Current Affairs - Awards and Honours

Poonam Gupta has been appointed as the new Deputy Governor of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), succeeding Michael Patra. With extensive experience in macroeconomic policy, international finance, and central banking, Gupta is well-equipped to influence India's monetary and financial policies. Her background includes leadership roles at the National Council of Applied Economic Research (NCAER), the Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister, and significant contributions to global institutions like the IMF and World Bank. Her appointment ahead of the MPC meeting highlights her strategic role in shaping India's economic future.

Salila Pande has been appointed as the new Managing Director (MD) & Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of SBI Card, effective from April 1, 2025. With nearly three decades of experience in the banking sector, particularly with the State Bank of India (SBI), she brings extensive expertise in retail banking, credit services, and financial management. Her leadership roles, including serving as Chief General Manager in Mumbai Metro Circle and President & CEO of SBI California, highlight her ability to manage large-scale operations and navigate complex financial environments, positioning her to drive SBI Card’s growth in India’s dynamic credit card market.

Ambuj Chandna has been appointed as the Managing Director (MD) and Head of the Consumer Banking Group at DBS Bank India. With over 16 years of experience at Kotak Mahindra Bank, where he served as President and Head of Consumer Bank (Products), Chandna brings extensive expertise in retail banking and consumer financial products. His leadership role at DBS Bank India follows the appointment of Rajat Verma as CEO. Chandna is expected to drive growth in consumer banking, digital banking, and financial products, strengthening DBS’s position in the Indian market.

Nidhi Tewari has been appointed as the private secretary to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Prior to this role, she served as Deputy Secretary in the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) since November 2022. Hailing from Mehmurganj in Varanasi, Tewari’s appointment marks a significant addition to the PM’s team. This role is crucial as it involves managing the Prime Minister’s schedules, correspondence, and official communications. She follows in the footsteps of previous private secretaries, Vivek Kumar and Hardik Satishchandra Shah, who have served in this capacity.

Dr. Jay Bhattacharya, an Indian-American scientist and professor of Health Policy at Stanford University, has been confirmed as the Director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) by the U.S. Senate. Nominated by President Donald Trump in November 2024, his confirmation was secured through a 53-47 vote on March 25, 2025. Dr. Bhattacharya, known for his expertise in medical research, public health, and economics, gained prominence as a co-author of the Great Barrington Declaration, advocating for focused protection during the COVID-19 pandemic. His leadership at the NIH is expected to emphasize data-driven, innovative public health strategies.