Current Affairs - Awards and Honours

Ashok Singh Thakur has been elected as the Chairman of the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) for a 3-year term. INTACH, founded in 1984, is a leading organization in India focused on the preservation of cultural, natural, tangible, and intangible heritage. Under Thakur’s leadership, the organization is working to revise its Charter to adopt an interdisciplinary approach to heritage conservation, reflecting its commitment to preserving India's diverse heritage in a holistic manner.

Amitabh Kant, former CEO of NITI Aayog and India’s G20 Sherpa, was appointed as the new Chancellor of NIIT University, starting from March 10, 2025. He succeeds Shri K Kasturirangan, a distinguished scientist. Kant's leadership is expected to bring a strategic shift towards industry-driven education, leveraging his expertise in economic policy and technological innovation. His role aligns with NU’s focus on preparing future-ready professionals through industry-linked education and skilling, continuing the legacy of promoting national growth and innovation.

Anuj Kumar Singh, a 2009-batch IRSEE officer, was appointed as Joint Secretary (Director level) in the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) under the Central Staffing Scheme. His appointment, for a tenure of five years or until further orders, is based on his technical and administrative experience, particularly in the railway sector. Singh was selected for central deputation on the recommendation of the Ministry of Railways. He is expected to bring significant improvements to UPSC’s operational efficiency and strategic planning, marking a key leadership change in the organization.

Vijay Sankar, the Honorary Consul General of Denmark for Southern India and Chairman of The Sanmar Group, was awarded the Knight’s Cross of the Order of Dannebrog by the King of Denmark. This prestigious honour recognized his exceptional consular services and significant contributions to strengthening Indo-Danish relations. The award was presented at a ceremony held in Chennai on March 18, 2025. This recognition also highlights the Sankar family's longstanding association with Denmark’s consular services, spanning three generations.

Indranil Bhattacharyya was appointed as the Executive Director (ED) of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on March 19, 2025. In his new role, he will oversee the Department of Economic and Policy Research (DEPR), which plays a crucial role in shaping monetary policies and conducting economic research. Bhattacharyya brings with him nearly three decades of experience in critical areas such as monetary policy, fiscal policy, banking regulations, and international economic relations, making him a key figure in the RBI's policy-making processes.