Current Affairs - Awards and Honours

Prof. (Dr.) Soumya Swaminathan has been appointed as the Principal Adviser for the National Tuberculosis Elimination Programme at the Union Ministry of Health & Family Welfare. Her role is on a pro bono basis, emphasizing her dedication to public health service and her commitment to eradicating tuberculosis in India. In this capacity, she will provide strategic guidance, technical advice, and policy direction, and shape the research strategy to enhance the program’s effectiveness.

The Indian Energy Exchange (IEX) board has approved the reappointment of Satyanarayan Goel as its Chairman and Managing Director for a new three-year term starting August 10, 2024. Goel’s extensive knowledge in the power sector and over 40 years of experience were key factors in this decision. His current term was set to end on August 9, 2024, due to the age limit specified in the Companies Act, 2013.

Roshni Nadar Malhotra, Chairperson of HCLTech, received France's highest civilian honour, the "Chevalier de la Legion d'Honneur," for her exemplary contributions to business, sustainability initiatives, and fostering economic relations between France and India. The award, presented by the French Ambassador to India, recognizes her outstanding service across these domains, highlighting her leadership and impact on international business and diplomatic fronts.

Sopna Kallingal, the agri-entrepreneur from Kallingal Plantation in Thrissur, was honoured with the Spice Award 2024 by the ICAR-Indian Institute of Spices Research. She was recognized for her innovative approaches to enterprise diversification and integrated crop management, particularly in promoting sustainable spice-based cropping systems. Her achievements underscore her commitment to agricultural innovation and holistic farming practices, combining diverse crops and livestock to optimize productivity and sustainability at Kallingal Plantation.

Justice Bidyut Ranjan Sarangi has been appointed as the Chief Justice of the Jharkhand High Court, succeeding Justice Sanjaya Kumar Mishra. His extensive legal career and experience, highlighted by his previous tenure as a judge in the Orissa High Court, positioned him as the choice for this prominent judicial role in Jharkhand.