Current Affairs - Awards and Honours

Gyanesh Kumar was appointed as the new Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) of India on February 17, 2025, following his tenure as the Election Commissioner. This significant appointment marks him as the first CEC selected under the new law governing the Election Commission's appointments. His tenure is expected to last until January 26, 2029. Before becoming CEC, he was the senior-most Election Commissioner, with a solid background in administration and governance, which positioned him as a suitable candidate for leading the Election Commission during crucial electoral events.

NTPC Ltd. won the Forward Faster Sustainability Award 2025 in the Water Resilience category from the UN Global Compact Network India (UN GCNI) on 13th February in Chennai. This award recognizes NTPC's efforts in water conservation, wastewater treatment, and sustainable water management practices, highlighting the company's leadership in these areas. Additionally, NTPC has set a target to achieve 60 GW of renewable energy by 2032, reinforcing its commitment to sustainability.

Zain Ahmed Samdani and Faria Zubair, siblings from Hyderabad, won the prestigious Global Best M-Gov Gold Award 2025 at the World Government Summit in Dubai. They were recognized for their innovative creation, ExoHeal, an AI-powered robotic glove designed to enhance neurorehabilitation for stroke and paralysis patients. This technology not only accelerates therapy but also offers personalized treatment and remote monitoring, making rehabilitation faster and more affordable.

Dr Madhavankutty G has been appointed as the Chief Economist of Canara Bank, effective from January 2025. With over 20 years of experience in economic research, banking, and corporate sectors, he will be instrumental in shaping the bank's economic strategies. Dr. Madhavankutty's expertise will guide the bank's decision-making, providing valuable economic insights and policy recommendations. Prior to this role, he held senior positions at the Bank of India, Aditya Birla Group, and The Times Group.

Justin Hotard has been named the new CEO of Nokia, effective April 1, 2025, succeeding Pekka Lundmark. Previously serving as Intel’s Executive Vice President and General Manager of Data Center & AI Group, Hotard brings significant expertise in artificial intelligence and data centres, aligning with Nokia’s strategic growth areas. Nokia’s Chair, Sari Baldauf, emphasized Hotard’s ability to drive technological advancement and business growth. Lundmark, who led Nokia since 2020, will remain as an advisor until the end of the year to facilitate a smooth leadership transition.