Current Affairs - Awards and Honours

Vikas Kaushal has been appointed as the Chairman and Managing Director (CMD) of Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL) for a five-year term. He succeeds Rajneesh Narang, who had been serving as the interim CMD. Vikas Kaushal brings over 30 years of experience in the energy, oil & gas, and power sectors, with a history of leading strategic transformations and digital initiatives in major Indian energy companies. His leadership at HPCL marks an important shift in the company’s leadership structure.

Amitava Mukherjee has been appointed as the new Chairman and Managing Director of National Mineral Development Corporation (NMDC), effective from March 6, 2025. Prior to this role, he was holding the additional charge of CMD. His tenure will continue until 2028. NMDC is an Indian public sector undertaking focused on mineral exploration, and its headquarters are located in Hyderabad.

Vidya Balan has been appointed as Federal Bank's first-ever brand ambassador, marking an important step in the bank's brand evolution. This partnership aims to connect with a wide range of demographics, including various geographies, genders, and generations, as part of the bank's strategy to transform its market presence. Federal Bank, headquartered in Aluva, Kerala, is a well-established Indian private-sector bank, and this collaboration with Vidya Balan will likely help enhance the bank's image and appeal to a broader audience.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi was conferred with the prestigious 'Honorary Order of Freedom of Barbados' by the President of Barbados, Dame Sandra Mason. The award was presented in recognition of PM Modi's strategic leadership and the critical assistance provided by India during the COVID-19 pandemic. Union Minister of State for External Affairs, Pabitra Margherita, accepted the award on behalf of PM Modi, highlighting the strong diplomatic ties between India and Barbados.

Ajit Ratnakar Joshi has been appointed as Executive Director (ED) at the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), where he will oversee the Statistics, Information Management, and Financial Stability departments. Prior to this role, Joshi served as the Principal Adviser in the same department. With over three decades of experience, he brings expertise in statistics, information technology, and cyber risk management, which will be valuable in his new role at RBI.