Current Affairs - Awards and Honours

Hardeep Singh Brar has been named the new President and CEO of BMW Group India, with his appointment taking effect from 1 September 2025. He will succeed Vikram Pawah, who is transitioning to lead BMW’s operations in Australia and New Zealand. With over three decades of experience in the Indian automotive industry, Hardeep Singh brings deep expertise in sales, marketing, and business strategy. His leadership is expected to further BMW’s growth in the Indian market, which is becoming increasingly important for the company's global expansion, especially in areas like electric mobility and premium automotive services.

Sabih Khan has been appointed as Apple’s new Chief Operating Officer (COO), taking over from Jeff Williams, who is set to retire. With nearly 30 years at Apple, Khan has played a crucial role in managing global supply chains and driving operational excellence. He holds degrees in Mechanical Engineering and Economics, and his career includes notable experience at GE Plastics before joining Apple in 1995. As Senior Vice President of Operations, he helped Apple navigate major global challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic and geopolitical disruptions. His elevation reflects Apple’s focus on operational resilience and strategic leadership amid shifting global dynamics.

Sahil Kini, a fintech expert and co-founder of Setu, has been appointed as the new CEO of the Reserve Bank Innovation Hub (RBIH) in Bengaluru, succeeding Rajesh Bansal. Kini brings significant experience from his work at Setu, iSPIRIT Foundation, and firms like McKinsey and Aspada. He has contributed to key digital infrastructure projects such as Aadhaar and UPI. His leadership marks a new phase for RBIH, focusing on expanding innovation in digital finance, improving financial inclusion, and building partnerships. His appointment follows a competitive selection process, with over 400 applicants considered for the role, underlining the importance of this strategic position.

S.R.N. Mehta CBSE School from Kalaburagi, India, secured first prize in the 2025 NASA-NSS Space Settlement Design Contest in the 8th grade category. Competing among over 4,900 students from 25 countries, the school’s team of 11 students impressed judges with their innovative project “IRA,” a futuristic and sustainable space colony design. They presented their work at the International Space Development Conference (ISDC-2025) in Orlando, Florida, gaining praise from international space experts. Their visit to the NASA Kennedy Space Centre further inspired them toward careers in science and space research, marking a proud achievement for both the school and the nation.

On July 4, 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi was awarded the highest civilian honour of Trinidad and Tobago—the Order of the Republic—during his official two-day visit to the Caribbean nation. This recognition was given for his global leadership, contributions during the COVID-19 pandemic, and his deep engagement with the Indian diaspora. The award also marked a historic moment as this was the first Indian Prime Ministerial visit to Trinidad and Tobago since 1999. PM Modi’s acceptance of the honour, on behalf of the 140 crore people of India, further strengthened the cultural and diplomatic ties between the two nations.