Current Affairs - Awards and Honours

Warren Buffett, renowned as the Oracle of Omaha, stepped down as CEO of Berkshire Hathaway after leading the company since 1965. During his nearly six-decade tenure, Buffett transformed the struggling textile manufacturer into a diversified global conglomerate valued over $1 trillion, with major stakes in Apple, Coca-Cola, and American Express, and full ownership of businesses like BNSF Railway and GEICO. His value-based investing philosophy and decentralised management style defined the company’s long-term success. Buffett continues as chairman to maintain strategic oversight, while Greg Abel assumes the CEO role, ensuring continuity and stability in Berkshire Hathaway’s leadership and investment approach.

Rakesh Aggarwal has been assigned the additional charge of Director General of the National Investigation Agency to ensure continuity at the helm of India’s premier counter-terrorism body. A 1994 batch IPS officer of the Himachal Pradesh cadre, he is currently serving as Special Director General of the NIA. The decision followed the premature repatriation of the previous chief, Sadanand Date. Known for his extensive experience in counter-terrorism, terror financing, and radicalisation-related cases, Rakesh Aggarwal’s appointment reflects the government’s emphasis on operational experience and institutional stability in handling sensitive national security investigations.

Anu Garg’s appointment as Odisha’s first woman Chief Secretary represents a landmark moment in the state’s administrative history. A 1991-batch IAS officer of the Odisha cadre, she brings over three decades of experience across key departments at both state and central levels. Her previous roles include serving as Development Commissioner-cum-Additional Chief Secretary and as Joint Secretary in the Prime Minister’s Office. Known for her field-oriented and reform-driven approach, her leadership is expected to strengthen governance, improve Centre–State coordination, and further promote gender diversity in senior civil services.

Coal India Limited has strengthened its top leadership by appointing its Chairman-cum-Managing Director, B. Sairam, as the Chief Executive Officer. The decision, effective from 15 December 2025, consolidates leadership to improve strategic coordination and operational efficiency at India’s largest coal producer. With over three decades of experience in the coal sector, Sairam brings extensive technical and managerial expertise. His previous roles at Northern Coalfields Limited and Central Coalfields Limited involved major infrastructure, logistics, and capacity expansion initiatives, making him well-suited to guide Coal India amid rising production demands and energy security expectations.

Sports is the category in which Vaibhav Suryavanshi was honoured with the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar, reflecting his extraordinary accomplishments in cricket at just 14 years of age. The award recognises children between 5 and 18 years who demonstrate excellence and outstanding performance in various fields. Vaibhav’s achievements span domestic cricket, Under-19 tournaments, and the Indian Premier League, where he set multiple age-related and performance records. By recognising him in the Sports category, the award highlights India’s focus on nurturing young athletic talent and celebrating early excellence in competitive sports.