Padma Awards — Set 6
Awards & Honors · पद्म पुरस्कार · Questions 51–60 of 70
In which year were the Padma Awards first instituted?
Correct Answer: B. 1954
The Padma Awards were established in 1954 by the Government of India. They were originally classified as 'Pahela Varg', 'Dusra Varg', and 'Tisra Varg'. They were later renamed to their current designations in 1955.
Which is the highest category of Padma award?
Correct Answer: C. Padma Vibhushan
The Padma Vibhushan is the highest in the hierarchy of Padma awards. It is the second highest civilian award overall, after the Bharat Ratna. It is given for exceptional and distinguished service.
Who headed the Padma Awards Committee that recommends names for the honors?
Correct Answer: C. Cabinet Secretary
The Cabinet Secretary chairs the committee formed by the Prime Minister every year. This committee reviews all nominations received from various sources. The final list is then submitted for the approval of the Prime Minister and the President.
Padma Awards are announced every year on the occasion of?
Correct Answer: B. Republic Day
The awards are annually announced on the eve of Republic Day (January 25th). This timing honors the spirit of the Indian Republic. The investiture ceremony takes place later in the year.
Which of the following is the lowest among the Padma awards?
Correct Answer: C. Padma Shri
The Padma Shri is the fourth highest civilian honor in the country. It follows the Padma Vibhushan and Padma Bhushan in order of precedence. It is awarded for distinguished service in any field.
In which year were the Padma awards not given due to certain interruptions?
Correct Answer: A. 1978, 1979
The Padma awards were not conferred in 1978 and 1979 during a change in government policy. They were again suspended from 1993 to 1997 due to legal challenges in court. They have been given continuously since 1998.
Who was the first woman to be awarded the Padma Vibhushan?
Correct Answer: B. Vijaya Lakshmi Pandit
Vijaya Lakshmi Pandit was among the first batch of recipients in 1954. she was an eminent diplomat and the sister of Jawaharlal Nehru. She was the first woman to serve as the President of the UN General Assembly.
What is the maximum number of Padma awards that can be given in a year (excluding posthumous and foreigners)?
Correct Answer: B. 120
The total number of awards for a year is capped at 120. This limit does not include posthumous awards or awards to non-citizens. This regulation helps maintain the high value and standard of the recognition.
Which ministry is the nodal ministry for the administration of Padma Awards?
Correct Answer: B. Ministry of Home Affairs
The Ministry of Home Affairs manages the entire process of Padma awards. It receives nominations and coordinates the committee's meetings. The final announcement is made via a gazette notification from this ministry.
Who was the first musician to receive the Padma Vibhushan in 1954?
Correct Answer: D. None of these
In 1954, no musician was awarded the Padma Vibhushan. The first musicians were honored in later years as the scope of awards expanded. M.S. Subbulakshmi received her Padma Vibhushan only in 1975.