Current Affairs - Awards and Honours

Nirmala Lakshman, an Indian author, journalist and Director of The Hindu Group, won the Sharjah Award for Best International Non-Fiction Book for her book The Tamils: A Portrait of a Community. The award was presented on November 4, 2026, by Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairperson of the Sharjah Book Authority. Published by Aleph Book Company in January 2025, the book explores the history, society, literature, politics, religion, art and cultural identity of the Tamil community across centuries. The award recognises outstanding contributions to international non-fiction literature.

Balaji Nuthalapadi has been appointed as the interim Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Equitas Small Finance Bank, subject to approval from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). The appointment was approved by the bank's board on November 4, 2026, following the recommendation of its Nomination and Remuneration Committee. Nuthalapadi currently serves as a full-time director and executive director of the bank. He brings 28 years of professional experience from Citigroup, where he held several senior leadership positions. His appointment follows the resignation of P N Vasudevan, and the bank has initiated the process of selecting a permanent CEO.

Dinesh V. Ganvir was appointed as the 55th Director General of the Geological Survey of India (GSI) and assumed charge on November 1, 2026. Before this appointment, he served as the Additional Director General and Head of GSI's Central Region in Nagpur, along with the responsibility of National Mission Head-II. He joined the Geological Survey of India on July 1, 1994, and has more than three decades of experience in geological investigations, mineral exploration and engineering geology. His priorities include exploring critical and strategic minerals, improving mineral security, adopting advanced technologies and strengthening India's domestic mineral resources to support Atmanirbhar Bharat.

Jatin Kumar Nayak has taken charge as the Chairman and Managing Director (CMD) of the Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency (IREDA). Before this appointment, he served as Executive Director (Finance) at REC Limited. He brings over 30 years of experience in the power, mining and metals sectors, with expertise in corporate finance, project evaluation, resource mobilisation and financial management. During his career, he has held important positions in organisations such as REC, NHPC, Hindustan Copper and NALCO. He holds a Master of Commerce degree from Utkal University and is also a qualified Company Secretary and Fellow Member of the Institute of Cost and Management Accountants of India.

Vijay Sankar, Chairman of the Sanmar Group, has been elected as the President-Elect of the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) for 2026–27. The decision was taken by FICCI's National Executive Committee on October 29, 2026. He currently serves as the Senior Vice President of FICCI and is expected to succeed Anant Goenka as President following the organisation's Annual General Meeting and Convention scheduled for November 18–19, 2026. Vijay Sankar also serves as Chairman of Chemplast Sanmar Limited.