Current Affairs - Awards and Honours

Asheesh Pandey has been appointed as the Managing Director and CEO of Union Bank of India for a three-year term. Previously, he served as the Executive Director at the Bank of Maharashtra, where he gained significant experience in banking operations and credit management. His appointment was approved by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet and recommended by the Financial Services Institutions Bureau (FSIB) on May 30, 2025. This leadership change is part of the government’s effort to strengthen governance and drive efficiency across India’s public sector banks.

Kalyan Kumar has been appointed as the Managing Director and CEO of the Central Bank of India for a three-year term. He previously served as the Executive Director at Punjab National Bank (PNB) and will succeed M. V. Rao upon his superannuation in July 2025. His appointment was approved by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet and recommended by the Financial Services Institutions Bureau (FSIB) on May 30, 2025. With extensive experience in the banking sector, Kalyan Kumar’s leadership is expected to strengthen governance, enhance profitability, and drive digital transformation within the Central Bank of India.

Gaurav Banerjee has been appointed as the Managing Director and CEO of Sony Pictures Networks India (SPNI), officially known as Culver Max Entertainment, with his term extended until August 2029. He took over leadership following the departure of long-time CEO NP Singh and was confirmed through shareholder approval at the AGM in August 2025. His tenure, starting in August 2024, represents a five-year extension that ensures leadership stability for the company. Under his guidance, SPNI continues to strengthen its television and OTT presence through SonyLIV, backed by strong financials and a significant subscriber base in India.

Shailesh Chandra has been appointed as the Managing Director and CEO of Tata Motors starting October 1, 2025, with his tenure set to last three years. He will continue as MD of Tata Passenger Electric Mobility Ltd., reflecting the company’s focus on electric vehicles. This leadership change occurs alongside a corporate demerger, creating separate entities for commercial vehicles and passenger/electric vehicles. Chandra’s extensive experience with Tata Motors since 2016, particularly in electric mobility, positions him to drive unified growth across passenger and electric vehicle segments, highlighting the strategic rationale behind his appointment.

Shirish Chandra Murmu has been appointed as the Deputy Governor of the Reserve Bank of India for a three-year term starting October 9, 2025. He will succeed Rajeshwar Rao and brings extensive experience in banking supervision, regulation, and financial policy formulation. As Deputy Governor, Murmu will contribute to strengthening RBI’s leadership in monetary policy, financial regulation, and banking supervision. His administrative expertise is expected to play a key role in ensuring policy continuity, enhancing financial stability, and supporting economic growth amid evolving domestic and global economic challenges.