Current Affairs - Awards and Honours

The Indian government has appointed Robert Jerard Ravi as the new Chairman and Managing Director (CMD) of Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL), effective from July 15, 2024. Ravi, a seasoned telecom professional, succeeds P K Purwar, whose term ended on July 14, 2024. Ravi brings 34 years of experience in the telecom sector, including roles at BSNL and the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), as well as serving as an advisor at the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI). This leadership change marks a new chapter for the state-run telecom operator.

Justice Aalia Neelum made history on July 11 by taking oath as the Chief Justice of the Lahore High Court (LHC), becoming the first woman to hold this esteemed position. Her appointment marks a significant milestone in Pakistan's judiciary, showcasing her career progression from advocate to judge, culminating in this historic elevation as the head of the LHC.

Rajat Sharma, the Chairman and Editor-in-Chief of India TV, has been unanimously elected as the President of the News Broadcasters & Digital Association (NBDA). This decision was made during the NBDA’s board meeting on July 9, 2024. The NBDA is a major organization representing a wide range of news broadcasters in India. Sharma's election highlights his esteemed position and experience in the journalism field, reflecting a collective confidence in his leadership among India's leading media houses.

The Supreme Court appointed former Chief Justice of India, Uday Umesh Lalit, as the chairman of the search and selection committee for appointing vice-chancellors in West Bengal’s state-run universities. This decision was made by a division bench of the Supreme Court on July 9, 2024, following a special leave petition by the West Bengal government.

In a special ceremony in the Kremlin, President Vladimir Putin of Russia conferred "The Order of St. Andrew the Apostle," Russia's highest national award, on Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his significant contribution to strengthening India-Russia ties. This award, announced in 2019, marks PM Modi as the first Indian leader to receive this prestigious honour, highlighting the depth of bilateral relations between the two nations.