Current Affairs - Awards and Honours

T.V. Somanathan, a 1987-batch IAS officer from Tamil Nadu, has been appointed as India's new Cabinet Secretary, succeeding Rajiv Gauba. He will officially start his two-year term on August 30, 2024. Prior to this appointment, Somanathan has served in several high-profile roles, including Finance Secretary, and has contributed significantly to fiscal policies and transparency. His background includes a PhD in Economics, and he is proficient in multiple languages, reflecting his extensive expertise and qualifications.

Lalitha Nataraj has been appointed as the CEO of the newly formed standalone subsidiary of the BHIM app. This strategic move by the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) aims to strengthen the presence of BHIM in the highly competitive UPI market. Nataraj, with her extensive experience at IDFC FIRST Bank and ICICI Bank, is expected to lead the subsidiary in expanding its market share, which is currently overshadowed by dominant players like PhonePe and Google Pay.

Shri Raj Kumar Chaudhary has been appointed as the new Chairman & Managing Director of NHPC Limited. His career with NHPC started in 1989, and he has held various key positions, including Director (Technical), before ascending to this leadership role. With extensive experience in the hydroelectric power sector, Shri Chaudhary is expected to steer NHPC towards new heights in both domestic and international projects. His appointment marks a significant moment for the company, emphasizing the importance of experienced leadership in the energy sector.

Harish Dudani was appointed as a Member of the Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (CERC) on August 6, 2024. His appointment was announced by the Power Ministry, and he took the Oath of Office and Secrecy on the same day. CERC, established under the Electricity Regulatory Commissions Act of 1998 and functioning under the Electricity Act of 2003, is responsible for regulating tariffs, licensing for inter-state transmission, and adjudicating disputes within the electricity sector.

Praveena Rai has been approved by SEBI as the new Managing Director and CEO of the Multi Commodity Exchange (MCX). With over 20 years of experience in payments and banking, Rai previously served as the Chief Operating Officer of the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI). Her extensive background in transaction banking, retail banking, and commercial banking makes her a strong candidate for leading MCX. Her appointment follows the departure of the former CEO, PS Reddy, who concluded his term in May 2024.