Current Affairs - Awards and Honours

The Government has appointed Rajesh Nirwan, a 1992-batch IPS officer from Rajasthan, as the Director General of the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS). His appointment was approved by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) and is effective from the date he assumes charge. With extensive experience in law enforcement and security management, he is expected to enhance aviation security in India and oversee critical measures to ensure safe air travel.

Vedanta Resources Ltd (VRL) has appointed Deshnee Naidoo as its first-ever Chief Executive Officer (CEO), effective January 20, 2025. With over two decades of experience in the resources industry, Naidoo previously held leadership roles at Vedanta, including CEO of Africa Base Metals and CEO of Vedanta Zinc International. She also served as CEO of Vale Base Metals. Her appointment comes at a crucial time as Vedanta undergoes a major restructuring, demerging into six independent entities to unlock greater value. Under her leadership, the company aims to become a $100-billion global player in critical minerals, energy, and technology.

Rakesh Sharma has been reappointed as the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer (MD & CEO) of IDBI Bank for a three-year term starting March 19, 2025, following approval from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). He has played a crucial role in improving the bank’s financial performance, leading it out of the Prompt Corrective Action (PCA) framework in 2021. Sharma has extensive experience in the banking sector, having previously served as MD & CEO of Canara Bank and held leadership roles at Lakshmi Vilas Bank and the State Bank of India (SBI). His reappointment aims to ensure stability and continued growth for IDBI Bank.

Doordarshan, India’s national broadcaster, was recognized for its exceptional voter awareness and education campaign during the 2024 Lok Sabha Elections. The award was given in the Electronic Media category, specifically for its special series “Chunav Ka Parv Desh Ka Garv”. This initiative played a key role in educating voters, particularly first-time voters, and strengthening India’s democratic process. The award was presented by President Droupadi Murmu to Doordarshan’s Director-General Kanchan Prasad on Republic Day 2025, highlighting the broadcaster's commitment to responsible media outreach across the country.

Senior Diplomat Jitender Pal Singh, an Indian Foreign Service officer from the 2002 batch, was appointed as India’s Ambassador to Israel on January 24, 2025. Singh has extensive experience in managing sensitive diplomatic roles, including serving as Deputy High Commissioner to Pakistan and leading the Pakistan-Afghanistan-Iran division. His appointment comes during Israel's post-conflict recovery phase and emphasizes strengthening India’s strategic and technological ties with Israel. He succeeds Sanjeev Kumar Singla, who has taken up the role of India’s Ambassador to France.