Current Affairs - Awards and Honours

The National Gopal Ratna Awards 2025 include a cash reward of ₹5 lakh each for the top performers in the Best Dairy Farmer and Best Dairy Cooperative/FPO/MPC categories. These awards aim to honour those who significantly contribute to India’s livestock and dairy ecosystem through excellence in dairy farming and cooperative management. By recognizing top dairy farmers and cooperatives, the initiative encourages improved breeding practices, scientific cattle management, and innovation in milk production. The awards also reinforce the importance of these stakeholders in strengthening India’s position as the world’s largest milk producer while promoting sustainable and efficient dairy development nationwide.

S Krishnan, a highly experienced banking professional, has been appointed as the part-time chairman of J&K Bank for the term spanning November 13, 2025, to March 26, 2028. His extensive background includes serving as Managing Director and CEO of Punjab & Sind Bank as well as Tamilnad Mercantile Bank, where he contributed significantly to restructuring, digital expansion, and operational improvements. As an existing independent director on the board of J&K Bank, he brings valuable insights into the bank’s functioning. His appointment is expected to enhance governance, strengthen compliance frameworks, and support financial inclusion and digital initiatives across Jammu & Kashmir and neighboring regions.

Varsha Das, a renowned Gujarati writer, has been invited as the Chief Guest for the Bal Sahitya Puraskar 2025 ceremony. The event, scheduled for 14 November 2025, celebrates outstanding contributions to children’s literature across 24 Indian languages. The award spans various literary forms such as poetry, stories, novels, memoirs, and plays, highlighting the richness and diversity of children’s writing in India. Each awardee receives ₹50,000 along with a bronze plaque, making it a prestigious recognition. Varsha Das’s presence underscores the importance of literary influence and cultural contribution in shaping young readers.

Shailesh Chandra, Managing Director and CEO of Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles and Tata Electric Mobility, has become the first Indian to be elected President of OICA (Organisation Internationale des Constructeurs d’Automobiles). Headquartered in Paris and founded in 1919, OICA represents the global automobile manufacturers’ community on key issues such as safety, emissions, and trade policy. Chandra’s appointment signifies India’s growing influence in global automotive governance, especially in electric mobility and sustainable transport. His leadership will help align India’s fast-evolving vehicle ecosystem with global standards while promoting EV innovation, cybersecurity, and sustainable manufacturing in the international automotive industry.

Deepak Gupta, currently serving as Director (Projects) at GAIL (India) Limited, has been recommended by the Public Enterprises Selection Board (PESB) to be the next Chairman and Managing Director (CMD) of the Maharatna PSU under the Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas. With over 35 years of experience in the oil and gas sector, he is recognised for his expertise in project and construction management, digitization, and strategic reforms. A Mechanical Engineer from DTU and a PMP-certified professional, Gupta’s leadership is expected to strengthen GAIL’s project execution and innovation initiatives.