Current Affairs - Awards and Honours

Vinay Kwatra, the former Foreign Secretary of India, has been appointed as India's new Ambassador to the United States, as confirmed by the Ministry of External Affairs. He will take over the role that has been vacant since January 2024 following Taranjit Sandhu's retirement. Kwatra brings extensive diplomatic experience to the position, having served in various key roles, including as a diplomat in Geneva, South Africa, Uzbekistan, Beijing, and at the SAARC Secretariat in Nepal. His career in the Indian Foreign Service began in 1988, and he has held numerous significant positions since then.

Sanjeev Krishan has been re-elected as the Chairperson of PwC India for a second term, beginning April 1, 2025. Krishan, who started his first term on January 1, 2021, joined PwC in 1991 as an articled trainee and has had a significant impact on the firm. In addition to his role as Chairperson, he will continue to serve on the PwC Global Strategy Council. His re-election underscores his leadership and contributions to the firm's strategic direction and global presence.

On July 17, 2024, HSBC Holdings Plc appointed Georges Elhedery as its new CEO. Elhedery, previously HSBC’s Chief Financial Officer, was chosen to lead the bank as it transitions from a period of restructuring to a focus on growth. His appointment marks HSBC's third chief executive in less than eight years and reflects the bank’s preference for internal candidates. Elhedery's extensive experience with HSBC, including roles in the Middle East and North Africa and as CFO, made him a suitable choice for continuing the bank's strategic direction.

Suman K Bery, an economist, continues to serve as the vice-chairperson of NITI Aayog after its recent reconstitution. This public policy think tank, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, includes four full-time members and several Union Ministers from BJP allies as ex-officio members or special invitees. Bery's role is crucial in shaping and guiding the policy direction of NITI Aayog, contributing to various developmental initiatives and economic strategies for the country.

The Indian government has appointed Robert Jerard Ravi as the new Chairman and Managing Director (CMD) of Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL), effective from July 15, 2024. Ravi, a seasoned telecom professional, succeeds P K Purwar, whose term ended on July 14, 2024. Ravi brings 34 years of experience in the telecom sector, including roles at BSNL and the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), as well as serving as an advisor at the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI). This leadership change marks a new chapter for the state-run telecom operator.