Current Affairs - Awards and Honours

The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has been honoured with the 2024 UN Inter-Agency Task Force Award for its significant efforts in preventing and controlling non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and improving mental health. This recognition highlights ICMR's contribution to public health through initiatives such as establishing national centres for Assistive Health Technology, promoting sustainable health products, and conducting the world's largest assistive technology survey. This award underscores the organization's ongoing efforts to tackle NCDs on a global scale.

KVS Manian took over as the Managing Director and CEO of Federal Bank on September 23, 2024, succeeding Shyam Srinivasan. Manian comes with over 25 years of experience at Kotak Mahindra Bank, where he played a significant role in the bank's growth and transformation into one of India’s leading private-sector banks. His leadership experience and strong financial background position him well to lead the Federal Bank in the future.

Pratyasa Ray, an emerging talent in swimming, hails from Odisha and has been selected for the prestigious 32nd Ekalabya Puraskar for 2024 in recognition of her outstanding achievements in the sport. Her remarkable track record includes winning multiple gold medals at the Odisha State Swimming Championships and earning accolades at national and international competitions. This recognition highlights not only her individual talent but also Odisha's growing prominence in the sporting arena, making it a proud moment for the state's sporting community.

Alok Ranjan, a 1991-batch IPS officer from the Madhya Pradesh cadre, has been appointed as the Director of the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB). He will serve until June 2026, succeeding Vivek Gogia. In parallel, Amit Garg, a 1993-batch IPS officer from the Andhra Pradesh cadre, has been appointed as the head of the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel National Police Academy (SVPNPA). Amit Garg will hold this position until his retirement in 2027. Both appointments reflect the government’s strategic placement of experienced officers in critical leadership roles within India’s policing and law enforcement institutions.

Kalikesh Narayan Singh Deo was elected as the new president of the National Rifle Association of India (NRAI) during a General Body meeting in September 2024. He won the election against V.K. Dhall by a margin of 36-21 votes, marking the end of Raninder Singh’s tenure, who had held the position since 2010. This election was conducted under the supervision of Retired Chief Justice Anil Dev Singh, ensuring a fair and transparent process. Kalikesh's leadership marks a new era for the NRAI.