UPSC Prelims 2009 Q14: Current Affairs – Awards & Honours
With reference to Stree Shakti Puraskar,
for which one of the following is the “Devi Ahilya Bai Holkar Award” given?
- (a) Administrative skills
- (b) Achievements in Scientific Research
- (c) Achievements in Sports and Games
- (d) Courage and valour
Answer: (a) Administrative skills
Explanation
What the "Devi Ahilya Bai Holkar Award" recognizes
Among the Stree Shakti Puraskar awards, this specific one honours a particular kind of achievement.
| Option | Verdict | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| (a) Administrative skills | Correct | Named after Rani Ahilya Bai Holkar, famed for her able, just administration of Malwa, this award honours women with outstanding administrative skills |
| (b) Scientific research achievements | Incorrect | A different Stree Shakti Puraskar category covers this |
| (c) Sports and games achievements | Incorrect | Also a different category within the Stree Shakti Puraskar awards |
| (d) Courage and valour | Incorrect | A different award category recognizes this trait |
Devi Ahilya Bai Holkar Award:
| Point | Detail |
|---|---|
| Named after | Rani Ahilya Bai Holkar, known for her administrative excellence |
| Recognizes | Administrative skills in women |
Answer: (a) Administrative skills.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) CORRECT. Named after Ahilya Bai Holkar, this award specifically honours women's administrative skills.
- (b) Incorrect. Scientific research is honoured under a different Stree Shakti Puraskar category.
- (c) Incorrect. Sports achievements are honoured under a different category.
- (d) Incorrect. Courage and valour are recognized under a different award category.
Key point
The 'Devi Ahilya Bai Holkar Award' (under the Stree Shakti Puraskar) specifically honours women's ADMINISTRATIVE SKILLS, reflecting Ahilya Bai Holkar's own legacy as an able administrator.
Remember
Devi Ahilya Bai Holkar Award (Stree Shakti Puraskar): recognizes women's administrative skills.
Common mistakes
- Confusing this specific administrative-skills category with other Stree Shakti Puraskar awards (science, sports, valour).
- Not knowing Ahilya Bai Holkar's historical reputation as a just, effective administrator.
- Assuming all award categories under a single scheme honour the same kind of achievement.
Exam tip
Devi Ahilya Bai Holkar Award = administrative skills, named after a historically renowned administrator-queen.
Sources
- Ministry of Women and Child Development — Stree Shakti Puraskar categories
- Encyclopaedia Britannica — Ahilyabai Holkar