1. 8 Indians Named Among TIME's 100 Most Influential People 2024
Tags: Person in news
TIME, the renowned global media brand, has unveiled its 21st edition of the annual "TIME 100 Most Influential People 2024" list.
An Overview of the News
The TIME100 list, curated by TIME magazine, acknowledges the impact, innovation, and achievements of the world's most influential personalities.
Indian-Origin Personalities
Among the honorees are 8 individuals of Indian origin: Alia Bhatt, Dev Patel, Sakshi Malik, Satya Nadella, Ajaypal Singh Banga, Jigar Shah, Asma Khan, and Priyamvada Natarajan.
1. Alia Bhatt (Artists):
Renowned Bollywood actress with British citizenship.
Awarded 1st National Film Award for Best Actress in 2023 for "Gangubai Kathiawadi."
Jointly won the award with Kriti Sanon for the film "Mimi."
Made international debut with Netflix's "Heart of Stone" in 2023.
2. Dev Patel (Artists):
British actor and filmmaker of Indian descent.
Notable roles include "Slumdog Millionaire" (2008) and directorial debut "Monkey Man" (2024).
Won the BAFTA Award for Best Supporting Actor in 2017 for "Lion."
3. Sakshi Malik (Icons):
Renowned Indian wrestler, first Indian female wrestler to win Olympic medal.
Notable medals in Commonwealth Games and Olympics.
Honored with Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna and Padma Shri awards.
4. Satya Narayana Nadella (Titans):
Indian-born American Business Executive, CEO of Microsoft.
Honored with Padma Bhushan in 2022 by the Indian Government.
5. Ajaypal Singh Banga (Leaders):
Indian-born American business executive, 14th President of the World Bank Group.
Received Padma Shri in 2016 for contributions to Trade and Industry.
6. Jigar Shah (Leaders):
Indian-born American entrepreneur, Director of the Loan Programs Office (LPO) in the US Department of Energy.
7. Asma Khan (Pioneers):
Indian-born British restaurateur and cookbook author.
Owner of acclaimed London restaurant Darjeeling Express.
First British chef featured on Netflix's "Chef's Table."
8. Priyamvada Natarajan (Pioneers):
Indian theoretical astrophysicist, professor at Yale University.
Author of "Mapping the Heavens: The Radical Scientific Ideas That Reveal the Cosmos" (2016).
Highlights of the 2024 list:
The 2024 list comprises 51 women and over a dozen entertainers.
Satya Nadella and Patrick Mahomes (American football quarterback) hold the record for appearing on the list for the 3rd time in 2024, more than any other individual.
Motaz Azaiza, a 25-year-old Palestinian photojournalist, is the youngest person included on the list.
Joel Habener, an 86-year-old American endocrinologist, is the oldest individual featured on the list.
Key Points:
Categories: The TIME100 list encompasses various categories such as Artists, Icons, Titans, Leaders, Innovators, and Pioneers.
Diverse Fields: Each category includes individuals from diverse fields such as movie stars, athletes, scientists, and business leaders, who have made significant contributions through their work.
Pairings: Each honoree is paired with a guest contributor selected by TIME to write about them, adding depth and perspective to their achievements.
Origins: The List originated from a debate among American academics, politicians, and journalists and was first published in 1999.
2. Appointment of Vice Admiral Dinesh Kumar Tripathi as Chief of the Naval Staff
Tags: Person in news
Vice Admiral Dinesh Kumar Tripathi has been appointed as the 26th Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS) of the Indian Navy by the Government of India (GoI).
An Overview of the News
Currently holding the position of Vice Chief of the Naval Staff, he will succeed Admiral Radhakrishnan Hari Kumar, the incumbent CNS, upon his retirement on April 30, 2024.
Admiral R. Hari assumed the role of the 25th CNS on November 9, 2021.
Background of Vice Admiral Dinesh Kumar Tripathi:
Served in various capacities including Fleet Operations officer of the Western Fleet, Director of Naval Operations, and Principal Director of Naval Plans in New Delhi.
Commanded INS Trishul, Vinash, and Kirch.
Previously held positions such as Assistant Chief of Navy Staff (Policy and Plans), Flag Officer Commanding Eastern Fleet, and Director General of Naval Operations.
Commandant of the Indian Naval Academy (INA), Ezhimala, Kerala.
Awards and Recognition:
Received the prestigious Robert E Bateman International Prize during Naval Higher Command Course at United States Naval War College (2007-08).
Honored with Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (AVSM) and Nausena Medal (NM) for contributions to the Indian Navy.
Awarded the Thimmaiah Medal at Defence Services Staff College, Wellington, Tamil Nadu.
3. HDFC Life Insurance Company has named Keki Mistry as the Chairman of the Board
Tags: Person in news
Keki M Mistry appointed as the new Chairman of the Board, subject to approval from the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority.
