Current Affairs - Awards and Honours

Sjoerd Marijne, a renowned Dutch hockey coach, has returned as the chief coach of the Indian women’s hockey team. He previously guided the team to a historic fourth-place finish at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, India’s best-ever Olympic performance in women’s hockey after a 36-year gap. Marijne’s deep understanding of Indian players and conditions makes him particularly effective in preparing the team for major international competitions. His immediate focus will be the FIH Women’s World Cup Qualifiers in Hyderabad, where his leadership, tactical expertise, and experience are expected to strengthen the team’s performance and enhance their chances of qualifying for the World Cup.

Karthikeyan Manickam has been appointed as the Chairman of ESAF Small Finance Bank, bringing with him decades of experience in India’s public sector banking system. A former Executive Director of Bank of India, he has deep expertise in banking operations, risk management, regulatory compliance, credit monitoring, and human resource management. His previous board-level roles across banking, asset management, and insurance institutions add to his leadership credentials. As Chairman, he is expected to provide strategic guidance, ensure strong corporate governance, and support long-term sustainability, which is crucial for small finance banks focused on financial inclusion and stability.

Warren Buffett, renowned as the Oracle of Omaha, stepped down as CEO of Berkshire Hathaway after leading the company since 1965. During his nearly six-decade tenure, Buffett transformed the struggling textile manufacturer into a diversified global conglomerate valued over $1 trillion, with major stakes in Apple, Coca-Cola, and American Express, and full ownership of businesses like BNSF Railway and GEICO. His value-based investing philosophy and decentralised management style defined the company’s long-term success. Buffett continues as chairman to maintain strategic oversight, while Greg Abel assumes the CEO role, ensuring continuity and stability in Berkshire Hathaway’s leadership and investment approach.

Rakesh Aggarwal has been assigned the additional charge of Director General of the National Investigation Agency to ensure continuity at the helm of India’s premier counter-terrorism body. A 1994 batch IPS officer of the Himachal Pradesh cadre, he is currently serving as Special Director General of the NIA. The decision followed the premature repatriation of the previous chief, Sadanand Date. Known for his extensive experience in counter-terrorism, terror financing, and radicalisation-related cases, Rakesh Aggarwal’s appointment reflects the government’s emphasis on operational experience and institutional stability in handling sensitive national security investigations.

Anu Garg’s appointment as Odisha’s first woman Chief Secretary represents a landmark moment in the state’s administrative history. A 1991-batch IAS officer of the Odisha cadre, she brings over three decades of experience across key departments at both state and central levels. Her previous roles include serving as Development Commissioner-cum-Additional Chief Secretary and as Joint Secretary in the Prime Minister’s Office. Known for her field-oriented and reform-driven approach, her leadership is expected to strengthen governance, improve Centre–State coordination, and further promote gender diversity in senior civil services.