Current Affairs & GK Weekly One Liners 15th to 21st of April 2024

• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) imposed penalties totaling ₹60.3 lakh on five co-operative banks for violating regulatory norms.The penalties were related to non-compliance with specific RBI directives, including bans on loans to directors and their relatives, restrictions on opening savings accounts for certain entities, and deposit account maintenance.The breakdown of penalties for specific banks: 

• Rajkot Nagarik Sahakari Bank: Fined ₹43.30 lakh for various violations.
• The Kangra Co-operative Bank (New Delhi): Penalized ₹5 lakh.
• Rajdhani Nagar Sahkari Bank (Lucknow): Also fined ₹5 lakh.
• Zila Sahakari Bank, Garhwal (Kotdwar, Uttarakhand): Subject to a ₹5 lakh penalty.
• District Co-operative Bank (Dehradun): Imposed with a ₹2 penalty.

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•  India’s recent donation of 35 ambulances and 66 school buses to Nepal reflects a deepening partnership between the two nations. At the handover ceremony held at the Embassy of India in Kathmandu, Indian Ambassador Naveen Srivastava presented the keys to these essential vehicles in the presence of Nepal’s Finance Minister, Barsha Man Pun. These gifts symbolize India’s steadfast support for Nepal’s development journey, particularly in enhancing healthcare and education accessibility1. Since 1994, India has consistently extended a helping hand to its Himalayan neighbor, gifting a total of 1,009 ambulances and 300 school buses across Nepal, including those donated recently. These initiatives are part of the Nepal-India Development Partnership, aimed at bolstering Nepal’s infrastructure in health and education sectors1. The close ties between India and Nepal are deeply rooted in shared history, culture, and geographical proximity, forming the cornerstone of their bilateral relations.

• India has embarked on an impressive journey in rail infrastructure by developing indigenous bullet trains that are set to exceed speeds of 250 kilometers per hour (km/h). These high-speed trains, known as the Vande Bharat Express, are being manufactured by the Integral Coach Factory (ICF) in Chennai.The Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail project, currently under construction, relies on Japanese technology. The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) is providing a soft loan for this project, with the total cost exceeding ₹1.08 lakh crore.

• In a move to simplify and streamline the process of students’ transition from one school to another, the School Education Department in the state has made the use of Permanent Education Number (PEN) mandatory from the academic year 2024-25. PEN is a unique identification number assigned to every student by the Union Ministry of Education, through the UDISE+ (Unified District Information System for Education Plus) portal, which covers more than 14.89 lakh schools, 95 lakh teachers, and 26.5 crore children.

• Uttar Pradesh has proudly introduced its first glass skywalk bridge in the picturesque Chitrakoot forest division. This 25-meter-long bridge, inspired by Lord Ram’s bow and arrow, stands gracefully over the Tulsi Waterfalls in the Markundi range. Constructed at a cost of Rs 3.70 crore, it offers breathtaking views of the surrounding natural beauty. The entire area around the waterfall has been developed as ‘Kodand Van’. Visitors can experience the thrill of walking on glass while enjoying the sound of water falling on rocks below. The bridge’s load capacity ensures safety and comfort for all who venture across this stunning structure. 

• Madhya Pradesh emerges as a frontrunner in the effective execution of the Green Credit Programme (GCP) initiated by the central government. Over the past two months, the GCP has greenlit tree plantation initiatives spanning across 500 land parcels, encompassing 4,980 hectares spread over 10 states. Madhya Pradesh takes the lead in securing approvals for rehabilitating degraded forest lands, followed closely by Telangana, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, and Assam. Additional states partaking in this initiative include Bihar, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, and Odisha, collectively earmarking over 10,000 hectares for GCP interventions.

• Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, after two decades in office, will step down on May 15, passing the baton to his deputy, Lawrence Wong. This transition is significant for Singapore amidst the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.

• Kuwait’s Emir has appointed Sheikh Ahmad Abdullah AlAhmad Al-Sabah as the new Prime Minister following the resignation of Sheikh Mohammed Sabah Al-Salem Al-Sabah. Sheikh Ahmad, born in 1952, brings extensive experience in finance and government.

