Current Affairs - Awards and Honours

Azimul Haque, an IAS officer, has been appointed as the CEO of the Delhi Waqf Board, with approval from Lieutenant Governor (L-G) V.K. Saxena. This appointment came after a delay of over a month, during which the position had been vacant since November 28, 2024. The vacancy caused disruptions, including delays in salary disbursements for imams and Board employees. L-G Saxena criticized the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government for its negligence and failure to follow proper legal procedures in addressing the matter.

Ashutosh Agnihotri, currently serving as Additional Secretary in the Home Ministry, has been appointed as the Chairman and Managing Director (CMD) of the Food Corporation of India (FCI). The FCI, established in 1965 under the Food Corporation Act of 1964, plays a crucial role in the procurement and distribution of food grains across India. As a statutory body under the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, it is headquartered in New Delhi and is integral to ensuring food security in the country.

Faiz Ahmed Kidwai, a 1996 batch IAS officer from the Madhya Pradesh cadre, has been appointed as the Director General of the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), succeeding Vikram Dev Dutt. With experience as an Additional Secretary in the Department of Agriculture, Kidwai is expected to address critical issues in the aviation sector, including pilot safety and fatigue management. This appointment highlights efforts to enhance regulatory oversight and address challenges in India's expanding aviation industry.

Arif Mohammad Khan was sworn in as the 42nd Governor of Bihar, succeeding Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar. The swearing-in ceremony was held at the Raj Bhawan, where Patna High Court Chief Justice K. Vinod Chandran administered the oath. Prominent political figures, including Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and Leader of Opposition Tejashwi Yadav, attended the event, marking a significant political transition in the state.

Manish Singhal, with over 35 years of experience in the industry, has been appointed as the new Secretary General of the Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (ASSOCHAM). He takes over from Deepak Sood, who led the chamber for five years and strengthened its operations. Singhal’s extensive leadership background includes roles at Tata Motors, Eicher (Volvo), and FICCI, where he was Deputy Secretary General. He is expected to further elevate ASSOCHAM’s role in advocating for economic growth and policy reforms in India.