Correct Answer :   Hamad International Airport (DOH)

Hamad International Airport (DOH), located in Doha, Qatar, has been awarded the "World's Best Airport" title by the esteemed Skytrax World Airport Awards 2024.

The ceremony was held at the Passenger Terminal Expo 2024 in Frankfurt, Germany. The airport also received the title of 'World's Best Airport Shopping' for the second consecutive year and was named "Best Airport in the Middle East" for 10 consecutive years.

* Hamad International Airport saw significant growth in passenger traffic in 2023, serving more than 45 million passengers, a significant increase of 31% compared to the previous year.

* The airport has welcomed new airline partners including Vistara, Iberia, Xiamen Airlines, Garuda Indonesia and Japan Airlines. It now serves over 250 destinations including passenger, cargo and chartered flights.

* As Hamad International Airport approaches its 10th year of operation, it is preparing for a busy year ahead.

* The airport is also investing in new technologies and industry-first initiatives to enhance sustainability efforts, strengthening its position as a leader in the aviation industry. Hamad International Airport is Qatar's gateway to the world.

* Hamad International Airport is a diverse lifestyle destination in its own right, featuring contemporary shopping and dining options, entertainment and leisure facilities and a world-class art collection of internationally acclaimed artists.

* The airport expansion project has been completed, significantly increasing capacity and enhancing its multimodal offering.

* MATAR, the Qatari company for airport management and operations, is responsible for the commercial and operational functions of the airport and is a corporate subsidiary of Qatar Airways Group.

About qatar :

* Qatar is a nation located in West Asia. It is located on the northeastern coast of the Arabian Peninsula in the Middle East.
* It's only land border to the south which is shared with Saudi Arabia, while the Persian Gulf surrounds the rest of its territory.
* The Gulf of Bahrain, the gateway to the Persian Gulf, separates Qatar from neighboring Bahrain.
* The capital is Doha and more than 80% of the country's population lives there. The land is mostly flat and low desert.

Correct Answer :   Avantika Vandanapu

Indian-American actress Avantika Vandanapu, best known for her role as Karen Shetty in the 2024 musical comedy “Mean Girls,” has been honored with the prestigious “South Asian Person of the Year” award by Harvard University.

This accolade recognizes Vandanapu’s outstanding contributions to the arts and her role in promoting South Asian representation in global media.

A Multifaceted Talent :

* At just 19 years old, Avantika Vandanapu has already made a significant impact in the entertainment industry. Beyond her standout performance in the “Mean Girls” adaptation, the actress has also made her OTT debut in the Indian series “Big Girls Don’t Cry,” showcasing her versatility and range as a performer.

* Vandanapu’s journey to recognition has been marked by a deep passion for the arts, which she cultivated from a young age. Born to a Telugu-speaking Indian family in California, the actress began her training in drama at the renowned American Conservatory Theater, honing her craft and preparing for the exciting opportunities that lay ahead.

Early Achievements and Breakthrough Roles :

* Vandanapu’s talent and dedication were evident from an early age. In 2014, she captured the attention of audiences by winning second place in the “Dance India Dance L’il Masters (North America Edition)” competition, demonstrating her exceptional skills in the realm of dance as well.

* The following year, Vandanapu made her official debut in the Telugu film industry, starring in the movie “Brahmotsavam” alongside established Bollywood stars such as Mahesh Babu, Kajal Aggarwal, Samantha, and Pranitha Subhash. This early foray into the Indian film industry paved the way for her subsequent success.

Breakthrough on the Global Stage :

* Vandanapu’s big break came in 2021 when she landed the lead role of Rhea Kumar in the Disney film “Spin.” Sharing the screen with renowned actors like Meera Syal and Abhay Deol, Vandanapu showcased her acting prowess and ability to captivate audiences on an international stage.

* The success of “Spin” and Vandanapu’s acclaimed performance in the film set the stage for her latest and most notable role in the 2024 adaptation of “Mean Girls.” As Karen Shetty, Vandanapu has not only demonstrated her exceptional acting skills but has also played a pivotal role in enhancing South Asian representation in mainstream Hollywood productions.

The Significance of the “South Asian Person of the Year” Award :

* Vandanapu’s recognition as the “South Asian Person of the Year” by Harvard University is a testament to the impact she has made in the entertainment industry and beyond. This prestigious award not only celebrates her individual achievements but also highlights the importance of diverse representation and the power of storytelling that transcends cultural boundaries.

* In her acceptance speech, Vandanapu expressed her gratitude and the profound significance of this honor, stating, “Receiving this award from an institution as esteemed as Harvard University is incredibly humbling and beyond inspiring. This award is not just a recognition of my work, but it shines a light on the importance of storytelling that crosses borders and the vital role of Indian representation in global media.”

Correct Answer :   Jain Acharya Lokesh Muni

The American President’s Volunteer Service Award was established in 2003 during George Bush’s presidency. The award is given to individuals who have provided at least 500 hours of voluntary service in the United States and whose work has positively impacted communities and inspired those around them.

Jain Acharya Lokesh Muni has become the first Indian monk to be honoured with the American President’s Gold Volunteer Service Award. The award recognizes Acharya Lokesh Muni’s contribution to the public good and humanity.

The Award Ceremony :

* The award ceremony was held in Capitol Hill, Washington, D.C.
* U.S. Congressman Brad Sherman read the certificate and citation issued by American President Joe Biden.
* President Joe Biden congratulated Acharya Lokesh Muni and appreciated his humanitarian work and service to humanity.

Acharya Lokesh Muni’s Acceptance Speech :

* In his award acceptance speech, Acharya Lokesh Muni expressed his pride in being honored with the American Presidential Award.
* He stated that the honor is a recognition of Indian culture, spiritual values, and the Jain principles of Lord Mahavir.

About Acharya Lokesh Muni

* Acharya Lokesh Muni is a follower of the Jain religion founded by Lord Mahavira.
* He is a thinker, writer, poet, and social reformer who has been continuously working to build national character, develop human values, and establish non-violence, peace, and mutual cooperation in society.

Ahimsa Vishwa Bharati :

* Acharya Lokesh Muni founded the Ahimsa Vishwa Bharati in Gurugram, Haryana.
* The Ahimsa Vishwa Bharati focuses on the four global pillars of non-violence, peace, harmony, and brotherhood in line with Lord Mahavira’s teachings and Indian cultural norms.

The Significance of Capitol Hill and the White House :

* Capitol Hill is the home of the legislative branch of the United States federal government, including the Senate and the House of Representatives.
* It is often referred to as the symbol of U.S. democracy and houses the Library of Congress.
* The White House, on the other hand, is the office and residence of the U.S. President, distinct from Capitol Hill.