Correct Answer :   Bengali

The recipient of this year’s (2024) Romain Rolland Book Prize is Pankaj Kumar Chatterjee for his remarkable translation of Jean-Daniel Baltassat’s “Le Divan de Staline” into Bengali, titled “Staliner Divan.”

Published by New Bharat Sahitya Kutir, Kolkata, Chatterjee’s translation stood out for its linguistic prowess and fidelity to the original text. This marks the second time that a Bengali translation has been honoured with this prestigious award.

About the Winning Translation :

“Le Divan de Staline” delves into a pivotal episode in the life of Joseph Stalin, the Soviet leader. Set in his native Georgia, the novel portrays Stalin grappling with insomnia and haunted by ghosts from his past. The narrative unfolds as Stalin interacts with his mistress, Vodieva, who assumes the role of a psychoanalyst, and awaits a young painter, Danilov, presenting a monument in his honor. Through vivid imagery and evocative storytelling, Jean-Daniel Baltassat presents Stalin not as a benevolent figure but as a tyrant consumed by cruelty and ruthlessness.

Recognition and Significance :

* The recognition of Pankaj Kumar Chatterjee’s translation highlights the growing appreciation for diverse literary voices and cultural exchanges. By bringing French literature to Bengali readers, Chatterjee’s work enriches the literary landscape and promotes cross-cultural understanding.

Publisher and Translator’s Acknowledgment :

* New Bharatiya Sahitya Kutir, the publishing house behind the winning translation, and Pankaj Kumar Chatterjee, the translator, will be honored with invitations to prestigious literary events. The publisher will attend the Paris Book Market in May 2024, while the translator will participate in the Paris Book Fair in April 2024, organized by the French Institute in India.

* This recognition not only celebrates the art of translation but also underscores the power of literature in bridging cultures and fostering mutual understanding.

Correct Answer :   Aditi Sen De

In a world propelled by technological advancements, quantum computing emerges as a frontier of innovation. At its forefront stands Dr. Aditi Sen De, a distinguished physicist from the Harish Chandra Research Institute in Prayagraj. Recently honored with the 2023 GD Birla Award for Scientific Excellence, Dr. De’s groundbreaking contributions to quantum technologies mark a significant milestone in scientific research.

Quantum Technologies: Redefining the Future

* Dr. De’s expertise in quantum communication networks and cryptographic networks aligns seamlessly with the evolving landscape of quantum technologies.
* Her pioneering work not only advances our understanding of quantum mechanics but also lays the groundwork for practical applications in quantum computing and communication.
* Recent enhancements to iMessage security by Apple demonstrate the relevance of Dr. De’s research in developing quantum-resistant technologies.

Breaking Barriers: Empowering Women in Science

* As the first woman recipient of the GD Birla Award for Scientific Excellence, Dr. De’s achievements transcend individual recognition.
* Her journey from mastering applied mathematics to spearheading Quantum Information and Computation (QIC) serves as an inspiration for women in science and technology globally.
* Dr. De’s accolades, including the Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Prize and the Buti Foundation Award, underscore her status as a leading figure in quantum research.

Shaping the Quantum Era: From Theory to Practice

* The implications of Dr. De’s work extend far beyond academia, driving advancements in quantum computing and its practical applications.
* Her research not only fuels innovation but also ensures that we are prepared for the challenges and opportunities presented by the quantum era.
* Through her relentless pursuit of scientific excellence, Dr. De continues to shape the future of quantum technologies, bridging the gap between theory and practical implementation.

Correct Answer :   Cillian Murphy

The cast of the biographical epic won for best ensemble, ahead of Barbie and Killers of the Flower Moon. Cillian Murphy picked up male actor in a leading role, which was also contested by Paul Giamatti and Jeffrey Wright. “This is extremely, extremely special to me because it comes from you guys,” he told the audience at Los Angeles’ Shrine Auditorium.

Robert Downey Jr won for male actor in a supporting role for playing Lewis Strauss in the film. The actor had previously won a Sag award for Ally McBeal in 2001.

Lily Gladstone took home female actor in a leading role for Killers of the Flower Moon, beating Emma Stone and Margot Robbie. “This has been a hard year for all of us,” she said before referencing 2023’s actors strike. “We bring empathy into a world that so much needs it,” she added.

The Holdovers star Da’Vine Joy Randolph was named best female actor in a supporting role after winning a string of awards this season, including a Bafta and a Golden Globe. She called the film’s director Alexander Payne “truly every actor’s dream” and said to actors who are still waiting for a breakout: “Your life can change in a day and it is not a question of if but of when, keep going.”

