Current Affairs - Awards and Honours

IPS officer Sagar Singh Kalsi, from the 2010 batch of the AGMUT cadre, has been appointed as the Director in the Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas under the Central Staffing Scheme. His tenure is set for five years or until further orders. The Ministry of Home Affairs recommended his deputation, and he has been instructed to take charge immediately. His appointment highlights the government's strategic placement of experienced officers in key ministries to enhance governance and policy implementation.

Gopal Vittal, Vice Chairman and Managing Director of Bharti Airtel, was appointed as the Acting Chair of the GSMA Board on February 3, 2025. His appointment followed the resignation of José María Álvarez-Pallete, Chairman and CEO of Telefónica, who stepped down due to his departure from the company. Vittal, with his extensive leadership experience in the telecom industry, is expected to play a crucial role in guiding the GSMA, which represents over 1,100 telecommunications companies worldwide. His previous roles in the GSMA Board further established his capability to lead the organization effectively.

Monika Rani, a 2010 batch officer of the Indian Defence Accounts Service (IDAS), has been appointed as the Director of the Department of Justice under the Central Staffing Scheme. Her tenure is set to last until January 1, 2028, or until further orders. The Department of Defence recommended her appointment, and she has been directed to assume charge immediately in Delhi.

Hiroki Totoki has been appointed as the new CEO of Sony, taking over from Kenichiro Yoshida. His primary focus will be on expanding Sony's entertainment sector. Alongside this leadership change, Hideaki Nishino will be in charge of game and network services, while Hermen Hulst will head the game studios. Following the announcement of these executive changes, Sony's shares saw a notable 4.7% increase in Tokyo, reflecting investor confidence in the new leadership.

Hisashi Takeuchi has been re-appointed as the Managing Director and CEO of Maruti Suzuki for a three-year term. He initially took over the role in April 2022 after Kenichi Ayukawa's tenure ended. Before becoming MD and CEO, Takeuchi joined Maruti Suzuki in 2021 as Joint MD (Commercial). His leadership is expected to drive Maruti Suzuki’s growth and expansion in the coming years. Additionally, the Maruti Suzuki Board has also approved the reappointment of Maheswar Sahu as an Independent Director for five years, starting in May 2025.