Current Affairs - Awards and Honours

Justin Hotard has been named the new CEO of Nokia, effective April 1, 2025, succeeding Pekka Lundmark. Previously serving as Intel’s Executive Vice President and General Manager of Data Center & AI Group, Hotard brings significant expertise in artificial intelligence and data centres, aligning with Nokia’s strategic growth areas. Nokia’s Chair, Sari Baldauf, emphasized Hotard’s ability to drive technological advancement and business growth. Lundmark, who led Nokia since 2020, will remain as an advisor until the end of the year to facilitate a smooth leadership transition.

Maimun Alam, an IRS officer from the 2007 batch, has been appointed as the Director of the Ministry of Steel under the Central Staffing Scheme. Her appointment was recommended by the Department of Revenue for Central Deputation, and she will serve in this role for five years or until further orders. With a strong background in tax administration and policy formulation, she is expected to play a key role in strategic initiatives within the steel sector, contributing to its growth and policy development at the national level.

K Balasubramanian has been appointed as the new India Subcontinent Sub-Cluster and Banking Head for Citibank, replacing Ashu Khullar, pending approval from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). He will report to Amol Gupte, Head of Asia South and Banking Head. This leadership transition comes at a time when Citibank India has experienced strong growth under Khullar’s leadership. Meanwhile, Ashu Khullar will take on a new role as Co-Head of Global Asset Managers (GAM) alongside Anthony Diamandakis and will also be part of Citibank’s Investment Banking Global Operating Committee.

IPS officer Sagar Singh Kalsi, from the 2010 batch of the AGMUT cadre, has been appointed as the Director in the Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas under the Central Staffing Scheme. His tenure is set for five years or until further orders. The Ministry of Home Affairs recommended his deputation, and he has been instructed to take charge immediately. His appointment highlights the government's strategic placement of experienced officers in key ministries to enhance governance and policy implementation.

Gopal Vittal, Vice Chairman and Managing Director of Bharti Airtel, was appointed as the Acting Chair of the GSMA Board on February 3, 2025. His appointment followed the resignation of José María Álvarez-Pallete, Chairman and CEO of Telefónica, who stepped down due to his departure from the company. Vittal, with his extensive leadership experience in the telecom industry, is expected to play a crucial role in guiding the GSMA, which represents over 1,100 telecommunications companies worldwide. His previous roles in the GSMA Board further established his capability to lead the organization effectively.