AWARDS & HONOURS
International Awards
France and UK Confer High Civilian Honours on Jawed Ashraf and N. Chandrasekaran
Former Indian Ambassador to France, Jawed Ashraf, was conferred with the 'Legion of Honour' (Commandeur rank), France's highest civilian award.
Ashraf is the first Indian Ambassador to France to receive this specific distinction, recognized for strengthening bilateral strategic ties.
Tata Sons Chairman Natarajan Chandrasekaran was awarded the Honorary Knighthood (KBE) by the UK for his contribution to India-UK business relations.
While UK citizens use 'Sir/Dame', foreign recipients like Chandrasekaran use the 'KBE' suffix after their name.
These awards underscore the growing influence of Indian diplomacy and corporate leadership on the global stage.
Ashraf is the first Indian Ambassador to France to receive this specific distinction, recognized for strengthening bilateral strategic ties.
Tata Sons Chairman Natarajan Chandrasekaran was awarded the Honorary Knighthood (KBE) by the UK for his contribution to India-UK business relations.
While UK citizens use 'Sir/Dame', foreign recipients like Chandrasekaran use the 'KBE' suffix after their name.
These awards underscore the growing influence of Indian diplomacy and corporate leadership on the global stage.
Key Facts / Static GK
Legion of Honour Established by: Napoleon Bonaparte (1802)
UK High Commissioner to India: Lindy Cameron
French Ambassador to India: Thierry Mathou
UK High Commissioner to India: Lindy Cameron
French Ambassador to India: Thierry Mathou
Practice Quiz — 21 March 2026
Q1. Which agency is responsible for implementing the MSP support for cotton as per the recent CCEA approval?
Answer: (B) Cotton Corporation of India Ltd — The Cotton Corporation of India Ltd (CCI) is the implementing agency for the ₹1,718.56 crore MSP support approved for the 2023-24 cotton season.
Q2. What are the two primary rock layers identified at the Kalinjar Fort National Geo-Heritage Site?
Answer: (B) Bundelkhand Granite and Kaimur Sandstone — The site features Bundelkhand Granite (ancient basement rock) and Kaimur Sandstone (sedimentary layer), aged 2.5 billion and 1.2 billion years respectively.
Q3. Regarding the 'Fare Se Fursat' scheme, which of the following statements is true?
Answer: (C) The scheme ensures airfares do not change based on booking time. — The core feature of the scheme is 'One Route One Fare,' meaning the price is uniform and does not fluctuate with booking time or surge demand.
Q4. Where has Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) launched India's first LPG ATM?
Answer: (B) Gurugram, Haryana — India's first LPG ATM was launched by BPCL in Gurugram, Haryana, specifically at Central Park Flower Valley, Sohna.
Q5. The 'Krishi Sakhi' initiative by AIC is globally aligned with which international observance?
Answer: (B) UN International Year of the Woman Farmer – 2026 — Krishi Sakhi is linked with the UN's International Year of the Woman Farmer – 2026 to empower women in the agricultural sector.
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