Current Affairs - Awards and Honours

Devajit Saikia, a former cricketer from Assam and the current joint secretary of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), has been appointed as the Acting Secretary of the BCCI. He replaces Jay Shah, who assumed the role of ICC Chair on December 1. Saikia will serve in this capacity under a stop-gap arrangement until September 2025.

Ajay Seth, the Economic Affairs Secretary, has been given the additional charge of Revenue Secretary following the appointment of Sanjay Malhotra as the new RBI Governor. Seth, a 1987-batch IAS officer, brings over three decades of experience in public finance, taxation, and international financial institutions. He will handle both roles until a permanent replacement is appointed. His extensive background, including transforming Karnataka's commercial tax administration, positions him to effectively manage these key responsibilities in India's financial governance.

Jayen Mehta’s tenure as Managing Director of Amul has been extended until 2029-2030. He joined the Gujarat Cooperative Milk Marketing Federation (GCMMF) in 1991 and has held several key marketing roles within the organization. Mehta became the interim MD in January 2023 after R.S. Sodhi's departure. His tenure extension ensures continued leadership and stability at Amul, a major player in the dairy industry, as the company looks to maintain its growth and success under his direction.

Joakim Alexandersson, a 48-year-old Swedish coach, has been appointed as the chief coach for India's women's U-20 and U-17 national football teams. His appointment is part of a collaboration between the All India Football Federation (AIFF) and the Swedish Football Association. Alexandersson’s first assignment is to oversee a two-month-long U-20 national camp starting on December 10, 2024, in Bengaluru.

Hindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL), a prominent leader in India’s shipbuilding and ship repair industry, won two awards at the 3rd PSU Transformation Awards 2024. The awards, received for innovative advancements in maritime technology, recognized HSL’s pioneering fender arrangement in Tugs for Submarines and its innovative method for installing Retractable Thrusters in Diving Support Vessels. These accolades highlight HSL's commitment to technological excellence and its significant contributions to the shipbuilding industry.