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Awards - General Knowledge Questions
A)
Kapil Dev
B)
Rajeev Kumar
C)
Dinanath Rajput
D)
Sachin Tendulkar

Correct Answer : Option (C) - Dinanath Rajput

Deenanath Rajput Empowers Tribal Women in Bastar, Chhattisgarh :

In a significant acknowledgment of his remarkable efforts, Deenanath Rajput, an engineer-turned-social worker, was awarded the Second Rohini Nayyar Prize for his outstanding contribution to rural development. The prestigious award was presented in memory of the late economist-administrator Dr. Rohini Nayyar, and it came with a trophy, a citation, and a cash prize of Rs 10 lakh.


Empowering Tribal Women in Bastar, Chhattisgarh :

Deenanath Rajput’s commendable work focuses on empowering tribal women in Bastar, Chhattisgarh, a region known for its challenges, including Naxalite activities. His efforts have been instrumental in positively transforming the lives of over 6,000 tribal women in the area.


Establishing a Farmers Producers Organisation (FPO) :

At the heart of Rajput’s initiative is the establishment of a Farmers Producers Organisation (FPO). The FPO was founded in 2018 with an initial membership of 337 women from Jagdalpur in Bastar. Since then, it has grown to encompass over 6,000 members across four districts in the region.


Key Initiatives of the FPO :

The Farmers Producers Organisation (FPO) spearheaded by Deenanath Rajput implements a range of initiatives to uplift and support women farmers:

* Agricultural Extension Services: The FPO provides vital agricultural extension services to women farmers, equipping them with knowledge and skills to enhance agricultural productivity.
* Cold Storage Infrastructure: Building cold storage infrastructure is a crucial component of the initiative. This infrastructure helps in preserving agricultural produce, reducing wastage, and ensuring that farmers have access to markets for longer periods.
* Market Connectivity: One of the significant achievements of the FPO is connecting women farmers with both national and international markets. This connection allows them to sell their products and produce to a wider audience, opening up new opportunities for economic growth.
* Diversification: The FPO supports women farmers in diversifying their agricultural activities. This includes helping them venture into producing higher value-added products and services, which can significantly improve their income and livelihoods.


The Recognition and Jury :

The Second Rohini Nayyar Prize was presented by N. K. Singh, Chairman of the Fifteenth Finance Commission, who also served as the chief guest. The distinguished jury responsible for selecting the award winner included Dr. Ashok Khosla of Development Alternatives, Dr. Rajesh Tandon of Participatory Research in Asia, Renana Jhabvala of the Self-Employed Women’s Association, and Professor Seeta Prabhu. Dr. Deepak Nayyar, Emeritus Professor of Economics at JNU, was also present at the event.

Deenanath Rajput’s work is a shining example of dedication and commitment to rural development, and it serves as an inspiration to others striving to make a positive impact in the lives of marginalized communities. His tireless efforts in empowering tribal women in Bastar, Chhattisgarh, underscore the potential for positive change when individuals take initiative to address critical issues in their communities.

A)
Vikram Seth
B)
Ankita Sinha
C)
Amitabh Ghos
D)
Nandini Das

Correct Answer : Option (D) - Nandini Das

he British Academy Book Prize for Global Cultural Understanding, a prestigious international non-fiction award has been claimed by India-born author Nandini Das for her debut book, ‘Courting India: England, Mughal India, and the Origins of Empire.’ This remarkable work, hailed as the “true origin story of Britain and India told through England’s first diplomatic mission to the Mughal courts,” secured the top spot this year at a ceremony held at the British Academy in London.


Nandini Das: A Fresh Perspective on the Origins of Empire :

Nandini Das, a 49-year-old academic and Professor in the English faculty at the University of Oxford, has ventured to offer a fresh perspective on the beginnings of the British Empire. Her book delves into the historical account of the arrival of the first English ambassador in India, Sir Thomas Roe, during the early 17th century. In doing so, Das provides a unique lens through which to examine the intricate interactions between England and Mughal India, laying the groundwork for the empire that would eventually come into being.


The British Academy Book Prize: Fostering Cultural Understanding :

The British Academy Book Prize for Global Cultural Understanding, previously known as the Nayef Al-Rodhan Prize, was established in 2013. Its mission is to recognize and celebrate exceptional works of non-fiction that exemplify academic rigor and originality while also contributing to the public’s understanding of diverse world cultures and their interactions. Now in its 11th year, this award continues to honor books that enhance global cultural understanding at a time when the need for cross-cultural comprehension is more pressing than ever.