In a surprise victory, The Last of Us star Pedro Pascal won for male actor in a drama series, beating out three more hotly tipped Succession stars including recent Emmy winners Kieran Culkin and Matthew Macfadyen. He joked in his speech that he was drunk as he didn’t think he would win. “I’m gonna have a panic attack and I’m gonna leave,” he said at the end.

Elizabeth Debicki was named female actor in a drama series for The Crown, beating out Succession’s Sarah Snook. But the final season of the hit HBO financial drama did go on to win the night’s big TV award for drama ensemble. Star Alan Ruck called the win “one last hurrah”.

The Bear picked up three awards, including for comedy ensemble, against Abbott Elementary and Only Murders in the Building. Jeremy Allen White was also named best male actor in a comedy series for his role. “Wow, they give you a lot of time at this one but that’s all I have!” he joked at the end of his speech. His co-star Ayo Edebiri won for female actor in a comedy series after recently winning both an Emmy and a Golden Globe for the role.

Ali Wong won yet another award for her role in Netflix series Beef, picking up best female actor in a TV movie or limited series, while her co-star Steven Yeun also won for male actor..

Source : The Guardian

Correct Answer :   Both (A) and (B)

Renowned Urdu poet Gulzar and Sanskrit scholar Jagadguru Rambhadracharya have been named the recipients of the 58th Jnanpith Award, the Jnanpith selection committee announced on Saturday (17th Feb 2024).

Sampooran Singh Kalra, popularly known as Gulzar, is celebrated for his works in Hindi cinema and is considered one of the finest Urdu poets of this era.

Rambhadracharya, the founder and head of Tulsi Peeth in Chitrakoot, is a renowned Hindu spiritual leader, educator and writer of more than 240 books and texts, including four epics.

In a statement, the Jnanpith selection committee said, "It has been decided to give the award (for 2023) to eminent writers from two languages: Sanskrit litterateur Jagadguru Rambhadracharya and well known Urdu litterateur Shri Gulzar."

Gulzar received the Sahitya Akademi Award for Urdu in 2002, the Dadasaheb Phalke Award in 2013, Padma Bhushan in 2004, and at least five National Film awards for his works.

Some of his finest works include the song "Jai Ho" for the film "Slumdog Millionaire", which received an Oscar award in 2009 and a Grammy Award in 2010, and songs for critically acclaimed films such as "Maachhis" (1996), "Omkara" (2006), "Dil Se..." (1998), and "Guru" (2007), among others.

Gulzar also directed some timeless award-winning classics, including "Koshish" (1972), "Parichay" (1972), "Mausam" (1975), "Ijaazat" (1977), and the television serial "Mirza Ghalib" (1988).

"Along with his long film journey, Gulzar has been setting new milestones in the field of literature. In poetry, he invented a new genre, 'Triveni', which is a non-mukaffa poem of three lines. Gulzar has always created something new through his poetry. For some time now, he has also been paying serious attention to children's poetry," Bharatiya Jnanpith said in a statement.

Rambhadracharya is one of the present four Jagadguru Ramanandacharyas of the Ramananda sect and has been holding this position since 1982.

A polyglot who speaks 22 languages, Rambhadracharya is a poet and writer in several Indian languages, including Sanskrit, Hindi, Awadhi, and Maithili.

In 2015, he received the Padma Vibhushan award.

Established in 1944, the Jnanpith Award is given annually for outstanding contributions to Indian literature. This is the second time the award is being given for Sanskrit language and the fifth time for Urdu language.

The award carries a prize money of Rs 21 lakh, a statue of Vagdevi and a citation.

The recipients for the award were decided by a selection committee chaired by Jnanpith awardee Pratibha Rai.

Other members of the selection committee included Madhav Kaushik, Damodar Mauzo, Prof. Suranjan Das, Prof. Purushottam Bilmale, Praful Shiledar, Prof. Harish Trivedi, Prabha Verma, Dr. Janaki Prasad Sharma, A Krishna Rao and Jnanpith director Madhusudan Anand.

Goan writer Damodar Mauzo received the prestigious award for 2022..

Source : India Today

Correct Answer :   Havildar Varinder Singh

Havildar Varinder Singh of the Sikh Regiment’s ‘multipurpose octocopter’ is a versatile drone capable of not only conducting surveillance operations but also performing tasks such as grenade dropping, aerial target engagement with weapons like the AK-47, and logistics operations.

President Droupadi Murmu has awarded the Vishisht Seva Medal to Havildar Varinder Singh of the Sikh Regiment in the Indian Army for his development of a ‘multipurpose octocopter’, an official said.

