1. Delhi High Court appoints Justice Najmi Waziri as Chairperson of Ad-hoc Administrative Committee (AAC)
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The Delhi High Court (HC) has appointed Justice Najmi Waziri, retired judge of Delhi HC, as the Chairperson of the Ad-Hoc Administrative Committee (AAC) to oversee the Equestrian Federation of India (EFI).
An Overview of the News
The committee includes Dr. S.Y. Quraishi, former Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) of India, as the Observer, and Advocate Rohini Musa as a Member of the AAC.
Key responsibilities of the committee:
Manage the daily administration and operations of the EFI.
Issue necessary orders for EFI's day-to-day functioning, authorized by the Chairperson's signature.
Establish appropriate governance arrangements for the EFI until new elections are held.
About Justice Najmi Waziri
Elevated as an Additional Judge of the Delhi High Court on April 17, 2013, and retired on April 14, 2023.
Famously known as the 'Green Judge' of Delhi for advocating the planting of 3.7 lakh trees to enhance the greenery of New Delhi.
Appointed as the Chairman of the Internal Departmental Committee in April 2024, tasked with protecting and managing deemed forests in New Delhi, Delhi.
Honored with the SKOCH India Law Award in 2023 for exemplary services to justice.
2. Deby Sworn in as Chad’s President, Names Allamaye Halina as PM
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Mahamat Idriss Deby was sworn in as President of Chad, succeeding his late father after serving three years as an interim leader under military rule.
An Overview of the News
Deby won the presidential election on May 6, 2024, and will serve a five-year term.
President Deby has appointed Allamaye Halina, Chad's former ambassador to China and former director general of state protocol, as the new Prime Minister of Chad.
Allamaye Halina replaces opposition leader Succes Masra, who resigned on May 22, 2024.
Succes Masra was appointed Prime Minister in January 2024.
About Chad
Chad, officially known as the Republic of Chad, is an independent state.
It is located at the crossroads of North and Central Africa.
Capital:- N'Djamena
Official languages:- French, Arabic
Currency:- Central African CFA franc
3. Ramesh Babu V. Appointed as Member of CERC
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Ramesh Babu V. has been appointed as a Member of the Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (CERC).
An Overview of the News
Ramesh Babu V. took the oath of office and secrecy on May 21, 2024.
The oath was administered by the Union Minister for Power and New & Renewable Energy, R. K. Singh.
Educational Background:
Ramesh Babu V. holds an M. Tech degree in Thermal Engineering.
He also holds a B. Tech degree in Mechanical Engineering.
Professional Experience:
Prior to his appointment, he was the Director (Operations) at NTPC from May 2020 until his retirement.
He has held various positions at NTPC during his career.
About CERC:
The Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (CERC) was established under the Electricity Regulatory Commissions Act, 1998.
CERC serves as the Central Commission under the Electricity Act, 2003, which repealed the ERC Act, 1998.
The Commission consists of a Chairperson and three other Members.
The Chairperson of the Central Electricity Authority is an ex-officio Member of the Commission.
Functions of CERC under the Electricity Act, 2003:
Regulate tariffs for Central Government-owned and composite scheme generating companies.
Oversee inter-State transmission and determine tariffs.
Issue licenses for inter-state transmission and trading.
Adjudicate disputes.
Advise the Central Government on National Electricity and Tariff Policies.
Promote competition, efficiency, economy, and investment in the electricity industry.
4. Vietnam's Minister of Public Security, To Lam, Elected as Country's New President
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Vietnam's National Assembly approves To Lam, Minister of Public Security, as the new President.
An Overview of the News
Lam's appointment follows the resignation of former President Vo Van Thuong amid a corruption crackdown.
Lam becomes the third President in less than 18 months in Vietnam, known for its stable politics.
He holds the third most powerful position in Vietnam, after the Party Chief and Prime Minister.
Lam is perceived as a hardliner in dealing with Vietnamese activists, with numerous dissidents and bloggers jailed during his tenure as Minister of Public Security.
Controversies Surrounding Lam:
Lam faced criticism after a video surfaced of him being hand-fed an expensive gold leaf steak by celebrity chef Salt Bae during a UK trip.
During the same trip, he visited the grave of communist icon Karl Marx
Constitutional Issues:
Controversy arose regarding Lam's eligibility to hold both the position of President and Minister simultaneously.
Some argued that the Constitution prohibits one person from simultaneously holding both roles.
Lam was eventually dismissed from the Ministerial position before being elected President.