List of Shortlisted authors :

Sno. Book Title Author
1 ‘Black Ghost of Empire: The Long Death of Slavery and the Failure of Emancipation’ Kris Manjapra
2 ‘Red Memory: Living, Remembering, and Forgetting China’s Cultural Revolution’ Tania Branigan
3 ‘The Violence of Colonial Photography’ Daniel Foliard
4 ‘Papyrus: The Invention of Books in the Ancient World’ Irene Vallejo
5 ‘Ritual: How Seemingly Senseless Acts Make Life Worth Living’ Dimitris Xygalatas


Rewarding Excellence :

Nandini Das will be awarded GBP 25,000 as the winner of the British Academy Book Prize for Global Cultural Understanding. However, the accolades do not end there. The shortlisted authors, including Kris Manjapra, Tania Branigan, Daniel Foliard, Irene Vallejo, and Dimitris Xygalatas, will each receive GBP 1,000 for their exceptional contributions to non-fiction literature.

A)
Mumbai
B)
Bangalore
C)
Kolkata
D)
Lucknow

Correct Answer : Option (B) - Bangalore

10-year-old Vihaan Talya Vikas from Bengaluru, was awarded the best photographer in his category at the prestigious Wildlife Photographer of the Year (WPY) competition held in London.

Organised by the Natural History Museum, London, the competition showcases the finest wildlife photography from around the world. The event is also considered as the ‘Oscars of Photography’. Vihaan’s photo of a spider along with Krishna’s carving clicked on the outskirts of the city and helped him bag the award.

Inspired by his father’s passion for wildlife photography, Vihaan said, “I am very happy and excited to receive this award. I like doing photography because it helps us think creatively and connect with nature.”

The competition this year saw submissions from 95 countries in different categories. A total of 50,000 images were submitted, out of which the top 100 were considered for the competition and 11 were chosen in different categories, with Vihaan winning the under-10 category award.

Vihaan’s image will be part of the WPY59 collection and will be presented in the Wildlife Photographer of the Year Exhibition at the Natural History Museum, which will tour around 25 venues across 4 continents to create awareness about the protection of wildlife.

A student of Kumarans School, Vihaan’s journey began at the age of 7, under the guidance of his father.

Dhritiman Mukherjee, Wildlife and Conservation Photographer and Competition Judge, said, “Vihaan’s image served the purpose of art, concept, conservation and science very nicely.” He also appreciated the young boy’s thought process behind it and the composition of the image..

Source : New Indian Express

A)
Ashok Gadgil
B)
Arun Mehra
C)
Ajay Bagga
D)
Vivek Ramaswami

Correct Answer : Option (A) - Ashok Gadgil

Two Indian American scientists were awarded the National Medal of Technology and Innovation by US President Joe Biden at the White House last night.

The two Indian-Americans Ashok Gadgil and Subra Suresh were awarded the National Medal of Technology and Innovation and the National Medal of Science. President Biden also honoured leading American scientists, technologists, and innovators at the award ceremony.

The scientists, who were honoured at the event, made discoveries enabling lifesaving medical treatments, helping fight the opioid epidemic, improving food security, advancing accessibility, and much more.
 

The National Medal of Science and the National Medal of Technology and Innovation are given to Americans who have made exemplary achievements in science, technology, and innovation to strengthen the US's well-being.

The National Medal of Science is the nation's highest scientific honour, established by the US Congress in 1959 and administered by the US National Science Foundation.

It is bestowed by the President of the United States on individuals deserving of special recognition for their outstanding contributions to biology, computer sciences, education sciences, engineering, geosciences, mathematical and physical sciences, and social, behavioural, and economic sciences..

Source : AIR

A)
Punjab
B)
Gujarat
C)
Maharashtra
D)
Uttar Pradesh

Correct Answer : Option (B) - Gujarat

The beautiful village of Dhordo in Gujarat has garnered international recognition after it secured a place on the list of the 54 best tourism villages announced by the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO).

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his delight at the recognition of Dhordo as the “best tourism village.” He lauded the rich cultural heritage and natural beauty of the village and emphasized its potentials to attract visitors from around the world. Union Home Minister Amit Shah celebrated the achievement, acknowledging the PM’s efforts to transform the area into a world-class tourism site.


Dhordo’s Journey to Excellence : Dhordo village situated in the heart of Gujarat, has come a long way to earn its place on the global stage as a premier tourism destination. It recently hosted the inaugural Tourism Working Group Meeting of the G20, during India’s presidency of the influential group. This gathering of global leaders in the enchanting landscapes of Dhordo showcased the village’s capacity to host international events and highlighted its growing importance in the world of tourism.


