Current Affairs - Awards and Honours

Vibhor Jain assumed the role of Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) on April 7, 2026. He succeeded Thampy Koshy, who stepped down in April 2025. Before this appointment, Jain served as the Chief Operating Officer and had also taken on responsibilities as acting CEO, demonstrating his leadership within the organisation. ONDC, established as a not-for-profit entity under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, aims to create an open and interoperable digital commerce ecosystem in India, enhancing accessibility and competition across platforms.

Deep Jariwala, an Indian-origin scientist, was appointed as the UT-ORNL Governor’s Chair for Quantum Devices, a prestigious joint position between the University of Tennessee Knoxville and Oak Ridge National Laboratory. This role involves leading cutting-edge research in quantum materials, microelectronics, and computing systems. His work will also focus on optoelectronic systems and advanced device architectures for next-generation sensing technologies. The appointment reflects ongoing efforts to attract global scientific talent and strengthen collaboration between academic and national research institutions in the field of quantum science and technology.

UB Pravin Rao was appointed as the Chairperson of the Nasscom Foundation in April 2026, succeeding Rostow Ravanan. He brings over 35 years of extensive experience in global operations and large-scale transformation. Rao previously served as the Chief Operating Officer (COO) at Infosys from 2014 to 2021. His long association with Nasscom includes roles such as Vice-Chairperson and Chairman. Under his leadership, the foundation is expected to align with the government’s vision of Viksit Bharat, focusing on leveraging technology and ICT initiatives for social development and inclusive growth across India.

Sudarsan Pattnaik, a globally recognized sand artist, has been appointed as the Brand Ambassador for Census 2027 by the Government of India. Known for his impactful sand art that conveys social messages, he will play a key role in spreading awareness about the importance of the census. A Padma Shri awardee and Guinness World Record holder, Pattnaik’s creative approach is expected to encourage public participation. Census 2027 is significant as it will be India’s first digital census, incorporating modern technology such as self-enumeration through an online portal for improved efficiency and accuracy.

Dr Thomas Pucadyil has been appointed as the Director of BRIC-NCCS Pune, bringing extensive expertise in cell biology and research innovation. He previously served as a professor at IISER Pune, where he built a strong research foundation. Known for his work on membrane biology and cellular processes, he has received prestigious recognitions such as the Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Prize. His leadership is expected to enhance the institution’s research capabilities, particularly in areas like cancer biology, microbiology, and immunology. This appointment reflects India’s growing focus on advancing biomedical research and strengthening its global scientific presence.