Current Affairs - Awards and Honours

Dr. Suborno Bose, Chairman of the International Institute of Hotel Management (IIHM), was honoured with the 'Lifetime Achievement in Hospitality and Education Through Technology' award at the Vibrant Bharat Global Summit 2025 by Union Tourism Minister Gajendra Shekhawat. Dr. Bose was recognized for his groundbreaking work in integrating AI with hospitality education. He also launched his latest book, Harmonizing Human Touch and AI in Tourism & Hospitality, which explores AI's impact on guest satisfaction, sustainability, and operational efficiency, further highlighting his contributions to the field.

Ajay Bhadoo, an Additional Secretary in the Department of Commerce, has been appointed as the CEO of Government e-Marketplace (GeM). As an IAS officer, Bhadoo has previously held significant positions, including Deputy Election Commissioner and CEO of the Gujarat Maritime Board. Under his leadership, GeM, which is India's largest e-marketplace for government procurement, has witnessed a remarkable growth in its Gross Merchandise Value, demonstrating his impact on the platform's success.

Atal Dulloo, the Chief Secretary of Jammu and Kashmir, was honoured with the ‘Certificate of Exemplary Leadership’ by the Election Commission of India for his outstanding role during the 18th Lok Sabha elections. Under his leadership, the region recorded the highest voter turnout since 1989, a significant rise from the 2019 elections. The successful conduct of the elections involved over 11,629 polling stations and 80,724 trained personnel, marking a milestone in the electoral process following Jammu and Kashmir's reorganization in 2019.

Dr Mayank Sharma, a 1989-batch IDAS officer, was appointed as the Controller General of Defence Accounts (CGDA) on March 1, 2025. He has extensive experience, having served in key roles within the Defence Accounts Department, Cabinet Secretariat, and as India's representative at UNODC and other UN bodies. Additionally, Dr Sharma led consular affairs at the Indian Embassy in Vienna, where he was responsible for managing high-level delegations. His appointment reflects his expertise in handling important administrative and international matters.

Ajay Seth, the Secretary of Economic Affairs, has been given the additional charge of Revenue Secretary, replacing Tuhin Kanta Pandey. Seth, a 1987 Karnataka cadre officer, brings extensive experience in economic policy, finance, and tax administration to the role. He will hold this position until a regular appointment is made. This new responsibility highlights his expertise and the trust placed in him by the government to manage important economic affairs.