The ‘multipurpose octocopter’ developed by Singh is a versatile drone capable of not only conducting surveillance operations but also performing tasks such as grenade dropping, aerial target engagement with weapons like the AK-47, and logistics operations.

Meanwhile, Singh added that the ‘multipurpose octocopter’ will prove to be a boon for the Indian Army.

“This is also a weapon drone. With the help of a four-hand grenade MGM rifle, the enemy can be killed with pinpoint accuracy,” he said.

The Vishisht Seva Medal (VSM) is a decoration of the Indian Armed Forces. It is given to personnel of all levels in the Indian Armed Forces as an acknowledgement for “distinguished service of a high order.” The medal is crafted from bronze and is adorned with a golden ribbon featuring three dark blue stripes.

The VSM was instituted on January 26, 1960, as VSM Class-III to recognise the distinguished service of a high order. It was renamed on January 27, 1967, as VSM, and it holds the provision to be conferred posthumously..

Source : Hindustan Times

Correct Answer :   PT Usha

Legendary sprinter and Indian Olympic Association (IOA) president PT Usha on Sunday (4th Feb 2024) was conferred with the 'Lifetime Achievement' award by Sports Journalists Federation of India (SJFI) and Delhi Sports Journalists Association (DSJA) at the National Sports Club of India in New Delhi.

To honour her stellar sporting career, Usha was presented with a medallion, a citation and a memento on the occasion. The ceremony was graced by Guest of Honours Rajeev Shukla, Member of Parliament - Rajya Sabha and Vice President, BCCI and former Indian shooter Jaspal Rana.

PT Usha is the fifth recipient of the SJFI and DSJA 'Lifetime Achievement' award after tennis legend Vijay Amritraj, former badminton icon Prakash Padukone, India's legendary cricketer Sunil Gavaskar and former sprinter Milkha Singh. Usha, throughout her memorable career between 1977 and 2000, won 103 international medals for India. She also claimed four Gold Medals and seven Silver medals in Asian Games, and competed across three editions of the Olympics.

Speaking at the event, Usha said, "I am grateful that my career achievements are being remembered till today. During my time, we did not have all the facilities that are available with athletes in today's age - overseas training, nutrition, sports psychologist, and sports science among others. Now that I am working at IOA, our effort is to focus on the Paris Olympics. After that we will shift our attention to fulfilling Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision to make India a sporting power by 2036."

Rajeev Shukla, Member of Parliament - Rajya Sabha said, "PT Usha deserves the honour presented to her. She is an icon and a guiding spirit for the sportspersons in the country. Now she has been given a difficult task of administering the Indian Olympic Association (IOA), and we are confident she will be able to navigate through these waters effectively."

Former Indian shooter Jaspal Rana added: "Sportsperson(s) feel happy when they are awarded. But to present an award of this stature to an athlete you have always looked up to, is a different honour. I am grateful to be given this opportunity today. PT Usha has been an idol to many sportsperson(s) across the world. I am proud that someone as strong as her will now be the head of IOA and with her guidance and support, we will crack many battles."

After the award ceremony, Abhishek Tripathi, President, Executive Committee DSJA, expressed his vote of thanks to PT Usha and the Guest of Honours..

Source : MSN

Correct Answer :   This Moment

India showcased its musical mastery at the Grammys as five accomplished Indian musicians, including tabla maestro Zakir Hussain and flautist Rakesh Chaurasia, clinched prestigious awards during the glamorous ceremony in Los Angeles.

Zakir Hussain emerged as India's top achiever, securing three Grammys, while Rakesh Chaurasia garnered two accolades. The fusion group Shakti, consisting of singer Shankar Mahadevan, violinist Ganesh Rajagopalan, and percussionist Selvaganesh Vinayakram, collaborators with Hussain, collectively earned one Grammy each at the star-studded event held at the Crypto.com Arena on Sunday night.

Shakti won the 2024 Grammy Award for Best Global Music Album for "This Moment". The album features the four Indians as well as its founding member, the legendary British guitarist John McLaughlin.

"This Moment", which released to critical acclaim in June 2023, is the group's first studio album in more than 45 years.

Besides his award for Shakti, Hussain won two other awards -- the best global music performance for "Pashto" and best contemporary instrumental album for "As We Speak".

The best global music performance category had eight nominees, including "Abundance In Millets", a song by Falu and featuring Prime Minister Narendra Modi, "Shadow Forces" by Arooj Aftab, Vijay Iyer, and Shahzad Ismaily, and "Alone" by Burna Boy.

