Awards - General Knowledge Questions

Correct Answer :   Meena Charanda

Professor Meena Charanda, Principal of Kalindi College, Delhi University, has been awarded the prestigious ‘International Culture Award’ for the year 2024. Prof. Charanda received this honour in recognition of her remarkable work in the field of education and social service. The award ceremony took place on March 30, 2024, at the India International Center.

Award Highlights :

During the award ceremony, Prof. Charanda was presented with :

Selection Committee :

* The selection for the ‘International Culture Award’ was made by a 5-member committee headed by K Yogesh, Chairman of Socrates Social Research University (Trust). The committee comprised experienced members from various fields.

* According to K Yogesh, more than 50 women were considered for this honour, but Prof. Charanda was ultimately selected for her outstanding work in education, social service, and excellent research in the field of political science.

Other Awardees :

While Prof. Charanda was recognized for her contributions, the committee also selected other women and men for the ‘International Culture Award’, whose names will be announced soon.

About Professor Meena Charanda :

The ‘International Culture Award’ recognizes Prof. Meena Charanda’s remarkable contributions to the field of education, social service, and academic research, making her a deserving recipient of this prestigious honour.

Correct Answer :   Vineet Jain

Vineet Jain, the managing director of the Times Group, received the prestigious Exchange4Media News Broadcasting Awards (ENBA) Lifetime Achievement Award 2023 for his significant contributions to Indian television news.

While accepting the award at a ceremony on Saturday, Jain attributed the achievement to the collective efforts of teams at the Times Group. He also acknowledged the unwavering support of his elder brother, Samir Jain, throughout their journey of expanding and diversifying the group.

Belief in Free and Fair Media :

* Vineet Jain expressed his steadfast belief in a free, fair, independent, and robust media as being essential for societal strength and freedom. He pledged to continue supporting the media industry and its institutions in any way possible.

Founding the Times Network :

* The award citation commended Jain for his instrumental role in founding the group’s TV platform, the Times Network, which includes channels like Times Now, ET Now, Mirror Now, Times Now Navbharat, and ET NOW Swadesh.

Impact on News Delivery :

* According to the jury, these channels have greatly impacted the delivery of news in India. Jain’s dedication to innovative programming, balanced coverage, and adapting to the evolving needs of the audience have garnered widespread respect and admiration.

Encouraging a Dynamic Work Environment :

* The jury also acknowledged Vineet Jain’s ability to cultivate a dynamic work environment and attract top journalistic talent.

Esteemed Jury :

* The ENBA jury included prominent figures such as former Supreme Court judge AK Sikri, Annurag Batra (chairman and editor-in-chief of exchange4media and BusinessWorld), Dhanendra Kumar (chairman of Competition Advisory Services (India) LLP), and Alok Mehta (former president of the Editors Guild of India).

* The ENBA Lifetime Achievement Award 2023 recognizes Vineet Jain’s significant contributions to the Indian news broadcasting industry and his commitment to upholding the values of free and fair media.

Correct Answer :   Prabha Varma

Prabha Varma received the 33rd Saraswati Samman in 2023 for his novel in verse 'Roudra Sathwikam.'

This prestigious literary award, established by the K.K. Birla Foundation, recognizes exceptional literary works in Indian languages published within the last decade.

Varma's work delves into philosophical themes, exploring the complexities of power, politics, morality, and human nature in poetic form.

Correct Answer :   Mr. Srinivasan Swamy

Mr. Srinivasan Swamy, currently serving as the chairman and managing director of RK Swamy Ltd, was honored at the 45th IAA World Congress in Penang, Malaysia.

Governor Tun Ahmad Fuzi Abdul Razak presented him with the esteemed IAA Golden Compass Award 2024, recognizing his significant contributions to the global marketing, advertising, and media industries. This accolade marks a significant milestone in his illustrious career.

The IAA Golden Compass Award :

* The IAA Golden Compass Award is a symbol of excellence and innovation in the industry.
* Swamy is the first Indian industry leader to receive this prestigious honor.
* Previous recipients include renowned figures such as Shelly Lazarus, Paul Polman, and Andrew Robertson.

