Current Affairs - Awards and Honours

During the Civil Investiture Ceremony at the Rashtrapati Bhawan, President Droupadi Murmu honoured 71 individuals with the Padma Awards. These prestigious civilian awards—Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan, and Padma Shri—recognize outstanding contributions across various fields, including art, public service, sports, science, and literature. Notable recipients this year include filmmaker Shekhar Kapur, cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin, actor S. Ajith Kumar, and late singer Pankaj Udhas. The wide-ranging backgrounds of the awardees reflect India's commitment to honouring excellence and dedication in diverse spheres of public life, both within the country and internationally.

Madhusudan Sai was awarded the prestigious ‘Companion of the Order of Fiji’ for his significant humanitarian work, particularly in the field of healthcare. His establishment of the Sri Sathya Sai Sanjeevani Children’s Hospital has had a transformative impact on the healthcare system in Fiji, providing essential medical services to children in need, irrespective of their background. This honour, conferred by the President of Fiji, Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu, on April 25, 2025, highlights Madhusudan Sai's dedication to improving social welfare and healthcare, making him a respected figure in both Fiji and the global humanitarian community.

Anant Ambani has been appointed as the Executive Director of Reliance Industries Ltd (RIL), effective from May 1, 2025, for a five-year term. This appointment is a major milestone in the generational leadership transition within one of India’s largest conglomerates. Anant is the first among the Ambani siblings to join the RIL board in an executive capacity, having previously served as a non-executive director. A graduate of Brown University, he has played a key role in leading the company’s energy vertical and sustainability initiatives. His appointment reflects both his rising influence within RIL and the company’s long-term succession planning.

T. Rabi Sankar has been re-appointed as the Deputy Governor of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) for another year beginning May 3, 2025. This is his second extension since his initial appointment in May 2021. As Deputy Governor, he oversees key departments including foreign exchange, currency management, and government accounts. His continued role signals the government's confidence in his leadership and expertise in managing critical aspects of the Indian financial system. His re-appointment is essential to maintaining continuity in these sensitive areas within the RBI.

Achyuta Samanta, the founder of KIIT and KISS, received the 2025 Gurudev Kalicharan Brahma Award for his lifelong dedication to education and societal development, particularly for underprivileged and tribal communities. The award, presented in Kokrajhar, Assam, by the Gurudev Kalicharan Brahma Trust, recognizes individuals making exceptional contributions to social upliftment. Samanta’s work has empowered thousands through free education, housing, and healthcare. In a notable gesture of generosity, he donated the Rs 1 lakh prize money back to the Trust. His commitment reflects the values of Gurudev Kalicharan Brahma, a spiritual leader and reformer known as the “Mech Gandhi of Assam.”