Current Affairs - Awards and Honours

Sunil Bharti Mittal, Chairman of Bharti Enterprises, has been inducted into the World Bank’s Private Sector Investment Lab (PSIL) as part of its renewed initiative launched on April 24, 2025. The PSIL focuses on stimulating private sector investments in key sectors like infrastructure, energy, healthcare, and more within developing economies. Mittal’s inclusion underscores the rising influence of Indian business leaders in shaping global investment strategies aimed at overcoming financial and regulatory barriers. His role will contribute to driving job creation and fostering economic development in emerging markets, aligning with PSIL’s core objective of sustainable growth through private enterprise.

Kapil Dev, the legendary cricketer and captain of India’s 1983 World Cup-winning team, has been named the brand ambassador for SoBo Mumbai Falcons, a new franchise in the T20 Mumbai League 2025. His appointment aims to enhance the team’s visibility and credibility ahead of the league’s third edition, which will be held from May 26 to June 8 at Wankhede Stadium. Kapil Dev's association brings immense prestige and connects cricket fans with the heritage of Indian cricket, while also supporting the growth of domestic T20 leagues in India through his mentoring and promotional presence.

Anuradha Prasad has been appointed as a Member of the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), bringing with her 37 years of extensive experience in the Indian civil services. She has held influential roles across major ministries such as Defence, Finance, and Labour. Her expertise spans critical areas including defence acquisitions, labour reforms, and welfare initiatives during the Covid-19 pandemic. Additionally, she has made substantial contributions to policy development in domains like federalism, food safety, and reforms in the unorganized sector. Her appointment is expected to strengthen the UPSC with a wealth of practical administrative knowledge and reformist insight.

Justice B.R. Gavai has been appointed as the 52nd Chief Justice of India by President Droupadi Murmu on April 30, 2025. He is set to take the oath on May 14, 2025. Justice Gavai will serve as the CJI until November 23, 2025, when he reaches the retirement age of 65. Notably, he became the second person from the Scheduled Caste (SC) community to hold this prestigious position, following Justice K.G. Balakrishnan. Throughout his career, Justice Gavai has contributed to significant rulings on matters such as Article 370, Electoral Bonds, and environmental issues.

IAS Vinod Kumar Gunjiyal has been appointed as the new Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of Bihar by the Election Commission of India ahead of the state’s 2025 Assembly elections. He is a 2007-batch IAS officer from the Bihar cadre and brings with him extensive administrative experience. His previous roles include Secretary in the Prohibition, Excise & Registration Department, and Director in the Animal Husbandry Department. Known for his administrative acumen, Gunjiyal is tasked with ensuring the smooth conduct of free and fair elections in Bihar in October-November 2025, replacing the previous CEO, H R Srinivas.