Current Affairs - Awards and Honours

Krishna Kumar Thakur, a 1998 batch Indian Railway Personnel Service officer, has been appointed as the Director (Personnel) at NMDC Limited in 2026. With over two decades of experience in human resource management, he has served in various roles across Indian Railways and public sector enterprises. His expertise includes large-scale recruitment, workforce planning, and HR policy implementation. He has also held key positions in organisations like RITES Limited, Konkan Railway Corporation, and BHEL. His leadership is expected to strengthen employee engagement, productivity, and HR systems within NMDC.

Uniqlo, a global apparel brand, appointed Indian cricketer Jasprit Bumrah as its brand ambassador for India in 2026. This collaboration marks a significant step in the company’s expansion strategy in the Indian market. Jasprit Bumrah, known for his exceptional fast bowling skills, brings strong recognition and influence among fans. The partnership was launched with a campaign centred on Uniqlo’s LifeWear philosophy, which emphasises comfort, simplicity, and functionality in everyday clothing. The campaign is promoted across digital platforms, social media, and retail outlets to engage a wide audience, especially the younger generation.

Vikram Doraiswami has been appointed as India’s new Ambassador to China, bringing with him extensive diplomatic experience. Before this role, he served as India’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom and has also held ambassadorial positions in Bangladesh, South Korea, and Uzbekistan. His earlier tenure in Beijing during the late 1990s provides him with valuable regional expertise. Additionally, he served as Private Secretary to former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee. His appointment is considered strategically important due to his deep understanding of India-China relations and evolving regional dynamics.

The KISS Humanitarian Award 2025 was awarded to Nita Ambani in recognition of her significant contributions to social development through the Reliance Foundation. Her work spans across key areas such as education, healthcare, women's empowerment, rural transformation, and sports promotion. Through various initiatives, she has impacted millions of lives, particularly in underserved communities. The award highlights her dedication to inclusive growth and sustainable development. It also reflects the increasing importance of corporate social responsibility and philanthropy in addressing societal challenges and improving the overall quality of life in India.

Arun Mammen has been re-elected as the Chairman of the Automotive Tyre Manufacturers Association (ATMA) in 2026, continuing his leadership in the organization. He is also the Vice Chairman and Managing Director of MRF Ltd, one of India’s leading tyre manufacturers. His re-election reflects the association’s confidence in his experience and ability to guide the industry through challenges such as rising raw material costs, technological changes, and global competition. ATMA, established in 1975, plays a key role in representing India’s tyre industry, supporting policy advocacy, and promoting innovation and growth in the sector.