Current Affairs - Awards and Honours

Dr. Mayank Sharma, a senior officer from the 1989 batch of the Indian Defence Accounts Service (IDAS), officially took charge as the Financial Advisor (Defence Services) on August 1, 2025. With over 30 years of experience in defence accounts and policymaking, he has held numerous important positions, including Controller General of Defence Accounts (CGDA). His previous roles in the Cabinet Secretariat as Under Secretary, Deputy Secretary, and Joint Secretary, along with his international representation at institutions like the UNODC and UNCITRAL, reflect his broad expertise. His appointment signifies a strategic move to enhance financial oversight and efficiency within the defence sector.

Nikhil Ravishankar, an Indian-origin tech executive and currently the Chief Digital Officer at Air New Zealand, has been appointed as the airline’s next Chief Executive Officer, taking charge on October 20, 2025. With a background in both computer science and commerce from the University of Auckland, Ravishankar brings a strong digital and strategic vision to the role. His leadership has already played a key role in modernising the airline’s systems and enhancing customer engagement. His appointment is seen as a transformative step by Air New Zealand’s board, especially as the airline prepares to tackle evolving challenges such as climate change, technology disruption, and shifting global travel demands.

Anant Ambani, the youngest son of Mukesh Ambani, has been appointed as the Executive Director of Reliance Industries Limited (RIL), starting from May 1, 2025. His appointment marks a significant move in RIL’s succession strategy, ensuring continuity in leadership as the conglomerate transitions to the next generation. Anant, a Brown University graduate, has previously served in key roles across RIL's subsidiaries, including Jio Platforms and Reliance Foundation. His leadership is expected to focus on digital services, renewable energy, and philanthropy. With a five-year term, his elevation is seen as a strategic step to reinforce investor confidence and support RIL’s long-term vision.

Shailesh Jejurikar has been appointed as the Global CEO of Procter & Gamble (P&G), effective January 1, 2026, making him the first Indian to hold this prestigious position. With a career at P&G spanning over three decades, Jejurikar has led key global divisions such as Fabric & Home Care, contributing significantly to the company's supply chain, digital transformation, and operational excellence. His deep understanding of both developed and emerging markets, combined with a strong track record of innovation and performance, positions him to lead P&G into its next phase of sustainable growth and global leadership in the consumer goods industry.

Utpal Kumar Singh, a veteran administrator and the current Secretary-General of the Lok Sabha, has been appointed as the CEO of Sansad TV. With a distinguished background in the Indian Administrative Service and an academic foundation in history and public policy, Singh brings decades of experience in governance at both state and central levels. His leadership in the Kedarnath redevelopment project after the 2013 floods earned national recognition, showcasing his capability in crisis management and heritage preservation. His new role at Sansad TV signifies a continued effort to enhance parliamentary outreach and communication, reinforcing transparency and accessibility in democratic processes.