Current Affairs - Awards and Honours

R. Ravindra, currently serving as the Deputy Permanent Representative of India to the UN in New York, has been appointed as the next Indian Ambassador to Iceland. The Ministry of External Affairs announced his appointment on September 10, 2024. He belongs to the 1999 batch of the Indian Foreign Service (IFS) officers and is expected to take up his new role shortly.

Rajesh Verma, a 1987-batch IAS officer from the Odisha cadre, has been appointed as the Chairperson of the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) for the National Capital Region (NCR) for a three-year term. With over 35 years of experience in public administration and governance, Verma has previously served in key roles, including positions at the Ministry of Corporate Affairs and the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare. His extensive expertise in air pollution management makes him a crucial figure in addressing air quality issues in the NCR.

RS Sharma has been appointed as the Non-Executive Chairperson of the Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC). Known for his extensive experience in digital transformation, including his roles at UIDAI, TRAI, and as CEO of the National Health Authority, Sharma’s leadership is anticipated to drive ONDC’s growth and innovation. His previous contributions, such as leading the CoWin project for the COVID-19 vaccination campaign, underscore his capability to guide ONDC into its next phase of development.

Tuhin Kanta Pandey, an Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer, has been appointed as the new Finance Secretary of India. He succeeds TV Somanathan, who has taken over as the Cabinet Secretary. Before his new appointment, Mr. Pandey served as the secretary of the Department of Investment and Public Asset Management (DIPAM). His extensive experience in public asset management and governance makes him well-suited for this crucial role in India’s financial administration.

Randhir Singh, a prominent figure in Indian sports administration, has been elected as the first Indian president of the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) during its 44th General Assembly. Singh has been involved with the OCA for over 33 years, and his election represents a historic milestone for Asian sports. With his extensive experience and sporting background, Singh is expected to lead initiatives to enhance the OCA's role in global sports, particularly with preparations for the upcoming Asian Games and other sporting events.