Career Highlights :

* Swamy has played pivotal roles in shaping the landscape of the marketing services industry over two decades.
* Held leadership positions including chairman of The Asian Federation of Advertising Associations (AFAA) and The Audit Bureau of Circulations (ABC).
* As President of the India Chapter of IAA, he revitalized the organization, launching prestigious award events and Goafest, India’s premier advertising festival.

Philanthropy and Social Impact :

* Actively involved in philanthropic initiatives, serving as president/chairman of educational and healthcare institutions.
* Contributes to social, cultural, and religious causes, reflecting a commitment to improving communities.

A Visionary Leader Honored with the IAA Golden Compass Award :

* Swamy’s recognition with the IAA Golden Compass Award underscores his outstanding contributions to the industry.
* His visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to excellence serve as a continuous source of inspiration.

Correct Answer :   Amitav Ghosh

The Praemium Erasmianum Foundation has awarded the Erasmus Prize 2024 to the Indian writer Amitav Ghosh. He receives this prestigious honour for his passionate contribution to the theme “imagining the unthinkable,” in which he explores the unprecedented global crisis of climate change through his literary works.

Giving Voice to an Existential Threat :

* Ghosh has delved deeply into the question of how to give justice to the existential threat of climate change, which defies our imagination. His work offers a remedy by making an uncertain future palpable through compelling stories about the past. He wields his pen to show that the climate crisis is a cultural crisis resulting from a lack of imagination.

A Vast Body of Work :

* Born in Kolkata in 1956, Ghosh has produced a vast body of work, including historical novels and journalistic essays that carry the reader across continents and oceans. His works are grounded in thorough archival research and transcend boundaries and time periods with literary eloquence.

Exploring Nature and Human Destiny :

* Nature has been an important character in Ghosh’s work, particularly after witnessing the ravaging effects of climate change and rising sea levels in the Sundarbans region while researching for his book “The Hungry Tide.” Drawing from the rich history of the Indian subcontinent, he describes how the effects of natural catastrophes have been inextricably linked with human destiny in that part of the world.

Tracing the Roots of the Climate Crisis :

* In his non-fiction book “The Nutmeg’s Curse,” Ghosh traces the current planetary crisis back to a disastrous vision that reduces the earth to raw material, soulless and mechanical. In his essay “The Great Derangement,” he challenges readers to view climate change through the geopolitical context of war and trade.

Propagating a New Humanism :

* Through understanding and imagination, Ghosh creates space for hope, a prerequisite for change. He propagates a new humanism in which not only are all people equal, but humanity also abandons the distinction between man and nature.

Accolades and Recognition :

* Ghosh has won various prizes, including the 2018 Jnanpith Award, the highest literary prize in India. In 2019, he received an honorary doctorate from Maastricht University and was ranked by “Foreign Policy” magazine as one of the most important global thinkers of our time.

* The Erasmus Prize, awarded annually by the Praemium Erasmianum Foundation, recognizes exceptional contributions to the field of humanities or the arts. Amitav Ghosh’s recognition with this prestigious award highlights his significant role in giving voice to the existential threat of climate change through his literary works and promoting a new humanism that reconciles humanity with nature.

Correct Answer :   Cillian Murphy

Academy Awards 2024 (96th Academy Awards) has been announced. This award ceremony was organized at the Dolby Theater in Los Angeles. Oppenheimer, directed by Christopher Nolan, stole the show and won 7 awards.

Cillian Murphy was given the Best Actor Award for the film Oppenheimer. 'Barbie' has received the award for Original Song. 'What was I made for?' Billie Eilish and Phineas have received the award for the song.   

Best actor :

* Cillian Murphy, "Oppenheimer" — Winner
* Bradley Cooper, "Maestro"
* Colman Domingo, "Rustin"
* Paul Giamatti, "The Holdovers"
* Jeffrey Wright, "American Fiction".

