Current Affairs - Awards and Honours

Odisha took top honours in the state category at the 5th National Water Awards 2023, conferred by President Droupadi Murmu in New Delhi. The awards recognized excellence in nine categories, including Best State, Best District, and Best Civil Society. Odisha's first-place finish was followed by Uttar Pradesh in second and Gujarat and Puducherry in third place. This prestigious award acknowledges Odisha's outstanding efforts in water conservation and management, which have contributed to the government's vision of 'Jal Samridh Bharat'.

Ajay Kumar Singh, a senior IPS officer from the 1989 batch, has taken over as Jharkhand's new DGP, replacing Anurag Gupta, who was removed due to past election-related misconduct. Singh's appointment comes ahead of Jharkhand's upcoming elections, scheduled to take place in two phases on November 13 and 20, 2024. As DGP, Singh will play a crucial role in maintaining law and order during the electoral process. His selection was made from a panel of three IPS officers recommended by the state government. This change in leadership aims to ensure fair conduct during the assembly elections.

Vijaya Kishore Rahatkar has been appointed as the Chairperson of the National Commission for Women (NCW), becoming the 9th individual to hold this significant position. Her appointment reflects the government's commitment to promoting women's rights and addressing issues pertinent to women in India. With a tenure effective immediately for three years or until she reaches 65, Rahatkar previously served as the Chairperson of the Maharashtra State Commission for Women. During her prior role, she led several initiatives, including support programs for acid attack survivors and helplines for women, showcasing her dedication to women's empowerment.

Abhyuday Jindal, the Managing Director of Jindal Stainless, has been appointed as the president of the Indian Chamber of Commerce (ICC). Under his leadership, the ICC aims to drive India's economic growth and promote sustainable business practices. His vision includes helping India achieve a USD 35 trillion economy by 2047. The ICC, headquartered in Calcutta and established in 1925, plays a key role in shaping India's business landscape.

Sandip Goenka has been appointed as the CEO of ACKO Life, Acko's newly launched life insurance division. With over two decades of experience in the insurance sector, including significant roles at Exide Life, TATA AIA, and EY, Sandip is well-equipped to lead this division. As a founding member of ACKO Life, he will focus on driving product development, operational efficiency, and long-term growth strategies. His extensive background in actuarial sciences, mergers and acquisitions, and international markets positions him to make a significant impact in enhancing Acko's life insurance offerings.