Awards and Honors

Indian Students Win Bronze at Global Best M-Gov Award 2025 for ‘AccessWay’ App

Three Indian computer science students from Maharaja Agrasen Institute of Technology, New Delhi, won the Bronze Award at the Global Best M-Gov Award 2025 on February 11, 2025, during the World Government Summit (WGS) in Dubai. The award recognizes innovative technological solutions that enhance mobile government services and social progress.

The winning team, comprising Sagar Teotia (team lead), Abhinav Mishra, and Anushka Singh, received a cash prize of $10,000 for their AI-powered application, ‘AccessWay’. The app integrates augmented reality (AR), artificial intelligence (AI), and crowdsourced data to provide accessible navigation, social connections, and emergency tools for individuals with disabilities. It features personalized route planning, real-time voice assistance, and community-driven mapping of accessible spaces, promoting social inclusion and accessibility.

Presented by Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President of the UAE, the award was part of a global competition with 3,500 entries from 74 countries. The M-Gov Award and GovTech Award, prestigious honors from the UAE government, aim to inspire students, researchers, and companies to develop sustainable, technology-driven solutions for global challenges.

Uttar Pradesh’s ‘Mahakumbh 2025’ Tableau Wins Best Award at Republic Day Parade

Uttar Pradesh’s tableau titled ‘Mahakumbh 2025 – Swarnim Bharat: Virasat aur Vikas’ won the best tableau award at the Republic Day Parade on January 26 at Kartavya Path, New Delhi.

Tripura’s tableau themed ‘Eternal Reverence: The worship of 14 Deities in Tripura – Kharchi Puja’ secured the second place.

Andhra Pradesh’s tableau depicting ‘Etikoppaka Bommalu – Eco-Friendly Wooden Toys’ won the third prize.

Ministry of Tribal Affairs‘ ‘Janjatiya Gaurav Varsh’ won the best tableau award among Central Ministries and Departments.

Jammu and Kashmir Rifles Contingent won the best marching contingent award among Services.

Delhi Police Marching Contingent won the award among CAPFs and other auxiliary forces.

Central Public Works Department and ‘Jayati Jai Mamah Bharatam’ Dance Group received the Special Prize for 75 years of the Constitution of India.

Gujarat won the best tableau award in the Popular Choice Category for ‘Swarnim Bharat: Virasat aur Vikas’.

Uttar Pradesh was the runner-up in the Popular Choice Category.

Uttarakhand’s tableau on ‘Cultural Heritage and Adventure Sports’ won the third spot in the Popular Choice Category.

Signals Contingent won the Best Marching Contingent award among Services in the Popular Choice Category.

CRPF Marching Contingent won the Best Marching Contingent award among CAPFs and other auxiliary forces in the Popular Choice Category.

Hariman Sharma, ‘The Apple Man of India,’ honoured with Padma Shri for Transforming Apple Cultivation in India

Hariman Sharma, a farmer from Himachal Pradesh, received the Padma Shri for his revolutionary contribution to Indian agriculture.

He developed HRMN-99, a self-pollinating, low-chilling apple variety, enabling apple cultivation in tropical and sub-tropical regions with temperatures up to 40-45°C.

The innovation expanded apple farming across 29 Indian states and Union Territories, improving accessibility and affordability.

Sharma’s journey began in 1998 when he planted discarded seeds, refining the variety by 2001 through grafting to produce up to 75 kg per plant annually.

Initially overlooked, the variety was validated by NIF in 2012 with trials by ICAR and Krishi Vigyan Kendras, benefiting farmers, especially in North-Eastern states.

Sharma has received multiple awards, including the National Award for Grassroots Innovation (2017) and National Innovative Farmer Award (2016), and represented India at the ASEAN Innovation Forum in 2023.

HRMN-99 is a symbol of grassroots innovation, transforming apple cultivation, empowering farmers, and contributing to food security in India.

76th Republic Day celebration at Kartavya Path in New Delhi

The 76th Republic Day celebration in India was a grand affair held at Kartavya Path in New Delhi on January 26, 2025. The event was graced by Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto as the Chief Guest.

The parade featured more than 18 marching contingents and 31 tableaux from various states and services, showcasing India’s rich cultural heritage and developmental achievements. The theme for this year’s celebration was “Swarnim Bharat: Virasat aur Vikas” (Golden India: Legacy and Progress).

