Current Affairs - Awards and Honours

G. Sampath Kumar has been appointed as the first Indian Managing Director of Nippon Koei India (NKI), a significant milestone for the organization. This leadership shift reflects Nippon Koei India’s strategic vision of expanding its operations and influence across India, West Asia, and the Asia-Pacific regions. With over 35 years of experience in civil engineering and consultancy, and as an alumnus of IIT-BHU, Sampath Kumar brings deep industry expertise to the role. His appointment also symbolizes a growing trend of Indian professionals ascending to top roles in global multinational companies, strengthening local representation in key strategic decisions.

For the year 2025, the Sahitya Akademi has selected 23 writers for its Yuva Puraskar and 24 writers for the Bal Puraskar. The Sahitya Akademi, which functions as India’s National Academy of Letters, plays a vital role in promoting literary culture across the country. It is the only institution that conducts literary work in 24 recognized Indian languages, including English. The Yuva Puraskar is awarded to young writers to encourage new literary talent, while the Bal Puraskar acknowledges contributions to children’s literature. The announcement reflects the Akademi's ongoing commitment to recognizing diverse voices in Indian literature.

Arun Srinivas has been appointed as the Managing Director and Head for Meta in India starting July 1, 2025. In this significant role, he will be responsible for aligning Meta’s business, innovation, and revenue strategies to effectively serve partners and clients in India. His leadership aims to drive the long-term growth of Meta's business in the region, reinforcing the company's commitment to the Indian market. His appointment signifies Meta’s focus on strengthening its leadership team in one of its key growth markets globally.

Anantha Chandrakasan, an Indian-American academic born in Chennai, has been appointed as the next Provost of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), effective July 1, 2025. He becomes the first Indian-born individual to hold this high-ranking academic leadership role at MIT. Chandrakasan is internationally recognized for his research in energy-efficient electronics and his leadership in innovation and education. He has served as the Dean of the MIT School of Engineering since 2017 and has spearheaded numerous initiatives such as SuperUROP and StartMIT. His appointment reflects MIT’s emphasis on academic excellence, technological advancement, and inclusive leadership.

Aliawati Longkumer, a 2008-batch Indian Foreign Service officer, has been appointed as India’s ambassador to North Korea, marking the restoration of high-level diplomatic presence in Pyongyang after a four-year hiatus. This follows the reopening of the Indian embassy in North Korea in December 2024, which had been closed since July 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Longkumer, who previously served as Charge d’affaires in Paraguay, will now assume responsibilities in Pyongyang. Her appointment is part of India’s strategic re-engagement with North Korea, balancing diplomatic outreach while remaining aligned with global sanctions and regional security considerations.