• On March 7, 2024, India and Mauritius signed an amendment to their Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement (DTAA). This amendment introduces a principal purpose test (PPT) aimed at curtailing tax avoidance. The PPT ensures that treaty benefits are granted only for transactions with a genuine purpose, addressing concerns over tax avoidance. The PPT acts as a means to deny treaty benefits if one of the principal purposes of the arrangement or transaction is to obtain the DTAA benefit. It is part of the broader effort to incorporate anti-abuse provisions related to Base Erosion and Profit Shifting (BEPS) in the DTAA between India and Mauritius. This move is significant because it may impact foreign portfolio investments via Mauritius and could have implications for past investments. As for Apple’s initiative, partnering with CleanMax to deploy rooftop solar installations across industrial sites in India is a commendable step toward reducing emissions associated with its operations in the country.

• Apple’s collaboration with CleanMax to install 14.4 megawatts of rooftop solar panels across six industrial sites in India is a commendable step. By harnessing solar energy, Apple aims to reduce emissions associated with its operations in the country. This initiative aligns with global efforts to transition toward cleaner and more sustainable energy sources. 

• Salman Rushdie’s memoir, titled “Knife: Meditations After an Attempted Murder,” was published in April 2024 by Jonathan Cape. In this autobiographical book, Rushdie recounts the harrowing stabbing attack he endured during a public literary event in Chautauqua, New York, in 2022. Despite the severity of his injuries, Rushdie has shown remarkable resilience and used art as a means to respond to violence. The book has even topped the Sunday Times Bestsellers List in the General hardbacks category. It’s a powerful testament to his unwavering commitment to free speech, a value that has shaped both his life and literary career.

• “Law and Spirituality: Reconnecting the Bond,” edited by Dr. Raman Mittal and Dr. Seema Singh, delves into the profound connection between law and spirituality. It recognizes that spirituality, as the progenitor of ethics and morality, has consistently shaped the development of legal systems. The book aims to unearth spiritual jurisprudence gems and highlight their contemporary relevance in the legal arena. Spiritual processes within legal systems can encourage consensus, fraternity, and respect for the law, fostering amity and happiness in society. 

• “India – The Road to Renaissance: A Vision and an Agenda” by Bhimeswara Challa is a thought-provoking exploration of India’s future. As the nation grapples with pressing issues, Challa sheds light on critical aspects that often go unnoticed. The book advocates for radical reforms, aiming to shift decision-making to the grassroots level. Challa’s insider-outsider perspective, drawn from his career in the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) and the United Nations, adds depth and objectivity to his vision. The book is available in hardcover format and was published by Gyan Publishing House on January 1, 2024.

•  India-China trade has been a significant aspect of their bilateral relations. In recent years, China has emerged as one of India’s leading trade partners. The trade imbalance heavily favors China, driven by imports of electronic goods, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, and fertilizers from China. In FY 2023 (April to November), trade between the two nations stood at US$77.80 billion, with India importing more than it exports, resulting in an all-time high trade deficit. This trend highlights the ongoing economic dynamics between the two Asian neighbors.

• In March 2024, India’s Wholesale Price Index (WPI) exhibited a positive inflation rate of 0.53% compared to March 2023. This increase was primarily driven by higher prices in several sectors, including food articles, electricity, crude petroleum & natural gas, machinery & equipment, and other manufacturing.

• In March 2024, India’s merchandise exports reached a 12-month high at $41.68 billion, despite a slight 0.67% decrease compared to the previous year. Notably, the goods trade deficit narrowed to $15.6 billion, the lowest in 11 months. This positive trend was driven by a significant 53.6% decline in gold imports, which was offset by an astonishing 1059% increase in silver imports.

• Fitch Ratings reaffirms “BBB-“ long-term issuer default rating (IDR) for State Bank of India (SBI) and Canara Bank, with a “stable” outlook. Despite differing risk appetites and loan growth, both state-run lenders demonstrate sufficient capacity to meet financial obligations, reflecting stability in their operations and creditworthiness.

