Current Affairs - Awards and Honours

Amit Singh Negi, a 1999-batch IAS officer of the Uttarakhand cadre, has been appointed as the additional secretary in the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) during a significant reshuffle of senior bureaucrats by the Centre. Prior to this appointment, he was serving as the joint secretary in the Department of Expenditure under the Union Ministry of Finance. His new role in the PMO places him in a crucial position within the government's administrative framework.

The Indian government has appointed Challa Sreenivasulu Setty as the new Chairman of the State Bank of India (SBI), succeeding Dinesh Kumar Khara. Setty, who will assume the role on August 28, 2024, has extensive experience in various banking sectors including corporate credit, retail banking, and digital banking. His appointment follows a recommendation from the Financial Services Institutions Bureau (FSIB) and was approved by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC). Setty's tenure as Chairman will be for three years, highlighting his seasoned expertise and leadership in the banking industry.

During her significant two-day state visit to Fiji, Indian President Droupadi Murmu was conferred with the Companion of the Order of Fiji, the highest honor awarded by the Fijian government. This accolade symbolizes the deep respect and growing diplomatic relations between India and Fiji, underscored by ceremonial honors, traditional welcome ceremonies, and high-level bilateral meetings.

Daljit Singh Chawdhary, who is the Director General of Sahastra Seema Bal (SSB), took over the additional charge of the Director General Border Security Force (BSF) on August 3, 2024. Chawdhary, an Indian Police Service officer of the 1990 batch from the Uttar Pradesh cadre, has had a distinguished career, including central deputation roles and significant accolades such as 4 police medals for Gallantry, the police medal for meritorious service, the President’s police medal for distinguished service, and the Ati Utkrisht seva medal. His extensive experience and accomplishments have prepared him for this significant leadership role in the BSF.

Dr. Grinson George has been appointed as the Director of the ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI). With over 20 years of experience in fishery research, Dr. George previously led CMFRI's Marine Biodiversity and Environment Management Division and served as a Senior Programme Specialist at SAARC in Dhaka. His extensive background in fishery resource management, marine biodiversity, environment management, and climate change has equipped him to lead high-impact research projects funded by prominent national and international agencies.