Question 12 from UPSC CSE 2023 - Current Affairs

Question

Consider the following pairs with regard to sports awards:
1. Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award: For the most spectacular and outstanding performance by a sportsperson over a period of the last four years.
2. Arjuna Award: For lifetime achievement by a sportsperson.
3. Dronacharya Award: To honour eminent coaches who have successfully trained sportspersons or teams.
4. Rashtriya Khel Protsahan Puraskar: To recognize the contribution made by sportspersons even after their retirement.
How many of the above pairs are correctly matched?

IASCODEX · Accepted Answer

Correct Option: B. Only two

Strategy: Assess the alignment between award criteria and descriptions for Indian sporting honors. Confirm that the Khel Ratna's criteria for 'spectacular performance in past four years' is accurate. Verify the Arjuna Award targets recent outstanding performance, not lifetime achievement. Ensure the Dronacharya Award correctly focuses on coaches' contributions. Identify if the Rashtriya Khel Protsahan Puraskar is correctly characterized, noting it's for organizations, not individuals. This assessment will highlight correct matches (Khel Ratna, Dronacharya) and mismatches (Arjuna, Rashtriya Khel Protsahan Puraskar).

Key Info: *   **Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award:** India's highest sporting honor, instituted in 1991-92. It recognizes the most outstanding performance by a sportsperson over the last four years.
*   **Arjuna Award:** Started in 1961, this award honors consistent outstanding performance in sports over at least four years, including leadership and sportsmanship. It is specifically not a lifetime achievement award.
*   **Dronacharya Award:** Instituted in 1985, this award is conferred upon coaches for their consistent contribution to coaching and for enabling teams or individuals to achieve excellence at international events.
*   **Rashtriya Khel Protsahan Puraskar:** Established in 2009, this award is given to organizations (private/public sector companies, sports bodies, NGOs) for their role in sports promotion and development. It is not intended for individual retired sportspersons.
*   **Dhyan Chand Award:** This is India's lifetime achievement award for sportspersons. It recognizes those who have not only excelled during their career but have also contributed to sports promotion after retirement.

IASCODEX · Answer

Option A: Only one

IASCODEX · Answer

Option C: Only three

IASCODEX · Answer

Option D: All four