• UNCTAD anticipates India’s GDP to grow by 6.5% in 2024, slightly lower than 6.7% in 2023, echoing IMF’s forecast. Growth is propelled by robust public investment and the services sector. Multinational corporations relocating manufacturing to India boost exports. Although moderated commodity prices and restrained public consumption exist, robust public investment sustains growth.

• RuPay, in partnership with NPCI, launches the ‘Link it, Forget it’ campaign during IPL 2024. The campaign promotes the effortless integration of RuPay credit cards with UPI, advocating for the convenience of abandoning physical wallets. It aims to highlight the simplicity and efficiency of digital transactions during the cricket extravaganza.

• As per S&P Global’s report, State Bank of India (SBI), HDFC Bank, and ICICI Bank are listed among the top 50 banks in the Asia-Pacific region by assets. Their inclusion underscores their significant presence and financial strength in the banking sector, reflecting their stature on a regional scale.

• Supreme Court Justice Aniruddha Bose appointed as the new director of the National Judicial Academy (NJA) in Bhopal, announced by Chief Justice DY Chandrachud during a ceremonial bench on April 10. Established in 1993 under Supreme Court guidance, NJA focuses on improving judicial skills and court administration.

• Kristalina Georgieva re-appointed as the Managing Director of the IMF for a new 5-year term beginning October 1, 2024. The sole candidate nominated this year, her appointment was approved by the IMF executive board. Georgieva continues her leadership role in steering the IMF’s global financial initiatives and policies.

• The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet greenlights senior IPS officer Anurag Kumar‘s appointment as Joint Director of the CBI, effective immediately. The decision reflects the government’s trust in Kumar’s leadership and competence for this vital position within India’s law enforcement, marking a significant development in the country’s investigative landscape.

• BharatPe appoints Nalin Negi as CEO after serving as interim CEO and CFO for 15 months, navigating the company through significant transition.

• Nalin Prabhat, an experienced IPS officer, assumes leadership as Director-General of NSG, tasked with enhancing India’s counter-terrorism capabilities, while Sapna Tewari, another seasoned IPS officer, strengthens intelligence operations as Special Director in IB.

• DRDO and the Indian Army achieve a significant milestone with successful trials of the indigenous Man Portable Anti-tank Guided Missile (MPATGM) Weapon System. The development signifies a crucial stride towards self-reliance in advanced defense technology, as emphasized by Defense Minister Rajnath Singh, bolstering India’s defense capabilities.

• DRDO conducts a successful test flight of the Indigenous Technology Cruise Missile (ITCM) from Chandipur’s Integrated Test Range (ITR), Odisha. The missile demonstrates excellent performance, meticulously monitored by multiple sensors and the Indian Air Force, marking a significant advancement in India’s indigenous missile technology development.

• During his visit to Uzbekistan from April 15-18, 2024, General Manoj Pande, Chief of the Army Staff, inaugurates a modern IT Laboratory at the Uzbek Academy of Armed Forces, strengthening bilateral defense ties. The initiative, stemming from a commitment made in September 2018, underscores the deepening partnership between India and Uzbekistan.

• India delivers the first batch of BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles to the Philippines, enhancing military cooperation amidst South China Sea tensions. The delivery, part of a $375 million deal inked in January 2022, signifies the Philippines as the maiden export customer for this collaborative missile developed by India and Russia.

• Indian-American actress Avantika Vandanapu, acclaimed for her portrayal of Karen Shetty in the 2024 musical comedy “Mean Girls,” receives the prestigious “South Asian Person of the Year” award from Harvard University. The honor celebrates her significant impact on the arts and advocacy for South Asian representation in global media.

• Mamta G. Sagar, a prominent Kannada poet, playwright, and academic, was awarded the World Literary Prize by the World Organization of Writers (WOW) for her significant contributions to literature. The award ceremony took place during the first Congress of WOW in Abuja, Nigeria. This recognition further cements her status as a trailblazing literary figure.