An Overview of the News
Mistry, a Chartered Accountant and former Vice Chairman & CEO of HDFC Limited has been associated with HDFC Life since December 2000.
Deepak S Parekh steps down as Chairman of HDFC Life Insurance, as per the company's exchange filing.
Directorship Updates:
VK Viswanathan and Prasad Chandran conclude their tenure as Independent Directors after serving two consecutive terms of five years each, effective April 24, 2024.
The Board acknowledges the significant contributions of Viswanathan and Chandran during their tenure with the company.
Venkatraman Srinivasan appointed as an Independent Director for a five-year term, based on the recommendation of the nomination & remuneration committee.
HDFC Life Insurance Company Limited:
It is a provider of long-term life insurance services.
The company provides both individual and group insurance services.
Establishment - 14 August 2000.
Headquarters - Mumbai
4. CRPF's Nalin Prabhat takes over as NSG Director General
Tags: Person in news
Senior 1992 batch IPS officer Nalin Prabhat of Andhra Pradesh cadre has been appointed as the Director General of the country's counter-terrorism force, National Security Guard (NSG).
An Overview of the News
Prabhat is currently serving as Additional Director General in the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF).
The appointment was made by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) for a period up to August 31, 2028, which is the date of his superannuation.
Before Prabhat's appointment, Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) chief Daljit Singh Choudhary held additional charge of NSG.
The ACC also approved the appointment of Sapna Tiwari, Additional Director, Intelligence Bureau, as Special Director in the agency for a tenure of two years from the date she assumes charge of the post or the date of her superannuation or till April 30, 2026.
National Security Guard (NSG)
The NSG, often known as the Black Cats, serves as a counter-terrorism unit within India.
Established on 16 October 1984 in response to Operation Blue Star, the NSG comes under the purview of the Ministry of Home Affairs.
Its primary function is to counter terrorist activities and protect states from internal disruptions.
NSG is famous for its specialized training and quick response to security threats.
5. Ajit Kumar KK appointed as MD and CEO of Dhanlaxmi Bank
Tags: Person in news
Reserve Bank of India approved Ajit Kumar KK as Managing Director and CEO of Dhanlaxmi Bank.
An Overview of the News
The appointment of Ajit Kumar KK is for a tenure of three years, starting from the date he assumes charge.
The appointment follows the approval of extended tenure for outgoing MD and CEO, JK Shivan, until his successor takes charge.
Shivan's term was originally scheduled to end in January 2024.
Kumar's background:
Ajit Kumar KK has 36 years of banking experience primarily from Federal Bank Limited.
Currently working as President and Chief Human Resources Officer at Federal Bank Limited.
Awarded the Gold Award for HR Leader of the Year by the Economic Times Human Capital Awards.
Additionally, Kumar serves as the Director of Federal Operations and Services Limited, a subsidiary of Federal Bank Limited.
Approval Process:
Kumar's candidature was recommended to the RBI along with other candidates for the post of MD and CEO.
The board of the bank will meet to confirm the appointment and secure shareholder approval as per the rules.
About Reserve Bank of India (RBI)
It acts as the central bank of India and the regulatory authority that oversees the Indian banking sector.
It is operated under the ownership of the Ministry of Finance of the Government of India.
The primary responsibilities of the RBI include regulating and supervising the Indian financial system to ensure stability and efficiency.
One of its major functions is to control the issuance and circulation of the national currency, the Indian Rupee.
RBI is entrusted with the task of managing and maintaining adequate supply of currency in the economy to facilitate smooth transactions and economic activities.
Location: Mumbai, India
Established: 1 April 1935
Governor: Shaktikanta Das
6. Renowned Carnatic Musician KG Jayan Passes Away at 89
Tags: Person in news
KG Jayan, a renowned Carnatic musician and Padma Shri awardee hailing from Kerala, passed away at 89 in Ernakulam district.
An Overview of the News
Born on November 21, 1934, in Kottayam, Kerala, he commenced his Carnatic music journey at the age of 9, mentored by eminent figures like the Alathur Brothers and Chembai Vaidyanatha Bhagavathar.
Musical Career:
Formed the renowned duo "Jaya-Vijaya" along with his brother, K.G. Vijayan.
Composed over 1,000 songs and contributed music to Tamil and Malayalam films.
Known for their devotional songs dedicated to Lord Ayyappa, including "Sreekovil Nadathurannu" and "Hariharasuthane".
Notable Works:
Compositions such as "Ayyanu Thunayay", "Mamala Vaazhum", and "Sreekovil Nada Thurannu" are timeless.
Their music featured in popular films like "Bhoomiyile", "Malakhamar", and "Sneham".
Award:
In 2013, I.K.G. Jayan received the Harivarasanam Award, a joint recognition by the Kerala Government and the Travancore Devaswom Board.
