Current Affairs - Awards and Honours

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) approved the appointment of Elias George as the Part-time Chairman of Federal Bank on May 25, 2026, for a tenure of three years. Prior to this elevation, he served as an Independent Director on the bank’s board from September 5, 2023, reflecting his continued association with the institution. His professional background includes serving as the CEO of the Kochi Metro Rail project and as Chairman of the Unified Metropolitan Transport Authority. A retired Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer, he brings extensive administrative and infrastructure experience. Federal Bank, headquartered in Aluva, Kochi, is one of India’s established scheduled commercial banks with a long legacy in the banking sector.

Piyush Singla, a 2012 batch Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer from the AGMUT cadre, was appointed as the Director of the National Health Authority (NHA) for the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM). His appointment was made under the Central Staffing Scheme of the Department of Health & Family Welfare and was recommended by the Ministry of Home Affairs for central deputation. The tenure is co-terminus with the duration of the ABDM project and is subject to admissible staffing norms. The ABDM, launched in 2021, aims to create a digital health ecosystem in India through ABHA IDs and improved health record integration under the National Health Authority.

P. Jawahar, a 2007-batch IAS officer belonging to the AGMUT cadre, was appointed as the Chairman of the Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA) and assumed charge on May 26, 2026. His appointment brings significant administrative experience to the organisation, as he has previously served in key roles including Chief Electoral Officer of Puducherry and Commissioner/Secretary in charge of Industries & Commerce and Education. MPEDA, functioning under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry and headquartered in Kochi, is responsible for promoting India’s marine product exports. The appointment aims to strengthen institutional leadership in the fisheries export sector.

Neelam Meena, a 1998-batch IAS officer, was appointed as the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of West Bengal by the Election Commission of India on May 25, 2026. This appointment marks a significant administrative milestone as she became the first woman to hold the CEO post in the state since its creation. She succeeded Manoj Kumar Agarwal, who moved on to serve as Chief Secretary of West Bengal. The CEO functions under the supervision of the Election Commission of India and is responsible for overseeing election-related processes at the state level under the framework of the Representation of the People Act, 1950.

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) approved the reappointment of Sandeep Bakhshi as the Managing Director and CEO of ICICI Bank on May 23, 2026. His extended tenure will begin on October 4, 2026, and continue until October 3, 2028. Sandeep Bakhshi has been leading ICICI Bank since 2018 and has played a significant role in strengthening the bank’s operational performance, digital banking initiatives, and financial stability. ICICI Bank is one of India’s leading private sector banks and is classified by the RBI as a Domestic Systemically Important Bank (D-SIB), highlighting its importance to the country's financial system.