Who receives first-ever 'Lifetime Disturbing the Peace Award'?

Awards - General Knowledge Questions

Padma Lakshmi

Daniel Kehlmann

Rachel Eliza Griffiths

Salman Rushdie

Correct Answer : Salman Rushdie

World-renowned author Salman Rushdie has been awarded the first-ever 'Lifetime Disturbing the Peace Award' by the Vaclav Havel Center on 14th November 2023.

This was Rushdie's surprise public appearance since he was stabbed during a literary festival in New York in August 2022.

Rushdie Reflects on Awards and Influence :

Rushdie's appearance was unexpected as barely a handful of the 100 attendees were aware of his presence, AP added. Announced by Azar Nafisi, the author of 'Reading Lolita in Tehran', Rushdie said, "I apologize for being a mystery guest. I don’t feel at all mysterious. But it made life a little simpler."

At 76, Rushdie, recipient of the Peace Prize of the German Book Trade last month, found himself receiving another accolade, reflecting on the irony of being awarded for "disturbing the peace." He pondered which side of "the fence" this placed him on.

During his speech, Rushdie lauded Vaclav Havel, a close friend and an influential figure who supported him when he was forced into hiding following Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini's 1989 decree against his novel, 'The Satanic Verses'. Describing Havel as a hero who balanced artistry with activism, Rushdie expressed deep honor in receiving an award in Havel's name.

The ceremony, hosted by veteran CBS journalist Lesley Stahl, took place at the Havel Center, previously known as the Vaclav Havel Library Foundation. This center, established in 2012 to perpetuate Havel's legacy, focuses on advocating for human rights and free expression..

Source : Mint

Published On : November 16, 2023

Recent Updates in Awards - General Knowledge Questions

Q .

Who Award-Winning Photograph at World Press Photo 2024?

Ahmed zakot

Hassan Eslaiah

Evelyn Hockstein

Mohammed Salem

Correct Answer : Mohammed Salem

Mohammed Salem is a Palestinian photographer who works for the news agency Reuters. In 2024, he won a very important award called the World Press Photo of the Year award.

The Award and the Winning Photo

* The World Press Photo award is a prestigious international competition for photojournalists (photographers who capture news events).

* Salem won for his extremely powerful photograph taken in Gaza on October 17, 2023.

* The photo shows a Palestinian woman named Inas Abu Maamar, 36 years old, holding the dead body of her 5-year-old niece Saly.

* Inas is crying and hugging Saly’s body which is wrapped in a white sheet. The photo was taken in a hospital morgue in Gaza after Israeli bombing.

Why the Photo Won

* The judging committee said Salem’s photo was carefully composed (arranged) and showed deep respect for the tragic scene.

* They felt the image gave both a literal and metaphorical (symbolic) look at the unimaginable loss and devastation caused by war, especially to innocent children.

* The photo captures the harsh human impact and suffering that armed conflicts inflict on civilians.

Honouring Journalists in Conflict Zones

* In announcing the award, organizers highlighted the risks journalists face when covering wars and violence.

* An alarming 99 journalists were killed in 2023 while reporting on the fighting between Israel and Hamas militants in Gaza.

* Judges wanted to recognize the trauma and sacrifices made by photographers documenting these dangerous situations.

Salem’s Perspective

* Salem, who is 39 years old, has worked for Reuters covering Gaza since 2003.

* About his winning photo, he said: “People were confused, running around looking for loved ones after the bombing. This woman holding her dead niece’s body captured what was happening.”

* He hopes the award and publishing this image globally will make people more aware of the innocent lives lost in war.

The World Press Photo competition had over 61,000 entries from 3,851 photographers across 130 countries in 2024. Salem’s haunting yet respectful photograph gave a window into the devastation of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict through a singularly heart-wrenching scene of grief.

Published On : April 23, 2024

Category : Awards

Q .

Who Honoured with Asunta Lakra Award?

Sangita Kumari

Deepika Soreng

Baljeet Kaur

Nikki Pradhan

Correct Answer : Deepika Soreng

Deepika Soreng, the promising forward of the India Women’s Hockey Team, has been honoured with the prestigious Hockey India Asunta Lakra Award for Upcoming Player of the Year during the Hockey India 6th Annual Awards 2023. The award recognizes her outstanding performance and immense potential as a rising star in the sport.

