Current Affairs - Awards and Honours

Vivek Menon, the founder of the Wildlife Trust of India (WTI), has been elected as the new Chair of the Species Survival Commission (SSC) under the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). His election marks a historic milestone as he becomes the first Asian to hold this prestigious global position. The SSC plays a crucial role in assessing species conservation status, developing action plans, and guiding global biodiversity efforts. Menon’s leadership signifies a strengthening of Asia’s representation in global wildlife conservation initiatives and highlights India’s growing influence in environmental protection and biodiversity preservation.

Dan Katz has been appointed as the IMF’s first Deputy Managing Director, effective October 6, 2025. Nominated by IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva and approved by the IMF Executive Board, Katz brings extensive experience in global finance and economic policy. He previously served as Chief of Staff at the U.S. Department of the Treasury, advising on domestic and international economic strategy, including the U.S.-Ukraine partnership. Katz’s background also includes senior advisory roles, think tank research, and private-sector experience at Goldman Sachs and a global macro hedge fund, equipping him to navigate complex global economic and financial challenges.

Anant Goenka, Vice Chairman of the RPG Group, has been appointed as the President-Elect of the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) for the 2025–26 term. He will officially assume charge after the conclusion of FICCI’s 98th Annual General Meeting in New Delhi, succeeding Harsha Vardhan Agarwal. Goenka’s leadership is expected to bring a fresh perspective to the organization’s initiatives, particularly in advancing India’s industrial competitiveness, sustainability efforts, and global trade engagement, reflecting his experience in steering diversified business enterprises under the RPG Group.

Sonali Sen Gupta has been appointed as the Executive Director of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) effective October 9, 2025. With over three decades of experience at the RBI, she brings extensive expertise in banking regulation, supervision, and financial inclusion. In her new role, she will oversee three critical departments—Consumer Education and Protection, Financial Inclusion and Development, and Inspection. Her appointment reflects the RBI’s emphasis on strengthening consumer protection, expanding financial inclusion, and ensuring robust regulatory oversight within India’s financial system.

Rishi Sunak, the former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, has taken up advisory roles with Microsoft and Anthropic, an artificial intelligence company. His involvement highlights the growing collaboration between political leaders and the tech industry in shaping AI policy and innovation. Sunak has also pledged to donate all earnings from these positions to The Richmond Project, a charity he co-founded with his wife, Akshata Murty. This move underscores his commitment to leveraging his global influence for social good and advancing responsible technology development.