Current Affairs - Awards and Honours

Rajat Verma, currently heading the Institutional Banking Group at DBS Bank India, will take over as the new CEO of DBS Bank India starting March 1, 2025. He succeeds Surojit Shome, who retires after a successful tenure. Verma brings over 27 years of experience in banking, including significant contributions to DBS’ institutional banking growth and recognition in sustainable finance. His appointment aligns with DBS Bank India’s vision to continue its growth and leverage its strong platform to participate in India's expanding financial landscape.

Dr. Sandip Shah, a highly experienced professional with over 35 years of expertise in healthcare and diagnostics, was appointed as the Chairperson of NABL (National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories). He succeeded Prof. Subbanna Ayyappan. NABL is responsible for accrediting testing and calibration laboratories to ensure global competitiveness and consumer safety. Additionally, QCI (Quality Council of India), under the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), works towards promoting quality across various products and services in India.

Dr Arunish Chawla, a 1992-batch IAS officer from the Bihar cadre, has been appointed as Secretary of, the Department of Revenue, in the Ministry of Finance. With a strong academic background, including a Master’s and Doctorate in Economics from the London School of Economics, Dr. Chawla has previously served in significant roles such as Secretary, Department of Pharmaceuticals, Managing Director of Patna Metro, and Senior Economist at the IMF. His extensive experience in administration and economics makes him well-suited for this critical position.

RINL, the corporate entity of Visakhapatnam Steel Plant, won the Gold Award at the Andhra Pradesh State Energy Conservation Awards 2024 for its significant energy-saving efforts in the iron and steel sector. This award recognized the company's innovative methods, particularly in utilizing waste energy to improve energy efficiency. The recognition was presented by the State Energy Conservation Mission of Andhra Pradesh, reflecting RINL's leadership in sustainability and energy conservation within the industry.

Arunish Chawla, a 1992-batch IAS officer from the Bihar cadre, has been appointed as the new Revenue Secretary in the Ministry of Finance. He succeeds Ajay Seth and will also continue to be in additional charge of the Ministry of Culture. Chawla’s extensive career includes pivotal roles in economic policy, public administration, and infrastructure development, such as managing Patna Metro Rail Corporation and serving as joint secretary in the Finance Ministry’s Expenditure Department. His appointment aligns with the government’s focus on implementing tax reforms, digital transformation, and fiscal policy reviews.