A Breakthrough Year for Deepika :

* The year 2023 marked a significant milestone in Deepika’s hockey career as she made her debut for the Indian team during the Women’s Junior Asia Cup. Her exceptional skills and goal-scoring prowess were on full display as she emerged as the second-highest goal-scorer for the side, netting an impressive 7 goals in 6 matches.

* Deepika’s pivotal role in the team’s success was instrumental in helping India clinch the Gold medal in the prestigious tournament, further solidifying her position as a force to be reckoned with in the hockey arena.

Gratitude and Dedication :

* Expressing her gratitude for the recognition, Deepika extended her heartfelt thanks to Hockey India for bestowing upon her the esteemed Asunta Lakra Award. This honour not only acknowledges her achievements but also serves as a source of motivation for her to continue pushing boundaries and striving for excellence.

* In her acceptance speech, Deepika emphasized her unwavering dedication to the sport and her commitment to representing the nation with pride on the international stage.

Nurturing Talent for Future Success :

* The Asunta Lakra Award is a testament to Hockey India’s commitment to nurturing and recognizing emerging talents within the sport. By honouring players like Deepika, the organization aims to inspire and encourage the next generation of hockey stars, fostering a culture of excellence and ensuring the continued growth and success of the sport in India.

* With her remarkable skills, determination, and the support of Hockey India, Deepika Soreng is poised to become a significant figure in the Indian Women’s Hockey Team’s future endeavours, contributing to the nation’s prowess in the global hockey arena.

Published On : April 20, 2024

Category : Awards

Q .

Who Honored with International Fellowship by the Engineering Academy of Japan?

Andrea Prosperetti

Kaushik Rajashekara

Kelvin Sampson

Venkat Selvamanickam

Correct Answer : Kaushik Rajashekara

Kaushik Rajashekara, a distinguished professor at the University of Houston’s Cullen College of Engineering, has been elected as an International Fellow of the prestigious Engineering Academy of Japan. This honour recognizes his outstanding contributions to the field of power conversion and the electrification of transportation.

A Journey from a Small Village to Global Recognition :

Originally hailing from a small village in Karnataka, India, Professor Rajashekara’s remarkable journey has been marked by numerous achievements and accolades. His election as an International Fellow specifically honours his “outstanding scientific research and scientific-technical developments in the field of energy,” which promote greater efficiency and environmental security for energy sources worldwide.

Joining an Elite Global Fraternity :

Rajashekara, 73, stands among an elite group of fewer than 10 fellows from the United States, out of a distinguished group comprising 800 fellows and 15 international fellows. This prestigious recognition is a testament to his exceptional contributions and the impact of his work on a global scale.

Cultivating Longstanding Relationships with Japan :

“I am deeply honored to have been chosen as an International Fellow of the Engineering Academy of Japan, a distinction that I hold in high regard. This recognition reflects the longstanding relationships I’ve cultivated with several esteemed Japanese universities and industries throughout my career,” said Rajashekara, the director of the University of Houston’s Power Electronics, Microgrids and Subsea Electrical Systems Centre (PEMSEC).

For over three decades, Rajashekara has worked closely with Japanese students, engineers, and faculty members from various universities, fostering collaborations and knowledge exchange.

A Trailblazer in Electric Vehicle Technology :

Rajashekara’s pioneering work in the field of electric vehicle technology has garnered significant recognition. As the former lead propulsion system engineer for General Motors’ IMPACT electric vehicle and as the chief technologist at Rolls-Royce Corporation, he has visited Japan frequently to deliver seminars and share his expertise.

Global Energy Prize: A Crowning Achievement :

In 2022, Rajashekara received the prestigious Global Energy Prize, considered the most coveted prize in the field of international energy. He was one of only three people selected from a record 119 nominations from 43 countries, further solidifying his status as a visionary in the energy sector.

As a self-described “futurist,” Rajashekara is confident that flying cars are the next big thing, reflecting his forward-thinking approach and dedication to pioneering new frontiers in transportation and energy technologies.

Published On : April 20, 2024

Category : Awards