Current Affairs - Awards and Honours

Dr Mayank Sharma, a 1989-batch IDAS officer, was appointed as the Controller General of Defence Accounts (CGDA) on March 1, 2025. He has extensive experience, having served in key roles within the Defence Accounts Department, Cabinet Secretariat, and as India's representative at UNODC and other UN bodies. Additionally, Dr Sharma led consular affairs at the Indian Embassy in Vienna, where he was responsible for managing high-level delegations. His appointment reflects his expertise in handling important administrative and international matters.

Ajay Seth, the Secretary of Economic Affairs, has been given the additional charge of Revenue Secretary, replacing Tuhin Kanta Pandey. Seth, a 1987 Karnataka cadre officer, brings extensive experience in economic policy, finance, and tax administration to the role. He will hold this position until a regular appointment is made. This new responsibility highlights his expertise and the trust placed in him by the government to manage important economic affairs.

Tuhin Kanta Pandey, India’s Finance Secretary, has been appointed as the 11th Chairperson of the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) for a three-year term. He succeeds Madhabi Puri Buch, the first woman chairperson of SEBI, whose tenure concludes in February 2025. Pandey, a seasoned bureaucrat with a strong background in economics and financial management, will lead SEBI during challenging times, including managing the bearish market pressures and significant withdrawals by foreign investors.

Dorababu Daparti has been appointed as the Deputy CEO of SBI Life Insurance Company, effective from February 24, 2025. With over 29 years of experience in the financial sector, Daparti has held key leadership roles at the State Bank of India (SBI), including CEO of SBI's operations in the Maldives. His appointment strengthens SBI Life’s leadership team, bringing valuable expertise in banking and insurance. Daparti's educational background includes a Master’s degree in Sciences (M.Sc.) and CAIIB certification, further supporting his suitability for the role.

N Chandrasekaran, the Chairman of Tata Sons, has been appointed to lead the Ratan Tata Endowment Foundation (RTEF). The Foundation, founded by the late Ratan Tata, focuses on philanthropy and technological research for the benefit of Indian society. N Chandrasekaran's leadership is crucial in streamlining the Foundation’s operations and ensuring its independent identity and effective governance. His appointment was made by the executors of Ratan Tata's will, and Ratan Tata personally chose him for this position.