Current Affairs - Awards and Honours

Senior Advocate R Venkataramani has been reappointed as the Attorney General of India for a further two-year term, effective October 1, 2025, continuing as the country’s chief legal officer until September 30, 2027. The Attorney General is the primary legal advisor to the Government of India and represents it in the Supreme Court and High Courts. Venkataramani, who became the 16th Attorney General in 2022, has an extensive career in constitutional, criminal, and administrative law, and his reappointment reflects confidence in his legal expertise and counsel on matters of national importance.

Amshi Prasannakumar, a veteran journalist from Mysuru, received the Hombale Samhita Harinikumar Alumni Krishi Media Award – 2025 for his exceptional work in agricultural journalism. His career has focused on raising awareness among farmers about agricultural practices, policies, and innovations through both print and electronic media. The award, presented by the Alumni Association of the University of Agricultural Sciences, Bangalore, recognises journalists who significantly contribute to rural development and farmer welfare. Amshi’s efforts have empowered thousands of farmers, highlighting the crucial role of media in promoting knowledge and sustainability in agriculture.

Vandana Gupta, a 1990 batch officer of the Indian Post & Telecommunication Accounts and Finance Service (IP&TAFS), officially took charge as the Controller General of Communication Accounts (CGCA) on September 22, 2025. With over three decades of experience, she has served in key telecom circles across Maharashtra, Delhi, Tamil Nadu, and Gujarat, along with critical roles in the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) and the Department of Posts (DoP). Her career also includes senior positions at GASAB under the CAG, the Ministry of Women and Child Development, the National Commission for Women, and GGSIP University. Her appointment reflects her leadership in telecom finance, audits, and governance.

IndusInd Bank appointed Viral Damania as its new Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and Key Managerial Personnel effective September 22, 2025. His appointment comes during a leadership restructuring following a significant accounting lapse that impacted the bank’s financial stability. Damania brings over 27 years of experience in banking and professional services, having previously served as CFO of Bank of America, India, and held roles with Citibank across India, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka, as well as with PwC. His credentials as a Chartered Accountant, Company Secretary, and Information Systems Auditor strengthen his ability to enhance governance, restore investor confidence, and ensure accurate financial reporting at IndusInd Bank.

Mohanlal, the legendary Malayalam actor, has been awarded the Dadasaheb Phalke Award 2023, India’s highest honour in cinema. The award will be presented during the 71st National Film Awards ceremony on September 23, 2025. With a career spanning over four decades and more than 400 films, Mohanlal is celebrated for his versatility and contributions across Indian cinema, including Tamil, Hindi, and Telugu films. He has previously received Padma Shri (2001), Padma Bhushan (2019), five National Film Awards, and nine Kerala State Film Awards. This lifetime achievement award recognises his enduring impact on Indian cinema and his role in shaping the industry’s history.