Awards - General Knowledge Questions

Correct Answer :   Andhra Pradesh

* RINL, the corporate entity of Visakhapatnam Steel Plant, won the Gold Award at the Andhra Pradesh State Energy Conservation Awards 2024 for its significant energy-saving efforts in the iron and steel sector.

* This award recognized the company's innovative methods, particularly in utilizing waste energy to improve energy efficiency.

* The recognition was presented by the State Energy Conservation Mission of Andhra Pradesh, reflecting RINL's leadership in sustainability and energy conservation within the industry.

Correct Answer :   Two

* Two Indian heritage conservation projects won the prestigious UNESCO Asia-Pacific Cultural Heritage Conservation 2024 Awards.

* The first project, the Abathsahayeswarar Temple Conservation in Thukkatchi, Tamil Nadu, won the Award of Distinction, while the BJPCI Conservation Project in Mumbai received the Award of Merit.

* These awards aim to recognize and promote efforts to restore, conserve, and transform cultural heritage sites, showcasing India's commitment to preserving its rich cultural legacy.

Correct Answer :   Hindustan Shipyard Limited

* Hindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL), a prominent leader in India’s shipbuilding and ship repair industry, won two awards at the 3rd PSU Transformation Awards 2024.

* The awards, received for innovative advancements in maritime technology, recognized HSL’s pioneering fender arrangement in Tugs for Submarines and its innovative method for installing Retractable Thrusters in Diving Support Vessels.

* These accolades highlight HSL's commitment to technological excellence and its significant contributions to the shipbuilding industry.

Correct Answer :   Veronica Michelle Bachelet

Veronica Michelle Bachelet, former President of Chile, has been honoured with the Indira Gandhi Prize for Peace, Disarmament, and Development 2024.

Her work in advancing human rights, promoting peace, and advocating for gender equality has earned her this prestigious recognition.

The selection was made by a distinguished jury led by Shivshankar Menon, reflecting her global impact in fostering equitable and peaceful development.

Correct Answer :   Toxic

The 55th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) came to a magnificent conclusion on 28th November 2024 at the Dr. Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Indoor Stadium, Goa, marking the end of a nine-day celebration of global and Indian cinema. The closing ceremony honored cinematic excellence, promoted creative dialogue, and celebrated young and seasoned filmmakers from across the globe.

This year’s festival was unique, with a theme centred on “Young Filmmakers: The Future is Now.” It showcased over 195 films, creating a platform for budding talent while paying homage to cinematic legends.

The event was a fitting finale to the nine-day celebration of global and Indian cinema, uniting filmmakers, artistes, and cinephiles in a shared appreciation for the magic of storytelling on screen.

From the red-carpet moments to the soul-stirring performances and masterful storytelling, the closing ceremony was a star-studded affair, honouring the finest works of cinema and the artists who have left an indelible mark.

Unveiling the final chapter of this cinematic celebration, the ceremony was packed with moments and memories that will linger long in the minds of the cine-lovers.

The festival concluded with the Closing film, “Dry Season” - directed by the acclaimed Czech filmmaker Bohdan Sláma, encapsulating the story of humanity, sustainability, and generational bonds.

The closing night’s most awaited segment was the presentation of the prestigious awards, recognizing exceptional talent and storytelling.

 

Lithuanian film ‘Toxic’ bagged Golden Peacock for the Best Film :

* The film Toxic bagged the most coveted Golden Peacock Award for Best Feature Film this year. Shri Pramod Sawant, Chief Minister of Goa and Shri Ashutosh Gowariker, Jury Chairperson of the International Competition presented the award.

* Lithuanian filmmaker and screenwriter Saul? Bliuvait?’s debut feature film delivers a raw and haunting coming-of-age story of friendship. The Jury praised the film for exploring adolescence and the harsh realities of growing up in an economically deprived society, with so much sensitivity and empathy.

Bogdan Muresanu honoured with Silver Peacock for Best Director :

* Recognising his outstanding direction and exquisite storytelling on screen, the award for Silver Peacock for Best Director went to Romanian writer and director Bogdan Muresanu for his film, ‘The New Year That Never Came.’

Clément Faveau bestowed with Silver Peacock Award for Best Actor (Male)

* Actor Clément Faveau was Awarded the Silver Peacock for Best Actor (Male) for his incredible and compelling performance in the French film Holy Cow, expressing the emotional ups and downs of the protagonist, while traversing from ages of innocence to maturity.

* The Jury also made a special mention to Actor Adam Bessa for his portrayal of Bilal, in the Tunisian film Who Do I Belong To; the actor was lauded for his nuanced and restrained performance in the film.

