Current Affairs - Awards and Honours

Joakim Alexandersson, a 48-year-old Swedish coach, has been appointed as the chief coach for India's women's U-20 and U-17 national football teams. His appointment is part of a collaboration between the All India Football Federation (AIFF) and the Swedish Football Association. Alexandersson’s first assignment is to oversee a two-month-long U-20 national camp starting on December 10, 2024, in Bengaluru.

Hindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL), a prominent leader in India’s shipbuilding and ship repair industry, won two awards at the 3rd PSU Transformation Awards 2024. The awards, received for innovative advancements in maritime technology, recognized HSL’s pioneering fender arrangement in Tugs for Submarines and its innovative method for installing Retractable Thrusters in Diving Support Vessels. These accolades highlight HSL's commitment to technological excellence and its significant contributions to the shipbuilding industry.

Sanjay Malhotra, a seasoned bureaucrat and the Revenue Secretary, has been appointed as the 26th Governor of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). A 1990-batch IAS officer from the Rajasthan cadre, he succeeds Shaktikanta Das. Malhotra brings over three decades of experience across diverse sectors such as finance, taxation, power, IT, and mining. His extensive background in policy reforms, fiscal health, and sectoral leadership positions him as a strong choice for this key position in India’s financial governance.

The Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI) received the 3rd PSU Transformation Award for "Innovative Product Development" for its Firm, Dispatchable Renewable Energy (FDRE) supply model designed for DISCOMs. This model ensures tailored renewable energy solutions to meet the specific demands of states and DISCOMs. The award, presented in New Delhi on December 5, 2024, recognizes SECI's innovative approach to advancing sustainable energy and addressing challenges in the renewable energy sector.

Shammi Silva, the President of Sri Lanka Cricket, has been appointed as the President of the Asian Cricket Council (ACC). He brings a wealth of experience, having previously chaired the ACC Finance & Marketing Committee. Silva acknowledged the significant achievements of outgoing President Jay Shah, including securing record commercial rights for the ACC Asia Cup 2024–31 and introducing new event structures, signalling a promising tenure ahead for the ACC.