Bharat Ratna — Set 2
Awards & Honors · भारत रत्न · Questions 11–20 of 60
Who was the oldest person to receive the Bharat Ratna during his lifetime?
Correct Answer: D. Dhondo Keshav Karve
D.K. Karve was awarded the Bharat Ratna on his 100th birthday in 1958. He was a social reformer who worked tirelessly for women's education and widow remarriage. He founded the first women's university in India.
The Bharat Ratna was suspended by the government during which of the following periods?
Correct Answer: A. 1962-1965
The correct answer is '1962-1965'. The award was briefly suspended twice, first from 1977 to 1980 and then from 1992 to 1995. The first suspension occurred under the Morarji Desai government due to a change in policy. The second was due to legal challenges regarding the status of civilian awards.
Who is the first sportsman to be honored with the Bharat Ratna?
Correct Answer: C. Sachin Tendulkar
Sachin Tendulkar received the Bharat Ratna in 2014 for his legendary career in cricket. He remains the youngest recipient of the award and the first athlete to be chosen. The criteria were expanded in 2011 to include 'any field of human endeavour'.
Who was the first industrialist to be conferred with the Bharat Ratna?
Correct Answer: C. J.R.D. Tata
J.R.D. Tata was awarded India's highest civilian honor in 1992 for his contribution to nation-building. He founded Air India and played a key role in the industrial development of the country. He is remembered as a visionary leader and a dedicated philanthropist.
Which Prime Minister was awarded the Bharat Ratna in the same year as his predecessor, Rajiv Gandhi, in 1991?
Correct Answer: A. Morarji Desai
In 1991, both Sardar Patel and Morarji Desai were posthumously and living recipients respectively along with Rajiv Gandhi. Morarji Desai is the only Indian to have received both the Bharat Ratna and Nishan-e-Pakistan. He served as the first non-Congress Prime Minister of India.
The recommendation for the Bharat Ratna is made by whom to the President?
Correct Answer: C. Prime Minister
The Prime Minister of India has the sole authority to recommend names to the President. No formal recommendations from committees are required for this particular civilian honor. The President then approves the conferment of the award.
Which Bharat Ratna recipient was the first female Governor of an Indian state?
Correct Answer: A. Sarojini Naidu
Sarojini Naidu, the 'Nightingale of India', was a key figure in the freedom struggle. Although she was a legendary leader, she has not yet been conferred with the Bharat Ratna. This clarifies common misconceptions about iconic leaders and their awards.
Who was the first President of India to be awarded the Bharat Ratna during his tenure?
Correct Answer: A. Rajendra Prasad
Rajendra Prasad received the Bharat Ratna in 1962, the year he retired as President. S. Radhakrishnan had received it in 1954 before becoming the President. Rajendra Prasad was the longest-serving President of the Republic of India.
Mother Teresa, a naturalized Indian citizen, was awarded the Bharat Ratna in which year?
Correct Answer: D. 1980
Mother Teresa received the Bharat Ratna in 1980, a year after winning the Nobel Peace Prize. She founded the Missionaries of Charity to serve the poorest of the poor in Kolkata. Her life was dedicated to humanitarian service and global peace.
Which shehnai maestro was honored with the Bharat Ratna in 2001?
Correct Answer: D. Ustad Bismillah Khan
Ustad Bismillah Khan was awarded the Bharat Ratna in 2001 alongside Lata Mangeshkar. He is credited with bringing the shehnai from weddings to the classical concert stage. He famously played at the Red Fort on the eve of India's independence in 1947.