UNWTO’s Best Tourism Villages 2023 Accolade : The UNWTO’s Best Tourism Villages 2023 accolade is a tribute to villages leading the way in nurturing rural regions, preserving landscapes, upholding cultural diversity, safeguarding local values, and celebrating culinary traditions. Launched in 2021, this initiative is a vital component of the UNWTO’s Tourism for Rural Development program, which aims to promote sustainable tourism practices.


UNWTO’s Third Edition Village Selection: 54 Chosen from Hundreds of Applications : In its third edition, the UNWTO’s initiative selected 54 villages from diverse regions out of nearly 260 applications. The announcement was made during the UNWTO General Assembly held in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, from October 16 to 20, where leaders and experts gathered to discuss the future of global tourism.


Global Villages Recognized Alongside Dhordo for Excellence : Alongside Dhordo, several other villages from around the world achieved recognition, including Barrancas in Chile, Biei in Japan, Cantavieja in Spain, Dahshour in Egypt, Dongbaek in the Republic of Korea, Douma in Lebanon, Ericeira in Portugal, and Filandia in Colombia, among others.


* UNWTO Founded: 1 November 1975
* UNWTO Headquarters: Madrid, Spain
* UNWTO Secretary-General: Zurab Pololikashvili

A)
Neeti Mohan
B)
Neha Kakkar
C)
Shreya Ghoshal
D)
Sunidhi Chauhan

Correct Answer : Option (C) - Shreya Ghoshal

Renowned playback singer Shreya Ghoshal has added another feather to her cap, receiving the prestigious Best Female Playback Singer award at the 69th National Film Awards. The award was presented to her by the Hon’ble President of India, Droupadi Murmu, in a grand ceremony held at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi.


Glorious Journey: Shreya’s Fifth National Film Award :

Shreya Ghoshal’s remarkable journey in the Indian film industry has been adorned with accolades, and this recent win marks her fifth National Film Award. Her first National Award was in 2003 for the soul-stirring rendition of “Bairy Piya” in the iconic movie ‘Devdas.’ Subsequently, she achieved further acclaim for her melodious contributions to films like ‘Paheli’ with “Dheere Jalna” and ‘Jab We Met’ with “Yeh Ishq Haaye.” In 2010, Shreya’s talent shone once more as she clinched the National Award for not one but two songs – “Jiv Dangla” from the Marathi film ‘Jogva’ and “Pherari Mon” from the Bengali movie ‘Antaheen.’


National Film Awards: A Glimpse into India’s Cinematic Excellence :

Established in 1954, the National Film Awards stand as a pinnacle of recognition for excellence in Indian cinema. This annual event is eagerly anticipated by filmmakers, artists, and cinema enthusiasts, as it showcases the best of Indian cinema. The Hon’ble President of India plays a pivotal role in presenting these prestigious awards, making it an illustrious occasion in the country’s cultural calendar.

Shreya Ghoshal’s latest triumph in the 69th National Film Awards reaffirms her position as one of India’s most gifted and celebrated playback singers. With a career spanning two decades and a string of melodious hits to her name, Shreya continues to enthrall audiences with her soulful voice. Her exceptional contribution to the music of ‘Iravin Nizhal’ through the enchanting song ‘Mayava Chayava’ has secured her a well-deserved place in the annals of Indian cinema. As she stands proudly with her fifth National Film Award, Shreya Ghoshal remains an inspiration to aspiring artists and a cherished icon in the world of music and film.

A)
Janaki Vishwanathan
B)
Anuradha Ramanan
C)
Muktha Srinivasan
D)
Sivasankari

Correct Answer : Option (D) - Sivasankari

 Tamil writer Sivasankari was on Thursday (12th Oct 2023) presented with the ‘Saraswati Samman’ 2022 for her book of memoirs Surya Vamsam.

The award, instituted by the K.K. Birla Foundation, was presented to her by former Union Minister M. Veerappa Moily. It carries a citation, a plaque and prize money of ₹15 lakh.

Surya Vamsam is a book of memoirs in two volumes. These two volumes together present not only the evolution of an innocent child into an acclaimed author but also unfold the transformation society has undergone in these seven decades, the award citation said.

The work was selected by a Chayan Parishad (Selection Committee), headed by former Supreme Court judge Arjan Kumar Sikri.

Ms. Sivasankari, born in 1942, has a literary career spanning over five decades. She has authored 36 novels, 48 novelettes, 150 short stories, five travelogues, seven collection of essays and three biographies. She has compiled two anthologies of Tamil short stories.

