Current Affairs - Awards and Honours

Saleem Ahmad has taken charge as the Chairman and Managing Director of Rail Vikas Nigam Limited, a key public sector enterprise under the Ministry of Railways. With over 30 years of experience in infrastructure development, he brings extensive expertise in construction, metro projects, and large-scale redevelopment works. Prior to this role, he served as Director (Projects) at NBCC (India) and held senior positions at the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation and Mumbai Port Trust. His appointment comes at a crucial time as India accelerates railway modernization, capacity enhancement, and connectivity expansion across the country.

Shubham Awasthi, an advocate by profession, has been honoured with the prestigious 40 Under 40 Lawyer Award 2025. This award is regarded as one of the most respected recognitions within the Indian legal community. It celebrates not only professional excellence in the field of law but also acknowledges commitment to public service and humanitarian values. The award was presented during the 6th BW Legal World 40 Under 40 Lawyers and Legal Influencers Awards 2025, held in New Delhi, bringing together distinguished legal professionals from across the country.

Nnena Kalu made history by becoming the first learning-disabled artist to win the Turner Prize, the United Kingdom’s most prestigious award in visual arts. A 59-year-old Scottish artist, she lives with autism and has limited verbal communication, yet her work has gained wide recognition for its originality and expressive power. Her achievement represents a significant milestone for inclusivity and representation in the global art community. The award ceremony took place in Bradford, northern England, where she was honoured with the £25,000 prize money, highlighting the growing recognition of diverse voices and abilities in contemporary art.

B P Kanungo has been appointed as the non-executive chairman of IIFL Finance, bringing extensive experience in central banking and financial regulation to the company. A former Deputy Governor of the Reserve Bank of India from 2017 to 2021, he also served as a member of the Monetary Policy Committee, which determines India’s key interest rates. His expertise spans currency management, payment systems, and financial stability. In his new role, Kanungo will guide strategic decision-making, strengthen governance standards, and ensure regulatory compliance, reinforcing IIFL Finance’s focus on long-term stability, transparency, and stakeholder confidence.

Bharti Airtel announced a key leadership transition as part of its long-term succession and strategic planning. Shashwat Sharma, who was serving as CEO-designate, has been approved by the company’s board to take over as Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Airtel India starting 1 January 2026. His appointment is for a five-year term and he will also serve as a Key Managerial Personnel. This leadership change ensures continuity in Airtel’s operations while allowing senior leaders to focus on strategy, governance, and financial oversight in a highly competitive telecom market.