Current Affairs - Awards and Honours

Tarun Garg has been appointed as the first Indian MD & CEO of Hyundai Motor India Limited, effective January 1, 2026. With over 30 years of experience in the automobile industry, Garg previously held leadership roles at Maruti Suzuki and joined Hyundai in 2019 as Director of Sales, Marketing, and Service. Promoted to COO in 2023, he led record-breaking sales and strategic operations. His appointment marks a historic shift from Korean to Indian leadership, emphasizing local talent empowerment and signaling Hyundai’s commitment to India as a critical growth market while maintaining continuity in global strategic vision.

Nirmal Kumar Minda, Executive Chairman of Uno Minda Group, has been appointed as the President of Assocham, India’s prominent industry chamber. With over five decades of experience in the auto component sector, Minda is known for driving innovation, building robust supply chains, and fostering customer-centric and people-oriented leadership. Under his guidance, Uno Minda has expanded into a global enterprise with a diverse product portfolio. His leadership at Assocham is expected to emphasise technological advancement, competitiveness, and supply chain resilience, while aligning industry advocacy with emerging trends in manufacturing and business innovation.

Harsh Sanghavi was appointed as the Deputy Chief Minister of Gujarat on 17 October 2025 as part of a major cabinet reshuffle led by Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel. This reshuffle involved the induction of 25 ministers, with the aim of improving regional and caste representation and preparing for future elections. Sanghavi, a three-time MLA from Majura, Surat, also received independent charge of the Home Department, a portfolio traditionally held by the Chief Minister. At age 40, his appointment reflects a focus on youth leadership and administrative experience, marking the revival of the Deputy CM post after four years.

Vivek Menon, the founder of the Wildlife Trust of India (WTI), has been elected as the new Chair of the Species Survival Commission (SSC) under the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). His election marks a historic milestone as he becomes the first Asian to hold this prestigious global position. The SSC plays a crucial role in assessing species conservation status, developing action plans, and guiding global biodiversity efforts. Menon’s leadership signifies a strengthening of Asia’s representation in global wildlife conservation initiatives and highlights India’s growing influence in environmental protection and biodiversity preservation.

Dan Katz has been appointed as the IMF’s first Deputy Managing Director, effective October 6, 2025. Nominated by IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva and approved by the IMF Executive Board, Katz brings extensive experience in global finance and economic policy. He previously served as Chief of Staff at the U.S. Department of the Treasury, advising on domestic and international economic strategy, including the U.S.-Ukraine partnership. Katz’s background also includes senior advisory roles, think tank research, and private-sector experience at Goldman Sachs and a global macro hedge fund, equipping him to navigate complex global economic and financial challenges.