Current Affairs - Awards and Honours

Ramprasad Sridharan has been appointed as the new Managing Director of PUMA India, bringing with him more than 25 years of retail and brand leadership experience. His career includes senior roles at United Colors of Benetton, Clarks, and Reebok India. With his background in brand transformation, digital expansion, and consumer-focused strategy, he is expected to guide PUMA India toward stronger market positioning, enhanced digital initiatives, and a more robust retail presence. His leadership aligns with PUMA’s ambition to grow rapidly in India’s fast-expanding sportswear and lifestyle market.

Jawed Ashraf, a seasoned former IFS officer from the 1991 batch, has been appointed as the Chairman of the India Trade Promotion Organization on a two-year contractual basis. His appointment comes after his retirement from diplomatic service, with terms structured similarly to those of re-employed Central Government officers. With extensive experience in global diplomacy, trade discussions, and international engagement, he is expected to contribute significantly toward enhancing India’s trade promotion activities. His leadership is anticipated to further strengthen ITPO’s role in facilitating global business linkages, fostering trade partnerships, and supporting India’s economic outreach initiatives.

Sandip Pradhan has been appointed as a Whole-Time Member of the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI), bringing his extensive experience from the Indian Revenue Service to the regulatory body. Prior to this role, he served as the Director General of Income Tax (Investigation) in Pune, where he supervised major tax probes, compliance matters, and financial scrutiny. His expertise in enforcement and regulatory oversight aligns with SEBI’s mission to strengthen surveillance, curb market manipulation, and enhance investor protection. With his inclusion, SEBI now has a strengthened leadership team to navigate the complexities of India’s evolving capital markets.

Amit Agrawal has taken charge as the new Telecom Secretary following a major administrative reshuffle involving several key ministries. His appointment marks a shift from his earlier role as Secretary of the Department of Pharmaceuticals, where he served since December 2024. As an experienced IAS officer from the 1993 Chhattisgarh cadre, his new responsibilities include overseeing digital infrastructure projects, telecom policy implementation, spectrum allocation, and coordination with regulatory bodies. This change forms part of a broader government effort to strengthen leadership in sectors vital to national growth and technological advancement.

Jitendra Gohil has been appointed as the Chief Investment Officer of Bajaj Alternate Investment Management Ltd., marking a significant strategic move for the company as it strengthens its position in the rapidly expanding alternative investment market in India. With nearly two decades of experience in financial markets, including senior roles at Credit Suisse India and Kotak Alternate Asset Managers, Gohil brings deep expertise in macroeconomics, portfolio management, and wealth strategy. His appointment supports Bajaj’s long-term vision of expanding its alternative investment fund offerings and building a strong leadership team under Lakshmi Iyer to compete effectively in the ₹15 trillion AIF industry.