Current Affairs - Awards and Honours

Jyoti Vij has been appointed as the new director general of the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI). She brings extensive experience, currently serving as the additional director general at FICCI. Her educational background includes graduating from Shri Ram College of Commerce in 1988 and earning a master's degree in business economics from the University of Delhi in 1990. This appointment underscores FICCI's commitment to leadership continuity and advancing its strategic initiatives under Vij's stewardship.

Prem Prabhakar has been appointed as the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of SBICAP Ventures Limited (SVL), effective from June 4, 2024. He brings extensive banking experience from his tenure at the State Bank of India, specializing in treasury operations and strategic leadership. As the new MD and CEO, Prabhakar will lead SVL in achieving its growth objectives and enhancing investor relations, building on the firm’s portfolio of alternative asset management, including funds like the TDC Fund and Neev Fund.

Inder Pal Singh Bindra, an officer of the Indian Revenue Service, has been appointed as the Secretary of the Competition Commission of India (CCI). He succeeds Anupama Anand and is expected to serve a three-year term in this role. The CCI, established to enforce the Competition Act, of 2002, plays a crucial role in ensuring fair competition and preventing practices detrimental to market competition in India.

Raj Priy Singh, a 2010-batch Indian Forest Service (IFoS) officer, has been appointed as the Director of the Department of Rural Development under the Ministry of Rural Development. His appointment follows a recommendation for Central deputation by the Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change, and is governed by the Central Staffing Scheme (CSS).

PV Sindhu, the renowned Indian badminton player, has been appointed as the brand ambassador for Tobacco Control by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India. This appointment aims to raise awareness about the harmful effects of tobacco use and advocate for measures to protect children from the influence of the tobacco industry, aligning with the theme of "Protecting Children from Tobacco Industry Interference" for World No Tobacco Day 2024.