Current Affairs - Awards and Honours

V Satish Kumar, who has been serving as the Director (Marketing) since October 2021, assumed the additional role of Chairman of Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) on September 1, 2024. With 35 years of experience in the industry, Kumar has been instrumental in navigating the company through various challenges, including geopolitical tensions and natural calamities. His extensive experience and leadership in the marketing division have prepared him to take on this significant responsibility within IOCL.

Dr DK Sunil was appointed as the Chairman and Managing Director (Additional Charge) of Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) on August 31, 2024, taking over from CB Ananthakrishnan. Dr Sunil has been instrumental in leading significant projects such as the Active ESA Radar, Automatic Flight Control Systems, and key helicopter programs like the Indigenous Multi-Role Helicopter (IMRH) and Utility Helicopter Maritime (UHM). His leadership in these crucial defence projects has positioned him as a prominent figure within HAL.

Satish Kumar has been appointed as the new Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Railway Board by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC). Previously serving as a Member (Traction and Rolling Stock) of the Railway Board and General Manager of North Central Railway, Prayagraj, Kumar brings extensive experience from his 1986-batch service in the Indian Railway Service of Mechanical Engineering (IRSME). His leadership is expected to steer Indian Railways toward further advancements and efficient operations.

Fatemeh Mohajerani has been appointed as Iran’s first female government spokesperson by President Masoud Pezeshkian. With a Doctorate in Business Administration from Heriot-Watt University, Mohajerani joins other high-ranking women in Iran’s government, such as Shina Ansari, head of the Department of Environment, and Farzaneh Sadeq Malvajard, Minister of Roads and Urban Development. This appointment marks a significant step in increasing the representation of women in Iran’s governmental roles.

B Srinivasan, a senior IPS officer from the Bihar cadre, has been appointed as the Director General of the National Security Guard (NSG), India's elite counter-terrorism force. His tenure as Director General will last until August 31, 2027. Srinivasan was selected for this key position by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet after the previous director, Nalin Prabhat, was appointed as the Chief of the Jammu and Kashmir Police. The NSG plays a crucial role in combating terrorism and ensuring national security.