Some highlights of the celebration included:

  • Best Tableau Award: Uttar Pradesh’s tableau depicting the Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj won the Best Tableau Award.
  • Best Contingent Award: The 61st Cavalry, led by Lieutenant Ahan Kumar, received the Best Contingent Award.
  • Best Para Military Contingent award: Border Security Force (BSF) Camel Contingent, led by Deputy Commandant Manohar Singh Kheechee
  • Spectacular Displays: The parade included mind-blowing stunts by daredevils and spectacular aerial formations by the Indian Air Force.
  • Cultural Performances: Over 5,000 artists performed, covering the entire Kartavya Path, showcasing India’s diverse cultural traditions.

The event concluded with the national anthem, leaving the audience in high spirits and a sense of national pride.

Padma Awards 2025

The Padma Awards 2025 list, announced by the central government and approved by President Droupadi Murmu, includes 139 awardees: 7 Padma Vibhushan, 19 Padma Bhushan, and 113 Padma Shri recipients. The list features one duo case, 23 women, 10 individuals from the Foreigners/NRI/PIO/OCI category, and 13 posthumous awards.

Notable awardees include Osamu Suzuki, former Suzuki Motors chief; ex-Maharashtra CM Manohar Joshi; BJP leader Sushil Modi; ex-CJI Jagdish Singh Khehar; Malayalam literary icon MT Vasudevan Nair; singers Arijit Singh and Pankaj Udhas; cricketer R. Ashwin; and hockey player PR Sreejesh.

Other honorees include Ram temple architect Chandrakant Sompura, Brazilian Hindu spiritual leader Jonas Masetti, Paralympian Harvinder Singh, and Kuwaiti yoga practitioner Shaikha A J Al Sabah. Several Padma Shri recipients include travel bloggers Hugh and Colleen Gantzer, gynecologist Dr. Neerja Bhatla, freedom fighter Libia Lobo Sardesai, and Dhak player Gokul Chandra Dey, who has broken gender barriers by training women in the traditionally male-dominated art.

The Padma Awards honor extraordinary contributions across diverse fields, such as art, literature, medicine, sports, science, public service, and social work, making them one of India’s highest civilian recognitions.

Full List of Padma Awardees are : https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2096285

Indian short film Anuja nominated for Best Short Film (Live Action) category at Oscars 2025

The Indian short film Anuja has been nominated in the Best Short Film (Live Action) category for the 2025 Oscars. Directed by Adam J. Graves and Suchitra Mattai, and produced by Guneet Monga, Priyanka Chopra, and Mindy Kaling, the film tells the story of a nine-year-old girl and her sister facing a life-changing opportunity that tests their bond.

Other nominated films in the same category include A Lien, The Last Ranger, I’m Not a Robot, and The Man Who Could Not Remain Silent. The 2025 Oscar nominations were announced by Bowen Yang and Rachel Sennott, after being postponed twice due to wildfires in Los Angeles.

India Secures 2nd Place in QS World Future Skills Index, January 2025 Release

India has secured the 2nd spot in the QS World Future Skills Index released in January 2025, highlighting its excellence in digital skills and readiness for future job markets, particularly in AI, digital technology, and green industries. Key findings include:

Second Place Ranking: India is just behind the United States in digital skills, showcasing an impressive global standing.

Future of Work: India ranks high in this indicator, signaling its preparedness to meet the demands of future job markets.

Academic and Industry Readiness: The report identifies areas for improvement, such as enhancing industry-academia collaboration and better alignment of educational outcomes with industry needs.

Economic Transformation: India’s start-up culture and GDP growth contribute to its strong performance.

Dr. Syed Anwar Khursheed awarded the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award 2025

Dr. Syed Anwar Khursheed, a renowned Indian physician in Saudi Arabia, has been awarded the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award 2025. This prestigious honor recognizes his outstanding contributions to healthcare, community welfare, and fostering India-Saudi Arabia relations.

With over 45 years of medical experience, Dr. Khursheed has been instrumental during the COVID-19 pandemic, supported Indian pilgrims during Hajj, and founded the International Indian School in Taif.

His dedication to the Indian diaspora and his efforts in education and community development have made a significant impact, earning him this highest recognition for overseas Indians.

President Murmu Awards Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar to 17 Exceptional Children

President Droupadi Murmu conferred the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar on 17 children in New Delhi on 26 December 2024.