In 1991, he was bestowed with the Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Akademi Award, an annual honor conferred by the Kerala Government.
Recognized for his contributions to the arts, K.G. Jayan was awarded the Padma Shri in 2019, India's fourth highest civilian honor.
7. Kristalina Georgieva: Reappointment as Managing Director of the IMF
Tags: Person in news
Kristalina Georgieva, a Bulgarian economist, has been reappointed as the Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for a second five-year term beginning on October 1, 2024.
An Overview of the News
She has been serving as the 12th Managing Director of the IMF since 2019, with her current tenure set to conclude on September 30, 2024.
Career Highlights:
Early Academic and Professional Experience:
Worked as an Assistant Professor at the University of National and World Economy (UNWE) from 1977 to 1993.
Joined the World Bank (WB) in 1993 as an environmental economist.
Leadership Roles at the European Commission:
Served as the Vice-President of the European Commission from November 2014 to December 2016.
Held positions including Commissioner for International Cooperation, Humanitarian Aid and Crisis Response, and Vice-President for Budget and Human Resources.
Tenure at the World Bank:
Served as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the World Bank from January 2017 to September 2019.
Additionally, acted as the interim President of the World Bank from February 2019 to April 2019.
8. Senior IPS Officer Anurag Kumar Appointed Joint Director of CBI
Tags: Person in news
Senior IPS officer Anurag Kumar, from the 2004 batch of the Indian Police Service (IPS), has been designated as the Joint Director of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).
An Overview of the News
Anurag Kumar is from the Assam-Meghalaya cadre and is currently working in Bureau of Police Research and Development (BPR&D).
According to an order from the Personnel Ministry, Kumar's appointment to the role of Joint Director in the CBI was confirmed on Friday.
The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet has endorsed his appointment for a tenure extending up to February 24, 2027.
About CBI:
It is serves as India's primary domestic crime investigation agency.
It functions under the purview of the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances, and Pensions.
Tasked with investigating a wide range of criminal offenses within the country, the CBI plays a crucial role in upholding law and order.
Founded - 1 April 1963
Headquarters - New Delhi
Founder - Government of India
9. Ashish Chauhan and Sridhar Vembu Appointed to UGC by Ministry of Education
Tags: Person in news
Ashish Kumar Chauhan, MD and CEO of the National Stock Exchange (NSE), and Sridhar Vembu, CEO of Zoho Corporation, have been appointed as members of the University Grants Commission (UGC).
An Overview of the News
Their tenure spans three years, as per the notification from the Department of Higher Education, Ministry of Education.
Other Appointments
Retired Professor Sachidananda Mohanty, former Vice Chancellor of Central University of Odisha, has been appointed to the UGC. Professor Mohanty brings his extensive experience in academia to the commission.
Professor Shashikala Gulabrao Wanjari, Vice Chancellor of the National Institute of Educational Planning and Administration (NIEPA) in New Delhi, Delhi, has been appointed as a member of the UGC. Her tenure, like others', is set for three years or until further orders.
About UGC
The UGC was proposed by the Sargent Report of 1944 to establish a national system of education in India.
Established by an Act of Parliament in 1956, the UGC plays a pivotal role in higher education governance.
The current Chairman of UGC is Mamidala Jagadesh Kumar, and its headquarters are located in New Delhi, Delhi.
With these appointments, the total number of members in the UGC has increased from 4 to 8, enriching its expertise and diversity.
10. Appointment of Vo Thi Anh Xuan as Interim President of Vietnam
Tags: Person in news International News
Vo Thi Anh Xuan, Vietnam's Vice-President, aged 54, was appointed as Interim President on March 21, 2024.
An Overview of the News
Vo Thi Anh Xuan succeeded Vo Van Thuong, who resigned from the presidency on March 20, 2024, having served since March 2023.
Vo Thi Anh Xuan will serve as the acting president until the Vietnamese National Assembly (NA) elects a new president.
Previous Interim Presidency:
In the 2021-2026 term, Vo Thi Anh Xuan previously held the role of Interim President in January 2023, following the resignation of Nguyen Xuan Phuc. Vo Van Thuong was subsequently elected as President.
Background of Vo Thi Anh Xuan:
Vo Thi Anh Xuan originates from Tinh Bien District, An Giang Province, Vietnam.
She is an alternate member of the 11th Party Central Committee of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV), and a member of the 12th and 13th Party Central Committee. Additionally, she is a delegate to the 14th and 15th National Assembly.
Vo Thi Anh Xuan was elected as Vice President of Vietnam in April 2021, becoming the youngest Vice President at the age of 51.
About Vietnam:
Prime Minister - Pham Minh Chinh
Capital - Hanoi
Currency - Vietnamese dong