5. John Slaven Appointed Vice-Chairman of International Aluminium Institute
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Vedanta Aluminium has announced the appointment of its CEO, John Slaven, as Vice-Chairman of the International Aluminium Institute (IAI).
An Overview of the News
Leadership Role: In his new role, Slaven will lead global initiatives to promote sustainable transformation within the aluminium industry.
John Slaven's Role and Vision:
Sustainability Focus: Emphasizes aluminium’s crucial role in advancing the energy transition towards a Zero Carbon future.
Industry Advocacy: Aims to increase awareness of aluminium’s vast potential and promote its use in creating a greener planet.
John Slaven's Background:
Experience: Over 30 years in the metals, mining, and modern manufacturing industries.
Leadership: Held diverse positions in top companies, contributing to transformative advancements.
Current Role: As CEO of Vedanta Aluminium, he oversees the company's growth strategy, prioritising environmental, social, and governance (ESG) efforts.
Recognition: Under his leadership, Vedanta Aluminium has been recognised as the most sustainable aluminium company in the world.
International Aluminium Institute (IAI):
Establishment: Founded in 1972, it is the sole organisation representing the global primary aluminium industry.
Mission: Focuses on raising awareness about the industry’s operations, advocating for responsible production, and highlighting aluminium's environmental benefits.
Membership and Data: Includes the world’s leading bauxite, alumina, and aluminium companies, maintaining over 40 years of extensive global data on production, consumption, energy use, and environmental impact.
6. ITC's Sanjeev Puri takes over as CII chairman for 2024-25
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ITC Ltd Chairman and Managing Director Sanjeev Puri has assumed the post of CII Chairman for 2024-25, succeeding R Dinesh, Chairman, TVS Supply Chain Solutions.
An Overview of the News
The Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) held a meeting on May 19, 2024, to elect new office bearers for the year 2024-25.
About Sanjeev Puri:
Sanjeev Puri holds several key positions within ITC Limited, including Chairman of ITC Infotech India Limited and its subsidiaries in the UK and USA, as well as Surya Nepal Pvt. Ltd.
Under his leadership, ITC has launched the 'ITC Next' vision, which aims to transform the group into a future-tech, climate-positive, innovative and inclusive enterprise.
Sanjeev Puri has been honored with several awards, including the 'Best CEO Award' by Business Today in 2024 and the 'Transformational Leader Award 2022-23' by the Asian Center for Corporate Governance and Sustainability.
Rajeev Memani appointed as Chairman Designate of CII
He serves as Chairman of the India Region of Ernst & Young (EY) and is a member of EY's global management body, leading the Global Emerging Markets Committee.
Rajeev Memani is recognized as a trusted advisor to large Indian companies, private equity funds and multinational organizations, providing guidance on various aspects such as trust building, mergers and acquisitions, technology and smart capital allocation strategies.
R Mukundan appointed as CII Vice Chairman
He is the Managing Director and CEO of Tata Chemicals Limited and holds the status of a distinguished alumnus from IIT Roorkee and Harvard Business School.
With 33 years of experience within the Tata Group, R Mukundan has held various leadership positions in the chemicals, automotive and hospitality sectors, and has made significant contributions to the industry. He actively participates in industry forums and impact organizations.
About CII
The Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) is a prominent business lobby group in India, established in 1895 as the Engineering and Iron Trades Association in Bengal.
It was known as the Confederation of Engineering Industry (CEI) until 1992 when it adopted its current name.
CII is headquartered in New Delhi and advocates for business-friendly policies by engaging with the government.
Other key business lobby groups in India include ASSOCHAM, FICCI, and NASSCOM.
ASSOCHAM's President is Sanjay Nayar, FICCI's President for 2023-2024 is Dr. Anish Shah, and NASSCOM's President since 2018 is Debjani Gosh.
7. Lawrence Wong Shyun Tsai Becomes Fourth Prime Minister of Singapore
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Lawrence Wong Shyun Tsai, a US-trained economist and former civil servant, was sworn in as Singapore's fourth Prime Minister on May 15, 2024.
An Overview of the News
Oath of Office: The oath was administered by the President of Singapore, Tharman Shanmugaratnam.
Predecessor: Wong succeeded Lee Hsien Loong, who served as Prime Minister from 2004 to 2024.
Leadership Role: Wong will lead the fourth generation People's Action Party (PAP) government, known as the 4G government, as both Prime Minister and Finance Minister.
