Current Affairs - Awards and Honours

Baroruchi Mishra was appointed as the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Hindustan Oil Exploration Company Limited (HOEC), effective 27 February 2026. He succeeded Ramasamy Jeevanandam, who had served in the role since 2019 and stepped down as part of the leadership transition. Mishra brings significant expertise in upstream oil and gas operations, with extensive experience in exploration, production, and business development across Indian and multinational energy firms. His appointment marks an important strategic development for HOEC as it continues to strengthen its position in the independent upstream energy sector.

OpenAI appointed Arvind KC as its new Chief People Officer to oversee key human resource functions such as hiring, onboarding, and employee development. His appointment comes at a time when the organisation is experiencing rapid global expansion following the widespread success of ChatGPT and other AI products. Arvind KC brings significant experience from senior leadership roles at major technology companies, including Roblox, Google, Palantir Technologies, and Meta Platforms. His expertise in scaling high-growth technology firms and managing large workforces positions him to support OpenAI’s expanding operations and workforce development strategies.

Israel is the nation that awarded Prime Minister Narendra Modi the Speaker of the Knesset Medal in Jerusalem, marking the first time this highest parliamentary honour was presented to a global leader. The recognition highlights his contribution to strengthening strategic relations, expanding cooperation in defence, agriculture, water management, cybersecurity, and innovation, and advancing negotiations on a Free Trade Agreement. The award symbolizes deep mutual trust and growing diplomatic engagement, reflecting the steady expansion of bilateral ties since full diplomatic relations were established in 1992.

Rajan Bajaj has been appointed as the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Slice Small Finance Bank following approval from the bank’s board, shareholders, and the Reserve Bank of India. He is the founder of Slice, which began as a fintech startup in 2016 and later merged with North East Small Finance Bank in 2024 to become a regulated small finance bank. Under his leadership, the bank aims to strengthen AI-driven digital banking services and promote financial inclusion, particularly for underserved and rural populations across India.

R Vijay Anandh has been approved by the Reserve Bank of India as the new Managing Director and CEO of City Union Bank for a three-year term beginning May 1, 2026. His appointment is subject to shareholder approval and comes with a fixed annual remuneration of ₹2.50 crore. With over 28 years of experience in banking, including roles in risk management, credit appraisal, and retail assets, he brings extensive expertise to the position. Having served as Executive President and later Executive Director at the bank, his elevation ensures leadership continuity and stability during the transition.