Rakesh Chaurasia, nephew of legendary flautist Hariprasad Chaurasia, won two Grammys as part of the ensemble of American banjo player Bela Fleck and American bassist Edgar Meyer for "Pashto" and "As We Speak"...

Source : Onmanorama

Correct Answer :   REC Limited

Gurugram, 5th February, 2024 :  REC Limited, a Maharatna CPSE under the Ministry of Power and a leading NBFC, has been bestowed with the prestigious Best Green Bond – Corporate Award at The Asset Triple A Awards for Sustainable Finance 2024. This recognition underscores REC Limited’s unwavering commitment to sophisticated capital market instruments and customized financing solutions in advancing sustainable finance and fostering environmental stewardship.

REC has received the award for issuance of $750 million USD Green Bonds issued in April 2023 which was also the first USD Green Bond issuance from India post India’s G20 Presidency and  the largest ever Senior Green Bond Tranche by a South & South-East Asian issuer. The bond issue was priced at a minimum new issue premium of 7.5 bps, which was tighter than the most recent high-rated issuances from the region.

The issue was well received by the investors for REC’s significant contribution to financing projects aimed at mitigating climate change and promoting environmental sustainability. This recognition represents a milestone in REC Limited’s dedication to support initiatives that drive positive environmental impact and foster sustainable development.

Shri Vivek Kumar Dewangan, Chairman & Managing Director, REC Limited, said, “We are delighted to receive this award, which reaffirms our commitment to sustainable finance and underscores our efforts to accelerate the transition towards a greener and more sustainable future at competitive costs.

In addition to the USD Green Bonds of USD 750 Million issued in April 2023, REC also priced its inaugural Euro-Yen Green bonds of JPY 61.1 Billion in January 2024, which was the largest Yen Bond issuance by an Indian corporate. As such, REC stands resolute in its pledge to promote green and clean energy through these Green issuances.“

The Asset Triple A Awards are pre-eminent recognition for those organizations that have excelled in their respective industry. With over two decades of experience conducting awards programmes, The Asset Triple A Awards reflect unparalleled industry understanding to be able to distinguish best-in-class organizations.

The Asset Triple A Awards programmes are built upon a stringent methodology that is combined with a rigorous approach in selecting the best institutions and deals. The awards are adjudicated by The Asset’s board of editors who are regarded as the most experienced and collectively have several decades’ worth of evaluating industry awards..

Source : News Mantra

Correct Answer :   12th fail

69th Filmfare Awards 2024 took place on 28th January 2024 Gujarat's Gandhinagar, with the who's who of Bollywood in attendance. While Ranbir Kapoor's Animal and Vikrant Massey's 12th Fail ruled the roost in the coveted award ceremony,  Alia Bhatt also won the Best  Actor for Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani.

This was the first edition of the award ceremony held over two days with a separate ceremony for Technical Awards on Saturday (27th Jan 2024) and other awards being given on Sunday (28th Jan 2024). Hosted by Karan Johar, the award ceremony saw performances by Kareena Kapoor, Karisma Kapoor, Ranbir Kapoor, Varun Dhawan and Kartik Aaryan.

List of Filmfare Awards 2024 winners :

* BEST FILM (POPULAR): 12TH FAIL

* BEST FILM (CRITICS): JORAM

* BEST DIRECTOR: VIDHU VINOD CHOPRA (12TH FAIL)

* BEST ACTOR IN A LEADING ROLE (MALE): RANBIR KAPOOR (ANIMAL)

* BEST ACTOR (CRITICS): VIKRANT MASSEY (12TH FAIL)

* BEST ACTOR IN A LEADING ROLE (FEMALE): ALIA BHATT (ROCKY AUR RANI KII PREM KAHAANI)

* BEST ACTRESS (CRITICS): RANI MUKERJI (MRS. CHATTERJEE VS. NORWAY), SHEFALI SHAH (THREE OF US)

* BEST ACTOR IN A SUPPORTING ROLE (MALE): VICKY KAUSHAL (DUNKI)

* BEST ACTOR IN A SUPPORTING ROLE (FEMALE): SHABANA AZMI (ROCKY AUR RANI KII PREM KAHAANI)

* BEST LYRICS: AMITABH BHATTACHARYA (TERE VAASTE)

* BEST MUSIC ALBUM: ANIMAL

* BEST PLAYBACK SINGER (MALE): BHUPINDER BABBAL (ANIMAL)

* BEST PLAYBACK SINGER (FEMALE): SHILPA RAO (PATHAAN)

* BEST STORY: AMIT RAI (OMG 2), DEVASHISH MAKHIJA (JORAM)

