabhai Medal for his work in planetary space sciences and key roles in ISRO’s missions.

Notes:
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.

Notes:
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.

Notes:
Bibhuti Bhusan Nayak has been unanimously elected as the new President of the Institute of Cost Accountants of India (ICMAI) for 2024-25, succeeding Ashwin Dalwadi. The election took place on July 22, 2024, in New Delhi. TCA Srinivasa Prasad has been elected as Vice President. Established as a statutory body on May 28, 1959, ICMAI operates under the Cost and Works Accountants Act, 1959.

Notes:
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.

Notes:
Former Indian cricketer Anshuman Gaekwad passed away at 71 after a long battle with cancer. He played 40 Tests and 15 ODIs for India and had a 22-year first-class career. After retiring, he served as the Indian team’s coach. Gaekwad was part of memorable moments in cricket, including the 1998 Sharjah tournament and Anil Kumble’s historic 10-wicket haul in 1999.

Notes:
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.

Notes:
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.