Current Affairs - Awards and Honours

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.

Amit Singh Negi, a 1999-batch IAS officer of the Uttarakhand cadre, has been appointed as the additional secretary in the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) during a significant reshuffle of senior bureaucrats by the Centre. Prior to this appointment, he was serving as the joint secretary in the Department of Expenditure under the Union Ministry of Finance. His new role in the PMO places him in a crucial position within the government's administrative framework.

The Indian government has appointed Challa Sreenivasulu Setty as the new Chairman of the State Bank of India (SBI), succeeding Dinesh Kumar Khara. Setty, who will assume the role on August 28, 2024, has extensive experience in various banking sectors including corporate credit, retail banking, and digital banking. His appointment follows a recommendation from the Financial Services Institutions Bureau (FSIB) and was approved by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC). Setty's tenure as Chairman will be for three years, highlighting his seasoned expertise and leadership in the banking industry.

During her significant two-day state visit to Fiji, Indian President Droupadi Murmu was conferred with the Companion of the Order of Fiji, the highest honor awarded by the Fijian government. This accolade symbolizes the deep respect and growing diplomatic relations between India and Fiji, underscored by ceremonial honors, traditional welcome ceremonies, and high-level bilateral meetings.

Daljit Singh Chawdhary, who is the Director General of Sahastra Seema Bal (SSB), took over the additional charge of the Director General Border Security Force (BSF) on August 3, 2024. Chawdhary, an Indian Police Service officer of the 1990 batch from the Uttar Pradesh cadre, has had a distinguished career, including central deputation roles and significant accolades such as 4 police medals for Gallantry, the police medal for meritorious service, the President’s police medal for distinguished service, and the Ati Utkrisht seva medal. His extensive experience and accomplishments have prepared him for this significant leadership role in the BSF.