Term Duration: He is expected to hold the post until the general election, which is set to be held by November 2025.
About Lawrence Wong
Political Career: Wong was first elected as a Member of Parliament (MP) in 2011.
Previous Positions:
Deputy Prime Minister
Minister in the Ministry of Culture, Community, and Youth
Minister in the Ministry of National Development
Minister in the Ministry of Education
Other Roles:
Deputy Chief Executive in the Energy Market Authority
Chairman of the Monetary Authority of Singapore
Co-chaired the Multi-Ministry Taskforce overseeing the government’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic
About Singapore
President - Tharman Shanmugaratnam
Prime Minister - Lawrence Wong
Capital - Singapore
8. Renowned Author and Padma Shri Awardee Malti Joshi Passes Away at 90
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Famous writer and story writer Malti Joshi, awarded with Padmashree award, passed away at the age of 90.
An Overview of the News
Joshi was awarded the prestigious 'Padma Shri' in 2018 for his contribution to literature and education.
About Malti Joshi:
Early life:
Born on 4 June 1934 in Aurangabad, Maharashtra.
Famous as 'Meera of Malwa'.
Writing Career:
Started writing stories in adolescence.
In 1969, his story won an award and was published in the children's Hindi magazine 'Parag'.
In 1971, his first story was published in the prestigious Hindi literary magazine 'Dharmyug' produced by the Times Group.
Notable works:
'Madhyaantar', 'Pataakshep', 'Parajay', 'Ek Ghar Sapno Ka', 'Woh Tera Ghar, Ye Mera Ghar',and Novel: 'Aurat Ek Raat Hai'
Publication:
Joshi's stories and novels have been published in leading publications such as Weekly Hindustan, Manorama, Kadambini and Sarika.
Broadcast Media:
Many of his stories have been presented on radio and television, including 'Saat Phere', 'Kirdaar' and 'Bhavna'.
Other honours:
Shikhar Samman (2006)
Dushyant Kumar Sahitya Samman (2011)
Ojaswini Samman (2011)
National Maithili Sharan Gupta Award (2013-2014)
Kamleshwar Memorial Award (2016)
Hindi Sevi Samman (2018)
9. Padma Shri Awardee Dr. Birubala Rabha Passes Away at the Age of 75
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Dr. Birubala Rabha, recipient of the Padma Shri award, passed away at the age of 75 in the State Cancer Institute (SCI) at Guwahati Medical College Hospital (GMCH) in Assam.
An Overview of the News
Birubala Rabha was born in 1954 in Thakurvilla village of Goalpara, Assam.
Founded 'Mission Birubala' in 2012 to combat superstitions and raise awareness against witch-hunting.
Through her efforts, 55 lives were saved in Majuli, Kokrajhar, Goalpara, and Tinsukia districts.
Played a key role in the enactment of the Assam Witch Hunting (Prohibition, Prevention, and Protection) Act, 2015.
This law imposed penalties of up to Rs 5 lakh and 7 years of imprisonment for accusing someone of being a witch.
Awards and Honours
Padma Shri: Awarded in 2021 for her efforts in protecting lives in rural India
Nobel Peace Prize Nomination: Nominated in 2005 by The Swiss Peace, Switzerland under the project '1000 Women'
Honorary Doctorate: Awarded by Gauhati University in 2015
10. Appointment of Nemkumar H as Managing Director of IIFL Securities Limited
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Nemkumar H assumed the role of Managing Director (MD) of IIFL Securities Limited on 15th May, 2024.
An Overview of the News
Nemkumar H was serving as a Whole-time Director on the Board of the Company prior to his appointment as MD.
Nemkumar H succeeded R. Venkataraman, who served as Chairman and MD of IIFL Securities Limited.
Venkataraman's tenure as MD of the company concluded on 14th May, 2024.
Narendra Jain has been appointed as a Whole-Time Director for a term of 5 years.
Background of Nemkumar H:
Professional Qualification: Nemkumar H is a Chartered Accountant (CA) by profession.
Previous Experience: He spent nearly a decade at CLSA Limited, formerly known as Credit Lyonnais Securities Asia, where he held various roles including Equity Analyst, head of research, and country head.
Early Career: Nemkumar H commenced his career at Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL), where he worked for 8 years in the corporate treasury and pricing departments.
Association with IIFL: Nemkumar H joined IIFL in 2007 and played a pivotal role as one of the founding members of IIFL's Institutional Equities Business.