Current Affairs - Awards and Honours

Neelam Meena, a 1998-batch IAS officer, was appointed as the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of West Bengal by the Election Commission of India on May 25, 2026. This appointment marks a significant administrative milestone as she became the first woman to hold the CEO post in the state since its creation. She succeeded Manoj Kumar Agarwal, who moved on to serve as Chief Secretary of West Bengal. The CEO functions under the supervision of the Election Commission of India and is responsible for overseeing election-related processes at the state level under the framework of the Representation of the People Act, 1950.

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) approved the reappointment of Sandeep Bakhshi as the Managing Director and CEO of ICICI Bank on May 23, 2026. His extended tenure will begin on October 4, 2026, and continue until October 3, 2028. Sandeep Bakhshi has been leading ICICI Bank since 2018 and has played a significant role in strengthening the bank’s operational performance, digital banking initiatives, and financial stability. ICICI Bank is one of India’s leading private sector banks and is classified by the RBI as a Domestic Systemically Important Bank (D-SIB), highlighting its importance to the country's financial system.

The book 'The Library Man of India: The Story of PN Panicker' was authored by PP Sathyan and released by Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan on May 22, 2026, at the Uprashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi. The book highlights the life and contributions of PN Panicker, who is widely regarded as the Father of the Library Movement in Kerala. Through his efforts, a vast network of libraries was established across the state, promoting literacy, social awareness, and intellectual growth. His work played a major role in Kerala’s cultural renaissance and helped transform society through the power of education and access to books.

Major Abhilasha Barak was named the recipient of the 2025 United Nations Military Gender Advocate of the Year Award for her outstanding service in Lebanon as part of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL). Serving as the Commander of the Female Engagement Team, she contributed significantly to community outreach programs for women and adolescent girls and promoted gender sensitisation training among peacekeepers. The award recognises exceptional efforts to advance gender equality in peacekeeping operations. Major Abhilasha Barak is also notable for being the first woman combat helicopter pilot in the Indian Army and the third Indian peacekeeper to receive this prestigious international honour.

Kevin Warsh was sworn in as the Chairman of the US Federal Reserve Board of Governors on May 23, 2026, succeeding Jerome Powell. He was nominated by President Donald Trump to lead the United States central bank during a period marked by elevated inflation levels. The Federal Reserve plays a critical role in managing monetary policy, maintaining financial stability, and influencing economic growth through tools such as interest rate adjustments and open market operations. As Chairman, Warsh is expected to guide policy decisions affecting inflation, employment, and the broader financial system, with significant implications for both the US and global economies.