* BEST SCREENPLAY: VIDHU VINOD CHOPRA (12TH FAIL)

* BEST DIALOGUE: ISHITA MOITRA (ROCKY AUR RANI KII PREM KAHAANI)

* BEST BACKGROUND SCORE: HARSHVARDHAN RAMESHWAR (ANIMAL)

* BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY: AVINASH ARUN DHAWARE (THREE OF US)

* BEST PRODUCTION DESIGN: SUBRATA CHAKRABORTY, AMIT RAY (SAM BAHADUR)

* BEST COSTUME DESIGN: SACHIN LOVELEKAR, DIVVYA GAMBHIR, NIDHHI GAMBHIR (SAM BAHADUR)

* BEST SOUND DESIGN: KUNAL SHARMA (MPSE) (SAM BAHADUR), SYNC CINEMA (ANIMAL)

* BEST EDITING: JASKUNWAR SINGH KOHLI- VIDHU VINOD CHOPRA (12TH FAIL)

* BEST ACTION: SPIRO RAZATOS, ANL ARASU, CRAIG MACRAE, YANNICK BEN, KECHA KHAMPHAKDEE, SUNIL RODRIGUES (JAWAN)

* BEST VFX: RED CHILLIES VFX (JAWAN)

* BEST CHOREOGRAPHY: GANESH ACHARYA (WHAT JHUMKA?- ROCKY AUR RANI KII PREM KAHAANI )

* BEST DEBUT DIRECTOR: TARUN DUDEJA (DHAK DHAK)

* BEST DEBUT MALE: ADITYA RAWAL (FARAAZ)

* BEST DEBUT FEMALE: ALIZEH AGNIHOTRI (FARREY)

* LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD: DAVID DHAWAN.

Correct Answer :   31 Persons

The President of India has approved the conferment of Jeevan Raksha Padak Series of Awards-2023 on 31 persons which includes Sarvottam Jeevan Raksha Padak to 03, Uttam Jeevan Raksha Padak to 07 and Jeevan Raksha Padak to 21 persons. Three awardees are posthumous. The details are as under :-

Sarvottam Jeevan Raksha Padak :

* Master Anthony Vanmawia (Posthumous), Mizoram
* Ms. Melody Lalremruati (Posthumous), Mizoram
* Shri Sooraj R (Posthumous), Central Reserve Police Force
 

Uttam Jeevan Raksha Padak :

* Shri Sahil Bisso Lad, Goa
* Ms. Kajal Kumari, Jharkhand
* Shri Naveen Kumar D, Telangana
* Shri Vinod Kumar, Border Roads Organisation
* Havildar Shera Ram, Ministry of Defence
* Shri Mukesh Kumar, National Disaster Response Force
* Shri Naresh Kumar, National Investigation Agency
 

Jeevan Raksha Padak :

* Shri M S Anil Kumar, Andaman and Nicobar Islands
* Shri Jeetam Parameswara Rao, Andhra Pradesh
* Shri Samarjit Basumatary, Assam
* Shri Sudesh Kumar, Chandigarh
* Shri Justin George, Kerala
* Shri Wilson, Kerala
* Shri Padma Thinlass, Ladakh
* Shri Mohd Afzal, Ladakh
* Smt. Adika Rajaram Patil, Maharashtra
* Smt. Priyanka Bharat Kale, Maharashtra
* Smt. Sonali Sunil Balode, Maharashtra
* Shri Maria Michael A, Tamil Nadu
* Shri S Vijayakumar, Tamil Nadu
* Shri Naresh Joshi, Uttarakhand
* Shri Arjun Malik, Border Roads Organisation
* Shri Amit Kumar Singh, Border Security Force
* Shri Sher Singh, Central Industrial Security Force
* Shri Sonu Sharma, Central Industrial Security Force
* Shri Abdul Hameed, Ministry of Defence
* Shri Sunil Kumar Mishra, Ministry of Defence
* Shri Shashikant   Kumar, Ministry of Railways
 

Jeevan Raksha Padak series of awards are given to a person for meritorious act of human nature in saving the life of a person.  The award is given in three categories, namely, Sarvottam Jeevan Raksha Padak, Uttam Jeevan Raksha Padak and Jeevan Raksha Padak.  Persons of all walks of life are eligible for these awards.  The award can also be conferred posthumously.

The decoration of the award (medal, certificate signed by the Union Home Minister and lump sum monetary allowance) is presented to the awardees in due course by the respective Union Ministries/Organizations/State Government to which the awardee belongs..

Source : PIB