CURRENT AFFAIRS

Detailed explanation-1: -Renowned Indian artist and painter Laxman Pai has passed away. The Goa-based painter was a recipient of the Padma Bhushan, India’s third-highest civilian honour.

Detailed explanation-2: -2. Khushwant Singh. In 1974, Khushwant Singh was given the Padma Bhushan for service to his country. But he returned it in 1984 which came as a shock for everyone.

Detailed explanation-3: -All persons without distinction of race, occupation, position or sex are eligible for these Awards. Government servants including those working with PSUs, except Doctors and Scientists, are not eligible for Padma Awards. The Government is committed to transform Padma Awards into “People’s Padma”.

Detailed explanation-4: -Novelist Khushwant Singh, who accepted the Padma Bhushan in 1974 in the category of literature and education, returned it in 1984 to protest the Indian military’s Operation Blue Star. Singh was later awarded the Padma Vibhushan in 2007.

Detailed explanation-5: -The award is given in three categories, namely, Padma Vibhushan for exceptional and distinguished service; Padma Bhushan for distinguished service of a high order; and. Padma Shri for distinguished service.