Current Affairs - Awards and Honours

Vidya Balan has been appointed as Federal Bank's first-ever brand ambassador, marking an important step in the bank's brand evolution. This partnership aims to connect with a wide range of demographics, including various geographies, genders, and generations, as part of the bank's strategy to transform its market presence. Federal Bank, headquartered in Aluva, Kerala, is a well-established Indian private-sector bank, and this collaboration with Vidya Balan will likely help enhance the bank's image and appeal to a broader audience.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi was conferred with the prestigious 'Honorary Order of Freedom of Barbados' by the President of Barbados, Dame Sandra Mason. The award was presented in recognition of PM Modi's strategic leadership and the critical assistance provided by India during the COVID-19 pandemic. Union Minister of State for External Affairs, Pabitra Margherita, accepted the award on behalf of PM Modi, highlighting the strong diplomatic ties between India and Barbados.

Ajit Ratnakar Joshi has been appointed as Executive Director (ED) at the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), where he will oversee the Statistics, Information Management, and Financial Stability departments. Prior to this role, Joshi served as the Principal Adviser in the same department. With over three decades of experience, he brings expertise in statistics, information technology, and cyber risk management, which will be valuable in his new role at RBI.

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.