Current Affairs - Awards and Honours

Michael Kremer has been appointed as the World Bank Group Chief Economist and Senior Vice President for Development Economics. He is a Nobel Prize-winning economist known for applying economic research and experimentation to development challenges. In 2019, Kremer shared the Nobel Prize in Economic Sciences with Abhijit Banerjee and Esther Duflo for their experimental approach to alleviating global poverty. His research covers education, healthcare, agriculture, innovation, technology and economic growth. He has also contributed to initiatives such as Advance Market Commitments for vaccines and digital technologies aimed at improving the productivity and incomes of smallholder farmers.

Eknath Shinde, the Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister, received the inaugural Statesmanship Award from the World Leadership Forum in London. The award recognised his contribution to major infrastructure and welfare initiatives, including the Atal Setu and the Mukhyamantri Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana. During the event, Shinde also presented a vision of “Design in London and Manufacture in Maharashtra” to encourage greater investment from the United Kingdom in Maharashtra. The initiative highlights Maharashtra’s efforts to strengthen international economic cooperation, attract investments, and promote industrial development. The recognition was presented during his visit to London.

N Chandrasekaran has been reappointed as the Chairman of Tata Sons for another five-year term. The Tata Sons board approved his reappointment on September 17, 2026, after requesting him to reconsider his earlier decision not to seek an extension. Chandrasekaran has served as Chairman of Tata Sons since 2017 and was previously reappointed in 2022. His renewed appointment comes amid disagreements between the Tata Sons board and Tata Trusts, which hold more than 66% of the holding company. Noel Tata, Chairman of Tata Trusts, opposed the reappointment and questioned its legitimacy under the company’s articles of association.

Proteek K. Chakraborty, Director (Finance) of Electronics Corporation of India Limited (ECIL), received the Most Influential CFO award at the Asia Leadership Summit & Awards 2026 in Bengaluru. The award ceremony was organised by Times Aspire and recognised excellence in corporate governance, strategic foresight and innovation among Chief Financial Officers across Asia. Chakraborty is a member of the Institute of Cost Accountants of India and the Institute of Company Secretaries of India. He has more than 32 years of professional experience in corporate finance, accounting and power sector regulations. His recognition highlights his contribution to financial management and strategic growth within ECIL.

Bhagwat Prasad Makwana was appointed as the Chairperson of the National Commission for Safai Karamcharis (NCSK) by the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment on September 6, 2026. He previously served as the Chairman of the Uttarakhand Safai Karamchari Commission. The new appointments, including the Vice-Chairperson and three members, are effective until March 31, 2028. The NCSK focuses on the socio-economic welfare of Safai Karamcharis and works toward the elimination of manual scavenging. Established in 1994 under the NCSK Act, 1993, the commission became a non-statutory body in 2004 after the original Act lapsed.