Current Affairs - Awards and Honours

Ashok Kumar has been appointed as the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of the National Capital Territory of Delhi by the Election Commission of India. He is an IAS officer and has been directed to assume charge immediately. He replaces R Alice Vaz in this important administrative role. His selection followed the submission of a panel of three IAS officers by the Delhi government. The appointment is significant as it aims to strengthen the electoral administration in Delhi, especially in preparation for upcoming electoral processes and to ensure smooth and efficient conduct of elections.

Rohit Kumar Singh has been appointed as the Chair of the Global Value Chains Committee of the US–India Strategic Partnership Forum, marking an important step in strengthening India–US economic cooperation. A former Consumer Affairs Secretary and a senior IAS officer, he brings extensive experience in economic governance, regulatory reform, and technology-driven public administration. In his new role, he is expected to promote resilient and diversified global supply chains, enhance regulatory alignment, and support public-private partnerships. His appointment reflects growing trust in Indian policy expertise at a time of global trade realignment and supply chain restructuring.

Yumnam Khemchand Singh was elected as the leader of the BJP legislature party in Manipur, paving the way for the formation of a new state government. His selection comes at a critical time as President’s Rule, imposed after prolonged ethnic violence and political instability, is set to end. A senior BJP leader and two-time MLA from Singjamei, Singh has served as Speaker of the Manipur Assembly and as a cabinet minister. Seen as an experienced administrator with strong organisational backing, his elevation signals a political reset and an effort to restore stability, governance, and public confidence in the violence-affected state.

M Anitha, an officer of the Indian Revenue Service (Income Tax) from the 2007 batch, has been approved by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet for appointment as Director in the Department of Defence. Her posting is under the Central Staffing Scheme, which enables experienced civil servants to serve in key positions across central ministries. She will join the Department of Defence on a lateral shift from the Department of Investment and Public Asset Management, where she was serving as Director. The appointment reflects the government’s approach of leveraging administrative expertise for strategic and policy-oriented roles.

Paradip Port Authority received the first prize at the Swachhata Pakhwada Awards 2025, presented by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways. The recognition was awarded for its exceptional performance in maintaining cleanliness, promoting sustainability, and encouraging community involvement. The authority implemented several impactful initiatives, including large-scale public participation in sanitation drives and an extensive green campaign that led to the planting of around 40,000 saplings. Additionally, welfare measures for Safai Mitras were undertaken, reflecting a commitment to worker well-being. These efforts highlight the port’s role in promoting environmental responsibility and sustainable development practices.