• Ram Charan, a celebrated name in the Indian entertainment industry, recently received a notable accolade from Vels University, Chennai. During their 14th Annual Convocation, the university awarded him an honorary Doctor of Literature degree. As the chief guest at the graduation ceremony, Ram Charan joined a distinguished list of luminaries previously recognized by the university. His contribution to the film industry was the basis for this prestigious honor. Ram Charan, known for successful films like Magadheera, Yevadu, and Dhruva, has made a significant impact on the world of cinema. His recent film RRR, directed by SS Rajamouli, even won the Oscar for Best Original Song for “Naatu Naatu”. Vels University, renowned for recognizing distinguished personalities across various fields, acknowledged Ram Charan’s achievements in the entertainment industry and entrepreneurship.

•  Veteran actor Amitabh Bachchan was presented with the Lata Deenanath Mangeshkar Award 2024 on Wednesday. This prestigious award, instituted by the Master Deenanath Mangeshkar Smriti Pratishthan, recognizes individuals who have made path-breaking contributions to music, art, culture, and social work. Big B’s incomparable impact on these fields has earned him this well-deserved honor. His film journey, spanning over 200 films, reflects a story of struggle, success, and resilience in Indian cinema.

• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has taken a significant step to address the impact of rising gold prices. They now allow resident entities to hedge against gold price volatility in the Over the Counter (OTC) Market within the International Financial Services Centre (IFSC). This decision aims to provide flexibility for managing gold price risk efficiently. Additionally, the RBI has previously introduced the Gold Monetization Scheme (GMS), which encourages households and institutions to mobilize gold for productive purposes and reduce the country’s reliance on gold imports.

• Kaushik Rajashekara, Distinguished Professor of Engineering at the University of Houston Cullen College of Engineering, has been elected an International Fellow of the Engineering Academy of Japan. This prestigious honor recognizes his outstanding contributions to the field of power conversion and the electrification of transportation.

• On April 11, 2024, American President Joe Biden hosted the first trilateral summit among the United States, Japan, and the Philippines at the White House in Washington D.C. This historic meeting emphasized the commitment of the United States to support its allies, Japan and the Philippines, especially in light of the escalating territorial disputes with China.

• The 16th World Future Energy Summit kicked off in Abu Dhabi at the ADNEC Centre from 16th to 18th April 2024. Hosted by the Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company (Masdar), this three-day summit aims to promote innovation and investment for a global transition to clean energy. It brings together leaders, policymakers, and experts to discuss critical topics such as global climate action, renewable energy, energy security, and sustainable development. With the tempestuous Gulf rains serving as a timely reminder of the need for urgent climate action, the summit emphasizes collaborative efforts to ensure that average global temperatures do not exceed pre-industrial levels by more than 1.5 degrees Celsius.

•  According to the 2024 Plastic Overshoot Day (POD) Report by Swiss non-profit EA Earth Action, India is projected to be the second leading polluter of waterbodies in terms of microplastics. By the end of 2024, India is estimated to release 391,879 tonnes of microplastics, following closely behind China, which will release 787,069 tonnes. Microplastics are plastic particles smaller than 5 millimeters, and their release into waterways poses environmental and health risks1. Additionally, India is expected to discharge 31,483 tonnes of chemical additives from microplastics, contributing significantly to water pollution. Despite its low per capita plastic waste production, India faces a substantial challenge in managing plastic waste effectively. Efforts to address this issue are crucial for environmental sustainability and human health.

• According to the 2023 rankings by the Airports Council International (ACI), Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGI) secured the tenth position among the busiest airports globally. In 2023, the IGI airport catered to 72.2 million passengers, showcasing a steady year-on-year growth of 20.36%. This remarkable achievement highlights the robust recovery of India’s aviation sector despite the pandemic challenges.

• India has lost 2.33 million hectares of tree cover since 2000, which amounts to a six percent decrease in tree cover during this period. The loss includes both natural disturbances and human-induced factors, impacting the country’s carbon balance and contributing to climate change. Notably, 95 percent of the tree cover loss in India from 2013 to 2023 occurred within natural forests. Additionally, five states—Assam, Mizoram, Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, and Manipur—accounted for 60 percent of all tree cover loss between 2001 and 2023. Fires also played a role, with 35,900 hectares of tree cover lost due to fires from 2002 to 2022.

