Awards – GK Questions

Q: Which Indian-origin scientist won the Nobel Prize in Medicine for work on the genetic code?

Har Gobind Khorana – Har Gobind Khorana, an Indian-American biochemist, shared the 1968 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine with Marshall W. Nirenberg and Robert W. Holley for their interpretation of the genetic code and its function in protein synthesis.

Q: The Arjuna Award selection committee includes a representative from the _____ of India.

All of the above – The Arjuna Award selection committee typically includes representatives from the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Indian Olympic Association, and relevant National Sports Federations to ensure comprehensive evaluation.

Q: The Bharat Ratna award can be recommended by Governors of States to the President.

True – Governors of States can recommend names for the Bharat Ratna to the President of India through proper channels, though the final decision rests with the Prime Minister's advisory council and the President.

Q: The Wolf Prize, often considered a precursor to the Nobel Prize, is awarded in which country?

Israel – The Wolf Prize is awarded annually by the Wolf Foundation in Israel in Agriculture, Chemistry, Mathematics, Medicine, Physics, and Arts, recognizing outstanding achievements that benefit humanity and foster friendly relations among peoples.

Q: The Padma Awards committee is assisted by the _____ Ministry in processing nominations.

Home – The Padma Awards Committee is assisted by the Ministry of Home Affairs in processing nominations, conducting background checks, and preparing the final list of recommendees for the Prime Minister and President.

Q: The Nobel Prize in Literature has been awarded to authors writing in over 25 different languages.

True – As of 2024, the Nobel Prize in Literature has been awarded to authors writing in more than 25 different languages, reflecting the prize's global scope and recognition of literary excellence across linguistic boundaries.

Q: The Crafoord Prize is awarded in fields NOT covered by the Nobel Prizes. Which of the following is a Crafoord Prize category?

Astronomy and Mathematics – The Crafoord Prize, established by the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences, is awarded in disciplines not covered by Nobel Prizes: Astronomy and Mathematics, Geosciences, Biosciences (particularly ecology), and Polyarthritis research.

Q: Which Indian-origin writer won an Emmy Award for writing a television series?

None have won for writing – As of 2024, no Indian-origin writer has won an Emmy Award specifically for writing a television series. Indian-origin professionals have been nominated and won in other categories such as producing and technical fields.

Q: The Nobel Prize in Chemistry 2023 was awarded for the discovery and development of _____ dots, nanocrystals with unique optical properties.

quantum – The 2023 Nobel Prize in Chemistry was awarded to Moungi G. Bawendi, Louis E. Brus, and Alexei I. Ekimov for the discovery and development of quantum dots, nanocrystals whose size-dependent optical properties have revolutionized displays, solar cells, and medical imaging.

Q: The Kirti Chakra can be awarded for acts of bravery performed during counter-terrorism operations.

True – The Kirti Chakra can be awarded for acts of conspicuous bravery or self-sacrifice away from the battlefield, including during counter-terrorism operations, hostage rescue missions, and other high-risk peacetime scenarios.