Current Affairs - Awards and Honours

T. N. Manoharan, a prominent figure in India’s banking and financial sector, passed away on July 30, 2025. As the Chairman of IDBI Bank and a Padma Shri awardee, he was widely recognised for his integrity, leadership, and dedication to corporate governance. His crucial involvement in the revival of Satyam Computers after the 2009 scandal marked a defining moment in his career. He also held key roles at Canara Bank, Mahindra Group, and Sahara India Finance Corporation. Manoharan's legacy is reflected in his commitment to financial reform, ethics in business, and nation-building through public service.

On August 1, 2025, Vice Admiral Manish Chadha, AVSM, VSM, took over as the Commandant of the Indian Naval Academy (INA), Ezhimala, succeeding Vice Admiral CR Praveen Nair. With 34 years of distinguished service in the Indian Navy, Vice Admiral Chadha brings vast operational experience and specialised expertise in Communication and Electronic Warfare. His leadership background includes commanding frontline warships like INS Mysore, INS Veer, and INS Kirpan. An alumnus of the NDA, DSSC Wellington, and the National Defence University in Washington, he has a strong foundation in both strategic thinking and naval operations, making him well-suited for this prestigious role.+

Dr. Mayank Sharma, a senior officer from the 1989 batch of the Indian Defence Accounts Service (IDAS), officially took charge as the Financial Advisor (Defence Services) on August 1, 2025. With over 30 years of experience in defence accounts and policymaking, he has held numerous important positions, including Controller General of Defence Accounts (CGDA). His previous roles in the Cabinet Secretariat as Under Secretary, Deputy Secretary, and Joint Secretary, along with his international representation at institutions like the UNODC and UNCITRAL, reflect his broad expertise. His appointment signifies a strategic move to enhance financial oversight and efficiency within the defence sector.

Nikhil Ravishankar, an Indian-origin tech executive and currently the Chief Digital Officer at Air New Zealand, has been appointed as the airline’s next Chief Executive Officer, taking charge on October 20, 2025. With a background in both computer science and commerce from the University of Auckland, Ravishankar brings a strong digital and strategic vision to the role. His leadership has already played a key role in modernising the airline’s systems and enhancing customer engagement. His appointment is seen as a transformative step by Air New Zealand’s board, especially as the airline prepares to tackle evolving challenges such as climate change, technology disruption, and shifting global travel demands.

Anant Ambani, the youngest son of Mukesh Ambani, has been appointed as the Executive Director of Reliance Industries Limited (RIL), starting from May 1, 2025. His appointment marks a significant move in RIL’s succession strategy, ensuring continuity in leadership as the conglomerate transitions to the next generation. Anant, a Brown University graduate, has previously served in key roles across RIL's subsidiaries, including Jio Platforms and Reliance Foundation. His leadership is expected to focus on digital services, renewable energy, and philanthropy. With a five-year term, his elevation is seen as a strategic step to reinforce investor confidence and support RIL’s long-term vision.