Current Affairs - Awards and Honours

Bhupender Gupta has been appointed as the new Chairman and Managing Director (CMD) of NHPC Limited, taking over from Raj Kumar Chaudhary, who retired in June 2025. Approved by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet, his appointment comes at a crucial time when NHPC is diversifying beyond hydropower into solar, wind, and other renewable energy sources. With over three decades of experience in project execution, operations, and strategic planning, Gupta is well-suited to lead NHPC’s green transformation. His leadership is expected to accelerate stalled hydro projects, expand solar and wind initiatives, and strengthen India’s renewable energy mission, aligning with the 2030 clean energy targets.

R Gandhi, a former Deputy Governor of the Reserve Bank of India, has been reappointed as the part-time non-executive chairman of Yes Bank for the period from September 20, 2025, to May 13, 2027. With over 37 years of experience in central banking, Gandhi has contributed significantly to regulation, payment systems, and currency management in India. His leadership at Yes Bank is seen as vital in ensuring governance stability and reinforcing investor confidence, especially after the bank’s restructuring phase following the 2020 crisis. His regulatory credibility and oversight strengthen the bank’s long-term planning and compliance framework.

Piyush Goyal, a 1994 batch IAS officer from the Nagaland cadre, has been appointed as the new Mines Secretary. He took charge after V.L. Kantha Rao and brings with him rich administrative experience, having previously served as the CEO of NATGRID. His leadership comes at a pivotal moment when India is emphasizing the development of critical minerals such as lithium, cobalt, nickel, and rare earths. These resources are central to supporting India’s clean energy transition, ensuring greater self-reliance in strategic sectors, and helping the country progress toward its ambitious net-zero emission targets.

Justice Shree Chandrashekhar has been sworn in as the new Chief Justice of the Bombay High Court. The oath was administered by Maharashtra Governor C P Radhakrishnan at Raj Bhavan in Mumbai. Before this elevation, he had been serving as the Acting Chief Justice of the Bombay High Court and had also held the role of Acting Chief Justice of the Jharkhand High Court. His appointment reflects his significant judicial experience and contributions. As Chief Justice, he is expected to bring stability and guidance to one of India’s most prominent High Courts, playing a crucial role in upholding justice and strengthening the legal system.

Anand V. Patil, a celebrated writer known for his outstanding contributions to children’s literature, will receive the Prof. V.K. Gokak Award in Bengaluru on September 7, 2025. He has previously been honoured with the Kendra Sahitya Akademi’s Bal Sahitya Award, and his works have played a key role in nurturing creativity and values among young readers. The award, instituted in memory of Prof. Vinayaka Krishna Gokak, a Jnanpith awardee and a towering figure in Kannada literature, honours writers who significantly enrich Indian literary traditions. This recognition underscores Patil’s role in advancing children’s literature and preserving linguistic heritage.