Current Affairs - Awards and Honours

S Mahendra Dev, an eminent economist with a distinguished career in development economics, rural studies, and public policy, has been appointed as the Chairman of the Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister (EAC-PM) as of June 5, 2025. With academic credentials including a PhD from Delhi School of Economics and post-doctoral work at Yale University, Dev has held various prestigious roles, such as Director of IGIDR and editor of Economic and Political Weekly. His appointment reflects a renewed emphasis on development-centric policy advice, especially in agriculture and rural economy, as India navigates key economic reforms and inclusive growth strategies.

Ashwani Lohani, a veteran administrator and former CMD of Air India as well as ex-Chairman of the Railway Board, has been appointed as the Director of the Prime Ministers Museum and Library (PMML) for a three-year tenure. His extensive leadership experience in sectors like aviation, railways, and tourism positions him to bring transformative changes to the PMML, an institution dedicated to preserving the legacy of India's Prime Ministers. This appointment was approved by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet, filling the vacancy after the previous director’s exit.

Asheesh Pandey and Kalyan Kumar have been selected by the Financial Services Institutions Bureau (FSIB) to take over as MD & CEO of Union Bank of India and Central Bank of India, respectively. Pandey, currently Executive Director at Bank of Maharashtra, will succeed A Manimekhalai, while Kalyan Kumar, currently ED at Punjab National Bank, will succeed MV Rao. These appointments are part of a strategic leadership transition in major public sector banks, aimed at promoting governance, ensuring continuity, and enhancing operational efficiency in India’s banking sector. Their selection followed a competitive evaluation of 23 candidates conducted by FSIB in May 2025.

Neeraj Chopra, India's celebrated Olympic gold medalist in javelin, has been appointed as the brand ambassador for Audi India. This partnership reflects a strong alignment between the core values of both parties—performance, speed, innovation, and excellence. Neeraj's continued success on the global stage, including his historic Olympic gold and the 90-meter mark at the Doha Diamond League, has made him an icon of Indian athletics. Audi’s collaboration with Chopra, facilitated by JSW Sports, is a strategic move to resonate with a new generation of Indians who are ambitious, high-performing, and inspired by homegrown heroes making a global impact.

Actress Tamannaah Bhatia has been chosen as the brand ambassador of Karnataka Soaps & Detergents Limited (KSDL) for a two-year term. This decision is a strategic move by KSDL to modernize its brand appeal and connect with a younger demographic both in India and internationally. With over 28 million followers and a strong pan-India presence, Tamannaah is seen as an ideal face for the brand. Her appointment supports KSDL’s goals of expanding its market, increasing visibility, and blending its century-old legacy with a contemporary outlook. The contract, worth ₹6.2 crore, marks a major step in KSDL’s transformation journey.