Categories: The children were recognized for their achievements in Art and Culture, Bravery, Innovation, Science and Technology, Social Service, Sports, and Environment.

Awards: Each awardee received a medal, a certificate, and a citation booklet.

States and UTs: The awardees hailed from 14 states and union territories.

Veer Bal Diwas Tribute: President Murmu paid homage to the bravery and sacrifice of the Sahibzadas on Veer Bal Diwas, honoring the younger sons of the tenth Sikh Guru, Guru Gobind Singh.

Prime Minister’s Interaction: Prime Minister Narendra Modi interacted with the awardees.

PM Modi Honoured with Kuwait’s Highest Civilian Award, “The Order of Mubarak Al Kabeer”

Prime Minister Narendra Modi was awarded Kuwait’s highest civilian honor, The Order of Mubarak Al Kabeer, by Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al Sabah, the Amir of Kuwait, during his state visit on 22nd December 2024.

Significance: The award symbolizes the enduring partnership between India and Kuwait.

Bilateral Talks: PM Modi held talks with the Amir, focusing on strengthening India-Kuwait relations, which have now been elevated to a Strategic Partnership.

Historical Context: This is the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Kuwait in 43 years.

Easterine Kire Wins Sahitya Akademi Award 2024 for ‘Spirit Nights’ in English Category

Easterine Kire: Noted author from Nagaland, Easterine Kire, has been selected for the Sahitya Akademi Award 2024 in the English language category.

Award for Spirit Nights: Kire’s novel, Spirit Nights, published by Simon and Schuster India, won the award in the English language category. The novel is inspired by a story from the Chang Naga tribe of Nagaland.

Annual Sahitya Akademi Awards: The awards were announced in 21 languages on 18 December 2024.

Other Awardees from the North East:

  • Sameer Tanti: Awarded for Pharingbore Bator Katha Jane in the Assamese language.
  • Haobam Satyabati Devi: Awarded for Mainu Bora Nungshi Sheirol in the Manipuri language under the Poetry category.
  • Aron Raja: Awarded for Swrni Thakhai in the Bodo language under the Novel category.

Award Ceremony: The awardees will receive a casket containing an engraved copper plaque, a shawl, and a cash prize of one lakh rupees. The ceremony will be held on 8th March 2025 in Delhi.

Q.: Who won the Sahitya Akademi Award 2024 for the English language category?

a) Arundhati Roy
b) Jhumpa Lahiri
c) Easterine Kire
d) Chetan Bhagat

Answer: c) Easterine Kire

Hindi writer Suryabala awarded the 34th Vyas Samman 2024 for novel Kaun Des Ko Vasi: Venu Ki Diary

Noted Hindi writer Suryabala has been awarded the 34th Vyas Samman 2024 for her novel Kaun Des Ko Vasi: Venu Ki Diary, published in 2018. The award, instituted by the KK Birla Foundation in 1991, honors outstanding Hindi literary works published in the last 10 years. It includes a ₹4 lakh cash prize, a citation, and a plaque. The selection was made by a committee chaired by eminent litterateur Prof. Ramji Tiwari.

Suryabala, born in Varanasi in 1943, holds an MA and a PhD in Hindi literature from Kashi Vishwavidyalaya. Over her decades-long career, she has written over 50 books, including novels, biographies, and children’s literature, with many adapted into TV serials. Her works often focus on social issues.

Kaun Des Ko Vasi: Venu Ki Diary explores the struggles of Indian youth migrating to America, addressing cultural conflicts, spiritual alienation, and disconnection from their roots. The novel is an authentic reflection of the challenges faced by overseas Indians, blending personal experiences and cultural insights.

President Droupadi Murmu Presents National Panchayat Awards 2024

On December 11, 2024, the President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu, presented the National Panchayat Awards 2024 at Vigyan Bhawan in New Delhi. The event honored 45 exceptional Panchayats for their outstanding contributions to sustainable and inclusive development in rural India.

The awards recognized the efforts of these Panchayats in areas such as poverty alleviation, health, water conservation, sanitation, and climate sustainability. The President emphasized the importance of village development and empowerment in making India a developed nation. She congratulated the winners and expressed confidence that this recognition would inspire other Panchayats to adopt best practices for inclusive growth.

