Current Affairs - Awards and Honours

Sanjana Thakur, a 26-year-old writer from Mumbai, emerged as the winner of the GBP 5,000 Commonwealth Short Story Prize 2024. Her winning story, "Aishwarya Rai," creatively reimagines and reverses traditional adoption narratives, exploring themes of family and self in urban settings. Thakur's narrative style, characterized by brutal irony and wry humour, impressed the judging panel led by Jennifer Nansubuga Makumbi.

Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers Ltd. (GRSE) received the "Sustainable Governance Champion Award" at the Outlook Planet Sustainability Summit & Awards 2024. This accolade underscores GRSE's steadfast commitment to sustainable practices and governance excellence. Established in 1884 and based in Kolkata, GRSE is renowned for constructing and servicing commercial and naval vessels, and it holds the distinction of being the first Indian shipyard to have built 100 warships.

Mark Rutte, the outgoing Prime Minister of the Netherlands, has been appointed as the next Secretary General of NATO. Known for his extensive experience and diplomatic skills, Rutte's appointment comes at a crucial time for NATO as it navigates complex global security challenges. His leadership is expected to strengthen transatlantic relations and foster consensus within the alliance, building on his 14-year tenure as the Dutch Prime Minister.

Simon Mak, an international strategist and multiple award-winning professor, has been appointed as the vice-chancellor of India’s first artificial intelligence university, Universal AI University (UAIU). Mak, who holds academic credentials from institutions like MIT and SMU Cox School of Business, is the first non-Indian to serve as the founding vice-chancellor of an Indian institution. His appointment aims to elevate UAIU’s academic stature globally, focusing on an innovative AI-driven curriculum and upholding the highest ethical standards in education, ensuring the university’s role in producing future global leaders and entrepreneurs in AI technology and business.

Gaurav Banerjee, a former Disney executive, has been appointed as the Managing Director and CEO of Sony Pictures Networks India, effective on or before August 26, pending regulatory approvals. He succeeds N. P. Singh, who transitions to the role of Non-Executive Chairman after a 25-year tenure. Banerjee brings extensive experience in content strategy and media leadership, having spearheaded initiatives across Hindi entertainment, Disney+ Hotstar, Star Bharat, and regional content during his career. His appointment marks a strategic move to further enhance SPNI’s content offerings and digital media initiatives.