• GMR Hyderabad International Airport Ltd (GHIAL) has been honored with the ‘Best Airport Staff in India & South Asia 2024’ award by Skytrax. The award was announced during the Passenger Terminal EXPO 2024 in Frankfurt, Germany, on April 17, 2024. This recognition underscores the exceptional quality of service provided by the airport’s staff across various fronts, as evaluated through meticulous audits and assessments. Congratulations to GMR Hyderabad International Airport for this well-deserved honor.

• The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) recently released its report titled “Interwoven Lives, Threads of Hope: Ending Inequalities in Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights.” This report focuses on India’s population dynamics and highlights both progress and ongoing challenges in sexual and reproductive health. It emphasizes the need for sustained investment and global solidarity to achieve equitable sexual and reproductive healthcare for all. The report underscores India’s population growth, particularly among the youth demographic, while also addressing maternal health and gender-based disparities in healthcare access. UNFPA’s efforts aim to improve the well-being of women and young people by providing essential services and advocating for reproductive rights and gender equality worldwide.

• Dipendra Singh Airee, the talented Nepal all-rounder, etched his name in cricket history by smashing six consecutive sixes in a single over during the ACC Men’s T20I Premier Cup match against Qatar at Al Amerat Cricket Ground. This remarkable feat makes him only the third player to achieve this milestone in Men’s T20Is, joining the ranks of Yuvraj Singh and Kieron Pollard.

•  Mykolas Alekna, the Lithuanian discus thrower, recently broke the longest-standing men’s world record in discus throw. At the Oklahoma Throws Series World Invitational, he achieved an incredible distance of 74.35 meters, surpassing the previous record set by Jurgen Schult in 1986. This remarkable feat adds to the excitement of athletics and showcases Alekna’s immense talent and dedication to his sport!

• Stefanos Tsitsipas secured a convincing victory at the 2024 Rolex Monte Carlo Masters, defeating Casper Ruud with a 6-1, 6-4 scoreline. This marked Tsitsipas’ third title in the prestigious clay-court tournament, making him the third player in the last 50 years to win three titles in a four-year span at Monte Carlo, following in the footsteps of legends like Bjorn Borg and Rafael Nadal. His emotional reaction, including tears of joy, reflected the significance of this hard-fought achievement.

• India’s first-ever ‘hybrid pitch’ was unveiled at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association (HPCA) stadium in Dharamsala. The pitch combines natural turf with synthetic fibers, promising enhanced durability and consistent playability. With only 5% synthetic fibers, the pitch ensures that the natural characteristics essential for cricket are preserved. This cutting-edge technology is poised to revolutionize the game, providing a unique playing surface for future matches. Additionally, the HPCA Stadium, nestled in the lower Himalayas, boasts a seating capacity of about 23,000 spectators and has historically been helpful to pacers due to movement off the pitch.

• Australian captain Pat Cummins and England all-rounder Nat Sciver-Brunt have been named the Leading Cricketers in the World in the 2024 edition of the Wisden Cricketers’ Almanack. Pat Cummins achieved this honor for his exceptional performance in 2023, leading Australia to victory in the World Test Championship (WTC) and securing the World Cup for his team. Nat Sciver-Brunt, an England all-rounder, also received this recognition for her outstanding contributions to the sport. Both players have left a significant mark on the cricketing world, making them deserving recipients of this prestigious title.

• Takshvi Vaghani, the 6-year-old skating prodigy from Ahmedabad, Gujarat, has achieved an incredible feat by setting a new world record for the lowest limbo skating over 25 meters. On March 10, 2023, she gracefully glided across the 25-meter distance, maintaining a height of just 16 centimeters (6.29 inches) above the ground. Her remarkable agility and determination have earned her a place in the Guinness World Records.

