Current Affairs - Awards and Honours

The Centre has appointed Punya Salila Srivastava as the new Health Secretary, replacing Apurva Chandra upon his superannuation. In a reshuffle, Rajesh Kumar Singh is set to be the new Defence Secretary, while Katikithala Srinivas takes over as Housing and Urban Affairs Secretary. Deepti Umashankar has been appointed as Secretary to the President, and Vivek Joshi transitions to the Department of Personnel and Training. This appointment comes amidst ongoing discussions on the National Health Mission, including the implementation of a national electronic medical records system.

Nalin Prabhat, a 1992 IPS officer, was appointed as Special Director General of Jammu and Kashmir Police and will assume his role as Director General after R R Swain's retirement on September 30. Prabhat, known for his decorated career and extensive service, has previously headed the CRPF's Kashmir region deployment and the Andhra Pradesh anti-Naxal force. His tenure as Director General of the National Security Guard (NSG) was curtailed, and he was ordered to be de-cadred to AGMUT, with an inter-cadre deputation from Andhra Pradesh, before assuming his current position.

The Mizoram Football Association (MFA) honoured the Reliance Foundation for its contributions to football development in Mizoram. The Reliance Foundation's initiatives—Reliance Foundation Young Champs, Naupang League, and Youth Sports—have significantly impacted youth football, leading to a surge in local talent and interest in football. MFA acknowledged the foundation's work in transforming the football ecosystem in Mizoram and beyond.

In recognition of the extraordinary courage and dedication displayed during anti-terror operations, President Droupadi Murmu posthumously awarded the Kirti Chakra to Colonel Manpreet Singh and Deputy Superintendent of Police Himayun Muzzammil Bhat. These awards honour their selfless acts of bravery in the line of duty, with the Kirti Chakra specifically highlighting their ultimate sacrifice. Major Aashish Dhonchak and Sepoy Pardeep Singh were awarded the Shaurya Chakra for their contributions to the same operations. This recognition highlights significant contributions to counter-terror efforts and serves as an inspiring testament to the sacrifices made by these servicemen.

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.