The National Panchayat Awards, revamped in 2022 to align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), celebrated the role of Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) in driving grassroots development. The awards were presented across various categories, including the Deen Dayal Upadhyay Panchayat Satat Vikas Puraskar and the Nanaji Deshmukh Sarvottam Panchayat Satat Vikas Puraskar.

The event was attended by Union Minister of Panchayati Raj, Shri Rajiv Ranjan Singh alias Lalan Singh, and other dignitaries. A booklet titled “Best Practices on Works of Awardee Panchayats” was also unveiled, documenting the innovative practices implemented by the award-winning Panchayats.

Payal Kapadia: First Indian Nominee for Best Director at Golden Globes Awards

Filmmaker Payal Kapadia has made history as the first Indian director nominated for Best Director (Motion Picture) at the 82nd Golden Globe Awards for her film All We Imagine As Light. The film has also been nominated for Best Motion Picture – (Non-English Language).

An Indo-French co-production, the film stars Kani Kusruti, Divya Prabha, and Hridhu Haroon, portraying the struggles of two women during a transformative trip to a beach town. It previously won the Grand Prix at the Cannes Film Festival, becoming the first Indian film in the competition section in 30 years.

The film has also earned accolades like Best International Film at the New York Film Critics Circle and Best International Feature at the Gotham Awards 2024.

The Golden Globe nominees for Best Director include renowned filmmakers like Jacques Audiard (Emilia Perez) and Sean Baker (Anora). The 82nd Golden Globe Awards will be held on January 6, 2025.

Saule Biluvaite’s Film ‘Toxic’ Wins Golden Peacock Award at 55th IFFI 2024

The  closing ceremony of 55th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) 2024, was held on 28 November in Panaji, Goa. Saule Biluvaite’s Toxic won the prestigious Golden Peacock Award, receiving a ₹40 lakh cash prize, a trophy, and a certificate.

Clement Faveau won Best Actor Male, while Vesta Matulyte and Leva Repuikaite shared the Best Actor Female award for their performances in Toxic.

In the Indian section, Navjot Bandiwadekar was honored as Best Debut Director for Gharat Ganpati, and Lampan received the Best Web Series OTT award. Vikrant Massey was celebrated as the Indian Film Personality of the Year.

The ceremony featured cultural performances by Mame Khan and Amaal Malik and was attended by dignitaries like Goa CM Dr. Pramod Sawant, I&B Secretary Sanjay Jaju, and Bollywood icons such as Madhur Bhandarkar, Rashmika Mandanna, and Jayaprada.

PM Modi conferred with the Dominica Award of Honour, the highest national award of the Commonwealth of Dominica

On 20 November 2024, Prime Minister Narendra Modi was conferred with the Dominica Award of Honour, the highest national award of the Commonwealth of Dominica. President Sylvanie Burton presented the award in recognition of PM Modi’s contributions during the COVID-19 pandemic and his efforts to strengthen ties between India and Dominica.

PM Modi dedicated the award to the 140 crore people of India, highlighting their values and traditions. He emphasized the strong partnership between the two democracies and their role as models of women’s empowerment.

Nigeria honours PM Modi with Grand Commander of The Order of the Niger award

On November 17, 2024, Prime Minister Narendra Modi was honored with Nigeria’s ‘Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger’ award. In his speech, he humbly dedicated the award to the people of India.

He announced India’s support for Nigeria with 20 tonnes of humanitarian aid for flood relief and congratulated Nigeria on becoming a BRICS partner country. Modi expressed confidence in India and Nigeria collaborating to address issues of the Global South.

Several MoUs were signed in the presence of Modi and Nigerian President Bola Tinubu. Earlier, PM Modi was accorded a ceremonial welcome at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.

Nobel Prize 2024 in Economics awarded to to Daron Acemoglu, Simon Johnson, and James A. Robinson

On October 14, 2024, the Sveriges Riksbank Prize in Economic Sciences in Memory of Alfred Nobel was awarded to Daron Acemoglu, Simon Johnson, and James A. Robinson for their research on how institutions are formed and their impact on a nation’s prosperity. Their work demonstrates that societal institutions, especially those introduced during European colonization, play a crucial role in determining a country’s long-term economic success or stagnation.

They found that inclusive institutions, which benefit society as a whole, promote growth, while extractive institutions, which exploit the population for the benefit of those in power, hinder development. The laureates’ research also explains why reforms are often difficult to implement in countries with extractive institutions and why, in some cases, democratization occurs as a solution to this problem. Their work sheds light on the challenge of reducing global income disparities by emphasizing the critical role of institutions.

