Current Affairs - Awards and Honours

Sabyasachi Kar has been appointed as the Director of the Institute of Economic Growth (IEG), succeeding Chetan Ghate. Kar, an economist, currently holds the RBI Chair Professorship at IEG and is a member of the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation’s (Mospi) Committee on Regional Accounts. His expertise includes macroeconomics, economic growth, and policy advisory roles, having worked with institutions such as NITI Aayog and the World Bank. His appointment marks a significant leadership transition at IEG.

Shaktikanta Das, who served as the governor of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) for six years, was appointed as the ‘Principal Secretary-2’ to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He had demitted office as RBI governor in December of the previous year. This role is a new significant responsibility for him after his tenure at RBI, succeeding his involvement in economic affairs and revenue matters.

Nagaland's Forest Management Project (NFMP) was recognized with the prestigious SKOCH Award 2024 for its outstanding contributions to national development. The award was presented at the 100th SKOCH Summit held in New Delhi on February 15, 2025. The NFMP focuses on improving forest ecosystems, rehabilitating jhum areas (agricultural land) , and promoting sustainable livelihoods. The project, spanning 185 villages across 11 districts, is supported by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and aims to conserve forests and enhance rural incomes through targeted interventions over a 10-year period.

The term of India’s Chief Economic Adviser, V Anantha Nageswaran, has been extended by two years until March 2027. Nageswaran, who was appointed in 2022, has also previously served as a part-time member of the Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister from 2019 to 2021. His extension will continue as he contributes to key economic decisions, including authoring India's annual economic survey, which has forecasted GDP growth in the range of 6.3%-6.8% for the upcoming fiscal year.

Salila Pande has been appointed as the new MD & CEO of SBI Cards, effective from April 1, 2025. She succeeds Abhijit Chakravorty, who will retire on March 31, 2025. Pande, currently serving as Chief General Manager at SBI, brings extensive banking experience to the role. Her appointment reflects her long tenure at SBI, including key leadership positions. With a strong academic background and certifications, Pande's leadership is expected to help SBI Cards navigate its challenges and continue its growth in the digital payments sector.