Current Affairs - Awards and Honours

Parveen Shaikh and Dr Barkha Subba were honoured with the 2026 Whitley Awards, popularly known as the Green Oscars, for their exceptional contributions to environmental conservation. Parveen Shaikh was recognised for her efforts to protect the endangered Indian Skimmer through community-based conservation initiatives along the Chambal River. Dr Barkha Subba received the award for her work in conserving the Himalayan Salamander by restoring wetlands, monitoring populations, and engaging local communities. Each recipient received £50,000 to support ongoing conservation projects, highlighting India's significant contribution to global biodiversity conservation and sustainable environmental practices.

Kunal Shah, the founder of Cred, was appointed as the Global Head of WhatsApp by Meta Platforms Inc. on June 23, 2026. He succeeded Will Cathcart, who had led WhatsApp since 2019 and later moved to a new product development role within Meta. Following Shah's appointment, Miten Sampat assumed the role of interim CEO of Cred. Shah is widely recognised for founding Cred in 2018, a Bengaluru-based fintech company that rewards creditworthy users and offers services in payments, lending, insurance, and wealth management. His appointment reflects Meta's focus on strengthening WhatsApp's global growth and innovation.

Sanjay Kumar Jain resigned from his position as Chairman and Managing Director (CMD) of IRCTC, with the Ministry of Railways approving his request. His resignation was based on personal reasons and became effective after the completion of the required notice period. During his tenure, IRCTC achieved significant milestones, including its elevation from a Mini Ratna public sector undertaking to a Navratna company and its progression from Schedule B to Schedule A status. Under his leadership, IRCTC also expanded its tourism services, catering operations, online ticketing systems, and railway hospitality initiatives, strengthening its role in India’s transportation and tourism sectors.

Rajendra Kumar Saboo was assigned the additional charge of Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer (MD & CEO) of UCO Bank by the Ministry of Finance on June 21, 2026. The appointment order was issued by the Department of Financial Services (DFS). At the time of his appointment, Saboo was serving as the Executive Director of UCO Bank. He assumed the additional responsibility following the completion of the tenure of former MD & CEO Ashwani Kumar on May 31, 2026. The arrangement will remain in effect until August 31, 2026, or until a regular incumbent is appointed to the position.

Tushar Mehta was reappointed as the Solicitor General of India for another three-year term following approval by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC). The Solicitor General is the second-highest law officer in the country after the Attorney General and plays a vital role in representing the Union Government before the Supreme Court, High Courts, tribunals, and other judicial forums. Mehta, a senior advocate from Gujarat, has handled several significant constitutional, governance, taxation, and national security matters. His reappointment reflects the government's confidence in his legal expertise and leadership in important judicial proceedings.