Japanese atomic bomb survivors’ group Nihon Hidankyo wins Nobel Peace Prize 2024

On October 11, 2024, Nihon Hidankyo, a grassroots organization representing atomic bomb survivors (Hibakusha) from Hiroshima and Nagasaki, was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. The Nobel Committee recognized their efforts to advocate for a nuclear-free world and their powerful witness testimonies, highlighting the catastrophic effects of nuclear weapons.

The Hibakusha, as survivors of the only nuclear bombs ever used in conflict, have devoted their lives to the anti-nuclear cause. The award follows the Nobel Committee’s past focus on nuclear disarmament, including its 2017 award to the International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons (ICAN). The prize, valued at around $1 million, will be presented in Oslo on December 10, 2024, in honor of Alfred Nobel.

Q.: What is the full name of the organization that won the 2024 Nobel Peace Prize?

a) Nihon Hidankyo
b) International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons
c) United Nations
d) Greenpeace

Answer: a) Nihon Hidankyo
On October 11, 2024, Nihon Hidankyo, a grassroots organization representing atomic bomb survivors (Hibakusha) from Hiroshima and Nagasaki, was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize.

Nobel Prize 2024 in Literature awarded to South Korean author Han Kang

The 2024 Nobel Prize in Literature was awarded to South Korean author Han Kang for her powerful poetic prose that addresses historical traumas and highlights the fragility of human life. The announcement was made by the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences.

Han Kang is renowned for her novel The Vegetarian, which consists of three parts, and she is the first South Korean writer to receive this prestigious award. She began her literary career in 1993 with poems published in Literature and Society and made her prose debut in 1995 with the short story collection Love of Yeosu, followed by several other novels and short stories.

David Baker, John Jumper, and Demis Hassabis awarded the 2024 Nobel Prize in Chemistry

David Baker, John Jumper, and Demis Hassabis were awarded the 2024 Nobel Prize in Chemistry for their groundbreaking contributions to protein structure research.

Baker received half of the prize for his work in computational protein design, where he developed new types of proteins. The other half was jointly awarded to Jumper and Hassabis for their role in creating an AI model that solved a long-standing challenge in predicting complex protein structures. Baker is based at the University of Washington, while Jumper and Hassabis are part of Google DeepMind in London.

2024 Nobel Prize in Physics Awarded to John H. Hopfield and Geoffrey E. Hinton

U.S. scientist John Hopfield and British-Canadian Geoffrey Hinton won the 2024 Nobel Prize in Physics for their pioneering work that laid the foundation for machine learning. The Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences highlighted that their discoveries, rooted in physics, have contributed to the development of artificial neural networks, which are revolutionizing various fields.

Hopfield, a Princeton professor, created an associative memory model that stores and reconstructs patterns, while Hinton, from the University of Toronto, developed methods that autonomously detect properties in data, enabling tasks like identifying elements in images.

Hinton, an AI pioneer, quit Google in 2023 to freely address the dangers of AI, expressing concerns about computers potentially surpassing human intelligence sooner than expected.

The prize includes 11 million Swedish crowns ($1.1 million), shared between the winners. The Nobel Prize, established by Alfred Nobel’s will in 1901, is one of the most prestigious global honors for scientific achievements.

Victor Ambros and Gary Ruvkun awarded 2024 Nobel Prize in Medicine for microRNA discovery

On October 7, 2024, the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine was awarded to Victor Ambros and Gary Ruvkun for their discovery of microRNA and its role in post-transcriptional gene regulation. This discovery is crucial for understanding how gene activity is regulated and how organisms develop and function.

The Nobel Assembly at Sweden’s Karolinska Institute made the announcement, highlighting the discovery’s fundamental importance. The winners will receive a prize of $1.1 million. This is the 115th Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine since 1901, with only 13 women among the 229 laureates.

President Droupadi Murmu confers Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar at Rashtrapati Bhavan

President Droupadi Murmu conferred Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar 2024 to distinguished scientists on 22 August 2024 at Rashtrapati Bhavan.

Vigyan Ratna Award 2024: Prof. Govindarajan Padmanabhan received the Vigyan Ratna award.

