National awards in India are a testament to the country’s rich culture and heritage, recognizing the exemplary contributions of individuals across various fields. These awards not only honor the recipients but also inspire others to strive for excellence. For AFCAT 2 2024 aspirants, a sound knowledge of national awards and their respective fields is crucial for acing the static GK section. Here is a comprehensive guide to some of the most prestigious national awards in India and the fields they are associated with.
AFCAT 2 2024 Exam Static GK Live – National Awards & Their Fields
Bharat Ratna
Field: Various
- Overview: Bharat Ratna is India’s highest civilian award, given for exceptional service in various fields such as art, literature, science, and public services.
- Notable Recipients: Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam (Science and Public Service), Sachin Tendulkar (Sports), Lata Mangeshkar (Arts).
Padma Awards
Field: Various
- Overview: The Padma Awards, comprising Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan, and Padma Shri, recognize achievements in various disciplines like arts, education, industry, literature, science, sports, medicine, social service, and public affairs.
- Notable Recipients:
- Padma Vibhushan: Raghunath Mohapatra (Arts), George Fernandes (Public Affairs).
- Padma Bhushan: Mary Kom (Sports), Anupam Kher (Arts).
- Padma Shri: Kangana Ranaut (Arts), Manu Gulati (Education).
Dadasaheb Phalke Award
Field: Cinema
- Overview: This is India’s highest award in cinema, named after the father of Indian cinema, Dadasaheb Phalke. It honors lifetime contributions to Indian cinema.
- Notable Recipients: Amitabh Bachchan, Rajinikanth, Asha Bhosle.
Arjuna Award
Field: Sports
- Overview: The Arjuna Award is given by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports to recognize outstanding achievements in national sports.
- Notable Recipients: Neeraj Chopra (Javelin Throw), P.V. Sindhu (Badminton), Rohit Sharma (Cricket).
Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award
Field: Sports
- Overview: Renamed as the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award, it is India’s highest sporting honor, given for the most outstanding performance by a sportsperson over a period of four years.
- Notable Recipients: Virat Kohli (Cricket), Mirabai Chanu (Weightlifting), Rani Rampal (Hockey).
Sahitya Akademi Award
Field: Literature
- Overview: The Sahitya Akademi Award is a literary honor in India which is conferred by the Sahitya Akademi, India’s National Academy of Letters, annually for outstanding works of literature.
- Notable Recipients: K. Satchidanandan (Malayalam), Namita Gokhale (English), Jayanta Mahapatra (Odia).
Jnanpith Award
Field: Literature
- Overview: The Jnanpith Award is the highest literary honor in India, presented annually by the Bharatiya Jnanpith to an author for their outstanding contribution towards literature.
- Notable Recipients: Amitav Ghosh (English), Krishna Sobti (Hindi), Shankha Ghosh (Bengali).
Sangeet Natak Akademi Award
Field: Performing Arts
- Overview: This award is the highest recognition given to practicing artists by the Sangeet Natak Akademi, India’s National Academy of Music, Dance & Drama.
- Notable Recipients: Zakir Hussain (Music), Birju Maharaj (Dance), Ratan Thiyam (Theatre).
Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Prize
Field: Science and Technology
- Overview: Named after the founder Director of the Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR), this award is given for notable and outstanding research in the fields of science and technology.
- Notable Recipients: C.N.R. Rao (Chemistry), Rohini Godbole (Physics), K.S. Manilal (Biology).
Indira Gandhi Award for National Integration
Field: National Integration
- Overview: This award is given annually by the Indian National Congress in memory of the former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi to individuals or organizations for promoting national integration.
- Notable Recipients: M.S. Swaminathan (Agriculture), Shankar Dayal Sharma (Politics), Mohan Dharia (Social Service).
Gallantry Awards
Field: Military
- Overview: These awards include the Param Vir Chakra, Maha Vir Chakra, and Vir Chakra, given for displaying conspicuous bravery or pre-eminent acts of valor or self-sacrifice in the presence of the enemy.
- Notable Recipients:
- Param Vir Chakra: Captain Vikram Batra, Subedar Major (Honorary Captain) Bana Singh.
- Maha Vir Chakra: Brigadier Kuldip Singh Chandpuri, Wing Commander Padmanabha Gautam.
- Vir Chakra: Major Sudhir Kumar Walia, Flight Lieutenant Nirmal Jit Singh Sekhon.
Conclusion
Understanding these national awards and their fields is essential for AFCAT aspirants as it not only broadens their general knowledge but also helps in the static GK section of the exam. Recognizing the achievements of notable individuals through these awards can also be a source of inspiration for aspirants to excel in their respective fields. Keep this guide handy and stay updated with the latest awardees to ensure a strong performance in your AFCAT 2 2024 exam.
