Current Affairs - Awards and Honours

Pratyasa Ray, an emerging talent in swimming, hails from Odisha and has been selected for the prestigious 32nd Ekalabya Puraskar for 2024 in recognition of her outstanding achievements in the sport. Her remarkable track record includes winning multiple gold medals at the Odisha State Swimming Championships and earning accolades at national and international competitions. This recognition highlights not only her individual talent but also Odisha's growing prominence in the sporting arena, making it a proud moment for the state's sporting community.

Alok Ranjan, a 1991-batch IPS officer from the Madhya Pradesh cadre, has been appointed as the Director of the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB). He will serve until June 2026, succeeding Vivek Gogia. In parallel, Amit Garg, a 1993-batch IPS officer from the Andhra Pradesh cadre, has been appointed as the head of the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel National Police Academy (SVPNPA). Amit Garg will hold this position until his retirement in 2027. Both appointments reflect the government’s strategic placement of experienced officers in critical leadership roles within India’s policing and law enforcement institutions.

Kalikesh Narayan Singh Deo was elected as the new president of the National Rifle Association of India (NRAI) during a General Body meeting in September 2024. He won the election against V.K. Dhall by a margin of 36-21 votes, marking the end of Raninder Singh’s tenure, who had held the position since 2010. This election was conducted under the supervision of Retired Chief Justice Anil Dev Singh, ensuring a fair and transparent process. Kalikesh's leadership marks a new era for the NRAI.

Anurag Garg, an IPS officer from the 1993 batch of the Himachal Pradesh cadre, has been appointed as the Director General of the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB). Previously serving as the Additional DG in the Border Security Force (BSF), he will lead the NCB until May 23, 2026, or until further instructions are issued. This appointment comes after CRPF DG Anish Dayal Singh held the position in an additional capacity following S N Pradhan's retirement, marking a significant leadership change in India's drug enforcement agency.

Manu Bhaker, a double Olympic medalist in shooting, has been appointed as the brand ambassador for the Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways. Bhaker, whose father is a marine engineer, is the first Indian to win two individual Olympic medals. Her appointment as a brand ambassador reflects her excellence in sports and her connection to the maritime industry through her family background. Bhaker’s role is expected to promote the initiatives of the Ports Ministry, enhancing its visibility and outreach.