Vigyan Shri Awards:

  • Dr. Anandharamakrishnan received the Vigyan Shri award in Agricultural Science.
  • Dr. Avesh Kumar Tyagi from Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC), Mumbai, received the Vigyan Shri award in Atomic Energy.
  • Prof. Jayant Bhalchandra Udgaonkar from IISER, Pune, was awarded the Vigyan Shri award in Biological Sciences.

Q.: Which scientist received the Vigyan Ratna Award 2024?

a) Dr. Anandharamakrishnan
b) Prof. Govindarajan Padmanabhan
c) Dr. Avesh Kumar Tyagi
d) Prof. Jayant Bhalchandra Udgaonkar

Answer: b) Prof. Govindarajan Padmanabhan
President Droupadi Murmu conferred Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar 2024 on 22 August 2024 at Rashtrapati Bhavan. Prof. Govindarajan Padmanabhan received the Vigyan Ratna award.

70th National Film Awards: Rishabh Shetty wins Best Actor for ‘Kantara’, ‘Aattam’ named Best Film

At the 70th National Film Awards, Rishab Shetty won the Best Actor award for his role in the film Kantara, which also received the award for Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment. The film is set in a fictional village in Dakshina Kannada and follows Shetty’s character, a Kambala champion, in a clash with a Forest Range officer.

The Malayalam film Aattam, directed by Anand Ekarshi, won Best Feature Film, addressing sexual violence.

The Best Actress award was shared by Nithya Menen for Thiruchitrambalam and Manasi Parekh for Kutch Express.

Gulmohar, starring Manoj Bajpayee, was named Best Hindi Film and received a Special Mention. Directed by Rahul V. Chittella, it explores family dynamics as they prepare to leave their long-time home.

Veteran filmmaker Sooraj R. Barjatya won Best Director for Uunchai, with Neena Gupta winning Best Supporting Actress for the same film.

The awards, announced by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting in New Delhi on 16 August 2024, recognized the best films and achievements of 2022, with the jury led by Rahul Rawail, Nila Madhab Panda, and Gangadhar Mudalair.

Q,: Who won the Best Actor award at the 70th National Film Awards for his performance in the film ‘Kantara’?

a) Manoj Bajpayee
b) Rishab Shetty
c) Suraj Sharma
d) Rahul V. Chittella

Ans : b) Rishab Shetty
At the 70th National Film Awards, Rishab Shetty won the Best Actor award for his role in the film Kantara, which also received the award for Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment.

Q,: Which Malayalam film won the Best Feature Film award at the 70th National Film Awards?

a) Gulmohar
b) Uunchai
c) Aattam
d) Kantara

Ans : c) Aattam
The Malayalam film Aattam, directed by Anand Ekarshi, won Best Feature Film, addressing sexual violence.

President Droupadi Murmu was awarded the Grand-Collar of the Order of Timor-Leste

President Droupadi Murmu was awarded the Grand-Collar of the Order of Timor-Leste on August 10, 2024, the highest civilian honor in Timor-Leste. The award recognizes her contributions to public service, education, social welfare, and the empowerment of women.

This is the first-ever Head of State visit from India to Timor-Leste. She arrived in Timor-Leste after visits to Fiji and New Zealand. President Murmu was warmly welcomed by President Jose Ramos-Horta and greeted by children at the airport. She held a bilateral meeting with the Timor-Leste President in Dili to discuss enhancing cooperation between the two countries.

Question: Which award was conferred upon President Droupadi Murmu by Timor-Leste on August 10, 2024?

a) Order of Merit
b) Grand-Collar of the Order of Timor-Leste
c) Presidential Medal of Freedom
d) Timor-Leste Ratna

Answer: b) Grand-Collar of the Order of Timor-Leste
President Droupadi Murmu was awarded the Grand-Collar of the Order of Timor-Leste on August 10, 2024, the highest civilian honor in Timor-Leste

President Droupadi Murmu conferred highest honour – Companion of the Order of Fiji

President Droupadi Murmu, on a two-day visit to Fiji, was conferred the Companion of the Order of Fiji, the highest honor of Fiji, by President Williame Katonivere. She received a ceremonial guard of honor from the Fiji Military Force upon arrival in Suva and attended a traditional welcome ceremony with Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka.