• The CDP-SURAKSHA is a remarkable digital platform introduced by the Indian government to enhance the distribution of subsidies to horticulture farmers under the Cluster Development Programme (CDP). CDP-SURAKSHA stands for “System for Unified Resource Allocation, Knowledge, and Secure Horticulture Assistance.”It is essentially a digital platform designed to streamline subsidy disbursement to horticulture farmers.The platform ensures an instant disbursal of subsidies directly into farmers’ bank accounts by utilizing the e-RUPI voucher from the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI).

•  During the 42nd Annual Meet of the Inter-Agency Space Debris Coordination Committee (IADC), Shri Somanath S., Chairman of ISRO and Secretary of the Department of Space, declared India’s commitment to achieving debris-free space missions by 2030. This initiative involves all Indian space actors, both governmental and non-governmental, and emphasizes sustainable practices to ensure the long-term sustainability of space exploration. The plan includes meticulous design and execution guidelines, such as avoiding debris generation during satellite and launch vehicle operations, preventing on-orbit collisions, complying with post-mission disposal requirements, and considering special safety considerations for human spaceflight. By actively managing satellites and deorbiting PSLV rockets, India aims to contribute to a cleaner space environment and promote responsible space activities. Additionally, the country plans to establish the “Bharatiya Antriksh Station” by 2035. This commitment aligns with global efforts to address space debris and maintain the health of our shared orbital environment.

• The Supreme Court of India delivered a significant judgment in the case of Supriyo @ Supriya Chakraborty & Anr. v. Union of India in 2023. This ruling considered whether LGBTQ couples have a fundamental right to marry or enter into legally recognized unions under the Constitution of India. The court’s decision has implications for the recognition of same-sex marriages and civil unions in India. However, it’s important to note that the Constitution does not expressly recognize a fundamental right to marry, and the institution of marriage cannot be elevated to the realm of a fundamental right solely based on legal content. Despite this ruling, the broader societal conversation around same-sex rights continues to evolve, and advocates remain hopeful for progress in this area.

• The Department of Defence (R&D) and DRDO have launched the Submersible Platform for Acoustic Characterisation and Evaluation (SPACE) at Kulamavu, Kerala, bolstering India’s naval capabilities. This state-of-the-art facility within the Underwater Acoustic Research Facility marks a significant stride in underwater technology and defense research.

• Astronomers have recently identified the largest stellar black hole in our Milky Way galaxy. This colossal black hole, named Gaia BH3, boasts a mass 33 times greater than our Sun. It was discovered “by chance” using data collected by the European Space Agency’s Gaia mission, which is dedicated to mapping the Milky Way galaxy. Gaia BH3 is situated approximately 2,000 light-years away from Earth in the Aquila constellation. The discovery sheds light on the fascinating celestial phenomena within our cosmic neighborhood.

• Operation Meghdoot: On 13th April 1984, the Indian Army and the Indian Air Force (IAF) executed Operation Meghdoot, a daring military operation to secure the Siachen Glacier in Kashmir. Led by Lieutenant General Prem Nath Hoon, it was the first military offensive of its kind. The operation preempted Pakistan’s Operation Ababeel and successfully dashed their hope of seizing the glacier entirely. The Siachen Glacier, demarcating central Asia from the Indian subcontinent, is strategically significant and a major source of freshwater for the region. The operation involved airlifting Indian troops to the glacial peaks using planes like Il-76, An-12, and An-32.

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IMPORTANT DAYS

• World Hemophilia Day, observed on April 17th, aims to raise awareness about the rare, inherited bleeding disorder, hemophilia. In 2024, the theme “Equitable access for all: recognizing all bleeding disorders” underscores the importance of accessibility to treatment and support for individuals with hemophilia and other related conditions.

• World Heritage Day 2024: Celebrated annually on April 18, World Heritage Day, also known as the International Day for Monuments and Sites, honors and preserves our cultural and natural heritage. The theme for 2024 is “Discover and Experience Diversity”, highlighting the richness of history and encouraging appreciation for the unique heritage of different communities. This day reminds us to protect these precious gems for future generations.

• National Civil Service Day, observed on April 21st in India since 2006, honors Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, the first Home Minister of India. The day acknowledges the contributions of civil servants to the nation and promotes accountability, efficiency, and transparency in governance across various administrative levels.