Source : CBS News

Correct Answer :   Nita Ambani

Nita Ambani, the Chairperson & Founder of The Reliance Foundation, took home a ‘Humanitarian Award’ from the Miss World Foundation at the 71st Miss Word Grand finale. The event was held at the Jio World Convention Center in Mumbai on Saturday (9th Mar 2024). The entrepreneur was honoured with this award for her massive contributions to charity and philanthropy.

While receiving the award, Ambani thanked Julia Morley, the chairman and CEO of the Miss World Organization, and revealed how she had been guided by the Indian motto of Satyam, Shivam Sundaram. “This honour is not just a personal achievement, but a testament to the power of compassion and service that binds us…Throughout my journey, I have been guided by the timeless Indian principles of Satyam Shivam Sundaram, representing truth, goodness, and beauty.

Satyam embraces the truth. The pursuit of truth is a spiritual journey marked by a quest for purity, integrity, and sincerity of purpose. Shivam nurtures the divinity within. I have experienced divinity in the smiles and laughter of millions of children through the work of our Reliance Foundation. Sundaram celebrates the beauty that surrounds us..” she said.

Ambani’s younger son Anant is engaged to Radhika Merchant, the heir of Encore Healthcare. Their pre-wedding ceremony was held in Jamnagar, Gujarat from March 1- 3. Pop diva Rihanna performed at the event, and celebrities such as Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan, Aamir Khan, Ranbir Kapoor, Alia Bhatt, Kareena Kapoor etc also attended the event..

Source : India Times

Correct Answer :   Dr Pradeep Mahajan

In a remarkable recognition of his contributions to the field of regenerative medicine, Dr. Pradeep Mahajan, the Founder and Chairman and Managing Director (CMD) of StemRx Hospital and Research Centre, along with StemRx Bioscience Solutions, has been awarded the prestigious Maharashtra Bhushan Award 2024. This accolade is a testament to his pioneering efforts and substantial impact in advancing regenerative medicine, offering new hope and innovative treatments to patients worldwide.

A Beacon in Regenerative Medicine :

Pioneering Contributions : Dr. Mahajan’s journey in the medical field is marked by his innovative approach and dedication to regenerative medicine. His work has not only provided groundbreaking treatments for patients but has also significantly contributed to the scientific community’s understanding of regenerative therapies.

Leadership and Innovation : Under Dr. Mahajan’s leadership, StemRx Hospital and Research Centre has emerged as a leading institution in the field of regenerative medicine. His commitment to research and development has led to several clinical successes, earning him recognition within and beyond the medical community.

Education and Affiliations :

Academic Associations : Dr. Mahajan’s affiliations with prestigious institutions such as Maharashtra University of Health Sciences (MUHS), Institute of Technology & Management (ITM), and Amity University underscore his dedication to education and research in regenerative medicine.

Certification : His certification from the American Board of Regenerative Medicine further validates his expertise and proficiency in this specialized area, marking him as a respected authority in regenerative therapies.

Impactful Achievements :

Transformative Treatments : Among Dr. Mahajan’s notable achievements are the world’s youngest case of Cerebral Palsy treated with regenerative medicine and the first instance of Empty Nose Syndrome in India being addressed through innovative therapies. These cases not only showcase the potential of regenerative medicine but also Dr. Mahajan’s role in pioneering these treatments.

Advancing Medical Science : Through his relentless pursuit of alternative therapies for life-threatening diseases and painful conditions such as cancer, diabetes, and arthritis, Dr. Mahajan has focused on providing cost-effective solutions with minimal side effects, thereby enhancing patient care and quality of life.

Correct Answer :   Sunil Bharti Mittal

Bharti Enterprises founder and chairman, Sunil Bharti Mittal has become the first Indian citizen to receive an Honorary Knighthood from United Kingdom's King Charles III.

The award grants Mr. Mittal the title of Knight Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, recognising his contributions to fostering stronger business ties between India and the UK.

The 66-year-old entrepreneur in a statement said that UK and India share historical relations, which are now entering a new era of increased cooperation and collaboration.

An honorary Knighthood is one of the highest honours granted by the British Sovereign to civilians, conferred upon foreign nationals in recognition of their exceptional contributions..

Source : AIR

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.