During her address to the Fijian Parliament, President Murmu highlighted the 75-year diplomatic association between the countries, thanked Fiji for supporting the Aditya L1 Mission, and recalled India’s assistance to Fiji during the COVID-19 crisis through the Vaccine Maitri initiative. She also stressed the importance of the Global South in advocating for climate justice for developing nations.

Q.: President Droupadi Murmu was conferred which, the highest honor of Fiji, by President Williame Katonivere during her visit in August 2024?

A) Order of the Star of Fiji
B) Companion of the Order of Fiji
C) Grand Cross of the Order of Fiji
D) Order of the Pacific Star

Answer: B) Companion of the Order of Fiji
President Droupadi Murmu, on a two-day visit to Fiji, was conferred the Companion of the Order of Fiji, the highest honor of Fiji, by President Williame Katonivere.

Abhinav Bindra awarded Olympic Order by International Olympic Committee (IOC)

Olympic gold medalist shooter Abhinav Bindra was awarded the Olympic Order by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) on 22 July 2024 for his outstanding services to the Olympic Movement.

The award will be officially handed over during the 142nd IOC Session in Paris on August 10, the day before the Paris Olympics closing ceremony. The Olympic Order is the highest IOC award, recognizing distinguished contributions to the Olympic Movement.

Bindra became India’s first individual Olympic gold medalist by winning the men’s 10m air rifle event at the 2008 Beijing Games.

Q.: Which Indian player was awarded the Olympic Order by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) in July 2024 ?

A) PV Sindhu
B) Abhinav Bindra
C) Sachin Tendulkar
D) Saina Nehwal

Ans : B) Abhinav Bindra
Olympic gold medalist shooter Abhinav Bindra was awarded the Olympic Order by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) on 22 July 2024 for his outstanding services to the Olympic Movement.

Q.: What event did Abhinav Bindra win to become India’s first individual Olympic gold medalist, and in which year did he achieve this feat?

A) Men’s 50m freestyle swimming, 2004 Athens Games
B) Men’s 100m sprint, 2012 London Games
C) Men’s 10m air rifle event, 2008 Beijing Games
D) Men’s marathon, 2016 Rio Games

C) Men’s 10m air rifle event, 2008 Beijing Games
Bindra became India’s first individual Olympic gold medalist by winning the men’s 10m air rifle event at the 2008 Beijing Games.

Vedant Sakre Wins Gold as Indian Team Excels at 35th International Biology Olympiad in Kazakhstan

The Indian team achieved remarkable success at the 35th International Biology Olympiad (IBO) 2024 held in Astana, Kazakhstan, from July 7 to July 13, 2024. One student won a gold medal, and three students secured silver medals.

  • Vedant Sakre from Mumbai, Maharashtra won the gold medal.
  • Ishan Pednekar from Ratnagiri, Maharashtra; Shrijith Sivakumar from Chennai, Tamil Nadu; and Yashashwi Kumar from Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, each won a silver medal.

The team was led by Prof. Sasikumar Menon from TDM Lab, Mumbai, and Dr. Mayuri Rege from Homi Bhabha Centre for Science Education (HBCSE), TIFR. Two scientific observers accompanied the team: Dr. Rajesh Patkar from IIT Bombay and Dr. Devesh Suthar from M. S. University, Baroda.

Q: Who won the gold medal at the 35th International Biology Olympiad (IBO) held in Astana, Kazakhstan?

A. Ishan Pednekar
B. Shrijith Sivakumar
C. Vedant Sakre
D. Yashashwi Kumar

Answer: C. Vedant Sakre
Vedant Sakre from Mumbai, Maharashtra won the gold medal at the 35th International Biology Olympiad (IBO) 2024 held in Astana, Kazakhstan, from July 7 to July 13, 2024.

NIMHANS awarded Nelson Mandela Award for Health Promotion for 2024

The National Institute of Mental Health & Neuro Sciences (NIMHANS) in Bengaluru received the 2024 Nelson Mandela Award for Health Promotion from the World Health Organization (WHO).

The award, established by WHO in 2019, honors significant contributions to health promotion by individuals, institutions, and organizations.

NIMHANS was recognized for its outstanding work in mental health. The institute is known for its innovative research, education, and patient care in mental health and neurosciences.

Q: Which institution received the 2024 Nelson Mandela Award for Health Promotion from the WHO?

A) AIIMS
B) NIMHANS
C) IIT Bengaluru
D) PGIMER

Answer: B) NIMHANS

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