Current Affairs - Awards and Honours

R Doraiswamy has been appointed as the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC), starting July 15, 2025, and will serve until August 28, 2028. He brings over 38 years of experience at LIC across departments such as operations, marketing, IT, and pensions. Before his appointment, he served as Executive Director (IT/Software Development). His selection followed recommendations by the Financial Services Institutions Bureau and was approved by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet. This leadership change is significant for LIC, India’s largest insurer, ensuring stable and experienced guidance in a key financial institution.

Hemant Rupani has been announced as the new CEO of Hindustan Coca-Cola Beverages Pvt Ltd (HCCB), with his term beginning on September 8, 2025. He will take over from Juan Pablo Rodriguez, who is moving to a different role within the Coca-Cola system. Rupani brings over 20 years of experience from global companies, most recently serving as Business Unit President for Southeast Asia at Mondelez International. His leadership background across FMCG, telecom, and technology—including key roles at PepsiCo, Vodafone, and Infosys—positions him well to guide HCCB’s next phase of growth and strengthen its presence in the Indian beverage market.

Dr Abhijat Sheth has been appointed as the new Chairperson of the National Medical Commission (NMC) by the Central Government in July 2025. This leadership change comes at a time when the NMC is under investigation for serious corruption allegations, including bribery and misuse of inspection data. Dr Sheth was previously serving as the President of the National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS), an institution responsible for conducting key medical exams like NEET-PG. He takes over from Dr B.N. Gangadhar, who had resigned in October 2024 but remained in office until a suitable successor was found.

Sonali Mishra, a 1993 batch IPS officer from the Madhya Pradesh cadre, has been appointed as the first woman Director General of the Railway Protection Force (RPF). She will assume charge on August 1, 2025, after the retirement of Manoj Yadava. Her appointment is a historic milestone, as it marks the first time a woman will lead the RPF since its establishment. Mishra has held several significant roles in Indian policing, including being the first woman BSF commander along the India-Pakistan border and leading BSF formations in Kashmir. Her exemplary service has earned her top police honours for both distinguished and meritorious service.

Abhijit Kishore, the Chief Operating Officer of Vodafone Idea Ltd, was reappointed as the Chairperson of the Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI) for the 2025–26 term during its Annual General Body meeting held on July 9, 2025, in New Delhi. With over 30 years of experience in the telecom sector, Kishore has been instrumental in steering Vodafone Idea through key industry transitions. His reappointment reflects the confidence the industry has in his leadership, especially as India pushes forward with 5G deployment and broader digital infrastructure goals. His continued role ensures strategic consistency at a time of significant technological evolution.