Actors Vesta Matulyt? and Ieva Rupeikait? jointly snatched Silver Peacock for Best Actor (Female) :

For their extraordinary debut performances, the Silver Peacock for Best Actor (Female) was jointly awarded to actors Vesta Matulyt? and Ieva Rupeikait? for the film ‘Toxic.’

Correct Answer :   US Awasthi

US Awasthi, MD of IFFCO, received the 2024 Rochdale Pioneers Award from the International Cooperative Alliance.

This significant accolade highlights his contributions to the cooperative sector, where his leadership propelled IFFCO's production capacity by 292% and net worth by 688%.

Awasthi is only the second Indian to receive this award, the first being Verghese Kurien, recognized in 2001. This award cements Awasthi's role in advancing cooperative growth globally.

Correct Answer :   Indian Chemical Council

The Indian Chemical Council (ICC) was awarded the prestigious OPCW-The Hague Prize 2024 at the 29th Conference of States Parties in The Hague, Netherlands, on November 25, 2024.

This is the first time a chemical industry body has received the honour, recognizing its significant contributions to the chemical sector.

The award was presented by OPCW Director-General Fernando Arias and The Hague Mayor Jan van Zanen, further cementing ICC's role in promoting chemical safety and innovation globally.

Correct Answer :   Washington

Prime Minister Narendra Modi received the prestigious 'Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Global Peace Award for Minority Upliftment' in Washington, USA.

* The award recognized his efforts in promoting inclusive development and welfare for minority communities.

* This recognition was presented during the launch event of the Association of Indian American Minorities (AIAM), an organization aimed at fostering unity and uplifting minority communities within the Indian American diaspora.

* The award highlights Modi’s commitment to minority welfare and inclusive growth, especially through his "Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas" initiative.

Correct Answer :   Shivangi Desai

Shivangi Desai, a 22-year-old final-year law student at the Indian Law School (ILS) Pune, has made India proud by winning the prestigious Miss Charm India 2024 title. Representing India at Miss Charm 2024 in Vietnam this December, Shivangi’s journey showcases a blend of intellect, beauty, and resilience. From a young age, she has excelled in academics, pageantry, and cultural promotion, cementing her position as a role model for young aspirants.

Early Achievements and Pageant Success :

Shivangi’s passion for pageantry started at 16, winning the May Queen title at the RSI Army Institute in Pune in 2018. This victory led to numerous accolades, including Miss Teen India North at Miss Teen Diva, Miss NDA, and 1st Runner-Up at Miss Universe Gujarat. Her early successes laid the foundation for her win at Miss Charm India 2024.

Shaped by an Armed Forces Legacy :

Having lived in ten different schools across India due to her father’s transferable job in the Indian Navy, Shivangi developed resilience, adaptability, and discipline, qualities that have shaped her career both in academics and pageantry. Her diverse experiences reflect the strength of her Armed Forces background, which continues to influence her journey.

Passion for Culture and Heritage :

Shivangi is committed to promoting India’s tourism and heritage. She authored a book, Beyond the Usual, highlighting India’s hidden tourism gems. Her passion for culture aligns seamlessly with her aspirations on the global stage, where she will represent India’s rich legacy.

Academic Excellence and Legal Ambitions :

Apart from her beauty pageant career, Shivangi is a top-performing law student. She has excelled in national and state-level moot court competitions, completed internships with top law firms like Trilegal and Khaitan & Co., and authored research papers. She aspires to become a leading Fashion, Sports, and Entertainment lawyer, showcasing her academic prowess alongside her pageant success.

Mentorship and Preparation :

Shivangi’s preparation for Miss Charm India 2024 was guided by the expertise of Pageant Coach Ritika Ramtri and the Glamanand Supermodel India team. Their mentorship helped refine her skills and contributed to her success in the competition.

A Bright Future Ahead :

Shivangi Desai’s journey reflects the power of perseverance, passion, and purpose. With her remarkable achievements in both academics and pageantry, she is poised to leave a lasting impact on the global stage, representing India with grace, intelligence, and charm at Miss Charm 2024.

Correct Answer :   Coal India Ltd

Coal India Ltd was honoured with the prestigious Green World Environment Award 2024 in the CSR category for its Thalassemia Bal Sewa Yojna.

This initiative provides curative treatment through stem cell transplants to over 600 Thalassemia patients, demonstrating the company's commitment to social responsibility and community welfare.

The award, presented at Kensington Palace, London, recognizes Coal India's efforts to make a positive impact on the environment and society.

This achievement underscores the importance of corporate social responsibility in India's business landscape.