Current Affairs - Awards and Honours

Actress Tamannaah Bhatia has been chosen as the brand ambassador of Karnataka Soaps & Detergents Limited (KSDL) for a two-year term. This decision is a strategic move by KSDL to modernize its brand appeal and connect with a younger demographic both in India and internationally. With over 28 million followers and a strong pan-India presence, Tamannaah is seen as an ideal face for the brand. Her appointment supports KSDL’s goals of expanding its market, increasing visibility, and blending its century-old legacy with a contemporary outlook. The contract, worth ₹6.2 crore, marks a major step in KSDL’s transformation journey.

Ram Mohan M K has been appointed as the new Director of the Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA), bringing with him over two decades of experience in the marine export sector. His professional journey within MPEDA since 2003 includes key roles in marketing, quality assurance, and infrastructure development. He also served as Resident Director in Tokyo, where he played a pivotal role in strengthening India-Japan seafood trade relations. An alumnus of CMFRI and holding a Ph.D. from CIFE, Mumbai, Ram Mohan’s appointment is seen as a strategic move to enhance India's seafood export performance and global trade compliance.

India received the Certificate of Elimination of Trachoma from the World Health Organisation (WHO) during the 78th World Health Assembly held in Geneva. This recognition marks a significant public health achievement, as India became the third country in the Southeast Asia region to eliminate Trachoma as a public health concern. The event took place on October 8th, 2024, and underscores India's progress in combating infectious diseases and improving eye health for millions through sustained government and community health efforts. Geneva, the headquarters of the WHO, is a central location for such international recognition.

On May 19, 2025, Kamil al-Taib Idris was appointed as Sudan’s first prime minister since the civil war erupted in 2023. This appointment marks a crucial step toward political stabilization and the formation of a transitional civilian government after intense conflict between Sudan’s military and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). Kamil Idris is a respected legal expert and diplomat, known for his neutrality and non-partisan stance, which enhances his acceptance among different factions. His leadership aims to restore political legitimacy, facilitate elections, and address the humanitarian crisis facing Sudan’s population.

Anurag Bhushan, a senior Indian Foreign Service officer from the 1995 batch, has been appointed as India’s Ambassador to Sweden. This appointment reflects India’s intent to deepen diplomatic and economic relations with Sweden, a key partner in clean energy, technology, and sustainable development. Bhushan’s role is strategically important for advancing bilateral cooperation in innovation, climate action, and trade. His diplomatic experience and current position as Additional Secretary in the MEA prepare him to strengthen India’s presence in Northern Europe and support joint initiatives like LeadIT 2.0 on low-carbon industrial transitions.