Current Affairs - Awards and Honours

Sohini Rajola has been appointed as the Executive Director of growth at NPCI, where she will focus on driving the adoption of NPCI’s payment solutions, enhancing product offerings, and managing strategic partnerships with banks and fintech companies. Her extensive experience in the payments and digital banking sectors, including roles at Western Union and Axis Bank, positions her well to contribute significantly to NPCI’s growth. This appointment is strategic, aimed at strengthening NPCI’s market presence and supporting the rapid expansion of digital payments, particularly through UPI, which has been setting new records in transactions.

Sivasubramanian Ramann has been appointed as the new Chairperson of the Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA) by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) for a tenure of five years. He currently serves as the Deputy Comptroller & Auditor General (CAG) and Chief Technology Officer at the CAG of India. His role will involve overseeing and regulating India’s pension sector, strengthening the regulatory framework, and enhancing transparency and governance within pension schemes like the National Pension System (NPS) and Atal Pension Yojana (APY).

Nikhil Singhal, a distinguished media strategist, Founder of Vigor Media Worldwide, and President of the Noida High Rise Federation, has been awarded the Uttar Pradesh Anmol Ratan Award. The ceremony took place at the Taj Lucknow, organized by the Tapasya Foundation Trust, and was graced by Shri Akhilesh Yadav, former Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh. This prestigious award recognizes Singhal’s outstanding contributions to the public relations industry, his innovative communication strategies, and his leadership in advocating for high-rise residents' rights in Noida. His work has significantly shaped the PR landscape in India.

H Shankar has officially assumed the role of Managing Director (MD) of Chennai Petroleum Corporation Limited (CPCL), a position he has been holding in an additional capacity since July 16, 2024. With his background in mechanical engineering and management, coupled with his extensive experience in the oil and gas industry, H Shankar is poised to lead CPCL’s strategic initiatives. His contributions include driving infrastructure development, introducing sustainable products, and supporting India’s space and defence sectors with specialized fuels. His leadership is expected to enhance CPCL’s growth and sustainability in the energy sector.

Swaminathan S. Iyer has been appointed as a full-time member (life) of the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI), a key regulatory body for the insurance sector in India. His extensive background in legal, regulatory affairs, and insurance, including roles at Tata AIA Life Insurance and HDFC Standard Life Insurance, positions him to effectively oversee the life insurance segment. His appointment, valid for five years or until age 62, reflects the government's focus on strengthening regulatory oversight and promoting growth in the insurance industry.