Many of her works have been translated into several Indian languages and also in English, Japanese and Ukrainian.

Her greatest contribution to Indian literature is her four-volume Knit India Through Literature, a compendium of Indian literature..

Source : The Hindu

A)
Samia Suluhu Hassan
B)
Cindy Kiro
C)
Susan Dougan
D)
Ellen Johnson Sirleaf

Correct Answer : Option (A) - Samia Suluhu Hassan

Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan was conferred with an Honorary Doctorate (Honoris Causa) degree by Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) at a ceremony held on Tuesday (10th Oct 2023). The event was attended by External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar and Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.

President Hassan became the first woman to receive this esteemed honour from JNU.

The Tanzanian President, who is on a four-day visit to India, took the audience on a heartfelt journey through her life, sharing her remarkable story from a humble upbringing in an African village to becoming the first woman president of Tanzania, according to PTI.

Her acceptance speech resonated with deep affection for India, as she reminisced about her first visit in 1998 when she came to study in Hyderabad.

“The world says there is no midway in falling in love with India, be it an Indian song, an Indian movie or Indian cuisine, it is very difficult to resist an Indian charm,” she said.

“To us Tanzanians, India is not simply a country but an extended family member separated by a crossline, a strategic ally, a dependable partner, and a friend,” President Hassan added, underscoring the profound bond between the two nations.

She further added that she stood there, no longer a visiting guest but as a cherished member of the Jawaharlal Nehru University family..

Source : CNBC

A)
David Card
B)
Claudia Goldin
C)
Raghuram Rajan
D)
Joshua D. Angrist

Correct Answer : Option (B) - Claudia Goldin

The 2023 Nobel Prize in Economics has been awarded to US labour economist "Claudia Goldin", a professor at Harvard University, for having advanced our understanding of women's labor market outcomes, Hans Ellegren, Secretary-General, Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences, announced the award on Monday (October 9, 2023) in Stockholm.  Goldin is only the third woman to win the prize.

Claudia Goldin is the Henry Lee Professor of Economics at Harvard University and was the director of the NBER’s Development of the American Economy program from 1989 to 2017.

She is a co-director of the NBER's Gender in the Economy group. An economic historian and a labor economist, Goldin's research covers a wide range of topics, including the female labor force, the gender gap in earnings, income inequality, technological change, education, and immigration.

Most of her research interprets the present through the lens of the past and explores the origins of current issues of concern. Her most recent book is Career & Family: Women's Century-Long Journey toward Equity, published by Princeton University Press in 2021.

The Nobel Prize in Economics in 2022 was given to US economists Douglas Diamond and Philip Dybvig together with former Federal Reserve chief Ben Bernanke for research on banks in times of turmoil..

Source : CNBC

A)
Dalai Lama
B)
Arundhati Roy
C)
Narges Mohammadi
D)
Sunita Krishnan

Correct Answer : Option (C) - Narges Mohammadi

The Norwegian Nobel Committee has awarded Iranian activist Narges Mohammadi the 2023 Nobel Prize for Peace, “For her fight against the oppression of women in Iran and her fight to promote human rights and freedom for all” according to its citation.

In their announcement, the Committee also referred to last year’s protests in Iran against the killing of a young woman named Mahsa Amini while she was in the custody of Iran’s morality police. It said the protests’ motto, ‘Zan – Zendegi – Azadi (Woman – Life – Freedom)’, “suitably expresses the dedication and work of Narges Mohammadi.”


Who is Narges Mohammadi?

Born in 1972 in Iran, Mohammadi is currently living in a detention facility there under the charges of “spreading anti-state propaganda” and defamation. Mohammadi and her family have long been involved in political protests – beginning with the Iranian Revolution. The monarchy fell at the end of the movement in 1979, leading to Iran becoming an Islamic republic.

Mohammadi told The New York Times in an interview this year that two childhood memories “set her on the path to activism”, her mother’s prison visits to her brother and seeing her watch announcements on TV for the names of prisoners executed each day.

She went on to study nuclear physics in the city of Qazvin. Here, she also met her future husband Taghi Rahmani, who is also politically active. He was jailed for 14 years in Iran and currently lives in exile in France with the couple’s two children.

Her family said in a statement that it wished to “express their profound gratitude to the Nobel Peace Committee for bestowing upon her this highly esteemed honor.” “We also want to extend our sincere congratulations to all Iranians, especially the courageous women and girls of Iran who have captivated the world with their bravery in fighting for freedom and equality… As Narges always says: Victory is not easy, but it’s certain,” the statement said..

Source : Indian Express