• Jack Clarke, the influential former chair of Cricket Australia (CA), has passed away in Adelaide at the age of 70. Serving on the CA board from 1999 to 2011, he was chair for the final three years of his tenure. During his time, the Big Bash League (BBL) was launched, and he commissioned the Argus review into the Australian team’s performance after the 2010-11 home Ashes series defeat.Clarke’s leadership in governance and high performance was crucial during a challenging period for Australian cricket.

• The cricket world mourns the loss of Derek Underwood, who died at 78. Underwood, an iconic spinner, played for England for 15 years, leaving an indelible mark with his exceptional skill and dedication. His legacy extends beyond his career, inspiring generations of cricketers with his contributions to the sport.

• Renowned in Carnatic music and Malayalam cinema, K.G. Jayan passed away at 90 in Thripunitura, Kerala, after battling age-related ailments. His legacy encompasses significant contributions to both fields, leaving an enduring impact on the cultural landscape of South India through his music and cinematic endeavors.

• Squadron Leader Dalip Singh Majithia, the oldest living pilot of the Indian Air Force, passed away at 103. His life epitomized dedication, adventure, and a profound passion for aviation. Majithia’s remarkable journey exemplified a commitment to service, leaving an inspiring legacy within the Indian Air Force and beyond.

• Raman Subba Row, the former England opener and ICC match referee, has died aged 92. He played 13 Tests for England between 1958 and 1961, scoring three hundreds and averaging 46.85. After retiring from the game, he founded a public relations firm but remained close to cricket, serving as chairman of Surrey and helping establish the Test and County Cricket Board (TCCB), the forerunner of the ECB. His remarkable career spanned both on and off the field, leaving an indelible mark on the sport.

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STATIC GK

1. NABARD Rajasthan Chief General Manager: Dr. Rajiv Siwach.
2. National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) Chairperson: Sh. Santosh Kumar Yadav, IAS.
3. Oil India Limited Chairman & Managing Director (CMD): Dr. Ranjit Rath.
4. Appointments Committee of the Cabinet Chairperson: Narendra Modi.
5. Israel Prime Minister: Benjamin Netanyahu.
6. Israel President: Isaac Herzog.
7. Israel Capital: Jerusalem.
8. Israel Currency: New Israeli Shekel (NIS).
9. Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board Chairman: AK Jain.
10. National Commission for Protection of Child Rights Chairperson: Priyank Kanoongo.
11. Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare: Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya.
12. Minister of Minority Affairs: Smt. Smriti Zubin Irani.
13. Intel CEO: Patrick P. Gelsinger (as of 15 Feb 2021).
14. Intel Headquarters: Santa Clara, California, United States.
15. Intel Chairperson: Omar Ishrak.
16. Indian Air Force (IAF) was founded on 8th October 1932 in India. The current Chief of the Air Staff is Vivek Ram Chaudhari, and the IAF Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) is General Anil Chauhan.
17. Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO) was established in 1958. Its headquarters is located in DRDO Bhavan, New Delhi. The current Chairman of DRDO is Sameer V. Kamat.
18. Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) was founded on 1st April 1963 and has its headquarters in New Delhi.
19. Foxconn, a major electronics manufacturer, is led by Chairman & CEO Young Liu.
20. The Lokmanya Tilak National Award was instituted in 1983.
21. Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change in India is Shri Bhupender Yadav.
22. Oracle Corporation, a multinational technology company, has its headquarters in Austin, Texas, United States. It was founded by Larry Ellison, Bob Miner, and Ed Oates. The current CEO of Oracle is Safra Catz.
23. In Madhya Pradesh, the Minister for Animal Husbandry is Ms. Kusum Mehandele.
24. The Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India is Ajay Kumar Sood.
25. Mangubhai Patel serves as the Governor of Madhya Pradesh, while Shivraj Singh Chouhan is the Chief Minister.
26. The National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) was founded on 12th July 1982. Dr. Rajiv Siwach holds the position of Chief General Manager of NABARD Rajasthan.

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