Current Affairs - Awards and Honours

M. Mohan was appointed as the Director of ISRO's Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre (LPSC) in Thiruvananthapuram on January 25, 2025. He succeeded Dr. V. Narayanan, who became the ISRO Chairman earlier that month. M. Mohan has been an integral part of ISRO's propulsion initiatives and his expertise in liquid propulsion systems has played a significant role in advancing India's space capabilities. The LPSC has been central to the development of liquid propulsion stages for India’s launch vehicles and spacecraft, contributing to key missions like PSLV, GSLV, Chandrayaan, and Mangalyaan.

Bollywood actor Ayushmann Khurrana has been appointed as the brand ambassador for the 25th-anniversary edition of FICCI Frames, India’s premier global media and entertainment convention. This marks a significant milestone for the event, and Ayushmann expressed his honour and commitment to promoting the theme “RISE: Redefining Innovation, Sustainability, and Excellence” to celebrate and propel the media and entertainment industry’s contributions globally.

In June 2024, Akhil Gupta, Vice Chairman of Bharti Enterprises, was appointed as the Chairman of Bharti AXA Life Insurance. Gupta brings over 40 years of experience, having played a pivotal role in Bharti Airtel's growth and forging strategic partnerships with leading investors such as Warburg Pincus, Temasek, and Sequoia Capital. His leadership has been instrumental in Bharti Enterprises' expansion, including overseeing public listings and joint ventures, cementing his reputation as a key figure in corporate governance and strategy.

NTPC Green Energy Limited (NGEL) has emerged as the winner of a 300 MW solar project from NHPC through a competitive bidding process conducted via an e-reverse auction. The bid was made by NTPC Renewable Energy Limited (NTPC REL), a subsidiary focused on renewable energy projects. This project is part of a broader 1200 MW solar initiative aimed at enhancing India’s renewable energy capacity. By leveraging the interstate transmission system (ISTS), the project will contribute significantly to the country's commitment to clean energy and meeting its sustainability goals. This milestone underlines NGEL's growing leadership in India's renewable energy sector.

Neeraj Parakh has been appointed as the CEO and Executive Director of Reliance Power, effective from January 20, 2025. With over 29 years of experience, Parakh has played a crucial role in leading major projects within the Reliance Group, particularly in thermal power and renewable energy ventures. He has been integral in executing large-scale projects like Yamuna Nagar and Sasan, contributing significantly to power generation. Parakh's leadership skills have been essential in driving technological advancements, vendor localization, and regulatory compliance within the company.