Current Affairs - Awards and Honours

Prime Minister Narendra Modi became the first Indian to receive the highest civilian award of Mauritius, the Grand Commander of the Order of the Star and Key of the Indian Ocean. This prestigious honour adds to PM Modi's growing list of international accolades, marking it as his 21st such recognition. The award highlights his significant contributions to strengthening India's relations with Mauritius and enhancing international diplomacy.

Dr Sridhar Mitta was honoured with the Lifetime Achievement Award for his exceptional contributions to technology, innovation, and entrepreneurship over five decades. He played a pivotal role as Wipro’s first employee and CTO and co-founded NextWealth Entrepreneurs. His innovative work, including the "Lab on Hire" model, significantly boosted Indian IT's global presence, making him a key figure in shaping the IT landscape both in India and internationally. This recognition highlights his enduring impact on the tech industry.

Takashi Nakajima has been appointed as the new President and CEO of Honda Cars India Ltd. (HCIL), effective April 1, 2025. He succeeds Takuya Tsumura, who is returning to Honda’s headquarters in Japan after a successful three-year tenure in India. Nakajima brings 30 years of experience in the automobile industry and has held key leadership roles in various markets, including Russia, China, and Japan. His extensive background in business planning, marketing, and sales promotions equips him to lead Honda Cars India effectively in a competitive market.

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.