Current Affairs - Awards and Honours

K Paul Thomas, the Managing Director and CEO of ESAF Small Finance Bank, has been elected as the chairman of Sa-Dhan, an association of microfinance and impact finance institutions recognized by the Reserve Bank of India as a self-regulatory organization (SRO). His election took place during the annual general meeting, which was attended by nearly 100 members. This appointment signifies a continued commitment to strengthening the microfinance sector in India, with Thomas bringing valuable leadership experience and insight from his role at ESAF to guide Sa-Dhan’s mission of promoting financial inclusion.

Prof M Satish Kumar has been appointed as the inaugural Dean of Queen’s University Belfast’s GIFT City campus in Gujarat, marking a landmark step in India–UK academic collaboration. With over 25 years of experience at Queen’s University in the School of Natural and Built Environment, Prof Kumar is well-known for his leadership roles in internationalisation and strategic academic partnerships. His new appointment signifies the university’s commitment to offering top-tier British education in India. The GIFT City campus will serve as a crucial bridge between global academic standards and local industry needs, further enhancing India’s stature in international higher education.

G. Sampath Kumar has been appointed as the first Indian Managing Director of Nippon Koei India (NKI), a significant milestone for the organization. This leadership shift reflects Nippon Koei India’s strategic vision of expanding its operations and influence across India, West Asia, and the Asia-Pacific regions. With over 35 years of experience in civil engineering and consultancy, and as an alumnus of IIT-BHU, Sampath Kumar brings deep industry expertise to the role. His appointment also symbolizes a growing trend of Indian professionals ascending to top roles in global multinational companies, strengthening local representation in key strategic decisions.

For the year 2025, the Sahitya Akademi has selected 23 writers for its Yuva Puraskar and 24 writers for the Bal Puraskar. The Sahitya Akademi, which functions as India’s National Academy of Letters, plays a vital role in promoting literary culture across the country. It is the only institution that conducts literary work in 24 recognized Indian languages, including English. The Yuva Puraskar is awarded to young writers to encourage new literary talent, while the Bal Puraskar acknowledges contributions to children’s literature. The announcement reflects the Akademi's ongoing commitment to recognizing diverse voices in Indian literature.

Arun Srinivas has been appointed as the Managing Director and Head for Meta in India starting July 1, 2025. In this significant role, he will be responsible for aligning Meta’s business, innovation, and revenue strategies to effectively serve partners and clients in India. His leadership aims to drive the long-term growth of Meta's business in the region, reinforcing the company's commitment to the Indian market. His appointment signifies Meta’s focus on strengthening its leadership team in one of its key growth markets globally.