Current Affairs - Awards and Honours

Partha Pratim Sengupta has taken the reins as Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer of Bandhan Bank, replacing founder Chandra Sekhar Ghosh who resigned on July 9, 2024. Sengupta brings 40 years of banking experience, having led the Indian Overseas Bank and held key roles at the State Bank of India. His appointment is for a three-year term, effective November 10, 2024. With Ratan Kesh serving as interim MD and CEO, Sengupta's leadership is expected to bring clarity and stability to Bandhan Bank's operations.

Noel Tata has been appointed as the chairman of Tata Trusts, which holds a significant 66% ownership of Tata Sons. This pivotal role positions him to influence the strategic, investment, and philanthropic directions of the Tata Group, one of India's largest conglomerates valued at $165 billion. His appointment follows the death of his half-brother, Ratan Tata, marking an important transition for the Trusts and the broader Tata Group. The Tata Trusts play a critical role in the governance of Tata Sons by appointing a third of the board members and holding veto power over significant decisions, thus ensuring a strategic direction aligned with the group’s philanthropic goals.

L Satya Srinivas, an IRS officer from the 1991 batch (Customs & Indirect Taxes) and Additional Secretary in the Department of Commerce, has been appointed as the CEO of the Government e-Marketplace (GeM). He replaces P K Singh, who was recently appointed as Secretary in the Ministry of Renewable Energy. GeM, launched in August 2016, is an online platform aimed at streamlining public procurement in India. Srinivas will now oversee the operations and future developments of this crucial government initiative.

Han Kang, a renowned South Korean author, has been honoured with the 2024 Nobel Prize in Literature for her exceptional literary contributions. Her works are characterized by intense poetic prose, exploring historical traumas and the vulnerability of human existence. This prestigious recognition includes an award of 11 million Swedish kronor ($1 million) and a medal, to be formally presented on December 10. Han Kang's achievement brings international recognition to South Korea's thriving literary scene, showcasing the country's rich cultural heritage and literary talent.

Manoj Kumar Dubey has taken the reins as Chairman & Managing Director (CMD) of IRFC Limited for a five-year tenure. With a strong educational background as an alumnus of Hindu College and the Indian School of Mines, Dubey brings extensive expertise in finance and railway administration. His notable achievements include implementing significant digital and financial reforms in Indian Railways. Prior to this appointment, Dubey served as Director (Finance) & CFO of CONCOR, showcasing his capabilities in strategic financial management.